Just installed the ATS Commander

[JConley]

For those that dont know, the Commander is the electronic box that lets you control when TC lockup happens. I just installed it this afternoon. I didnt get the electronic box when I was in Denver because I didnt think I needed it. Boy was I wrong!!!



First impressions. . HOLY COW!!!!!! I havent had this much fun since I got my Governor Springs and fuel plate. If anyone is thinking they dont need, nor want the electronics that go with the ATS setup, let me assure you that you DO need then, and it really makes a world of difference. I have the box set to lock up around 40MPH. At this point, I am shifting from third into OD locked. When it locks up in third, the truck takes off, and it accellerate like never before. Then it hits OD, and keeps on going. The shift to OD locked is not harsh, and still very smooth. When I take my foot off the gas, the TC remains locked, and the truck starts to slow down without hitting the brakes. When I get back to 40, the TC unlocks, and I am back to stock settings. I did set the lockup to 20 MPH, but I need to play with this a little more. I could see where locking up at 20 MPH would be nice when drag racing.



Thanks Don!! You made a believer out of me Since I didnt get the box in Denver, I missed out on 8000 miles of fun Oh well... Better late than never.

 

[Briar Hopper]

Ohhhhhh Nooooooo... ... one more part I'm going to have to stock up on ! Glad you like the controller and your transmission, JConley...

 

[StakeMan]

I hate to say it. .



I told you so.

 

[BLee]

Now order a PacBrake and see what the controller is for...

 

[JConley]

Dont think a PacBrake hasnt crossed my mind. I am going for the Injectors next.

 

[Bhale]

I've been tossing around the idea of getting one but i think you just pused me over the edge! How hard is it to install? Just a simple wiring thing??



Brian

 

[JConley]

Yup. . Just a simple wiring thing. Might take you about an hour the first time you install one.

 

[BLee]

The transmission shop who installed my T/C and VB wired my controller. They used the ATS wiring diagram. Notice that you do not want to connect the white wire from the controller if you have the ATS T/C. You only need the white wire spliced in if you have the factory converter. Also, the ATS diagram does not show the throtle switch on the PacBrake, but you must have it in the PacBrake installation. It lets the Pacbrake disengage when you step on the gas.

 

[Koa Man]

ATS made me up a special harness with 2 controllers. I'll be able to dial in when I want OD and LOCKUP to engage separately. I should be getting it soon. Will report back on how it works after I install it, which due to my work schedule, probably won't be until the 4th of July, which will be my first day off starting from today, yes I have to work today and next weekend.

 

[BLee]

Are you saying you can select the speed at which the T/C both locks and unlocks? I would like for the converter to lock at a fairly high speed as I tow in direct drive, say lockup at about 45mph. Then I would like for it to unlock at a much slower speed, say 30mph, so the PacBrake could be engaged to a lower speed. I've already thought that the next version of the controller needs to control to separate lock and unlock speeds.

 

[Koa Man]

BLee,

I will be able to select what speed I want OD (4th gear) to engage, and what speed I want Lockup to occur. Lockup will be adjustable from 18 mph to 50 mph. With the ATS vb, you can lock up from 1st gear on. You can also turn off the controller so that it will go back to stock settings. If you have set the controller to lockup at 30, it will unlock when speed drops below 30. Same with the additional OD controller I am getting. When towing or carrying a heavy load, I want OD off at speeds under 50 and on over that. This controller will automatically turn OD on and off at a preselected speed without having to manually press the OD button on the dash. I know it may seem somewhat foolish to go and spend the money for an extra controller to do something that you can just push a button on the dash each time, but my son-in-law and wife also drive the truck and this way I don't have to worry about them turning the OD on or off.



As far as having lockup on and off occuring at two different speeds, don't know if that is possible with our trannys. You will have to check with the transmission experts and see what they say.