4N6XPRT Systems ®
8387 University Avenue
La Mesa, CA (U.S.A), 91942-9342
Why are you still using DOS? See point 6 above in the first question. However, although some think our programming is " out-of-date" , no manufacture has changed the dimensions of a vehicle model since we have entered that data into this program! Further, the advantages of DOS (small, tight code) outweigh the advantages of converting to Windows (code bloat, larger file sizes, slower operation, more key strokes required) with no real advantages to be obtained by converting to Windows. Finally, the program works under all flavors of the windows operating system, as well as Linux, DOS, and Macintosh, which would not be true if we converted to Windows. Thus, we have continued to offer a DOS interface of the program along with the Windows interface.
How do I run your software on a Mac? Two responses to this question in an e-mail group follow
What if I can't find a model that should be in the program? IF you are a registered owner of this program, and own the most current version of the program, you telephone, FAX, e-mail, or mail your request, we will locate the information and send whatever we can find to you AT NO CHARGE.(Registered owners have access to an 800 number for telephoning.)
Are ALL Trim models identified? No. When a particular trim package was sold as a distinct model, or that trim style has a change in standardized safety equipment, it is so listed in our locator table. If the trim package was only a variation on upholstery or chrome, it is not listed separately.
What is your source or sources of information? The first source is the manufacturer's brochures. Detail dimensions are obtained by actually measuring undamaged vehicles. The curb weight is from the manufacturer's literature and represents the most common configuration of engine, transmission, and trim sold for that model. The same source is used for tires and turning circle. Acceleration and Braking data is from various magazines reporting actual test data. The NSDC (No Significant Dimensional Changes) year range is obtained from body shop literature.
How accurate are the dimensions? We round the data to the nearest inch (> .5 = 1, < .5 = 0). However, it is not uncommon to find new vehicles where the wheelbase on one side is as much as 3 inches different than that on the other side. Also, the manufacturers frequently make minor changes during the model year which may influence front and rear overhangs, vertical measurements, and so on. This is the best that one can do without measuring 5 of each model per month per model year, doing statistical analysis of the data, and being two years behind in the release of data for a " new model year" .
Does the curb weight also reflect the Curb Weight of vehicles equipped with Diesel Engine? IF the model description states "SIESEL" in it, the weight reflects the weight of the diesel engine equipped vehicle. However, in general, the Diesel Engine is considered to be an "Option". As such, the curb weight is normally for the gasoline equipped vehicle.
If a vehicle has a Diesel Engine, hopw much will that change the curb weight? When we have compared the published weights for full size pickups and vans, comparing those with a diesel engine to those with a gasoline engine, we have found that the diesel engine option will generally add 800-1200 pounds to the curb weight. The user has to remember that the diesel engine option includes not only the engine, but other equipment and options that all add to the curb weight.
What is the Crush Factor and how is it used? The Crush Factor is a value which is used in the " speed from skid formula" allowing for a first approximation speed calculation from maximum crush to a vehicle. Papers which explain the derivation and history of the Crush Factor as well as presenting a comparison of results between the Crush Factor approach and the CRASH III approach were presented by Dr. Daniel Vomhof and Daniel Vomhof III at the CRASH'98 conference and can be downloaded from our web site by clicking on the authors names.
How often and when do updates come out? Updates come out once a year. The update ships sometime between middle of February and middle of May, with a ship date of Febrauray 10-March 15 as typical. The update typically adds ~1000 vehicles to the database, as well as correcting any problems found the previous year. There is a charge for the update. When we have a firm shipping date, we send out notices with an order form to our registered owners at their last known address.
I am just starting out with my business, can I afford the software? We have prepared one economic analysis scenario for the purchase and cost billing to your clients. Of course, you know your clientele and what your region can stand as far as your billing is concerned, so you should consider this to be a model that you can change to suit your situation with regards to cost recovery. The 4N6XPRT Software Economic Analysis can be downloaded by clicking on the link.
Why does the program keep " bombing" giving me an error? This most commonly happens when a folder, file, or group of files is copied off of a CD. To change the attributes so that you can read and write to those files, please dounload the PDF procedure document [1.7 MB] wihich walks you through the necessary steps.
What if I have no complaints or problems? Tell your friends, neighbors, attorneys, police departments, and vehicle sales dealers, so that they too can have a copy!