I.D. SYSTEMS, INC. VAC™ – Vehicle Asset Communicator™ A Wireless Fleet Management Device VAC User’s Guide Version 3.1.
VAC™ – A WIRELESS FLEET MANAGEMENT DEVICE VAC – User’s Guide VAC™ IDS Gateway™ IDS WAN Console™ © I.D. Systems, Inc. 1 University Plaza • 6th Floor Hackensack, NJ 07601 Phone 201.996.9000 • Fax 201.996.9144 www.id-systems.
Preface This manual is a user’s guide for the VAC (Vehicle Asset Communicator), a Wireless Fleet Management Device developed by I.D. Systems, Inc. This guide provides the instruction necessary for someone to install, operate and maintain the VAC device in a vehicle. Note: This user’s guide may change without notice due to enhancements or changes to VAC. Related Documents Vehicle Survey (Doc. #: 026-1000-01) Publication History Version Date Changes 2.5.x 9.18.02 Initial 2.6.x 10.25.
FCC Compliance Statement Compliance Statement (Part 15.19) 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. Warning (Part 15.21) Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
Table of Contents Table of Contents TABLE OF CONTENTS ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 5 INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 7 SYSTEM OVERVIEW .......................................
VAC User’s Guide Logging Off of the VAC ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 23 ELECTRONIC OSHA SAFETY CHECKLISTS (ALL USERS) .......................................................................................................................... 23 OSHA Question Mode ................................................................................................
Introduction Introduction This manual is a user’s guide for the VAC (Vehicle Asset Communicator), a Wireless Fleet Management Device developed by I.D. Systems. This guide will introduce the reader to the VAC and to I.D. Systems’ Fleet Management solution. In addition, this guide also includes information about VAC installation procedures, installation options, operator instructions, maintenance procedures, and troubleshooting.
VAC User’s Guide monitoring, safety, maintenance and communication technology in an industrial vehicle. Within the VAC, a processor is integrated with an RF transceiver and vehicle interface and runs an embedded computer application. Information about the attached vehicle is communicated from the VAC over the wireless infrastructure of Gateways™, to I.D. Systems software (refer to the system diagram in Figure 1).
Installation Installation WARNINGS * Please read this document in its entirety BEFORE performing any installation. * * Please disconnect main vehicle battery BEFORE performing any installation. * Standard Hardware for Installation The standard components of the VAC system are installed on every vehicle type (Industrial Electric and Internal Combustion).
VAC User’s Guide Minimum ¼” chuck drill ¼” drill bit 1 ¼” or 1 ½” hole saw #10 socket and ratchet (or open-end wrench) Medium sized slotted and Phillips screwdrivers Wire stripper Multimeter and test lead assortment Note: The system is shipped with a set of hardware used to install the system on a vehicle (Mounting Hardware Assortment kits). The hardware should accommodate most vehicle types. The hardware kit is specified for high vibration industrial applications. I.D.
Installation Verification test sheet are available. If not, do not proceed with installation. If all equipment is available, record the following on the installation sheet: The VAC serial number Installing the VAC (and optional ID Reader) The VAC contains the driver’s user interface to the system and also contains the embedded fleet management software and RF capability.
VAC User’s Guide Using the attached hex key tighten the hex nuts to secure the swivel points. The bracket is not supposed to be adjustable. Failure of tightening the hex nuts will result in assembly failure. Attach the 9-pin circular connector of the VAC-to-PCM cable (Item 4) to the circular connector on the back of the VAC. Route the VAC-to-PCM cable through the hole in the VAC mounting bracket and route all the way to the vehicle interface location.
Installation The system requires an uninterrupted, regulated 6.5 VDC supply from the vehicle. The supply should be continuous regardless of the condition of the vehicle. The only time the supply is discontinued is when the vehicle’s battery is unplugged. The interface should be the cleanest possible power source, free from noise and damaging voltage spikes. The current draw of the system in normal mode at 6.5 VDC is approximately 0.
VAC User’s Guide Standard VAC Operation VAC Overview The VAC device is the vehicle component of a comprehensive fleet management system provided by I.D. Systems. The VAC incorporates a highly customized computer application, a two-way wireless communications port, and a vehicle power and data interface.
Installation When in range of IDS Gateways, the VAC will: Display an ‘in-range’ indicator, letting the driver know that information can currently be communicated Send any stored data, verifying receipt through a robust confirmation process Synchronize with the most up-to-date access control information (add, delete or modify authorized driver information) Receive any updates to vehicle settings, such as battery and impact thresholds, or OSHA questions Update the vehicle’s location, and, i
VAC User’s Guide Verifying impact sensing Basic Operation: LCD, Keypad, ID Reader and LEDs The VAC incorporates a robust 20-key keypad and a 20-by-4 character display that is backlit for 15 seconds when a key is pressed. In addition, certain units are equipped with identification device readers (proximity card, magnetic card, 1-wire memory chip such as an iButton, or smart card).
Installation VAC is to a Gateway. When in range of a Gateway, a VAC will download any required data and will attempt to upload data. The VAC will continue to function and record data, however, when not in range of a Gateway. Screen Data: The second and third lines contain screen data. If there are more than two lines of screen data, the up and down arrows (keys 2 and 7) must be pressed to scroll through the data. Menu Options: The bottom line of screen.
VAC User’s Guide displayed on the screen (typed as well as default digits, EXACTLY AS THEY APPEAR ON THE SCREEN. For example, if ‘0000’ appears on the screen, and the user presses 2 then 1, the screen will read ‘2100’. In this case, 2100 will be submitted if the ENTER key is pressed.). o Therefore, to keep the default entry without making a change, simply press ENTER without pressing any digits.
Installation responsible for the vehicle. Therefore, it is imperative that drivers do not leave assigned vehicles unattended. If, however, a driver forgets to log off, the VAC is configured to ‘time out’ after a configurable period of non-use. (system-wide default: twenty minutes, changed via the ARDCS – Beacon). While this idle-timeout feature is a fail-safe, it will not prevent another driver from taking an assigned vehicle during the time prior to the time-out.
VAC User’s Guide iButton) *Config*: (if applicable) Allows a Maintenance User to log in without an ID card; for keypadonly systems, this menu option does not appear. 4 3 A PIN code will then be requested (if the system is configured to have PIN). Use the numeric keys to enter PIN. After entering PIN (hidden by **** characters for security), press ENTER key. If no PIN is required, press ENTER when prompted with default PIN of 0000.
Installation Driver Type(optional) The type of driver access is displayed on the top line once authorized, indicating, for example, whether the current user is a standard, authorized user (shown), a master user, an administrative user, etc.
VAC User’s Guide Violation Code Reason for Login Denial 2 Not authorized on this day. 3 Not authorized on vehicle. 4 Invalid password. 5 Invalid driver ID. 6 Wrong login method. 7 Critical OSHA Interlock (Optional) 8 Embedded Users Disabled (Optional) 9 Vehicle is out of service or has no valid authorizations Explanation authorized.
Installation be emailed or sent by pager to specified personnel (See ARDCS User’s Guide). Logging Off of the VAC WARNING: When an operator leaves a vehicle, the operator is still responsible for that vehicle until he/she logs off (or until the authorization times out) – See Access Control Overview above. 2 Authorized User: To log off of the vehicle, first come to a stop. While not in motion, press the “LOGOFF” button. Logging off will be prevented if in motion. Universal vx.x.
VAC User’s Guide questions. The duration of the shift is configurable (default: 14 hours; configurable only prior to receipt of VAC units). The OSHA question screen mode lists customizable questions, specific to the vehicle on which the VAC is installed. The driver is expected to answer each question after performing the required inspection task. The questions and responses can be changed wirelessly at any time by using the Console’s OSHA Checklist Tool.
Installation 1 Authorized User: >OSHA< After a successful login, the VAC screen will show this message. If OSHA questions have not been completed, >OSHA< will continually flash. The operator should simply press the “CHECK” button. The first checklist question will then appear, with multiple-choice responses. Note: some vehicles are also configured with an LED that will flash to remind operators and nearby personnel that the checklist is unfilled.
VAC User’s Guide Critical OSHA Shutdown (Optional) When a user replies with a critical response to an OSHA question, and upon the completion of the entire checklist, the user is logged off immediately and the VAC remains disabled for standard users. Only Master and Maintenance users will be able to log on until the vehicle is reactivated from the WAN Console by an authorized person.
Installation After responding to pages, drivers may drive their vehicle near a Gateway (driver will see ¥ indicator on VAC display) to ensure that their responses get back to the sender as soon as possible. Regardless, all responses are stored on the VAC for upload as soon as the VAC can communicate with any Gateway. All pages have standard options for reading, deleting and exiting the page text. Pages may or may not have additional responses for the driver to select from.
VAC User’s Guide “XX /Y Y” shows sequence # of message selected / out of total # of messages Pager screen: (Inbox) 2 “New: #” shows how many new, unread messages have been received. Each message summary line shows: Status Indicator (“□” in this case, for “unread”), Message Subject (“Maintenance” in this case) and Time Sent (24-hour format, “09:36” in this case). Flashing cursor indicates which message is selected.
Installation If a message requires a response, the on-screen menu will also display the multiple-choice response options available (in addition to the default options listed in step 3). 4 Select desired response *option* using right/left arrow keys, then press the ENTER key to log and transmit response. Note: in some cases, a certain response (e.g. “Accept”, in reply to a work order) will prompt another level of response options (e.g. “Complete”, to confirm the work ordered has been completed).
VAC User’s Guide Motion Safety Feature (Optional – Standard and Master Users) A feature may be enabled in which the VAC’s display and keypad will become inoperative when the VAC senses that the vehicle is in motion. This feature requires that the VAC is monitoring vehicle motion via its serial data interface. It is used to prevent drivers from interacting with the VAC during vehicle operation, a possible safety hazard.
Installation a short time period (default: five minutes) may contain incorrect charger data, unless corrective action is taken through the WANConsole’s Battery Rotation Tool. Battery Request: 1 Authorized User: Battery Request: *BattReq* When >LOW BATT< blinks on the VAC screen, the operator selects ‘BattReq’ to receive a battery recommendation. Authorized User: Requesting.. Battery Request Status: *BattReq* A ‘Requesting..
VAC User’s Guide 01/01 Pager Battery New:1 17:59 Battery Recommendation: *View*| Del | Exit » Up to two battery recommendations will arrive in a page. The Page indicator will blink. Select *Pager* from the main driving screen and press ENTER to view the Battery page. 4 1:Maint Shop Chrg: 0003 Batt: 0017 *More*| Back | OK » Battery Recommendation - Detail: To view each recommendation, scroll down (see Two-Way Text Paging guide). Charger Area name designates a nearby charger location.
Installation Battery Request Troubleshooting: If the ‘Requesting..’ indicator continues to blink for more than 10 seconds, operator should attempt to move vehicle closer to a Gateway. If operator is near a Gateway but the ‘Requesting..’ indicator blinks for more than 30 seconds, there is most likely a problem with that Gateway. The operator should move to another Gateway or consider proceeding with a manual swap. An administrator should be alerted to this condition. If the ‘Requesting..
VAC User’s Guide 1 Authorized User: Requesting.. *Add User* On the main VAC screen, a Master User will have an option to *Add User*. To temporarily add an existing driver to a vehicle to which they do not normally have access, scroll to *Add User* using the right/left arrow keys, and then press the ENTER key. Authorize Employee Present Proximity Card to authorize *Cancel* Add User screen: Once in the Add User screen, a User ID can be entered which will then be granted temporary access to the vehicle.
Appendix A Appendix A Electrical Typical Vehicle Battery Current Draw Min Nominal Max 12 Volt Vehicle (mA) 200 240 270 24 Volt Vehicle (mA) 120 150 180 36 Volt Vehicle (mA) 100 120 140 48 Volt Vehicle (mA) 80 100 120 Power Interface Min Nominal Max Supply Voltage (V) 5.5 6.
VAC User’s Guide Frequency Agility - Narrow band, adjustable frequency - Communication Data Rate - 39 KBaud - Communication Scheme - CSMA/CD - Antenna - Embedded, omnidirectional - User Interface User Interface Spec Keypad – keys 20 Keypad – type Membrane/polyester LCD – display type STN LCD – characters 80 (20 x 4) Backlight LED Proximity Card Spec Proximity Card Type HID only Environmental Spec IP65 Interface 6 wire F/2F iButton Spec iButton Type DS19 Environmental
Appendix A Environmental VAC Spec Operating Temperature -35 C to +70 C Storage Temperature -40 C to +85 C Humidity 95% RH (condensing) Environmental Sealing NEMA 4x, MilStd-810E Method 506.3 Procedure III, IP56 Vibration SAE J1455, Heavy Duty Truck Chassis Mount (11000 Hz, 1.
VAC User’s Guide Appendix B VAC™ Error Code Guide Error Code: E3301 a. The above message indicates that the memory back up battery residing in the VAC has failed. b. Turn OFF the power of the unit by removing the VAC-to-PCM cable from the VAC for about 1 min. c. Power up the unit. If the problem persists, replace the VAC and verify that the error message is not displayed. If it is still displayed, contact I.D. Systems, Inc. technical support. I.D. Systems, Inc.
Appendix C Appendix C Warranty Information Limited Warranty I.D. Systems, Inc. (IDS) warrants the IDS-manufactured VAC™ (“VAC”) against defects in material and workmanship under normal use for a period of time determined via purchase order (typically 90 days from the date of purchase).
VAC User’s Guide modification, or adjustment. 4. Unauthorized VAC modifications, disassemblies or repairs, which adversely affect performance of VAC or interfere with IDS’s normal warranty inspection and testing of VAC to verify any warranty claim. 5. VACs, if the serial number has been removed, altered or made illegible. 6. Shipping charges to the repair depot. 7.
Appendix C order to receive warranty service or RMA and, also, deliver and send the VAC, shipping and insurance prepaid, to an authorized warranty service location. Warranty service will be provided by one of IDS’s authorized warranty service locations or by IDS itself. Obtain warranty service or an RMA by contacting the company, which sold you the VAC (distributor or dealer). You may also call IDS at 201-996-9000 for warranty service or RMA information. I.D. Systems, Inc.
