We are excited to welcome you to the AKTV8 community! PressureTech™ is the latest addition to our custom-engineered, easy-to-install, family of intelligent, integrated technologies transforming vehicle mobility and improving the driving experience.
Your PressureTech™ purchase marks the beginning of a journey we like to call “Intelligence in Motion,” providing access to tire-pressure monitoring, suspension pressure and onboard scales at the tip of your finger through a single telematics-ready system for the commercial truck, RV and automotive markets, and beyond.
Before you get started, make sure to download and install the AKTV8 PressureTech™ mobile app from the Google Play Store for Android devices or the Apple App Store for Apple devices. Then follow the instructions below.
At AKTV8, we understand the importance of seamless integration and optimal performance when it comes to your vehicle’s intelligent controls and monitoring systems. That’s why our team developed detailed instructions to ensure you get the most out of your PressureTech™ system.
AKTV8’s journey began by developing integrated control systems for air suspensions and pneumatic systems across all transportation markets. That experience has led to our latest product, PressureTech™, which is a configurable pressure-monitoring sensor platform capable of keeping tabs on tire pressure, suspension pressure, onboard scales and virtually any other pneumatic system on a vehicle.
PressureTech™ products are designed and tested to auto and heavy-truck OEM standards that, depending on the application, will last two years or more on a single, replaceable battery. Each sensor is easily configured by scanning a durable, laser-etched QR code on the cap.
PressureTech™ can be used as a stand-alone system with the mobile app or in combination with the AKTV8 iAir® gateway range extender to enhance functionality. Each Sensor Kit comes equipped with everything needed to complete installation. Unlike hobby-grade systems, PressureTech was designed to withstand the rigors of heavy trucks. It offers a single mobile app for TPMS, load monitoring and gateway range-extender configuration. PressureTech is the all-in-one solution that makes managing one or all applications easy.
The following installation instructions may vary based on the year, make, model and configuration of the vehicle(s).
Step One: Download and Install App
Download and install the AKTV8 PressureTech™ app from the Google Play Store for Android devices or the Apple App Store for Apple devices.
After opening the PressureTech™ app, you will be taken to the “My Vehicles” page. This page allows you to view vehicles and configure app settings.
Step Two: App Settings
Step Three: Create Vehicle
Creating a Vehicle is required before pairing and installing the AKTV8 sensors. Once created, vehicles can be easily added or removed, giving you the ability to easily swap vehicles for viewing.
Step Four: Drive and Monitor
Once PressureTech™ sensors are configured, the “Drive Mode” page can be used to easily monitor system condition with green-yellow-red status. Green = good to drive. Yellow = monitor and check next stop. Red = pull over and inspect.
Estimated Gross Weight, Load and Remaining Load are also displayed.
Each PressureTech™ Sensor Kit comes equipped with everything needed to complete installation, including Bluetooth valve stem sensors, anti-theft locknuts and wrench.
Step One: TPMS Settings
TPMS settings are defined per vehicle, allowing each vehicle to have custom alerts.
In upper right, tap the Settings wheel and change:
Once complete, tap blue Save icon in top right.
Step Two: Install TPMS
Select your vehicle from the Vehicle page. Add TPMS to the app as they are installed.
PressureTechTM TPMS for Automatic Tire Inflation System (ATIS)
If your trailer is equipped with an Automatic Tire Inflation System (ATIS), and the tire hoses are not equipped with check ports, the hoses will need to be replaced with integral check port hoses to accommodate the PressureTech™ TPMS Sensors.
If you don’t have a check port, contact the manufacturer of your ATIS system to see if they have one available. Or you can use the PressureTech™ TPMS flow through sensor connected directly to the valve stem.
*When using the TPMS flow through sensor, install the sensor to the valve stem first and then install the ATIS hose. Follow the instructions from your ATIS system for removing and installing the hoses.
Onboard Scale Sensor(s) Installation
This section details the steps for installing an Onboard Scale sensor and fitting to the air suspension system. Before you start the installation process below, the vehicle profile must be complete and the sensor(s) paired in the PressureTech™ mobile app. PressureTech™ Onboard Scale sensors are purchased with either a 1⁄4” or 3⁄8” push-to-connect tee fittings (only one fitting will be needed per axle, depending on the size of air line).
The PressureTech™ app algorithm is able to estimate full vehicle weight and can accommodate both steel-spring front steer suspension and lift axles. The SPMS measures air suspension pressure and averages it over one-minute intervals to ensure accuracy.
Pair app to Suspension Pressure Monitor Sensor (SPMS)
Install SPMS in Vehicle
Steer Air Suspension:
If your vehicle is equipped with front steer air suspension, an SPMS Load sensor must be paired and installed on front air spring circuit, similar to above. Tap “Steel” in Steer Settings page, change to “Air,” and then tap the eye icon. Follow the Load Calibration steps below, entering Unloaded and Loaded Weights and touching the orange CAL buttons.
Lift Axle:
If your vehicle is equipped with lift axle(s), an SPMS Load sensor must be paired and installed on the lift axle load spring circuit (not lift springs). Use one SPMS per lift axle control valve — if multiple lift axles controlled together by one valve, you only need one SPMS. Tap the (+) sign at the top right to add. Follow Load Calibration steps below.
Load Calibration steps:
This step requires vehicle(s) to be run over scales both unloaded and loaded. Locate certified in-ground segmented (not platform) scale station nearby and plan to travel to the scales unloaded, then load vehicles to maximum load and return to scale. See video here for CAT scale instructions. The PressureTech™ app algorithm will estimate future vehicle weight based on these two weight inputs. The instructions below will guide calibration and assumes first trip to scales is with an unloaded tractor trailer.
Notes:
Failure to weigh at minimum/empty and maximum/fully loaded weights will result in inaccurate system weight estimation. Use same scale station for both unloaded and loaded scaling to maximize accuracy.
Always scale on level surface, with brakes released, and allow the vehicle to reach a steady, constant state prior to weighing. If scale station requires vehicle to be removed from scales prior to providing weight data/printout, then vehicle must be returned to a level surface with brakes released, allowing weight entry per below with vehicle in a steady/constant state.
If vehicle has lift axles, ensure they are lifted in unloaded state and deployed in loaded state.
Weigh Unloaded:
Drive off scales and proceed to load vehicles to maximum. Return to scales and enter Loaded Weights, tap CAL and Save icon. Vehicles are calibrated!
Note: PressureTech™ automatically distributes drive and trailer weights evenly across available axles. If equipped with lift axles, the loaded weight will be distributed onto the combination of lift and drive/trailer axles. See below “Axle Override” section if per-axle calibration is required.
Axle “Override” advanced/manual calibration:
PressureTech™ includes the ability to override automatically distributed weights. For example, if user has individual axle weighing capability, it is possible to manually enter axle unloaded and loaded weights. Also, if vehicle is equipped with lift axles and user prefers to individually calibrate each lift axle set, the “override” feature can be used:
Scale axle.
Cutting Air Hose
Improper cutting of air hose is the #1 installation issue. Using the right tool the right way will ensure a leak-free connection. Using the wrong tool will cause leaks and frustration.
Hose Insertion into Tee Fitting
Leak Checking
Check leaks at all connections using soapy water solution or Snoop. Soapy water in a spray bottle works great: 1 tablespoon dish detergent (no ammonia or salt) to 1 quart water, mixed.
The PressureTech™ Gateway Range Extender is a rugged, waterproof ECU that can be mounted anywhere under the vehicle. The Gateway will recognize PressureTech™ sensors and retransmit their signals over Bluetooth to your device.
Blue band around tire/load icon: Device not receiving data from sensor.
Unable to scan QR code.
PressureTech™ by AKTV8 – TPMS Cap Sensor Battery Replacement Guide
Confirm sensor functionality by opening the PressureTech™ app.
Have questions or facing any challenges during the installation process of your PressureTech™ system? The AKTV8 team is here for you every step of the way.
Your satisfaction is our priority, and we are committed to providing top-notch support to ensure your PressureTech™ platform delivers peak performance. Please reach out, and our experts will get back to you promptly.