The Hunter HawkEye Elite® is the company’s fully integrated alignment system, which can capture alignment measurements in 70 seconds. Using WinAlign® software, Settle said four precision cameras provide alignment measurements with a high degree of accuracy, providing fast and efficient readings. The equipment can be integrated with other shop systems, providing flexibility.
The equipment includes step-by-step guidance that walks technicians through the entire process. “If you are new to the industry as far as doing alignments, you can follow along, while also utilizing the onboard training information,” he said.
Sales representative Steve Booz said shops often ask how to incorporate the equipment into their business due to space limitations. “The equipment is designed with portability in mind, so it can be moved around the shop as needed.”
By partnering with Bosch, Booz said customers can be assured they have support from both companies.
Hunter exhibited the ADASLink® diagnostic scan tool as part of the SEMA ADAS Showcase.
“With the interest ADAS is generating now and will be in the future, we’re eager to help inform and educate the industry about servicing these critical safety systems,” said Ryan Gerber, Hunter ADAS product specialist.
With ADASLink®, shops can connect the vehicle communication interface (VCI) to the vehicle’s OBD-II port to diagnose and interact with the car. A live camera-guided interface allows technicians to position the fixture properly and an on-screen walkthrough explains how to place the calibration targets. The equipment can calibrate forward-facing radar and camera sensors as well as side and rear sensors, including blind spot and surround view calibrations.
Technicians can also perform dynamic, driving calibrations with ADASLink® plugged into the vehicle.
The solution integrates with Hunter’s WinAlign® software, providing technicians with access to specific calibration procedures for more than 25 million vehicles.
Jesse Mincer, another Hunter sales representative, said a common concern from shops is not having a level floor. To address this challenge, Mincer said the portable system can change the level of the framing system where the targets are.
By doing calibrations in-house, he said it saves shops time and allows them to control the work. The work done on the vehicle is then documented, archived and saved in the cloud using HunterNet® 2. This online customer portal was developed for undercar service operators with single or multiple rooftops, featuring online service guides, equipment manuals, IoT capabilities and more.
“None of the technology is fruitful without having some training involved,” said Settle. More than 450 representatives across the country are tasked with installing Hunter equipment and conducting operational training.
In addition, Hunter offers a variety of educational opportunities for the industry focused on efficiency and profitability. These include online video tutorials on the YouTube Hunter Learning Channel, free self-driven e-learning classes through the Hunter University program, tuition-based onsite training at 47 centers across North America, as well as custom training at the corporate headquarters.
Since its inception, Settle said, Hunter Engineering has focused on creating efficiency and productivity for customers.
“One of our goals in 2023 is developing strategic solutions for collision repairers so shops can get vehicles repaired efficiently and be profitable at doing it,” he said.
Stacey Phillips Ronak