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)
- Light & medium commercial vehicles (Vans, Box Trucks)
- Heavy vehicles (Prime Movers, Tractors)
- Off-road equipment (when connecting to a diagnostic port)
You will need
- Your Rand McNally Telematics (GX6) device.
- The provided Y harness.
- Recommended tools and sundries (see below)
- A mobile device with the Rand McNally Manager app installed and access to the Installer portal (or web app).
- Before installation, please ensure your vehicle or asset ignition is switched off and asset is parked outside on a level surface with a clear view of the sky.
Tip: Create Rand Platform user accounts for any colleague or contractor who will be completing your device installations. Invite them with the user role of “Installer” and their access will be restricted to the Installer Portal only.
Recommended Tools:
- Cordless Drill
- Philips screwdriver
- Cable snips
Recommended sundries:
- Cable/Zip ties
- Tek Screws
- Double sided Velcro
Download the Rand McNally Manager app from your preferred app store.
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.
J1939 9-PIN or FMS port
- Locate the Deutsch or FMS port. It is usually located near the pedals, under the driver’s seat, or near the fuse box. 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.
- The 9-Pin port is a green or black round port and the FMS is a green or grey square or oblong port.
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 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.
Follow these steps to connect the harness:
- Remove the vehicle’s diagnostic port connector from behind. If necessary, remove it from the connector plate.
- Connect harness connector A to the vehicle’s 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.
OBDII Y harness
9-Pin Deutsch Y harness
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. This will be needed in step 6.
- 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 into the LTE port.
- Plug the connector C of the cable into the device. Make sure it is firmly seated into 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.
- If your device LEDs display something different, refer to the complete LED definitions or contact support.
Step 4: Activate your device on Rand Platform
- Log into the Rand McNally Manager app (the web application can also be used) and navigate to the Installer Portal v2 under the Tools menu.
- Enter the Device ID (located above the barcode) into the search bar and click ‘GO.’
- Click on the device to open the device details screen.
- Select your installation option;
- Link to Existing Asset → Search by the Asset Label or Registration to select the Asset you want to install the Device into.
- Create a New Asset.
- Link to Existing Asset → Search by the Asset Label or Registration to select the Asset you want to install the Device into.
- Fill out the asset information;
- Label (Mandatory) – This is your asset’s name on the platform (e.g. Vehicle identifier/asset number, nickname, registration, etc.). If you select Link to Existing Asset, the Assets current label will display in this field.
- Group – Select the Group to assign the Asset to. The default group is “All Assets” when creating a new Asset. If you select Link to Existing Asset, the Group the Existing Asset is currently assigned to will display in this field. Learn more about Groups.
- Fuel Type – Select the Fuel Type of the Asset (this field will only display for Telematics device types that can capture fuel data).
- Rego – Asset registration (Licence plate number).
- ODO – Current odometer reading of the Asset (relevant for vehicles).
- Runtime – Current Engine hours (relevant for plant equipment and off-road equipment).
- Installer – The name of the person installing the device.
- Installation Location – The geographic location where the installation was completed (e.g. street address, depot/terminal name, etc.)
- Start vehicle ignition and idle the vehicle OR switch on the power circuit of the Asset.
- Confirm device activation using the device health field to check its current status.
- Not Deployed: Click the refresh button to run the device online check. Give the device several minutes to come online.
- Online: The device is activated, and you can proceed to the next step.
- To complete the installation, click the Complete Install button.
Note: The Complete Install button will only be active to select once you have entered an Asset Label.- You will be displayed a Success dialogue.
- Close the dialogue by selecting OK.
- The Device page will reload; you will see the linked asset details and an Uninstall button.
D
- You will be displayed a Success dialogue.
Step 5: Securing your device
Secure the device against something solid
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 it 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.
4. Snap the GX6 into the tray
5. Attach the antenna cables.
6.Connect the Y harness.
Option 2: Cable/Zip tie installation.
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. (External antenna only) Attach the antenna cables
4. Connect the Y harness.
Step 6: Upload installation photos.
After the device is securely mounted and you have activated it on Rand Platform, upload images of the installation. You can view these later, and they will aid you with future support and troubleshooting.
- Use your mobile device to take photos of:
- The device’s label/barcode showing the device ID/IMEI/ESN.
- The securely mounted device.
- The Asset’s VIN plate (where relevant).
- The Asset dashboard clearly showing the ODO/Engine Hours reading (where relevant).
- The Asset’s license plate.
- Return to the Rand McNally installer portal on your mobile device.
- Return to the device detail screen
- Return to the device detail screen
- Select the ‘Docs’ tab at the bottom of the screen.
- Select ‘Choose file’, which will open your device’s file browser/camera roll.
- Select the images from your camera roll/photo library and upload.
Need Extra Support?
We’re here to help. If you need support during your installation you can reach out to the Rand McNally Support Team below
Installation by customer required. Rand McNally is not responsible for any damage or injury caused by installation.