Installation guide: Equipment Asset Tracker - Wired (for Fleet)

This guide describes how to install an Equipment Asset Tracker (EAT). It is intended for Verizon Connect Fleet customers and professional installation technicians, and it also covers how to link and verify that the asset tracker is reporting accurately.

In this guide:

• Step 1: Gather your tools
• Step 2: Check the box contents
• Step 3: Identify the device parts
• Step 4: Record the device serial number
• Step 5: Find a good location to mount the device
• Step 6: Activate and test the device
• Step 7: Connect the device to a power source
• Step 8: Mount the device
• Step 9: Apply external power to test the device
• Step 10: Link, configure and verify the installation

EAT and EAT-B devices look similar. This guide is for EAT devices that have an integrated I/O power harness attached.

Step 1: Gather your tools

• Cordless drill with metric and standard bits. For mounting hardware sizes, see Step 2.
• If drilling a pass-through hole, a grommet to protect the harness, and silicone to seal the hole. Use all-weather polyurethane-based silicone.
• 5/16-inch (8 mm) socket driver
• 3/8-inch (9.5 mm) wrench
• Heat shrink butt connectors and ring terminals
• Dielectric grease
• Super 33 or better electrical tape
• 16-18 gauge (1.5-0.75 mm²) wire to extend connections, if needed
• 1/8-inch (3 mm) plastic wire loom to protect the harness and any exposed wiring
• Zip ties and all-weather VHB tape may also be used to mount the EAT.
  • Two 4 x 1-inch (100 x 25 mm) strips of VHB tape.
  • It's critical to thoroughly clean and dry the mounting surface before applying the VHB tape.

Step 2: Check the box contents

• EAT device with 15 ft (4.5 m) harness
• 4 x self-drilling screws for metal: standard 5/16-inch (8 mm) hex head, number 12 size, 1 inch (25 mm) long
  
• 4 x bolts: Serrated-flange 5/16-inch (8 mm) hex head, 10-32 thread, 1¼ inch (32 mm) long, 0.19-inch (5 mm) screw width
  

• 4 x locknuts 3/8-inch (9.5 mm) head

• 4 x flat washers

Always get permission before you drill, and look to make sure you will not damage any adjacent equipment or ROPS structures. Refer to the ROPS identification help article for more information about identifying ROPS structures.

Depending on where the device is to be mounted, you may use the provided screws or the bolts with lock nuts and washers to mount the device. If using the screws or bolts, pre-drilling the holes may make the task easier. Based on the application, zip ties or VHB tape may also be used to mount the device.

• If you are unable to determine what parts make up the manufacturer-defined ROPS structure, reasonable efforts should always be made to mount devices in locations where the device can be secured using zip ties and VHB tape.
  • Use at least two 1-inch (25 mm) wide strips of VHB tape placed down the full length of the edges of the asset tracker's longest side.

Step 3: Identify the device parts

• Mounting holes (one on each corner) (1)
• Device label with serial number (SN) and International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number (2)
• Status LEDs for battery, network, and GPS (3)
• Status button that wakes the device, and runs status tests for battery life and network signals (4)
• 15 ft (4.5 m) harness (5)

The device's serial number (SN) and IMEI number are also on the box label.

Pressing the status button does not power off the device.

Step 4: Record the device serial number

Record the device's serial number (SN). You will need it later to link and verify the installation.

The device's serial number (SN) is on the device label (see Step 3 above).

Step 5: Find a good location to mount the device

Where the device is mounted depends partly on the type of powered asset.

When choosing a mounting location, consider the following:

• Keep the device clear of moving parts or areas that will expose the device to road debris or high-pressure water spray. Also,
• Do not mount the device next to any heat-generating machinery.
• The device’s omnidirectional antennas allow the device to be mounted facing up or sideways, facing out.
• Mounting the device under the floor, especially if it is an enclosed metal trailer or container and especially if the device is facing down, can limit connection to the network.

The device is mounted in a later step.

Step 6: Activate and test the device

1. Hold the device in the mounting location.
2. Press the status button firmly for 1-3 seconds to wake the device. It may be easier to press the status button using a capped pen.
   Avoid pressing the status button for longer than 3 seconds. This can put the device in Bluetooth pairing mode which is not supported at this time.
   
   • If you put the device in Bluetooth pairing mode, wait about 30 seconds until the Bluetooth LED stops flashing and then press the status button for 1-3 seconds to restart the status checks.
     After releasing the status button, it can take up to 30 seconds for the LEDs to light up, and they stay on for about 5 seconds.

Perform status checks

Press the status button while the device is awake to initiate the network signal and battery life status checks.

LED identification

The device runs a status test for Battery, Network, and GPS whenever the status button is pressed. Status test results are displayed by the LED statuses as described in the table below. The LEDs stay lit only briefly. However, the test can be repeated by pressing the status button again, which is useful for determining the best place on the asset to mount the device.

Icons flashing rapidly many times per second followed by no illumination on subsequent status button presses indicates the device is attempting to send location while simultaneously downloading an over-the-air OTA update. The device may appear "dead" during this period, which can last 5-20 minutes depending on signal quality and update size. Once the update completes, the LED icons will return to normal operation as described in the table.

Icon	Name	Status
	Battery	1 flash = 10-25% full 2 flashes = 25-50% full 3 flashes = 50-75% full 4 flashes = 75-100% full
	Network	Slow flash: device is seeking network Solid: network connection acquired
	GPS	Slow flash: device is seeking GPS. It does not indicate fail/success status. Check the QA map location in the Installer Portal, or your Fleet interface to confirm location reporting.
	Bluetooth	The device does not support customer accessible Bluetooth features at this time.

Step 7: Connect the device to a power source

In this step:

• Connections overview
• I/O harness wiring details
• Connecting to the power source using the 2-wire method
• Connecting to the power source using the 3-wire method

• Connecting the I/O harness to optional inputs/outputs

Connections overview

The EAT device is powered by the asset you are installing the device into. You can connect to the asset’s power source using a 2-wire or 3-wire connection.

• The 2-wire method is typically used on trailers.
• The 3-wire method, where the third wire is connected to ignition, is typically used on heavy equipment (yellow iron) assets such as backhoes and bulldozers.

For details about how to make approved DC electrical connections for certain types of equipment, and standards and installation policy guidance, refer to:

• EAT wiring best practices
• Electrical connection standards installation policy guidance

I/O harness wiring details

The EAT has an I/O harness with colour-coded wire leads to provide these options:

• Constant power, ignition power, and ground wire leads.
• Two digital sensor inputs:
  • The digital sensor inputs use a reference wire/trigger wire system to monitor trigger wire voltage transitions switching between positive or negative polarity.
  • Both wires must be connected to use a sensor input.
  • Positive trigger:
    • Solid colour wire connects to the positive trigger wire.
    • Striped wire connects to a clean ground (such as a factory bolt or spare wire marked for ground, or a chassis ground on a light-duty vehicle).
  • Negative trigger:
    • Striped wire connects to the negative trigger wire.
    • Solid colour wire connects to an ignition wire.
• One digital output.
  The digital output provides a negative 200 mA output and can be used to energize a relay coil.
• 1-wire input/output is not supported at this time but is planned for a later phase.

Connecting to the power source using the 2-wire method

1. Connect the device’s red wire to the asset’s +12/24V constant power source.

2. Connect the device to ground.

   • Use a ring terminal to connect the device’s black ground wire to the asset’s negative battery terminal, or

   • Use a self-tapping screw and a ring terminal to connect the device’s black ground wire to a chassis ground.

3. Coil up and zip tie any extra length of the device harness.
   Don't cut the harness to shorten it unless the customer requests this. Shortening the harness limits the device’s usability if transferred to another asset in future, and it makes wiring errors more likely.

2-Wire installation for nose-mounted semi-trailers using a 7-way connector

1. Remove the 7-pin connector’s mounting plate.

2. Mount the unit to the trailer using the provided mounting hardware.

3. Use an existing pass-through hole or, if one is not available to use, drill a new pass-through hole into the trailer skin. If it’s a new hole, pull the harness through a grommet.

4. Push the harness end down the interior side of the trailer wall toward the 7-way connector.

   • If it will be necessary for the harness to pass through, clip off the preinstalled fused links from the device harness.

   • Make a drip loop in the harness to prevent condensation from running towards electrical connections.

   • If a grommet is used, insert it into the pass-through hole. Apply a bead of silicone around the grommet to seal the pass-through.

5. Pull the wiring harness through at the 7-pin connector.

6. Reattach the fused links using heat shrink butt connectors, and verify a 3-5-amp fuse is present.

7. Separate the black and red wires from the harness.

   • Tape any unused harness wires to the harness sheath (do not cut to custom length unless requested by the customer or Verizon Connect).

8. Connect the device’s black ground wire to the trailer’s white wire/top pin on the 7-way trailer stud using a heat shrink ring terminal or poke-and-wrap method.

9. Connect the device’s red VDC power wire to the trailer’s blue "aux" wire/centre pin on the 7-way trailer wire stud using a heat shrink ring terminal or the poke-and-wrap method.
   

   Do not connect the red power wire to the marker or running lights unless it is specifically requested by Verizon Connect.

7-pin connector diagram for semi-trailers

This semi-trailer connector diagram shows typical wiring colors and pin layout.

The EAT's red wire must be connected to battery positive power via the semi trailer's AUX/ABS circuit which is colour coded blue by the J560 spec and corresponds to pin #7 in the centre when facing the 7-pin connector.

1. Coat both newly installed ring terminal connections with dielectric grease or terminal protecting anti-corrosion spray as necessary, and use a wire loom to protect any remaining exposed wiring portions not protected by the device’s wire harness jacket.

2. Remount the 7-pin cover plate.
   Refer to the typical wiring colours and pin layout above.
   Connect the device’s red power wire to the trailer’s blue auxiliary wire.
   Connect the device’s black ground wire to the trailer’s white ground wire.
   

   Do not connect the red power wire to the marker or running lights unless it is specifically requested by Verizon Connect.

Connecting to the power source using the 3-wire method

1. Connect the device’s red VDC power wire to the asset’s +12/24 VDC constant battery power source. If installing on a semi-trailer, use the AUX/ABS wire (located on the 7-pin) for power.
2. Connect the device’s black ground wire to the asset's negative battery terminal. If that is not practical, connect instead to a chassis ground on the asset by using a ring terminal and self-tapping screw or factory bolt.
3. Connect the device’s white ignition wire to the asset’s +12/24 VDC ignition/switched power. The asset’s ignition source will vary depending on the type of asset; it could be located at the asset’s ignition switch or at the asset’s fuse box.
4. Coil up and zip tie any extra length of the device harness.
   Don't cut the harness to shorten it unless the customer requests this. Shortening the harness limits the device’s usability if transferred to another asset in future, and it makes wiring errors more likely.

3-wire installation for refrigeration (reefer) trailers

Most trailers require 2-wire installation but refrigeration (reefer) trailers usually require 3-wire installation. In addition to the primary three wires, a digital input wire should be used to enable monitoring of the reefer’s engine hours via the reefer’s ignition circuit.

Connecting the I/O device harness to optional inputs/outputs

After you install the primary device wiring, proceed to connect the I/O wiring for sensors if called for in the work order. Sensor functions such as PTO, boom, rear door, or lights are an optional part of the installation. If the installation does not include I/O wiring, disregard this section and proceed to Step 8: Mount the device.

Step 8: Mount the device

Installations that require the use of a ladder are not advised. However, if working at height, it is your responsibility to ensure proper safety procedures are followed.

Before drilling, always check to ensure you will not damage any adjacent equipment or ROPS structures.

1. Ensure the asset is in a location that has a good GPS and network signal. Avoid locations that are likely to have poor signals (for example, inside buildings or beneath metal sheds).
2. Move the device to where you plan to mount it, and activate and test it as follows.
   1. Press the status button once to wake the device.
   2. Press the status button a second time to initiate the device status checks.
      
      A solid cell network LED light indicates a successful network connection.
      A slow blinking GPS LED indicates the device is searching for a GPS signal (it does not indicate successful GPS signal lock).
3. Holding the device firmly in the location where it will be mounted, carefully mark the positions of the four mounting holes.
4. When satisfied with the mounting location, drill the mounting holes.
   Pre-drilling mounting holes makes it easier to insert mounting screws.
5. Secure the device to the asset using the included screws or bolts.
   Don't use rivets or countersunk screws to secure the device. Don't over-torque the screws or bolts (This could crack or break the plastic around the mounting holes.

Additional EAT mounting tips

Refer to EAT mounting and orientation tips for examples of install locations on semi-trailers, flatbeds and lowboy trailers; and details of Verizon Connect's preferred mounting orientation guidance.

How you mount or orient the device can affect how well it performs.

Mounting the device beneath floorboards, inside enclosed metal trailers or inside containers can limit signal acquisition and data transmission. We do not recommend mounting the device facing down beneath an asset, because doing so can impair reporting accuracy.

Even though the EAT is IP67 rated, it is still recommended to keep it clear of high-pressure water spray. You should also avoid sources of high heat (+180°F/82°C), moving parts and areas that will expose it to damage by debris.

Step 9: Apply external power to test the device

Apply power to the EAT through the 7-pin connector using a 12-volt source to initiate reporting via an external voltage source (not the internal batteries).

You can test the circuit quality by using a digital multimeter to measure the exact voltage output from the 12-volt source and comparing it to the voltage measured at the EAT’s fuse. Any difference in the two measurements should not exceed 0.5 volts.

Step 10: Link, configure and verify the installation

Customers performing linking and verification through their Fleet portal should follow the process in the Installing or Replacing Hardware article. This information is also available by searching the help menu feature in your Fleet portal.

Verizon Connect professional installation partners should follow the linking and verification process in the Enterprise Installer Portal article. This method is also available to customers. Contact your onboarding Implementation partner to have an account and access rights set up.

Customers and technicians may also verify the installation by calling Verizon Connect's Fleet installation support at (877) 943-7306.

At this time, an EAT device 2-wire or 3-wire configuration setting can only be set by calling Fleet support.

If you are unable to complete verification via the Installer Portal or if the EAT is installed using a 2-wire connection, call Fleet technician support at (877) 943-7306 to complete verification and request the device be set to a 2-wire configuration. You will need the serial number from the device label (see Step 4).

Disclaimer

Verizon Connect shall have no liability whatsoever for any damages that arise from, or are connected with, your use of our services, including the GPS tracking hardware and dash cams, in a manner contrary to the(se) instructions or in violation of law and/or our agreement. Tracking hardware connected to the diagnostic port in any vehicle that has third-party devices also connected to the diagnostic port can cause interference or loss of functionality of the third-party device. These third-party devices include, but are not limited to, wheelchair lifts, lifesaving equipment, emergency lighting, and radar guns. If such a conflict exists, contact Verizon Connect support to have the tracking hardware configured to support the third-party device. Failure to do so relieves Verizon Connect of all liability for damages that arise from or are connected with your use of the devices. Installed devices may only be removed and transferred to another vehicle if the second vehicle has been tested for compatibility, as per the(se) instructions. Transfers between vehicles which do not follow the(se) instructions will void any and all warranties from Verizon Connect, and relieve Verizon Connect of all liability for damages that arise from or are connected with your use of the devices.