Installation guide: Equipment Asset Tracker - Wired (for Reveal)
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 Reveal customers.
In this guide:
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Cordless drill with metric and standard bits. For mounting hardware sizes, see Step 2.
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Safety glasses or other eye protection
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Marker for marking where holes will be drilled
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If drilling a pass-through hole, a grommet and silicone to seal the grommet. (Use a polyurethane based silicone instead of those with acid based curing agents to avoid corroding metal surfaces).
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Heat-shrink ring terminals and butt connectors
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Protective wire loom
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Dielectric grease
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Super 33 or better electrical tape
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16-18 gauge (1.5-0.75 mm2) wire to extend connections, if needed
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Zip ties
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The Reveal Spotlight app: Install the Reveal Spotlight app
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EAT Device with attached 15 ft (4.5 m) harness
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4 x self-drilling screws for metal: standard 5/16-inch (8 mm) hex head, number 12 size, 1 inch (25 mm) long
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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
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4 x lock nuts 3/8-inch (9.5 mm) head
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4 x washers, flat type
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.
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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.
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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.
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Mounting holes (one on each corner) (1)
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Device label with serial number (SN) and International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number (2)
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Status LEDs for battery, network, and GPS (3)
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Status button that wakes the device, runs a status test, and sends a report (4)
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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.
Record the device's serial number (SN). You will need it later to when confirming the device has connected to Reveal.
The device's serial number (SN) is on the device label (see Step 3 above).
Where the device is mounted depends partly on the type of powered asset.
When choosing a mounting location, consider the following:
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Keep the device clear of moving parts or areas that will expose the device to road debris or high-pressure water spray. Also,
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Do not mount the device next to any heat-generating machinery.
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The device’s omnidirectional antennas allow the device to be mounted facing up or sideways, facing out.
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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.
Possible locations include:
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Top of the trailer’s tongue
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Hitch rail
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Side rails
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Front bulkhead
The device is mounted in a later step.
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Hold the device in the mounting location.
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Press the status button firmly for 1-3 seconds to wake the device.*
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Avoid pressing the status button for too long because this can put the device in Bluetooth pairing mode. Bluetooth features are not currently supported in the device. 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 network check.
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Press the status button again to start the status check.
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Check the status LEDs. (See LED status table below.)
If your tracker's HW Rev is "A.1.1" or lower on the device label, you need to apply additional force to press the status button.
Instead of using only your finger, use a capped pen at an angle to press the bottom edge of the button for 1-3 seconds to wake the device.
Table 1. LED status table
|
Icon |
Name |
Status |
|---|---|---|
|
|
Battery |
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|
|
Network |
|
|
|
GPS |
|
|
|
Bluetooth |
|
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The device runs a status test for battery, network, and GPS.
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It can take up to 30 seconds for the LEDs to light up and they stay on for 5 seconds. To recheck the status, press the Status button. Pressing the Status button a second time does not power off the device.
In this step:
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Connections overview
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I/O harness wiring details
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About the sensor wiring connections (digital inputs)
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Fuses
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Connecting to the power source using the 2-wire method
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Connecting to the power source using the 3-wire method
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Connecting to digital input/output sensors
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.
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The 2-wire method is typically used on trailers.
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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.
Before you begin, familiarize yourself with the wiring harness.
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)] |
|---|---|---|
|
Red |
VDC Battery (power source) |
22 AWG |
|
White |
Ignition |
26 AWG |
|
Black |
Ground |
22 AWG |
|
Use both wires |
Sensor input wires (must be installed as pairs) |
|
|
Violet |
Digital Input 1: High ([+] trigger) |
26 AWG |
|
Violet/Black |
Digital input 1: Low ([-] trigger) |
26 AWG |
|
Use both wires |
Sensor input wires (must be installed as pairs) |
|
|
Blue |
Digital input 2: High ([+] trigger) |
26 AWG |
|
Blue/Black |
Digital Input 2: Low ([-] trigger) |
26 AWG |
|
Brown |
Digital Output 1: High ([+] output) |
26 AWG |
|
Green |
Digital Output 1: Low ([-] output) |
26 AWG |
|
Gray |
One-Wire I/O (not used)* |
26 AWG |
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One-Wire I/O is not available at this time but is planned for a later phase.
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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.
The device harness includes two weatherproof fuse holders, each holding a 3A mini-blade replaceable fuse. Therefore, there is no need to splice in any fuses during installation. Replacement fuses, if needed, can be purchased from any auto parts store. The fuses are located on the device’s red VDC power wire and white ignition wire.
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Connect the device’s red wire to the asset’s +12/24V constant power source.
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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.
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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
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Remove the 7-pin connector’s mounting plate.
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Mount the unit to the trailer using provided mounting hardware.
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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.
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Push the harness end down the interior side of the trailer wall toward the 7-way connector.
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If it will be necessary for the harness to pass through, clip off the preinstalled fused links from the device harness.
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Make a drip loop in the harness to prevent condensation from running towards electrical connections.
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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.
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Pull the wiring harness through at the 7-pin connector.
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Reattach the fused links using heat shrink butt connectors and verify a 3-5 amp fuse is present.
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Separate the black and red wires from the harness.
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Tape any unused harness wires to the harness sheath (do not cut to custom length).
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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.
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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 7-pin connector diagram is SAE J560 compliant and shows typical wiring colours 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.
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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.
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Remount the 7-pin cover plate.
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If the EAT device is installed using a 2-wire connection, set it to a 2-wire configuration as follows:
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Get the device serial number (see device label in Step 3).
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Contact Customer Support and supply the device serial number.
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Request the device be set to a 2-wire configuration.
Do not connect the red power wire to the marker or running lights unless it is specifically requested by Verizon Connect.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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 9: Mount the device.
As shown in the I/O harness wiring details, the EAT device has these I/O options:
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Two digital inputs. These inputs can switch between either positive or negative polarity, so no relays are required. Each input has two wire leads, one for high (positive) and one for low (negative). When each input is used, both wires must be connected.
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One digital output. Digital output provides a negative 200 mA output. Digital output is typically used to energise a relay coil, or functions such as a buzzer or an LED.
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One-Wire input and output (one wire for both). One-Wire I/O is not yet supported by this device; therefore, the device’s grey One-Wire lead is not used at this time, but is planned for a later phase of the product.
The asset should be listed in Reveal and Spotlight with the serial number as the asset name. You can search for the asset to confirm that it is successfully connected to Verizon Connect.
To check for the device in Spotlight:
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In Spotlight, go to the Map screen.
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In the Search field, enter the device serial number and tap Search.
For further information, see Verify an installation in Reveal.
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.
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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).
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Move the device to where you plan to mount it, and activate and test it as follows.
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Press the status button once to wake the device.
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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).
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Holding the device firmly in the location where it will be mounted, carefully mark the positions of the four mounting holes.
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When satisfied with the mounting location, drill the mounting holes.
Pre-drilling mounting holes makes it easier to insert mounting screws.
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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.)
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.
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.
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.
In Reveal, the installation method is set by default to 3-wire (for powered equipment or similar).
For trailer installations that use a 2-wire connection, change the installation method setting in Reveal to 2-wire. For further details, see Update the Installation method setting for asset trackers.
For trailer installations that use a 2-wire connection, the Installation method setting in Reveal needs to be changed from 3-wire (the default setting) to 2-wire to ensure correct reporting.
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.
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: