I think that's what the thing is above the stereo on the upper right side of my dash! Since I bought my Patriot in Sept. of 2008, this thing has been very difficult to read because the screen seems to be fading!! Besides the screen, it has 8 buttons and a knob! And since I didn't have any info on it, I've ignored it. So my question is, what does it do? is it worth getting it replaced? I hear Silverleaf makes a replacement unit for $1000. It would appear it has digital readout of engine performence along with other stuff. So, again, is it something I should replace?

Thanks,
Randy

The Silverleaf is an engine and transmission monitoring system that makes it possible to know with certainty how your power train is operating across a wide range of parameters.  Through its digital display you get far more accurate information than you can with analog gauges.  It's very comforting to be able to know how exactly your engine and transmission are performing when you put it to tests like mountain climbing in the Rockies.  If mine failed I would definitely replace it.

Here's the manual for your unit:  http://www.silverleafelectronics.com/sites/silverleafelectronics.com/files/vmsii30man.pdf

Hi Randy

When mine failed, Silverware told me that they.sold out all the repair units they built about 2 years ago. Their recommendation was to mount a Windows netbook or laptop or Windows tablet in a suitable plAce, then you can download the software and they sell cable harnesses that link from the existing 10 wire connector that.fits your MagIC to a USB port on your computer. They told me to download the software and configure the displays the way I want before buying the computer as some people want a single all-in screen, while others are comfortable with less. Not to mention that I may not be able to read the fine print you can see easily.

They also sometimes have refurbished units, or you could put in a custom glass dash that will be just like a new Newell. I haven't done mine yet, but I missed it on the trip south in the fall.

It's possible that the display lighting is set to a low level.  

Randy,
You have one of the last Mag ID units that Beaver used, as most of the 2000 models came with Silverleaf units. The Mag ID units have a very high failure rate and most of them were replaced with Silverleaf units as they failed. No one that I know of repairs the Mag ID units and if Silverleaf is sold-out of the drop-in replacements for them, there is nothing that will be an economical replacement for a dash installation. The glass dash mentioned above is $10,000 plus, but it is a nice upgrade. So as stated earlier your best option is the Silverleaf Windows software for a computer.

The drive train information that is available on the Silverleaf engine monitor is valuable to you, if you are one of the drivers who wants to know what the engine and transmission are doing and you use that information to improve fuel mileage and dependability. However if you are in the group of drivers who wants to fill it with fuel and just enjoy the ride, you will have very little use for the information. In other words, it is a personal decision that you have to make on the value of the information to your driving style.

Silverleaf Electronics http://www.silverleafelectronics.com/ is based in Albany Oregon if you want to call or visit them. Or their owner, Martin Perlot is at most FMCA Conventions if that is more convenient for you.

Gerald

It would appear that what you guys are referring to is the VMSpc http://www.silverleafelectronics.com/?q=node/6 correct? Jim, you mentioned a 10-pin connector although Silverleaf says order either 6-pin or 9-pin connector??? Guess I'll have to pull it out to confirm!

Thanks guys!

The 10 pins was a guess. Sorry

We replaced our Mag ID with the VMS unit several years ago. The replacement unit shipped from Silverleaf but purchased through PPL Motorhomes as it was cheaper than Silverleaf would sell direct. Sold the old Mag ID to somebody in Texas.

Hi Randy. We have a 98 Patriot Ticonderoga which originally came with the MAG unit. We replaced it with the Silverleaf  VMS II UNIT.  The only reason in  replacing it was the ability to monitor simultaneously three parameters instead of one. It was costly at about $1000.

I do have the original instruction manual in storage and another MAG unit (factory rebuilt and unused) in storage but cannot get to them until about May of 2012.  If you still need a manual by then, let me know and I will copy it for you. I would also entertain selling the rebuilt MAG unit for $100 + shipping  should  you are interested.

As others have said, the Silverleaf VMS II is a technology improvement over the MAG unit but they both do a basic job of monitoring drive train parameters.

Larry Fritz
larryfritz@att.net
(408) 515-5957