Well, I'm sure like a lot of other techno-files out there, I've always been fascinated with new electronic gadgets and their capabilities. As a long-time tech PR guy, I always approached new technology with the question, "how does it make life better?" Because of this question, I'm usually not an early adopter of new consumer tech products...I wait, read and read some more. I decided to try transitioning from my Banks PowerPDA platform, that controls my Six-Gun in my Sierra K3500 LBZ to the Banks iQ. The PowerPDA has served me very well, and it has performed flawlessly. Like some of you who run a Six-Gun or Ottomind/Economind system, I wanted to see how much more capability the Banks iQ controller platform has over the PowerPDA. But, I was cautious, even reluctant since I wasn't sure what needed to be changed to operate the new iQ. I was assured that it was a simple plug-and-play proposition. So, here is my short journey in making the switch from the PowerPDA to the Banks iQ...and it was literally a couple of clicks. It honestly took me 7 minutes to get the iQ system up and running - 6 minutes was spent tucking the wires behind the dash bezel. I'll post more about the experiences with the Banks iQ as I put some miles on it and go through its features.

For those who currently run the PowerPDA, I'm sure this looks quite familiar...
http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj33/vin63/Duramax/Banks_PDA.jpg

Here are the Banks iQ components that were included in the package:
the Banks iQ display, AC charger, USB-to-USB2 adapter, Bridge Module, Universal mount, Y-12 Pin cable to USB female and headphone jack.
http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj33/vin63/Duramax/Banks_iQ1.jpg

Here is the most difficult part - plugging in the RJ12 (telephone-type) cable into the bridge module...it's directional, so you can't get it wrong.
http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj33/vin63/Duramax/Banks_iQ_Bridge1.jpg

Here it is temporarily mounted for the photo...more to come.
http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj33/vin63/Duramax/Banks_iQ2.jpg

WHere did you put module at? How much was it?

Please do follow up. I just got an 07 with the PDA and am curious how much is to be gained with the iQ. Did you get $500 more out of it?

Looking forward to your review of it.. Looks nice...

After the extremely simple unplug, plug-in and play set up, I got to do some initial set up and operation. The Banks iQ is very intuitive and easy to navigate...I was a little concerned that there would additional steps to go through for each function since there were more capabilities, but not the case...it was very similar to navigating through the functions on the PDA, except it is all touch screen - no toggle button. The display is crisp and clear. I am more of an analog gauge person for most of the values (I am one of those who tends to do calculations in my head and get distracted by digital gauges while driving), but it is really nice to have a combination with a couple in digital format, such as the EGT for shut down purposes and trans slip for obvious reasons and, for me, boost when I'm on my long freeway drives and trying to keep the boost at ~4 psi for fuel mileage reasons. So, the five values is a real plus for me.
http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj33/vin63/Duramax/Banks_iQ_display2.jpg

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj33/vin63/Duramax/Banks_iQ_display1.jpg


Here's a short video of navigating through clearing a vehicle code...I have new respect for those POV guys.
http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj33/vin63/Duramax/th_CIMG6184.jpg (http://s268.photobucket.com/albums/jj33/vin63/Duramax/?action=view&current=CIMG6184.flv)


Next, I'll try the GPS function, which is supposed to be the eventual gateway into a turn-by-turn navigation feature.

Looks awesome!

Sorry about the quality of the video...I was trying to keep my hand and fingers low so the camera wouldn't focus on it, but I couldn't help it and it got a little blurry at the end. The navigation was a lot easier than I thought and the touch screen has a good combination of being sensitive and tactile for a positive feel.