Support Document
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•IOX-KEYBOX Reference Guide
Support Document
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•The IOX-KEYBOX provides a new hardware option for the Geotab Keyless Service. This new hardware is interchangeable with the existing IOX-KEYLESS and IOX-KEYLESS-NK hardware. The IOX-KEYBOX is designed as a smart actuator to operate vehicle keys with a central locking function to lock or unlock the vehicle.
The IOX-KEYBOX provides a new hardware option for the Geotab Keyless Service. This new hardware is interchangeable with the existing IOX-KEYLESS and IOX-KEYLESS-NK hardware.
The IOX-KEYBOX is designed as a smart actuator to operate vehicle keys with a central locking function to lock or unlock the vehicle.
The box uses two camshaft-driven drag levers that can operate the key buttons for locking or unlocking the vehicle via central locking. This makes it possible to implement different forms of key transfer, according to the functionality of the vehicle (steering wheel lock vs keyless start).
The combination of the key receptacle (key bed) and the two towing levers must be adapted to the shape of the vehicle key.
✱ NOTE: Once ordered, the key fob tray and actuation arms cannot be replaced.
The IOX-KEYBOX controls the power state of the vehicle key fob through the key fob power control (KPC). KPC replaces the fob battery to enable targeted power supply. KPC use is recommended for all push to start vehicles, but not strictly required. Bladed keys do not support the use of KPC due to the fact that the customer must retrieve the physical key to start the vehicle.
✱ NOTE: Some vehicles do not support the use of a KPC due to OEM key fob design.
The IOX-KEYBOX will be shipped the following hardware, depending on the key fob type selected:
The IOX-KEYBOX can be ordered through MyAdmin as a standard Geotab product. The IOX-KEYBOX requires the key fob to be identified during the ordering stage.
Each IOX-KEYBOX uses three 3D printed components that are customized for each key fob type. These are:
Fob tray | Secures the key fob inside the IOX-KEYBOX |
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Lock Button Arm | Presses the lock button on the key fob |
Unlock button arm | Presses the unlock button on the key fob |
Correct identification of the key fob is a critical step to identifying the required IOX-KEYBOX. Users will need to match the key fob to the image from the IOX-KEYBOX Fob Catalog. The three-digit Box Type code identifies the required customizations for each fob type. Incorrect identification will result in an IOX-KEYBOX that is not compatible with the Customer’s key fob.
Each IOX-KEYBOX is designed to be compatible with a specific key fob. When selecting the Box Type, the Fob Shape and Lock & Unlock button position must match.
! IMPORTANT: Once purchased, the key fob tray cannot be changed. Geotab will not approve returns if the Customer selects the incorrect IOX-KEYBOX type.
Upon first opening of the IOX-KEYBOX, inspect the units for any damage before installation. If there is damage, or a strong odor, contact Geotab Support.
Confirm that the IOX-KEYBOX container includes the following items:
A GO9 (or later) device is required for operation of the IOX-KEYBOX. Installation and setup of the GO device is not covered in this guide, but can be found in the Telematics Device Quick Start Guide.
A key Power Control (KPC) unit is recommended to be used on all push to start vehicle installations, but its use is up to the fleet manager.
1 | Open the keyfob in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. |
2 | Remove the manufacturer's battery from the key fob. |
3 | Place the corresponding KPC in the battery position. ![]() |
4 | Close the key fob with the upper part and bend the cable in the direction as seen in the following figure: ![]() |
5 | Connect the plug to the socket in the key bed of the drawer of the box. ![]() |
6 | Place the key fob in the key bed. ![]() |
7 | Carefully close the drawer of the box. While closing, be careful not to damage any cables. |
The IOX-KEYBOX can be installed in a number of locations depending on the size and configuration of the vehicle. If no modifications/damage is allowed to secure the IOX-KEYBOX to the vehicle, it is recommended that the key box be installed in one of the two locations below:
✱ NOTE: The trunk must be fully enclosed to prevent the IOX-KEYBOX from entering the passenger compartment during a crash.
Alternative suggested mounting locations are available, but the use of additional mounting hardware is required.
WARNING!: If a suitable installation location requires the use of the HRN-IOXEXT: IOX-KEYBOX functionality allows the addition of only one HRN-IOXEXT, when No additional IOX cables / accessories are installed. IOX accessories can only be used with the IOX-KEYBOX when the HRN-IOXEXT is NOT used.
WARNING! If the IOX-KEYBOX is installed inside the cabin area or cargo area of a vehicle, it must be contained or otherwise secured to the vehicle to prevent it from becoming a projectile in the event of a collision. Failure to properly secure the IOX-KEYBOX could result in serious personal injury and/or vehicle damage.
IOX-KEYBOX is NOT to be installed in the following locations:
The installation technician must evaluate the safety of the installation and determine an appropriate attachment method for the IOX-KEYBOX to secure the device. The functionality of the key fob in the installation location should be tested prior to mounting and installation.
1 | Prior to installing any equipment, determine the installation location most suitable for the subject vehicle.
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2 | Prepare the IOX-KEYBOX for installation. ![]() |
3 | Attach the supplied dual lock adhesive tape to the bottom of the IOX-KEYBOX. ![]() |
4 | Route the IOX cable from the IOX-KEYBOX through the access or drilled hole to the location of where the GO device will be installed. Ensure cable routing will not be a safety concern and is concealed within the dash. Secure the cable using cable ties. |
5 | Using the dual lock, mount the IOX-KEYBOX in the selected location. Ensure it is secure, and the tray can fully open without obstruction. |
6 | Attach the IOX-KEYBOX cable to the GO device and then proceed to install the T-Harness and GO device to the vehicle following instructions in the Telematics Device Quick Start Guide. |
1 | Prepare the IOX-KEYBOX for installation. Prior to installing any equipment, determine the installation location most suitable for the subject vehicle.
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2 | When installing in the cargo or under the rear passenger seat areas, use the supplied attachment brackets and mounting hardware to secure the device.
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3 | Route the HRN-KEYBOX cable from the IOX-KEYBOX to the location of where the GO device will be installed. Ensure cable routing will not be a safety concern and is concealed. Secure the cable using cable ties. |
4 | Use the mounts to secure the IOX-KEYBOX to the selected location. Ensure it is secure, and the door can fully open without obstruction. |
5 | Attach the IOX-KEYBOX cable to the GO device and then proceed to install the T-Harness and GO device to the vehicle following instructions in the Telematics Device Quick Start Guide. |
IOX-KEYBOX is fully integrated into the Geotab Keyless service. Details on the GKS integration can be found in the Geotab Keyless Technical Integration Manual.
Details on the IOX-KEYBOX commands and Keyless API are available at Geotab Keyless Service.
✱ NOTE: GO firmware must be on Stable or keyless release channels
Commands are common across GKS hardware with common behaviors and outcomes.
Locate | Double press of the key fob lock button. Vehicle action is dependent on the OEM programming, but in general, the command causes the vehicle to honk the horn and flash the lights. |
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Lock | Lock all doors by activating the key fob lock button, twice. |
Unlock | Unlock all doors by activating the key fob unlock button, twice. |
IgnitionEnable | Mobilize the vehicle through the KPC. |
IgnitionInhibit | Immobilize the vehicle through the KPC. |
Reset | Reset the state of the vehicle, so it can accept new reservations. |
✱ NOTE: See the Geotab Keyless Technical Integration Manual for more information.
Due to the interaction of the hardware with the key fob, there are three IOX-KEYBOX specific override commands available.
LockKeyBox | Overrides the auto tray lock workflow to put the IOX-KEYBOX tray into a locked state (OTA only). |
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UnlockKeyBox | Overrides the auto tray lock workflow to put the IOX-KEYBOX tray into an unlocked state (OTA only). |
LocateKeyBox | Activates the internal buzzer to assist the user in locating the IOX-KEYBOX inside the vehicle. |
The KPC unit controls the power state of the key fob. Ignition Enable and Inhibit commands allow the key fob to be powered ON & OFF as required. The use of the KPC is not required for IOX-KEYBOX operation.
Additional details on the Ignition controls are available in the Geotab Keyless Technical Integration Manual.
✱ NOTE: Without the use of the KPC, a thief would be able to activate the vehicle ignition after gaining access to the vehicle.
The IOX-KEYBOX has four positional states that the arms can be positioned in. The four states are defined below:
The actuation bar rotates through each position to its direct neighbors (1<->2<->3<->4). Rotation from position 1 to position 4 is not possible.
After Lock command, IOX-KEYBOX parks at tray locked state 2.
After Unlock command, the IOX-KEYBOX parks at tray unlocked state 3
The below images show the IOX-KEYBOX positions.
Tray lock/unlock control default state leaves the try locked after a vehicle lock command, and unlocked after a vehicle unlock command. If alternative tray behavior is required, Tray Lock commands are available for use.
The IOX-KEYBOX is connected to the GO9 device through the HRN-KEYBOX for both power and communication. The following section describes the interface.
Main Connector pinout | Description |
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Pin 1 | Ground (negative)) |
Pin 2 | Supply voltage (positive) |
Pin 3 | CAN-L (CAN bus low pin) |
Pin 4 | CAN_H (CAN Bus high pin) |
Pin 5 | Reserved |
Pin 6 | Reserved |
✱ NOTE: The pin number marking is clearly visible inside the receptacle.
CAN bus | Description |
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Description | Not galvanically isolated, referred to ground (pin1) |
Data rate | Up to 5Mbit/s |
Features | CAN FD, bus wake-up |
Specification | BLE 5.1 |
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Operating frequencies | 2.4 GHz |
Compatibility | Bluetooth low energy 5.1 and earlier LE specifications |
Operating frequency | 13.56 MHz |
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Possible operating modes | R/W ISO/IEC 144443A/MIFARE and Feli scheme R/W ISO/IEC 144443B |
Antenna location | Inside the drawer, below the key fob, above the fuel card. |
✱ NOTE: NFC use is limited to fuel/payment card detection.
Operating frequency | 315 MHz, 434 MHz, 868 MHz |
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Refer to the IOX-KEYBOX Support Document for safety disclaimer and limitations of use.