If the vehicle data is not already associated with the device, the first step of the installation is to record the following information prior to plugging the telematics device into the vehicle:

• Unit number

• VIN Number

• IMEI/MEID/ESN Number located on the back of the device

• Current vehicle odometer reading

• Current vehicle engine hours, if available

The vehicle data should be recorded on our online fillable form.

Please fill out required fields (Company Name, Unit ID, ESN located on the back of the CalAmp device, VIN, Odometer Reading) and submit the form. You will receive an emailed summary of the action taken from support@utilimarc.com once it is complete.

More information for the fillable form can be found here.

Step 2: Plan the Installation

Verify Power, Ground and Ignition: Be sure to check each source (power, ground and ignition) to ensure that the proper signaling exists. This is typically accomplished with a multi-meter.

• The power signal should be representative of the vehicle battery voltage.
• The ignition signal should provide voltage only when the ignition is engaged.
• The ground signal should be connected to chassis ground.

Before drilling any holes or running any wires, decide where each hardware component will be located (LMU, antennas, peripherals, etc.). Be sure that the cables to the LMU are not bent or constricted in any way. Also make sure that the LMU is kept free from direct exposure to the elements (sun, heat, rain, moisture etc...) as improper installation of the LMU may void the warranty.

The best way to ensure a trouble-free installation is to consider your options and make some decisions before you start.

Take a look at the vehicle and determine how to best install the LMU for the following purposes:

•  Accurate data gathering and simulation of how customers actually use the solution
•  Ongoing monitoring and maintenance of LMU equipment
•  Prevention of accidental or intentional alteration of the equipment or cable connections

Device Placement: Attach the LMU to the solid body of the vehicle or other rigid surface, preferably not to plastic panels. The LMU can be placed out of sight by removing interior trim and molding to expose available space, then replacing the trim once the LMU is in place.

Typical installations will place the LMU under the vehicle dashboard, or in the trunk. Make sure you can get access to the unit afterwards as it may be necessary to troubleshoot the installation or add additional wiring or connections to the LMU.

Status LED lights on the front of the LMU unit can provide valuable information about the operation of the LMU. When feasible, attempt to install the LMU in such a way that these lights can be seen with reasonable ease.

You may find it useful to be able to view the LEDs periodically to make sure that the LMU is operating properly. If at any time you should encounter a problem with the LMU, you may need to read the LEDs in order to troubleshoot the problem. If you cannot fix the LMU yourself, you will need to provide the LED information to Utilimarc customer support.

External Antennas: The LMU antenna cables should be used at the length provided. Do not cut antenna cables. Instead, coil any excess cable length, making sure not to crimp or flatten the antenna cable. An external antenna should be placed with a clear view of the sky and not against any metallic surfaces or materials. Mounting an external antenna near the base of the windshield may expose the antenna to extreme temperatures, causing a failure of the hardware. Ideal antenna placement is high up on the windshield, on clear glass (pictured below) and hiding the cable behind the plastic pillar cover.

Vehicle Hardware Input Signals: The LMU-4230 provides up to 7 inputs. These inputs are protected from typical vehicle transients and can be directly connected to most vehicle level logical inputs from 4 volts up to the vehicle power input level (typically 12 VDC). Their input impedance is approximately 10kΩ. One of these inputs is dedicated to sensing the vehicle’s ignition status to provide for flexible power management. Inputs should provide a positive voltage signal when the hardware is engaged and otherwise remain neutral. If the hardware to be tracked (PTO engaged, Boom out-of-stow, etc) provides a ground signal when engaged, use a relay to reverse polarity of the input before it reaches the device.

Step 3: Device Installation

Connect power, ignition, and ground: The power input (red wire) must be connected to a constant (un-switched) +12 VDC or +24 VDC supply; preferably, connected directly to the vehicle battery terminal or as close to it as possible. This connection point should be fuse protected to not more than 5 Amps. The ignition input (white wire) must be connected to the vehicle ignition or another appropriate key operated line, ensuring that power to the ignition wire is available only when the vehicle ignition is on. The ground line (black wire) must be connected to chassis ground.

Voltage must be equal on the red hardwired connection and the vehicle bus connection (OBDII, J1939, etc). Failure to connect these lines in the manner described may result in discharge of the vehicle battery or damage to the device.

For best results, it is strongly recommended that the LMU connection be on its own circuit. Connect the power input directly to the vehicle battery if possible and protect the circuit with an inline fuse. If you must connect through the fuse box, use standard commercial wiring practices to create a permanent installation.

Below is an example wiring diagram of a full installation, tracking PTO engagement and Boom out-of-stow:

The above diagram is only an example, specific installations may differ in a few ways:

• Inputs may use different sources if a signal is not available on the PDM
• Relays may not be necessary if all tracked equipment provides a positive signal when engaged
• Depending on the vehicle and installation preferences, the relay may be powered from the ignition input OR directly from the battery

Below are diagrams of the parts in each type of kit (OBDII or J1939) describing the connections between the vehicle, device, and antenna:

Installations using the LMU4230 focus on providing a splitter cable from the ECM port to allow for long-term diagnostic data access. Each splitter cable has a secondary port to be re-mounted where the factory ECM port would normally be located. OBDII kits provide many options for mounting brackets based on the manufacturer of the vehicle.

Engine cable in JBUS-connected kits may vary based on vehicle specifics.

Step 4: Data Validation

(See Data Validation article)