Introduction
This installation guide provides instructions on installing the Rand McNally Telematics (GX6) device. The instructions in this guide apply when installing the device into:
- Light vehicles (cars, Utes)
- Light & medium commercial vehicles (Vans, Box Trucks)
You will need
- Your Rand McNally Telematics (GX6) device.
- The provided Y harness and antenna.
- Recommended tools and sundries (see below)
- Before installation, please ensure your vehicle ignition is switched off and the vehicle is parked outside on a level surface with a clear view of the sky.
Recommended Tools:
- Cordless Drill
- Philips screwdriver
- Cable snips
Recommended sundries:
- Cable/Zip ties
- Tek Screws
- Double sided Velcro
Device Installation
Step 1: Locate the diagnostic port in your vehicle
OBD port
- Locate the vehicle’s OBD (vehicle diagnostic port). It is usually under the steering column on the driver side of the vehicle. On some vehicle models, you may need to remove a covering panel.
- The OBD port is a white, pink, or blue port with 16 pins.
Step 2: Connect the Y harness to the diagnostic port
Info: Your Y harness keeps your device secure and out of view while allowing mechanics to continue to have access to the diagnostic port.
The harness has three connectors:
A: Female connector that connects to the diagnostic port of the vehicle.
B: Male connector that replaces the current vehicle diagnostic port and keeps it accessible.
C: Male connector that connects to the device. The longer side of the harness.
OBDII Y harness
Follow these steps to connect the harness:
- Remove the vehicle’s OBD diagnostic port connector. You will do this by pinching the side tabs to unclip it from the connector plate or by removing screws on either side.
- Connect the harness connector A to the vehicle’s OBD diagnostic port.
- Insert harness connector B into the back of the diagnostic port connector plate. For a secure connection, the port will either click into place or be secured with screws. The B connector replaces the standard diagnostic port connector. Once connected, it will look like the port has not been used or modified.
Step 3: Install the antenna, plug device into the Y harness and check LED lights
- Before connecting your device, take a photo of the label/barcode on the device, clearly showing the Device ID number. Keep this as a record for the installation.
- Install the antenna on a flat surface with a clear, unobstructed view of the sky. An ideal location is in the corner of the dashboard, as illustrated in the picture to the right.
- Run the antenna cable to the device installation location. Attach the antenna cable to the device by screwing the GPS cable into the GPS port and the LTE cable into the LTE port.
- Plug the connector C of the cable into the device. Make sure it is firmly seated in the connector.
- The device should power up, and the LEDs will begin to flash as it establishes its GPS, server, and cell connections.
- Once the LED light sequences indicate a GPS fix, a cellular connection, constant power and a server connection (as defined in the table to the right), you are ready to proceed.
Step 4: Cycle the vehicle ignition
Once the device has been connected to the vehicle and it has a constant GPS (yellow LED), Cellular (blue LED) and Server Connection (green LED), you MUST complete two ignition cycles.
The ignition cycles ensure that the device completes a configuration check to download and install the latest available configuration, and will trigger the automatic vehicle onboarding process in the Halo platform.
Ignition Cycle One: Configuration Update
- Start your vehicle ignition and leave the engine idling for 1-2 minutes.
- Turn off the vehicle ignition.
- You may observe the LEDs on the device turn off and then go through the boot-up cycle again (as observed during step 3). This is fine; it just indicates that the device has completed a reboot cycle.
Ignition Cycle Two: Automatic Vehicle Onboarding
- Ensure that the LED indicators show solid connections (see step 3).
- Start your vehicle ignition again and leave the engine idling for another 1-2 minutes.
- Turn off the vehicle ignition.
After completing this step, your Asset will be available in the Subscription Wizard for your Halo Account, ready to be subscribed and activated.
Step 5: Securing your device
Secure the device a solid part of the vehicle
To ensure the device produces accurate data, it’s essential to ensure it is secure and will not move around.
- Locate a suitable, safe, firm mounting location away from pedals or moving parts. It must be rigid, e.g. the chassis or a framing bracket.
- Securely fasten the device using one of the two installation options described below.
Important:
- Ensure the sticker side of the device faces away from your mounting point (ensure the label is visible).
- Test to make sure that the device will not wiggle or move. This will help to ensure data quality and prevent false event triggers.
The GX6 product offers two types of installation methods:
Option 1: Snap-On cradle installation
1. Locate a flat surface in the vehicle and away from electronics and wiring.
2. Place the tray on the surface.
3. Secure the tray with 4 M4 screws (not provided).
4. Snap the GX6 into the tray
5. Re-attach the antenna cables if you disconnected them to secure the device.
6.Re-connect the Y harness if you disconnected them to secure the device.
Option 2: Cable/Zip tie installation. (The addition of Velcro strips is also recommended when using this method).
There are 4 Cable/Zip tie through holes on each side of the device.
1. Pass cable/zip ties through the holes.
2. Secure the unit in the vehicle
3. Re-attach the antenna cables if you disconnected them to secure the device.
4. Re-attach the antenna cables if you disconnected them to secure the device.
Step 6: Finish Installation
Once the device is secure complete a final check to ensure:
- The antenna cables are firmly attached.
- The power cable is firmly connected.
- The device is secure and does not impede the safe operation of the vehicle.
- The LED light indicators display the expected state (refer to the table in Step 3 if needed).
- The antenna is firmly mounted and has a clear view of the sky.
- All cables are secured and do not hang into the driver’s footwell.
Once you have completed your final checks of the device installation, replace any vehicle cowling, panelling or carpet that was removed to access the device installation location and remove any tools and sundries.
Installation Complete
Installation by the customer is required. Rand McNally is not responsible for any damage or injury caused by installation.