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

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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.

Skill level: Advanced

Installers must have a working knowledge of vehicle electrical and starting systems, and know how to use relays, diodes, sensor inputs.

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.

!!!USE ME EAT Pic.JPG

In this guide:

Note

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

    screws.png
  • 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

    bolts.png
  • 4 x locknuts 3/8-inch (9.5 mm) head

nuts.png
  • 4 x flat washers

washers.png

Warning

Always get permission before you drill, and look to make sure you will not damage any adjacent equipment or OSHA required certified 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

EAT_labels.png
  • 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)

Note

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

Note

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.

Note

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.

Note

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.

    Caution

    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.

      Note

      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 EAT.png

Battery

  • 1 flash = 10-25% full

  • 2 flashes = 25-50% full

  • 3 flashes = 50-75% full

  • 4 flashes = 75-100% full

Network EAT.png

Network

  • Slow flash: device is seeking network

  • Solid: network connection acquired

GPS EAT.png

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 EAT.png

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

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:

I/O harness wiring details

The EAT device is capable of sensing voltage transitions of at least 6 volts on 12/24-volt systems and requires 3 mA current when voltage is present in the on phase. The signal to be monitored should have two voltage states. One with no voltage (that is, zero volts when referenced to ground) and another that falls in the range from 6 to 24 volts.

Note

It is important that the voltage signal is tested to ensure it is continuously providing the necessary voltage and current when in the on or active position.

The device uses a trigger wire/reference wire setup method for each sensor input. Therefore, each sensor input requires both wires be connected to complete each input.

How to wire sensor inputs

Use the methods below to make trigger wire and reference wire colour connections. If you require monitoring 2 sensors and both have the same polarity simply wire both inputs identically.

For positive sensor triggers, Use the solid colour input wire for the positive trigger. Use the striped colour input wire for the reference wire/input ground.

For negative sensor triggers, use the striped colour input wire for the negative trigger. Use the solid colour input wire for the reference wire/+VDC reference voltage.

The EAT device has a molded 15.4 ft (4.7 m) long power and I/O harness terminating with these colour-coded wires with bare leads:

Color

Function

Wire Gauge

[AWG (mm2)]

EAT_wiring_red.png

Red

VDC Battery (power source)

22 AWG

EAT_wiring_white.png

White

Ignition

26 AWG

EAT_wiring_black (1).png

Black

Ground

22 AWG

Use both wires

Sensor input wires (must be installed as pairs)

EAT_wiring_violet.png

Violet

Digital Input 1: High ([+] trigger)

26 AWG

EAT_wiring_violet.png
EAT_wiring_black (1).png

Violet/Black

Digital input 1: Low ([-] trigger)

26 AWG

Use both wires

Sensor input wires (must be installed as pairs)

EAT_wiring_blue.png

Blue

Digital input 2: High ([+] trigger)

26 AWG

EAT_wiring_blue.png
EAT_wiring_black (1).png

Blue/Black

Digital Input 2: Low ([-] trigger)

26 AWG

EAT_wiring_brown.png

Brown

Digital Output 1: High ([+] output)

26 AWG

EAT_wiring_green.png

Green

Digital Output 1: Low ([-] output)

26 AWG

EAT_wiring_gray.png

Gray

One-Wire I/O

(not used)*

26 AWG

  • One-Wire I/O is not available at this time but is planned for a later phase.

  • The ground wire is actually three ground wires joined together at the exposed end, giving the appearance of being a single wire.

    Do not separate the ground wires and attempt to use them as individual ground wires.

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.

    Caution

    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.

    Caution

    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 is SAE J560 compliant and shows typical wiring colours and pin layout.

Wire colours.png

Warning

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.

    Caution

    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.

    Caution

    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.

Step 8: Mount the device

Warning

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.

Note

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.

    Note

    Pre-drilling mounting holes makes it easier to insert mounting screws.

  5. Secure the device to the asset using the included screws or bolts.

    Caution

    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.

Caution

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.

Mounting the device vertically on a vertical surface

vertical_vertical_preferred.png

When mounting the device vertically on a vertical surface, the preferred orientation is with the Verizon check mark right side up. This puts the status button at the bottom where it is less exposed to the elements.

Mounting the device horizontally on a vertical surface

vertical_horizontal_preferred.png

When mounting the device horizontally on a vertical surface, the preferred orientation is with the device label (label not shown in the picture) facing down. This will help keep the label from getting worn by the elements.

Mounting the device on a horizontal surface

horizontal_horizontal_preferred.png

When mounting the device on a horizontal surface, have the Verizon check mark, that is, the front of the device, facing up. Mounting the device facing down is not preferred, as doing so can impact reporting accuracy.

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).

Note

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.

Test Power.png

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.

Note

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

In accord with the terms and conditions of the Master Technology and Subscription Services Agreement between you and Verizon Connect, Verizon Connect shall not be responsible for any loss or damage whatsoever in connection with the self-installation of equipment, including without limitation, if equipment or services are not able to properly function, unless such damages have been caused by the negligent act or omission of Verizon Connect. Tracking hardware connected to the diagnostic port in vehicles that have third-party devices present can cause the third-party device or vehicle to lose functionality. These third-party devices include, but are not limited to, wheelchair lifts, idle control modules and PTOs. 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 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.

FCC compliance statement

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation.

If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

  • Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

  • Increase the separation between equipment and receiver.

  • Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.

  • Consult the dealer or install technician for help.


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