Support Document

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Nov 28, 2022

Iridium satellite

If a vehicle is in an area with no cellular or network connection, the Iridium® Satellite Modem allows the Geotab® GO™ device to communicate over the Iridium Network. With the Iridium Satellite Modem, users can continue to track their fleet even when cellular connectivity is lost.

! IMPORTANT: Partner pre-planning: If device installation takes place in an area of no or poor cellular coverage, the Partner must power up the Geotab GO device and all IOX accessories (IOX-SATIRDv2) in an area of good cellular connectivity and sequence ignition to ensure the firmware is up-to-date on all devices prior to deployment to the no/poor coverage location.

Alert button notification

The IOX-SATIRDv2 allows the driver to send a top priority Emergency message through the satellite network to MyGeotab® by pressing an alert button (not included). For more information, refer to step 8 of the installation instructions.

Technical specifications and features

Weight

70 g

Size

Overall Length: 1810 mm

Widest Point: 31 mm W × 16 mm H

Housing

PC+ABS clamshell casing

Interfaces

CAN: 500 kbps (for daisy chaining)

RS-232 serial interface

Inputs

Emergency Switch Wire: Open — shorted to ground

Nominal Input Voltage

12 V / 24 V

Power Output

Iridium Interface: 900 mA @ 12 V/24 V

Current Draw IOX-SATIRDv2

on GOx daisy chain

40 mA at 12 V / 24 V Operating mode (typical/nominal current draw)

100 mA at 12 V / 24 V Operating mode (max. current draw)

0.4 mA at 12 V / 24 V Sleep mode (min. current draw)

Temperature Rating

−40 ℃ to +85 ℃

Connectors

Iridium Satellite Antenna Connector: SMA male plug

Iridium Satellite Modem Connector: SMA female jack

Male Mini-USB Type-B Connector: Daisy chain power and CAN in

Female Mini-USB Type-B Connector: Daisy chain power and CAN out

Molex 12-pin Connector 43025-1200: Iridium modem

1: Brown - GND

2: White - DTR

4: Green - RX

6: Red - PWR

8: Yellow - TX

Molex Female Terminal 43030-0001

Installation

  1. Male Mini-USB connector connects to GO device or another IOX.
  2. 12-pin plug connects to Iridium unit.
  3. Blue/black wires can be connected to an emergency alert button switch.

Compatible Devices

All GO7® and newer devices and variants

GO9 can source a maximum total current to the IOX in Daisy Chain

2500 mA at 12 V/24 V

NOTE: For each IOX in the Daisy Chain, add the Max Current draw, and do not exceed the Max. Total IOX Current draw.

Preparing for installation

! IMPORTANT: Professional installation (Certified Geotab® Installer or equivalent) is required for the safe and proper installation of this product (harness and/or IOX). The installer must have sufficient technical knowledge and expertise for the respective installation.

WARNING! Always read and follow all safety information, including Important Safety Information and Limitations of Use, before harness and/or IOX installation. Disconnect the GO device from the vehicle before installation and connect it post-installation (see goo.gl/rkLRiA). Failure to follow these instructions and warnings can result in loss of vehicle control and serious injury or vehicle damage.

Mandatory IOX-SATIRDv2 Device Management Process

! IMPORTANT: Management of the IOX-SATIRDv2 connectivity is handled separately from the GO device. More information on the required support inquiries to manage connectivity are outlined below.

  • Activation Process <MANDATORY>: The Iridium Satellite Modem must be activated 24 hours prior to installation. To request activation:
    1. Create a support ticket with the following subject line: IOX-SATIRDv2 Activation Request
    2. You must also include the GO device serial number and Iridium IMEI number in the support ticket.
  • Deactivation Process:
    1. Create a support ticket with the following subject line: IOX-SATIRDv2 Deactivation Request
    2. You must include the GO device serial number and Iridium IMEI number in the ticket.

! IMPORTANT: Terminating or suspending the GO device does NOT automatically deactivate the connected Iridium modem.

  • Switching IOX-SATIRDv2 to a new GO device:
    1. Create a support ticket with the following subject line: IOX-SATIRDv2 Pairing Change
    2. You must include the Iridium IMEI number and the new GO Device serial number in the ticket.

Installing the IOX-SATIRDv2

1

Unplug the Geotab GO device from the vehicle and remove the IOX expansion port cover on the GO device.

2

Plug the 90° USB connector from the IOX into the GO device. Secure the USB connector using a cable tie. Please note that over tightening the cable tie may damage the USB connector.

NOTE: Insert the USB connector in the orientation displayed in the image.

3

Choose an appropriate mounting location for the satellite modem.

NOTE: The location you choose for the GO device influences the locations available to mount the Iridium Modem due to the wire length on the IOX-SATIRDv2. Please ensure the installation does not interfere with safe vehicle operation.

4

The Iridium satellite antenna has a magnet mount, as well as a ring of two-sided tape on the bottom of the antenna, to facilitate mounting the device on plastic. The antenna location must not interfere with the safe operation of the vehicle or obstruct the driver’s field of vision.

WARNING! Above Decks Equipment (ADE) transmits radio frequency (RF) energy that may cause thermal injuries including tissue damage from increased heating and body temperature. When the system power is ON, keep all personnel a minimum of 1.0 m (3.3 ft.) from the antenna. Failure to do so could result in serious injury or death.

5

If you choose to mount the antenna below the dashboard, please ensure there are no metallic objects or other obstructions directly above it that may interfere with satellite reception. It is highly recommended to mount the antenna out of sight and secured with at least one cable tie.

6

The antenna and IOX-SATIRDv2 cable are connected to the satellite modem at the same end as the status LEDs. The LEDs indicate Power (RED) and Connection Status (GREEN).

7

Once you connect the IOX-SATIRDv2 to the GO device, plug in the GO device and immediately start the vehicle. The GO device will enter debug mode.

8

IOX-SATIRDv2 has a two-wire pigtail composed of a blue wire and a black wire, which are the external trigger wires for the Iridium Alert (Panic) feature. These wires can be connected to an Alert Button (momentary contact switch). When this feature is triggered, the device starts a beeping sequence. The beeping stops once the message is received by MyGeotab. In MyGeotab, create an Engine Rule for Alert button depressed.

9

Navigate to myinstallpub.geotab.com to verify that the device is communicating.

  • In the Installer information section, enter the installer’s name and company name. Select the next section.
  • In the Device serial number section, enter the 12-digit alphanumeric serial number, located on the bottom of the device, then click Validate. Select the next section.
  • In the Device status section, review the status of the device. The PASS status indicates the device communicated with the network in the last 24 hours. The FAIL status indicates the device has not communicated with the network in the last 24 hours. Select the next section.
  • In the Vehicle section, enter the vehicle-related information.

NOTE: If the device is not communicating, please ensure the device is installed correctly and try again.

Termination shunt

The IOX comes with a termination shunt installed in the expansion port. If you plan to install more than one IOX in a daisy chain, you must remove the shunt from each device in the daisy chain, except for the last IOX connected. The shunt must remain in the last IOX and secured with a cable tie.

The shunt in the last IOX device ensures the GO device detects and configures the IOX as effectively as possible.

NOTE: Failing to install the shunt in the last IOX could affect IOX communication. It is recommended that you secure the shunt using a cable tie if not already done.

Iridium device specifications and parameters

Hardware technical specifications

Weight

158 g (0.35 lbs)

Size

Overall Length: 80 mm (L)

Widest Point: 54 mm (W) × 23 mm (H)

Housing

Aluminum casing

Inputs

RS-232 Interface

Environmental Tests

Operating Temp.: −40 ℃ to +85 ℃

Nominal Input Voltage

12 V / 24 V

Current Rating

Operating Current: 100 mA to 125 mA

Antenna

Standard with magnetic roof mount and sticky adhesive for optional dash mount. For best transceiver performance, mounting the Satellite antenna under the dash panels is not recommended.

Default Logging Features

Two default logging features are supported by the IOX-SATIRDv2: 1) Alert Button Notification: Allows the driver to send an emergency/distress log to the cloud. While the log is being transmitted to MyGeotab, the GO device will continually beep. The GO device notifies the driver when the message is received by MyGeotab by stopping the beep.

2) Poll: Provides the option to request the current location of the device. In MyGeotab:

  1. Select the vehicle on the live map.
  2. Click the small arrow, located to the right of the vehicle name in the list.From the dropdown menu, select Request current location.

Base Logging Features

! IMPORTANT: To receive Iridium data, apply the Base Plan custom parameters in the table below to a GO device under cellular coverage.

! IMPORTANT: If the vehicle is out of cellular range, the GO device will not receive firmware updates or other device parameter updates.

Base Plan Logging Features

<GoParameters>

<Parameter Description="Monitor IGN ON/OFF, Accident Level Events, SATIRD Coverage" Bytes="3D" Offset="58"/>

</GoParameters>

Location Update Frequency

<GoParameters>

<Parameter Description="Satellite update period as 30 min" Bytes="1E" Offset="59"/>

</GoParameters>

Alert Trigger on IOX-AUXM Wire #1

<GoParameters>

<Parameter Description="Aux 1 trigger emergency message to be sent via satellite" Bytes="01" Offset="61"/>

</GoParameters>

Note: An IOX-AUXM must be installed and daisy-chained with the IOX-SATIRDv2 to the GO device Male Mini-USB connector..

Base Plan Logging Features: This parameter enables the following insights to be delivered to MyGeotab via the Iridium satellite connection:

  • Ignition: Sends a log when the asset’s ignition state changes (On or Off).
  • Acceleration Level Event: Allows the device to send a GPS log with reason 'IridiumAccelEvent' when it records a change in acceleration of 2.5 g or more (indicating a possible collision).
  • Monitor Movement w/ IGN Off: Allows the device to send a location update if the device detects movement while the connected asset is off.
  • Out of Cellular Coverage: Logs "MODEM_OUT_OF_COVERAGE" when the device’s cellular connection is lost and the asset is On.

Alert Trigger on IOX-AUXM Wire #1: Enables a daisy-chained IOX-AUXM to send insights to MyGeotab via the Iridium satellite connection:

  • Alert Trigger on IOX-AUXM Wire #1: Sends an Emergency alert message if a panic button (not supplied) is triggered on the first input of the IOX-AUXM. Please contact Geotab support if the desired implementation uses the panic button on a different input of the IOX-AUXM.

Extended Logging Features

In addition to the Default and Base logging features, the IOX-SATIRDv2 features extended logging features that are only available on an as-requested by the Partner/Customer as they may increase Iridium data usage. Please create a support ticket for more information on these features.

  • Monitor Vehicle Voltage: Allows the device to send a message when the vehicle’s voltage drops below a defined voltage level.
  • IOX-AUXM Logging over Iridium : Allows the IOX-AUXM to send a message over Iridium that includes GPS position if one of its input wires changes state.

Important safety information and Limitations of Use

For the latest version of the Limitations of Use, please visit: goo.gl/k6Fp0w.

WARNING! Do not attempt to install, configure or remove any product from any vehicle while the vehicle is in motion or otherwise in operation. All installation, configuration or removal must be done only in stationary vehicles which are securely parked. Attempting to service units while being operated could result in malfunctions or accidents, leading to death or serious personal injury.

WARNING! All in-vehicle devices and related cabling must be securely fastened and kept clear of all vehicle controls, including gas, brake, and clutch pedals. You must inspect devices and cabling on a regular basis to ensure all devices and cabling continue to be securely attached. Loose cabling or devices may impede the use of vehicle controls, resulting in unanticipated acceleration, braking or other loss of vehicle control, which could lead to death or serious personal injury. Improperly fastened in-vehicle devices may detach and impact operators upon sudden acceleration or deceleration, which may cause injury.

WARNING! If at any point after an in-vehicle device is installed a warning light illuminates on the vehicle dash or the vehicle stalls or has a marked drop in performance, shut off the engine, remove the device, and contact your Reseller. Continuing to operate a vehicle with these symptoms can cause loss of vehicle control, and serious injury.

WARNING! Your in-vehicle devices must be kept clear of debris, water and other environmental contaminants. Failure to do so may result in units malfunctioning or short-circuiting that can lead to a fire hazard or vehicle damage or serious injury.

WARNING! Do not attempt to remove the devices from the vehicle in which they are originally installed for installation in another vehicle. Not all vehicles share compatibility, and doing so may result in unexpected interactions with your vehicle, including sudden loss of power or shutdown of the vehicle’s engine while in operation or cause your vehicle to operate poorly or erratically and cause death or serious injury and/or vehicle damage.

NOTICE: This product does not contain any user-serviceable parts. Configuration, servicing, and repairs must only be made by an authorized reseller or installer. Unauthorized servicing of these products will void your product warranty.

Regulatory Statements

Warning: RF Exposure Compliance

The antenna(s) used for this transmitter must be installed to provide a separation distance of at least 20 cm from all persons and must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter. Users and installers must be provided with antenna installation instruction and transmitter operating conditions for satisfying RF exposure compliance.

L'antenne ou les antennes utilisées pour cet émetteur doivent être installées pour fournir une distance de séparation d'au moins 20 cm de toutes les personnes et ne doivent pas être co-localisées ou fonctionner en conjonction avec une autre antenne ou émetteur. Les utilisateurs et les installateurs doivent recevoir des instructions d'installation de l'antenne et les conditions de fonctionnement de l'émetteur pour satisfaire la conformité à l'exposition aux RF.

CANADA

CAN ICES-003 (B) / NMB-003 (B)

This device contains licence-exempt transmitter(s)/receiver(s) that comply with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada’s licence-exempt RSS(s). Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

  1. This device may not cause interference.
  2. This device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.

L’émetteur/récepteur exempt de licence contenu dans le présent appareil est conforme aux CNR d’Innovation, Sciences et Développement économique Canada applicables aux appareils radio exempts de licence. L’exploitation est autorisée aux deux conditions suivantes :

  1. L’appareil ne doit pas produire de brouillage;
  2. L’appareil doit accepter tout brouillage radioélectrique subi, même si le brouillage est susceptible d’en compromettre le fonctionnement.

USA

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.

NOTE: 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:

  • Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
  • Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
  • Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
  • Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

Changes or modifications not expressly approved by Geotab could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

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