Said to replace over $2,000 worth of engine diagnostic equipment, the Caterpillar Pocket Technician is a software package that allows users to access stored information and change performance configurations on electronically controlled engines with a Palm Pilot or similar handheld personal digital assistant (PDA).

Introduced at the Mid-America Trucking Show, the package includes Palm OS software, an adapter that plugs into a Palm PDA and a cable to connect the unit to a truck's J1708 data bus.

A fleet edition of the Caterpillar Pocket Technician provides lifetime and trip information on engine operations, diagnostic codes and other maintenance data, as well as tools for modifying engine operating parameters.

A driver's edition of the package offers the same operating information, but does not include the ability to change engine parameters. The driver version is available through Caterpillar Engine Div.'s online store at www.cattruckengines.com.

Caterpillar has also announced an electronic idle control system for its heavy-duty truck engines. Built exclusively for Cat by Temp-A-Start Inc., the Driver Comfort Control System can automatically start and stop an engine to maintain interior cab temperatures and recharge batteries when they fall below preset charge limits.

Go to www.cattruckengines.com or circle 302 on reply card.