iPA Alpha MUTT with ABS User manual

#5710A
Alpha MUTT®with ABS
Shop Model
(No Tablet)
#5710A-T10
Alpha MUTT® with ABS
and Tablet
Shop Model
#5710A-RT8
Alpha MUTT® with ABS
and Rugged Tablet
Shop Model
ALPHA MUTT®with ABS
Mobile Universal Trailer Tester
Set-Up Information • Operator’s Manual • Technical Information
For All Models
Innovative Products of America®Incorporated 234 Tinker Street, Woodstock, NY 12498
888-786-7899 | [e-mail] | www.ipatools.com

Congratulations on your recent purchase of an Alpha MUTT®from
Innovative Products of America®!
This binder provides information on the #5710A Series Alpha MUTT®units:
•#5710A Alpha MUTT®with ABS Shop Model (No Tablet)
•#5710A-T10 Alpha MUTT®with ABS & Tablet Shop Model
•#5710A-RT8 Alpha MUTT®with ABS & Rugged Tablet Shop Model
For questions or support, call 888-786-7899 or email [e-mail].

FOREWORD
The Alpha MUTT®with ABS has been specifically engineered to provide the ultimate level of control and
diagnostic troubleshooting capability when inspecting trailer lighting, air brake and ABS systems. Your
tester has been delivered turnkey with all accessories (hoses, cables, remote controls, tablet, etc.)
needed to begin testing. Be sure to read the entire set up and operational instructions to ensure that all
the benefits this tester can bring to your shop are utilized.
This Operator’s Manual has been created by Innovative Products of America® (IPA®) to provide users
with the necessary information to:
•Identify and understand the full capabilities of the tester.
•Recognize the safety precautions that should be adhered to during operation.
•Properly identify all parts, accessories and attachments included with the tester for
maintenance, operation, repair and replacement.
IPA®truly wants you to be 100% satisfied with your purchase. The Alpha MUTT®includes a 3-Year
Warranty and 24-Hour Repair or Replace Policy. Upon first receiving your tester, utilize the provided
unpacking sheet with included accessories kit for reference to specific accessories and features based
on your particular model. If you are missing any accessories,have questions or need assistance withany
step of the process, please call Tech Support at 888-786-7899 or email [e-mail].
IPA®is also interested in hearing any suggestions you may have that could increase the productivity
and functionality of the Alpha MUTT®. If there is a feature you wish it had, send us your feedback and
it may be included in the next update.
From all of us at IPA®, we thank you for your purchase and wish you and your family the very best
of everything.
Ian Vinci,
President
Innovative Products of America®
845-679-4500
www.ipatools.com
[email protected]

TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART 1: INTRODUCTION AND SET-UP Pg.
1.1 Introduction ……………………………………………………………….……………........ 1-1
1.2 Important Safety Information …………………………………………….………….…….. 1-2
1.3 Battery Gases, Tester Preparation and Tester/Charger Location ……....................... 1-2
1.4 General Charger Use ………………………………………………………………………. 1-3
1.5 Registering Your Tester’s Warranty …………………………………………...............… 1-4
1.6 Tester Identification ………………………………………………………………….……… 1-5
Tester Serial Number
Firmware Version Number
Software Version Number
1.7 Included Accessories …………………………………………………………………..….. 1-6
Optional Accessories
1.8 Control Panels …………………………………………..……………………………….…. 1-8
Electrical Control Panel
Air Brake Control Panel
Left and Right-Side Panels
Back Panel
1.9 Battery Requirements …………………………………………………………................ 1-12
Standard 12-Volt Wiring Configuration
Optional 24-Volt Wiring Configuration
Charging with the AC Plug
1.10 Auto Shutdown Feature ………………………………………………………................. 1-13
1.11 Stowing the 7-Way cable on ShopModels ……………………….…………………….. 1-14
1.12 Stowing the Gladhand Hoses on Shop Models ………………………………………... 1-14
1.13 Connecting Shop Air …………………………………………………………………….... 1-15
1.14 Face Shield/Lid ……………………………………………………………………………. 1-15
1.15 Bluetooth®…………………………………………………………………….................. 1-16
Installing the Bluetooth®Communication Module
Direct Connection
Using an Extension Cable
Bluetooth®Do’s and Don’ts
Bluetooth®Module FCC Regulations
1.16 Remote Control …………………………………………………………………………… 1-17
How to Program the 12-Button Remote
How to Use the 12-Button Remote
1.17 Tablet ………………………………………………………………………………………. 1-18
Tablet Buttons
Tablet Pen
Power Saving
Bluetooth®Connection
How to Charge the Tablet with the AC Plug
How to Charge the Standard Tablet While Mounted to Face Shield/Lid
How to Charge the Rugged Tablet While Mounted to Docking Station
How to Check for Software Updates
Email to Tablet
Computer to Tablet
Direct to Tablet
1.18 Updating Firmware ……………………………………………………………................. 1-20
Updating the System Firmware
Updating the ABS PLC Firmware
1.19 Maintenance and Storage ………………………………………………………………... 1-21
1.20 Frequently Asked Questions …………………………………………………………….. 1-21
1.21 Common System Checks ……………………………………………………….............. 1-22

1.22 Common Troubleshooting Solutions ……………………………………………………. 1-23
1.23 Instructions for In- and Out-of-Warranty Repairs ………………………………………. 1-24
PART 2: ELECTRICAL, LIGHTING AND AIR BRAKE TESTING
2.1 Electrical/Lighting Testing …………………………………………….……...................... 2-1
Pretest Checklist
Tester Placement
Maintain Connectors
Cable Testing Procedure
2.2 Selecting a Circuit …………………………………………….……………………………. 2-2
Autocycle Mode
2.3 Ground Integrity Test ………………………………………………………………………. 2-4
Chassis and Pin Grounds
Establishing a Chassis Ground
2.4 Fault Indication ………………………………………..…………………………................ 2-5
Open Circuit
Crossed Circuit
Short/Overloaded Circuit
2.5 Activating Hazard Lights …………………………………………………….…................. 2-6
2.6 All Circuits On (Override) Mode …………………………………………………………... 2-7
2.7 Air Brake Testing Set-Up ………………………………………………………………….. 2-8
2.8 Actuating Air Brakes ……………………………………………………………................. 2-9
2.9 LeakdownTesting …………………………………………………………….................. 2-11
Manual Leakdown Testing
Automatic Leakdown Testing
Changing Automatic Leakdown Test Parameters
PART 3: ABS TESTING
3.1 Accessing ABS Codes …………………………………………….……........................... 3-1
ABS Explained
3.2 Manual Controls ...…………………………………………….…………………............... 3-2
Accessing Active Faults
Accessing Stored Faults
Clear All Codes
3.3 Tablet Controls ……………………………………………………………………………… 3-4
3.4 Failure Mode Identifier (FMI) Assignments ……..……………………………………….. 3-5
3.5 SAE J1587 Mid 137 Sid List ………………………………………………………………. 3-6
PART 4: USING THE ALPHA MUTT®APP
4.1 Alpha MUTT®Application Setup ……………………………….…….............................. 4-1
Accounts
Company Information
Testing Defaults
4.2 Menu Bar Screens ...…………………………………………….…………………………. 4-2
4.3 Diagnostic Controls ……………………………………………………………….............. 4-3
4.4 Electrical Inspections ………………………..……..………………………………………. 4-4
Pass Result
Fail Result
4.5 DOT/PM Inspections ……………………………………………………………................ 4-7
Truck Inspection Controls
Trailer Inspection Controls
4.6 Saved Reports …………………………………………………………………………….. 4-10
4.7 Inspection Creation Tab ………………………………………………………................ 4-11

4.8 Sample Reports ………………………………………………………………….............. 4-12
PART 5: TECHNICAL INFORMATION
5.1 Exploded Views ………………………………………………………………….…………. 5-1
Shop Model Body Exploded View
Shop Model Head Exploded View
Shop Model Back Exploded View
Shop Model Faceplate Exploded View
Shop Model Base Exploded View
5.2 Shop Model Wiring Diagrams …………………………………………………………..…5-7
7-Way Socket Wiring Diagram
7-Way Test Socket Wiring Diagram
Pneumatic Plumbing/Coil Routing Diagram
Power Wiring Diagram
Peripheral Wiring Diagram
Internal Battery Charger Cable Diagram
5.3 Typical Trailer Wiring ……………………………………………………………………... 5-11
5.4 Complete Specifications ………………………………………………………................ 5-12
#5710A Alpha MUTT®(2nd Gen) with ABS Shop Model
#5710A-T10 Alpha MUTT®(2nd Gen) with ABS and Tablet Shop Model
#5710A-RT8 Alpha MUTT®(2nd Gen) with ABS and Rugged Tablet Shop Model
#5700-TAB-AS Standard Tablet
#5700-TABRT-AS Military-Grade, Rugged Tablet

PART 1
PART 1:
INTRODUCTION
ANDSET-UP

PART 1: INTRODUCTION AND SET-UP 1-1
PART 1: INTRODUCTION AND SET-UP
1.1 Introduction
The Alpha MUTT®(2nd Gen) with ABS is an all-in-one, mobile, advanced diagnostic tester and inspection
system for both vehicles and trailers. The Alpha MUTT®Series is IPA®’s premier trailer tester product line
and is equipped to test lights, air brakes and ABS. These products are designed to withstand the rigors
of everyday service.
While there are various models of the Alpha MUTT®available with different included accessories, all
products that feature the name Alpha are Bluetooth®and RF equipped and can be operated by both
tablet and RF remote control. The Alpha MUTT®is microprocessor controlled and features state-of-the-
art current sensing, computer-controlled circuit protection, live circuit monitoring with automatic pass/fail
calculations, as well as digital voltage and amperage draw readout. The Alpha MUTT®will detect poor
grounds, open circuits, crossed circuits, short circuits, and also features Pulsar®mode which aides in
troubleshooting intermittent and dead shorts. The ABS diagnostics can be utilized to read andclear codes
and display troubleshooting information on a trailer via the 7-way connector. Those readings are
displayed on the face panel as well as through the tablet app.
This manual covers the entire Alpha MUTT®series technology. Please consult your specific model for
your exact list of included options. This product is backed by a 3-year warranty with 24-hour repair or
replace service. Should you run into any issues, please contact IPA®directly at 888-786-7899 or email
[email protected]m.
Testing Functions
•Electrical Testing (12/24 Volt Operation)
-Automatic cross, open, overload, short and ground fault detection
-Chases down short circuits with Pulsar®Mode
-Cable testing
-Ground failure detection: differentiates between wire and chassis ground
-Detailed inspection reports generated from auto-test report function in under 60 seconds
•Air Brake Testing
-Real-time,repetitivebrake activation to find developingproblemsand verify leakingservocans
-Analog leak-down tests in service and emergency lines
•ABS Testing
-Reads and clear codes
-Displays diagnostic troubleshooting information
-Accesses ECU data: manufacturer, make, model, etc.

1-2 PART 1: INTRODUCTION AND SET-UP
1.2 Important Safety Information
It is important to read, understand and follow all safety messages and instructions printed in this
manual and on the equipment before operating. If safety information is not heeded, serious injury
or death to the operator or bystanders may occur.
Danger
Indicates a hazardous situation, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury. The possible hazards
are shown in the adjoining symbols or explained in the text.
Warning
Indicates a hazardous situation, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury. The possible
hazards are shown in the adjoining symbols or explained in the text.
Caution
Indicates a hazardous situation, if not avoided, may result in minor or major injury. The possible hazards
are shown in the adjoining symbols or explained in the text.
The following safety alert symbols are used in this manual.
Symbol 1: Potential burn hazard. Sparks from electrical shorts can ignite flammable liquids such as
fuel or oil. Heat from electrical overloads can cause fire hazards.
Symbol 2: Potential electrical hazard. Batteries have enough electrical energy potential to ignite
flammable liquids such as fuel or oil. Wire overloads can cause electrical failures. Shock hazard exists.
Symbol 3: Potential explosive air hazard. Pneumatic pressures used with this equipment can cause
explosive failures on damaged equipment.
Symbol 4: Potential eye hazard. Wear OSHA approved safety glasses. Battery acid and high air
pressures create hazardous situations for eyes.
Symbol 5: Potential chemical burn hazard. Wear protective gloves. Battery acid is corrosive and can
cause skin damage.
Symbol 6: Potential electrical hazard. Electrical energy can cause heat and burn hazards.
Symbol 7: Potential fire hazard. Use caution with flammable liquids such as fuel and oil. Electrical
shorts can ignite flammable liquids and wiring.
Symbol 8: Important information is stated.
1.3 Battery Gases, Tester Preparation and Tester/Charger Location
Risk of Explosion
•Gases produced by a battery are highly explosive.
Battery explosions can cause injury.
•Wear safety goggles and protective clothing, both users
and bystanders.
•Use in an area having at least four air changes per hour.
•Read, understand and follow all instructions for charger, battery, vehicle and any equipment used
near battery and charger.

PART 1: INTRODUCTION AND SET-UP 1-3
•Do not smoke, strike a match, place metal tools on battery or cause a spark in the vicinity of the
battery. When removing battery cables, remove the ground cable first.
•Clean terminals before charging battery. Keep corrosive particles from eyes, nose and mouth.
Use baking soda and water to neutralize acid and help eliminate airborne corrosion.
•Never allow clamps on charger cables to touch each other.
•Do not expose tester or charger to rain, snow or wet conditions.
•Do not allow battery gases or acid to contact MUTT®cabinet. Do not place charger directly above
or below battery.
•Fill battery to level specified by battery manufacturer using distilled water.
•Do not remove cell caps while charging per manufacturer instructions.
•Make sure tester cable clamps make tight connections.
1.4 General Charger Use
Risk of Electric Shock and Fire
•Before connecting charger cable to tester,
make sure controls are set to OFF.
•Do not remove or bypass the grounding pin.
•Do not operate charger with damaged cord or plug. Replace immediately if damage occurs.
•Position power cord and charger cables away from the hood, doors and hot or moving engine
parts where they could be damaged.
•Unplug power cord by grasping and pulling on the plug, rather than the cord, when disconnecting
charger from outlet.
•Charger power cord uses an equipment-grounding conductor and a grounding plug. Plug only
into a 120V AC outlet that is correctly installed and grounded in accordance with all ordinances
and local codes.
•Unplug power cord from outlet before cleaning or maintaining tester and charger. Turning off
controls does not reduce the risk of electric shock.
•Do not operate charger after a sharp impact, drop or any other damage. Do not disassemble.
•Use only recommended attachments.
•Do not charge a frozen battery. Do not overcharge a battery.
•Use charger only on lead-acid automotive batteries. Do not use charger to charge dry-cell
batteries.
•Electric shock or fire can cause injury.
Risk of Entanglement
•Keep yourself, clothing and battery charger leads clear of moving parts such as fan blades,
pulleys, doors and hood. Moving parts can cause injury.
Risk of Burns
•Batteries can produce a short circuit current that is high enough to weld jewelry such as rings,
bracelets and watches. You must remove them before working near batteries.
•Short circuits can cause injury.