This brain keeps truck chugging on down the road.

• Author: Williams, Robert H.
• Position: TECH TALK: A TIP-SHEET ON THE LATEST GADGETS - Smart Energy Solutions' Battery Brain - Brief article

There is nothing worse than being stranded on the side of a lonely highway with a dead battery, far from any source of assistance. This is especially critical for truckers who need to get time-sensitive loads to market.

But help is on the way. Smart Energy Solutions of Pompton Plains, N.J., has adapted its marine Battery Brain electronic controller for trucks and busses.

The device comes in variants for 12 and 24 volt systems and "will withstand starter battery draws up to 2000 amps," says a spokesman. Battery Brain alerts drivers of diesel vehicles when battery...