Technician guide: CalAmp LMU 26XX and 27XX on Reveal

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Skill level: Expert

The installer can identify and connect to common engine and electrical systems on vehicles and assets; such as control modules, sensors, trigger wires, alternators, starters, and solenoids. The installer can use pull-up and pull-down resistors, relays, and diodes.

Estimated time for install: 20-30 minutes

This article outlines how to install all CalAmp 26XX and 27XX series vehicle trackers.

In this guide:

Step 1: Position the vehicle
Step 2: Record the vehicle details
Step 3: Gather your tools and supplies
Step 4: Check the kit contents
Step 5: Identify the device parts
Step 6: Record the device's serial number
Step 7: Find a suitable location to mount the device
Step 8: Make the 3-wire connections
Step 9: Connect the 3-wire harness to the device
Step 10: Confirm the device is connected correctly
Step 11: Install optional peripherals
Step 12: Route the cables and secure the device
Step 13: Verify operation

Step 1: Position the vehicle

Position the vehicle outdoors in a location that has good network coverage.
The engine must be OFF when you are installing the device.

Step 2: Record the vehicle details

Record the following vehicle details (for use later, to link and verify the installation):

Vehicle license plate number
Year, make, and model of vehicle
Current odometer reading
A suitable name for the vehicle (so the vehicle is easy to identify on the Reveal map and reports)

Step 3: Gather your tools and supplies

Depending on your vehicle type, you might need some of the following tools:

Dash panel removal tools
Wire stripping tools
Digital voltmeter
Cordless drill
General purpose screwdriver bit set
Sockets (standard/metric)
Work light
Electrical tape - Super 33 grade or better
Extra zip ties
Extra self-tapping screws
Extra heat shrink ring terminals, butt connectors, and a mini-torch
Add-A-Circuit fuse adapters

Step 4: Check the kit contents

CalAmp 26XX or CalAmp 27XX device
3-wire harness
Peripherals harness (optional)

Step 5: Identify the device parts

Red = 20 pin I/O port
Amber = Com LED
Green = GPS LED

Step 6: Record the device's serial number

Record the device’s Equipment Serial Number (ESN) for use in a later step (to link and verify the installation).
The device’s ESN is on the device information label on the bottom of the device.

Step 7: Find a suitable location to mount the device

The device will be mounted and secured in a later step (see Step 12).

Never mount the device in the engine compartment, directly on top of the AM/FM radio, by any moving parts, or in a location that would be exposed to the elements.

Find a suitable location to mount the device. Suggested mounting locations are shown below.

Behind the driver’s side knee panel (A)
Behind the instrument cluster (B)
Behind the centre console (C)
Behind the glove box (D)

Consider the following when choosing the mounting location:

Network coverage at the mounting location:
- The device should be mounted label-side up and skyward-facing.
- The device should not be mounted directly under large metal parts.
  The device will work through glass, plastic, and composites.
Space at the mounting location:
- There should be ample space for you to secure the device firmly with zip ties.
- The mounted device must not obstruct the operation of the vehicle.
Possibility of damage to the device or cables:
- Avoid heat sources (for example, a heating vent or duct).
- Avoid sharp surfaces.

Step 8: Make the 3-wire connections

DO NOT connect the 3-wire harness to the device at this time.

The device requires 3 connections: GROUND, IGNITION, and POWER.

Connect the ground wire (black) to the vehicle's body or chassis.
The ground wire can be connected using a ring terminal with a self-tapping screw, or by connecting it to a factory-marked grounding point.
Connect the ignition input wire (white) to an ignition source that will only receive power when the ignition is ON.
To determine a true ignition power source:
1. Select a wire.
2. With the engine OFF, use a voltmeter to measure the DC voltage on the wire. It should show 0 volts.
3. Turn the key to the Accessory position. The voltage should still show 0 volts.
4. Turn the key to the On/Run position. The voltmeter should show 12 volts.
5. Crank the motor and ensure the voltage does not drop below 9 volts.
6. While the vehicle is running, confirm that the voltage on the same wire is 12 volts or higher.
7. Turn the vehicle’s engine OFF and confirm that the voltage on the same wire is 0 volts.
If the voltage does not display as described here, you are not testing a true ignition wire.
Connect the power input wire (red) to a battery source that has constant power, even when the ignition is OFF.
Connect the power wire (red) directly to the vehicle battery terminal or as close to it as possible.
The power connection point should be fuse protected to not more than 5 amps.

If the installation requires extending the harness' ignition wire outside the cab and directly to an alternator or solenoid, protect the wire and connection using a heat shrink ring terminal, dielectric grease, and wire loom along with a weatherproof fuse holder, and fuse of 3-5 amps.

Step 9: Connect the 3-wire harness to the device

Plug the 3-wire harness into the device's I/O port.

Step 10: Confirm the device is connected correctly

Check the device’s LEDs.

Green LED - GPS signal

Flashes when the GPS signal has been established. The green LED gives one long flash, then flashes rapidly, once for each satellite the VTU is connected to.
For example, a device that flashes once, then 8 more times, is connected to 8 satellites.

Amber LED - Cell signal

Flashes slowly when the ignition is OFF, then becomes solid once the cell signal has been acquired and the ignition is ON.
If the amber LED flashes while the ignition is ON, this means the device has not acquired a cell signal.

The amber LED also flashes to verify when a sensor input has been detected. It flashes once every 2 seconds for activity on input 1, twice every 2 seconds for activity on input 2.

Step 11: Install optional peripherals

Plug required accessories into the matching Molex sockets on the accessories cable.
Install the accessories as described in these guides.

Step 12: Route the cables and secure the device

Video: How to mount and secure a GPS tracking device

Put the device in place at the mounting location.
Fasten the device securely to a stable mounting bracket or wire bundle using zip ties.
You can pass the zip ties through the fastening tabs on the sides of the device.
You must fasten the device securely so it cannot move around. If the device is not secure, the accuracy of harsh driving event reporting will be reduced.
For further details, see Video: how to secure hardware and harnesses with cable ties.
Route the cables to the mounting location.
Coil and secure any loose cabling using zip ties to ensure it will not interfere with the driver or normal operation of the vehicle.
Check everything is fastened tightly, and trim zip ties if they have excess length.
Use extreme caution when trimming the zip ties. Accidentally cutting or nicking nearby vehicle wires will cause performance issues with the vehicle.

Check the installation does not interfere with the driver or normal operation of the vehicle.

If you have removed the dash panel, do not replace it until after the network connection is confirmed
(see Step 13).

Step 13: Verify operation

If you’re a Reveal customer, verify your installation in Reveal.

If you’re a professional installer using Reveal, use the Reveal Hardware Installer app.

Contact support.

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.