EL PASO, TX.--March, 2000. Maxima Technologies, the group enterprise that includes the Stewart Warner brand of vehicle instruments and accessories, has introduced a new Stewart Warner product line called the Guardian^TM Series. This line includes a family of gauges with built-in LED warning lights, switch outputs and engine shut-down functions that serve to protect both the vehicle its operator.

Of particular note, Guardian^TM products eliminate the need for sender/switch combinations, detection modules, extra wiring and connectors by integrating sensing electronics--sender, switch and LED warning lights--into the actual gauge. Detection circuitry is matched to the instrument to maximize accuracy, thus eliminating the gauge as a source of system variation.

Guardian I^TM gauges feature an ultra-bright red or amber LED warning light located in the center of the dial to alert the operator as to a potentially hazardous condition (i.e. high temperature, low pressure, low fuel or low battery voltage). Guardian II^TM gauges provide a 2-amp MOSFET type switch output to drive an external accessory, such as an alarm, in addition to the standard LED alert. This switch is configured in a normally open switch-to-ground function. LEDs are located on either on the left side or right side of the gauge. Guardian III^TM gauges step up to ye another function--engine shutdown--in addition to the standard LED alert. The "ALERT" LED, located on the left side of the gauge face, provides a visual warning to the operator (like Guardian I^TM and II^TM), and when temperature or pressure levels reach a certain potentially dangerous level, a 2-amp MOSFET type switch triggers an engine shutdown. "SHUTDOWN" mode is indicated by a second LED located on the right side of the gauge.

If the customer's vehicle/engine does not include a built-in delay feature to compensate for low pressure on start-up (which of course would trigger a premature shutdown), customers may purchase a delay timer/relay accessory. Rated at 8 to 18 VDC, this delay timer/relay operates reliably in a temperature range of -30°C to +75°C. The relay's mechanical life is rated at 10 million operations and its electrical life is 100,000 operations under normal loads.

Guardian III^TM is factory-calibrated to prevent tampering. However, units can be adjusted by the customer/user, as required. In this way, a single unit could be configured to accommodate numerous applications, thereby reducing inventory and associated carrying costs.

Stewart Warner is a high-quality brand produced by Maxima Technologies. Since 1905, when Stewart Warner brand instruments were first used on Model Ts, the brand name has been synonymous with high-quality market-driven products that appeal to O.E.M. and aftermarket customers alike. Maxima is a global manufacturer and full-service supplier of electronic controls, monitoring systems and vehicle accessories.

For more information:

Contact Craven Mabrey at 704-785-8506