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: The VeoSphere tablet must be mounted in a location that makes the screen visible to the driver at all times, but does not obstruct any airbags or create an otherwise unsafe situation in the vehicle cab. Cabling can be placed out of sight by removing interior trim and molding to expose available space, then replacing the trim once the cabling is in place.

Typical installations will place the VeoSphere on the vehicle dashboard, or connected to the ceiling. 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 VeoSphere.

Status LED lights on the back of the cradle can provide valuable information about the operation of the device. When feasible, attempt to install the cradle 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 embedded LMU in the cradle 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 VeoSphere cradle uses a small post antenna that does not require any cable connections, routing, or antenna placement. As long as the post on the top of the cradle is not obstructed by any metallic panelling, the cradle device should have ample access to cellular and GPS services.

Vehicle Hardware Input Signals: The VeoSphere VDK-3641 kit does not have a digital input/output bus for tracking vehicle hardware (Boom out-of-stow, PTO engagement, etc.) apart from the ignition input on the main power line. If you have an installation that requires ELD compliance and hardware engagement tracking, contact Utilimarc Support to find another hardware solution.

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 are diagrams of the parts in each type of kit (OBDII, J1939 Type-1, J1939 Type-2) describing the connections between the vehicle and device:

Installations using the VDK-3641 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.

The port on the VDK-3641 that connects to these ECM cables is the "16-pin VBU2" plug referenced in the figures above. The standard J1939 Type-2 cable for these kits requires an adapter, as the 4-screw mounting flange standard on most J1939 Type-2 vehicles is not available on a cable with a 16-pin VBU2 connection. Some vehicles - particularly those manufactured by Peterbilt - will have a non-standard screw-mount bracket for the J1939 port that will not fit the 4-screw flange mounting bracket. Please verify the make and model of the vehicles to be installed on before ordering your VeoSphere kits to ensure proper engine cabling.

Step 4: Data Validation

(See Data Validation article)

Step 5: Hours of Service tracking

The last component of your ELD system installation is establishing driver-to-vehicle associations  and managing hours-of-service reports using a third-party application installed on the MDT-7 tablet. Contact support or your Utilimarc account contact to plan the deployment and management of this application.