VAM-HD Basic Installation DISCLAIMER: INFORMATION IN THIS DOCUMENT IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. FULL DETAILS OF ALL INFORMATION AND DISCLAIMERS RELATING TO THIS DOCUMENT AND THE PRODUCT IT DESCRIBES CAN BE FOUND IN OUR WARRANTY BOOKLET IN OUR RESOURCE LIBRARY ONLINE AND IN THE BOX WHEN YOU PURCHASE THE PRODUCT.
1. VAM-HD This installation guide provides information on how to install and then test the VAM-HD device using the colour coded diagnostic LED sequences. The VAM-HD (Vehicle Asset Management) device is one of a family of products developed by Redtail Telematics. VAM is a black box that consists of a GPS chipset, a cellular modem, micro-controller, accelerometer and much more. This document is intended to be used by professional installers and assumes knowledge of DC electrical systems, wiring, and common installation practices. 1.1 Getting started Before attempting to install your VAM-HD, ensure that all the following parts are present in the box, and that the two fuses are secure in their fuse holders: VAM-HD Standard unit 6 x cable ties VAM-HD 3 wire system cable 1 x star washer 1 x 1A ATC fuse 1 x No. 8 x ½ self-tapping screw 1 x 5A ATC fuse Velcro strip, self-adhesive backing Approximate dimensions of the VAM-HD unit are: 116mm (L) x 62mm (W) x 18mm (H). 2016 REDTAIL TELEMATICS Page 2 of 6
These items are essential for a hard-wired installation: 12V digital multi-meter wire strippers black tape razor knife 1.2 Selecting an installation point dos and don ts The ideal location to mount your VAM module is under the dashboard in the driver/passenger compartment of the vehicle. If you install your VAM in this way, mount it as high as possible to enhance its line of sight to the sky. The VAM has internal antennae for GPS satellite reception and cellular communication. These should be sufficient to enable the VAM to obtain a GPS fix, providing you have followed the mounting position guidelines as described. Do always install the VAM with the label facing upwards so that the internal antennae have a good clear view of the sky. Do ensure that all connections are properly secure. Do ensure that the vehicle is outside before testing. Do not install the product in the vehicle s engine bay. Do not place your VAM directly under a metal panel, as this will affect its GPS and cellular performance. Plastic and glass do not block the signal unless they are metal-coated, such as Solar Glass windshields. Do not install the VAM where it will be subjected to direct sunlight, such as directly under the windshield. Do not allow the VAM unit to hang loosely; instead use Velcro strips or cable ties to mount the VAM securely to the vehicle. 1.3 Connecting your VAM unit to the vehicle (3 wire harness installation) The VAM requires a permanent connection to the vehicle power supply. The installer must locate a +12VDC or +24VDC supply that is not affected by the ignition status. The best location to find such a supply is a connection direct from the battery or within the ignition cable harness. (Refer to your specific vehicle s wiring diagram, test with a digital multimeter). 2016 REDTAIL TELEMATICS Page 3 of 6
Connect the red wire to the permanent DC supply of the vehicle. Connect the black wire to a solid chassis ground that is clean and free of paint or dirt. As a last resort option, use the star washer and the self-tapping screw for this purpose Connect the white wire on the system cable to an ignition sense wire on the vehicle s cable loom. The ignition sense wire can be identified easily when the ignition is switched on the vehicle has 12VDC when off it drops to 0V. Plug the VAM unit into the system cable as shown. 2016 REDTAIL TELEMATICS Page 4 of 6
When you ve completed the installation, use any remaining cable ties to tidy the wires on the system harness. 1.4 Testing your installation It is recommended that you test your installation before first using the VAM system to ensure that it functions at its optimum level. 1. Park the vehicle in a reasonably open area outdoors to receive GPS signals, with the engine switched OFF. The VAM unit is set to search automatically for a GPS fix as soon as power is applied. When a fix is found, the unit will send a First Fix Message via the cellular network to the Back Office provider. 2. Switch the engine ON, and observe the LED flash sequence as described in DIAGNOSTIC LED FLASH SEQUENCE. 3. Ensure that the GPS is able to obtain a 3D GPS fix this is signified by 3 short green flashes. This can take several minutes. 4. Ensure that the VAM connects to the cellular network. This can take several minutes AFTER the 3D GPS fix is obtained. 5. Ensure that the VAM senses that the engine is running this is signified by two rapid green flashes. This will occur several seconds after the ignition is switched ON. If there is only one rapid flash, the device considers the engine not to be running CHECK YOUR IGNITION CONNECTION. 6. Switch OFF the engine. 1.5 Back Office connection Ensure that the unit has registered with the Back Office over the cellular network. DO NOT leave the vehicle until you have verified that the unit has checked-in by displaying its current location on the Back Office. You can do this by contacting Redtail Telematics on this number: 866-711-4880. 2016 REDTAIL TELEMATICS Page 5 of 6
2. DIAGNOSTIC LED FLASH SEQUENCE The VAM diagnostic LED flash sequence, shown in Table 1, indicates the GPS and communications network status and engine-running detection. These sequences are repeated in a loop with a one-second gap between each sequence. A full engineering diagnostic cycle lasts between 4 seconds (with no GPS or cellular, and no engine running) to 10½ seconds (with 3D GPS, cellular active, and the engine running). To save power, the LED is switched off when the VAM is in Sleep Mode. Table 1: VAM diagnostic LED flash sequence LED Flash Color Type Description GPS Cellular Network Connection Ignition Status Bluetooth future feature Red 1 short flash No GPS Orange 2 short flashes 2D GPS fix Green 3 short flashes 3D GPS fix Orange 1 medium flash GSM network available (SMS only) Green 2 medium flashes Data link available (GPRS) Orange 3 medium flashes SMS(s) being transmitted or received since last sequence cycle Red 4 medium flashes No network coverage (No GSM, GPRS) Orange 1 rapid flash Ignition OFF Green 2 rapid flashes Ignition ON Orange 1 long flash Searching for a Bluetooth connection Green 2 long flashes Bluetooth connected Red 1 long flash Bluetooth not connected/off 2016 REDTAIL TELEMATICS Page 6 of 6