Initial Provisioning- [G120]
Written by Matthew Clark-Massera
Updated at August 28th, 2023
Table of Contents
This guide is intended for to assist new users to get the G120 online for the first time. Once you have some experience with the device, this process may change slightly, e.g, you may wish to queue firmware and parameter updates before inserting the SIM and installing the device in the asset, so the device picks up new settings once it gets online.
In the Box
The device comes in a compact box, with a 24 wire harness. The 1100mAh backup battery is pre-attached to the lower half of the housing. The box will also have a spare label and an ESD/Water Ingress warning.
Provisioning Process
Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Warning
The components used in the G120 can be damaged by Electrostatic Discharge (ESD). Suitable anti-static precautions (such as a grounded wrist strap) need to be taken when inserting the SIM card or handling the printed circuit board. Avoid touching any of the components or the GPS & GSM antennas. The manufacturer's warranty does not cover ESD damage.
1.Provision on Tracking Platform
While this is not required to fire up the device, it is generally helpful to do this step first as it will mean if all goes according to plan, we'll simply see the device appear online in this platform.
Telematics Guru users can follow Creating Assets in Telematics Guru
2.Insert Sim Card
The G120 uses a Micro (3FF) SIM Card.
The G120 comes in 2 variants
- 2G
- LTE-M/NB-IoT
Which SIM card to use?
For information on selecting a SIM card, see SIM Providers: LTE-M/Nb-IoT + Roaming, and Setup
Locate the silver SIM holder on the PCB. Slide open the SIM holder and place the SIM card aligning the keyed corner.
Setting the APN and Network Profile
2G
It is good practice to set the APN on all 2G devices. This can be configured via SMS too - 2G/3G How do I set the APN
3. Providing Power to the G120
- Connect the back-up LiPo battery to the white color battery connector on the PCB. No tools required, it will just snap in to place.
- Connect the 24 Wire Harness to a 8-45V DC power source. Make sure you get the polarity/GND and VIN right and that voltage is connected to constant source. In some vehicles, certain outlets on vehicles may disconnect power when the ignition is turned off.
We recommend using a Lab Bench Power supply during setup before installing the G120 trackers in to vehicles, this would help you catch any issues before installing the devices in to your client's vehicles - saves you time, money and hassle. Here are some handy tools that we recommend our partners to purchase Test/Provisioning Equipment for Partners.
With the 24 wire install, you can connect wired ignition and also peripherals like Driver ID and relays for immobilization. Wiring diagrams for these can be found in the G120 Folder in the support desk.
Note
The device is not IP67 rated, so be cautious when installing it in the engine bay or in an exposed location.
4.Getting Online
Once the backup battery is connected and the external power applied, the internal LED will flash and the device will beep.
It then does the following
- Connect to the Server: If the SIM card works, the device will connect to OEM server and attempt to download any firmware and parameter updates and then fetch fresh GPS aiding data.
- Get a GPS fix: The device will attempt to get a GPS fix. You can speed this up by moving to an area with good GPS signal.
- Reconnect to the server: The device will attempt to connect again to upload the result of the GPS fix.
If the device does not complete these steps in 10 mins, it will go to sleep and try again on the next heartbeat or the next trip start.
We are online!
Once these steps are completed, if all has gone to plan, we will be able to see the device on the map on our tracking platform.
Just remember to close the housing securely shut when you are installing the trackers. And also to apply the latest Firmware update - Bulk Firmware Update G120 Firmware Release Notes
The OEM Installer Page
Some users/installers may not have access to our end tracking platforms the OEM installer page can be used. It allows for a quick device check without giving away any sensitive information. Its also a handy tool for those without OEM/TG access.
Using the installer page is easy. Go to www.oemserver.com/installer and search the device serial to confirm it has
- Connected
- Committed
- Got a GPS fix
- Backup Battery Level (4.2V is fully charged, <3.7V is flat/nearly flat)
- External Power (Coming from the vehicle/lab bench supply)
- Ignition (Check ON and OFF when using the ignition line)
Troubleshooting
In the rare event the device does not connect, commit or get a GPS fix. Troubleshooting steps are detailed below.
Device does not connect
- Check the LED is flashing, if the LED is not flashing, either:
- The internal back up battery is flat or/and line power is not properly connected. Visually check connections and use a multimeter to verify.
- The device has not properly reset. Remove Line power and back up battery for 20 seconds, and reinsert.
- The device may have an issue, in which case contact DM for RMA information
- Confirm your SIM card is active
- It is worth trying a SIM card from another connected DM device if possible (as that SIM is proven working)
- If it is your first time using a new type of SIM or network, you may need to apply certain network settings with a DMLink Tool.
Device does not Commit
Typically, this is due to the device not yet being configured on the end server. Make sure this has been done.
See Since Committed/Since Connected and Troubleshooting for troubleshooting steps.
Device does not get a GPS Fix
If after leaving the device for 5-10 minutes to attempt to get a GPS fix (the very first one can take a short while)
- Take the device outdoors, with a clear view of the sky (away from Garage/workshop).
- To trigger a new fix/upload attempt, power cycle the external power. The device will attempt a fix in improved signal, and should now get one. Alternatively connect the ignition line to power, to put the device into trip where it will get repeated GPS fixes.
- Failing this, the device may have an issue with the GPS. See GPS Troubleshooting, or contact DM Support.