MiX Telematics EXTM4G User Manual

MiX LTE External Modem
for FM 3xxx installs

Quick Start Guide

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Table of Contents

1 Introduction .................................................................................................................. 3

2 Process Overview ....................................................................................................... 3

3 Applicable Supporting Documents .............................................................................. 4

4 Environmental Requirements ...................................................................................... 4

5 Installer Requirements ................................................................................................ 4

6 Regulatory Compliance ............................................................................................... 4

7 Pre Install Requirements ............................................................................................. 4

7.1 Firmware upgrade ................................................................................................. 4

7.2 Config update ........................................................................................................ 4

7.3 Confirm existing SIM details .................................................................................. 5

7.4 Ensure modem has an Activated LTE SIM ............................................................ 5

8 Installing hardware ...................................................................................................... 6

8.1 Hardware and Kit Part Numbers ............................................................................ 7

8.2 Mounting Considerations ....................................................................................... 7

9 Installation procedure .................................................................................................. 8

10 Testing procedure ..................................................................................................... 9

11 Post install administration ....................................................................................... 10

12 Appendix A – Diagnostics Plugs Required ............................................................. 11

12.1 Creating a Power down plug ............................................................................ 11

12.2 Creating a Communication diagnostics plug .................................................... 11

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1 Introduction

There is a need to extend the working life of FM 3xxx 2G/3G on board computer (OBC) hardware in regions
where an evolution in cellular technology is taking place. By the addition of an external modem supporting
the latest LTE CAT M1 technology and an over the air firmware upgrade, the OBC can transition from using
its internal modem to using a new technology external modem. This simple addition to the install avoids
replacing the OBC and all its peripherals, reducing swap out time, saving cost and extending the life of all
the hardware in the vehicle.

This document describes the installation requirements of the MiX LTE External modem being fitted to an FM
3xxx OBC.

2 Process Overview

For a successful transition from internal to external modem the OBC needs to be configured correctly and
loaded with updated firmware supporting the new external modem device.

The external modem hardware is designed to attach to a free serial port on the OBC. When installing on an
FM 3xxx device it will use the S3 port but leave S1 free for use by other peripheral devices. This means for
example, that it will be unsuitable for adding to an install with an Iridium modem already on S2. It could
however be fitted to any install that has a Rovi on S1.

Figure 1 Block Diagram of FM plus LTE CAT M1 External Modem

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During the install the OBC will detect the LTE modem. Once it has confirmed that it can communicate using
this modem it will permanently transition over to using this modem and no longer make use of the internal
one. The firmware is not configure to fall back and attempt communication over the internal modem again if
the LTE coverage is poor.

3 Applicable Supporting Documents

[1] PFS LTE External Modem - V1

4 Environmental Requirements

Do not immerse the unit in water as the housing is not waterproof. The unit can however withstand some
exposure to water drops.

5 Installer Requirements

The system should only be installed by a suitably qualified vehicle technician with a basic knowledge of the
operation of telematics equipment and the Rovi Display Unit.

6 Regulatory Compliance

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.

No changes / modifications shall be made to the equipment without the manufacturer’s permission as this
may void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits for an uncontrolled environment. This
equipment shall be installed and operated with a minimum distance of 20 cm (7.9 in) between users and/or
bystanders and the device.

7 Pre Install Requirements

Before scheduling the install on any asset the steps below should be completed.

7.1 Firmware upgrade

Prior to scheduling any visit to the vehicle the FM firmware on the OBC needs to be updated to
E18.09.06.18 – BAS 1.71C or higher. This needs to be done as an over the air upload. It is important to
have confirmed the OBC is running this firmware before fitting the external modem hardware.

Note: Once this firmware is loaded onto an operational OBC the firmware continues to use the internal
modem until it detects an external modem connected. So the firmware can be upgraded at any time before
the install of the LTE modem takes place with no impact on normal operation.

7.2 Config update

The assets config must be updated to reflect that an external modem has or will be attached to serial line
S3.

Before that can be done the device needs to be made available in the peripheral library.