Technical Service Update- November 22, 2005
GEOTrac calculates an approximation of distance using GPS coordinates taken every 15 seconds. Our GPS odometer will read slightly lower than your vehicle's. (approximately 5 per cent) The difference between both readings is dependent on speed and number of turns taken.
The GPS odometer starts at 0 km when the modem is installed. The GPS on the antennae needs to remain installed for accurate GPS odometer readings.
On rare occasions when GPS signal is temporarily unavailable, the Transit Report will indicate a drop of the odometer to 0. This is normal behaviour of GPS satellites and will recover automatically.
Troubleshooting Power Issues
Problem: Ignition On/Off Issues
Description:
When you view the Activity Report of a customer, the vehicle is idle; however, you still get Ignition On and Ignition Off messages that are only a few minutes apart.
Action:
Test the Ignition Power and make sure it has a voltage of 12V(refer to owner's manual for the vehicle, and switch the IGIV source to a new fuse in the existing fuse panel. Look for Run power, ACC spare, IGN (A,B,C,D) or delayed ACC power. Write down what IGIV source you connected to for the field report.
Relocate the Ignition Source. For instance, if the Ignition power is drawn from the fuse panel under the hood, relocate it to the fuse panel in the cab of the vehicle.
Test the reoccurrence of this problem for a few hours. If the problem persists relocate the ignition source yet again (if it is a possibility)
If this does not resolve the issue, contact the corresponding dealership, give them the vehicle's VIN number and ask them for an accurate electronics schematic for the Ignition Power.
Problem: Power Short-Circuits
Description:
You have proper power on the vehicle but whenever you start the engine you are creating short-circuits, hence blowing the fuse. This will not happen if there is a MOV in place. The only fuse should be at the battery and it will not exceed 10 AMPs. Do not allow the wire to make contact with the ground otherwise it will spark and blow the fuse.
Action:
Measure the amperage of the Ignition Source and make sure it is close to 10Amp
Unplug the modem. Measure the voltage and power of the Ignition Source and Battery while ignition is on as well as off. If this voltage exceeds 15V, then the vehicle is either experiencing electrical problems or has a 24V starter system (see below for further instructions)
If the vehicle has a 24V starter system: Attempt to find a 12V power supply in the fuse panel
No 12V in fuse panel: Utilize the AM/FM radio for a 12V ignition source as well as constant power. In this case however, make sure you do not use the same ground as the radio.
Troubleshooting Communications Issues
Problem: No ORBCOMM satellite connection
Description:
The modem does not appear to be seeing any ORBCOMM satellites. Transmission errors or no location/messaging updates are being sent. This is displayed by a blinking red LED on the side of the modem. Consequently, messages are stored in the queue, indicated by the second LED staying yellow. Both LEDs can be found on the side of the Stellar modem.
Action:
Remove the whip from the antenna base and verify that its length is 42 inches
Check the coax cable for continuity. A black box has been designed specifically for this functionality
Make sure the pin of the coax cable is well-fitted, tight and flush with the top of the BNC.
Check to see if the antenna is a minimum of 22 inches away from any other antenna
Make sure you are a fair distance away from any building especially if it has broadcasting equipment on the roof since that may affect satellite signal reception
Queue up a few messages and wait for approximately 15 minutes to ensure the proper transmittal of the messages, since it can take up to 10 minutes for the modem to configure its frequency and start communicating with a satellite
Replace the antenna and repeat the previous steps.
It may be necessary to run a de-bug file and/or update the firmware on the modem. The modem manufacturer provides a software utility for such purposes. If this is required, please contact GEOTrac support for further instructions.
Confirm you have 12 V running into the battery side of the modem. It must be 12 V to transmit a message.
Troubleshooting Mobile Data Terminal Issues
Problem: Messages not sent/received
Description:
When using the MDT to send messages via the modem, messages are not sent off or not received by the messaging center. Several reasons could contribute to this outcome:
- Gateway setting is not correct for the area user is operating in
- Invalid e-mail address
- Antenna not hooked up properly
Action:
Gateway has to be set for the specific location the user is operating in
All destination e-mail addresses have to be set to: messaging@geotracinternational.com
Make sure antenna has continuity and is properly connected to the modem
Problem: Speed Buttons not sending properly
Description:
When using the MDT to send messages via the modem, users sometimes opt for the Speed Button facility. However, sometimes speed buttons do not get sent properly, namely, upon their receipt in the GEOTrac messaging center, the body of these messages contains such parameters as "@user, @date", etc. without displaying the actual information inside those parameters. Several reasons could contribute to this outcome:
Action:
Gateway setting is not correct for the area user is operating in
- Invalid e-mail address
- Speed buttons not programmed correctly, i.e. the message is not recognized by the GEOTrac Parser as a speed button message
- MDT's are key sensitive ' message body for Speed buttons should be written in Uppercase
Problem: MDT not displaying GPS or Satellite status
Description:
When you plug an MDT into a unit, the top right corner of the MDT screen is blank as opposed to showing the GPS status as well as the Satellite status
Action:
- If top right corner of the screen is blank after 60 seconds of plugging MDT into unit AND MDT is still sending messages (verified in our Database), then the MDT cable is either lose or defected.
- If top right corner of the screen is blank AND MDT is not sending any messages, continue to step 3
- Check Orbcomm MDT settings: GEOTrac does not recommend changing the MDT System Settings in the field. The Settings option on the MDT is password protected. If you require assistance with your MDT settings please return the unit to your help desk if applicable, GEOTrac, or an authorized dealer.
- MDT will not show you the ORB COMM box in the right hand corner until it has both GPS and satellite.
