CalAmp LMU - Supplemental Installation Guide

This page contains documentation and tips for installing a CalAmp LMU.

This page can be found online.

Note there are two models of LMU: the 2600 series and the 2700 series. The primary difference is that the 2700 series includes an internal battery that enables GPS reporting when external power is cut. Aside from the internal battery, the models are functionally equivalent. Installation procedures are the same for both models.

Tips:

• Track the ESNs – The ESN (Electronic Serial Number) is a 10-digit number printed on the LMU label. You need to keep track of the ESN installed in each truck so that we can configure your Ranger account. The easiest approach is for you to make a list of ESNs and truck numbers before doing the first installation.
• Install Label-side Up – The LMU should be installed label-side up for best GPS reception.
• Accelerometer Calibration – The LMU accelerometer detects excessive acceleration/braking as well as sharp cornering. The accelerometer is self-calibrating (generally within 3 minutes of power-up), so device installation orientation doesn't matter as long as the unit is mounted firmly.
• Minimum Connections – Page 14 of the Installation Guide shows the pinout for the connector and wire harness. At a minimum, you'll need to connect Power (pin 14), Ground (pin 15), and Ignition (pin 8).

Tips:

• Use Inputs 1, 3, or 4 For Most Equipment – For the inputs, note that Input 1 (pin 3), Input 3 (pin 6), and Input 4 (pin 7) work as you would normally expect - active is high (12V), inactive is low (0V), and the bias is low. Those inputs are good for equipment, such as PTO or Beacon, that is turned off most of the time.
• Input 2 Works the Opposite – Input 2 (pin 12) works in the electrically opposite manner - active is low (0V), inactive is high (12V), and the bias is high. That input is good for a switch or sensor that is normally turned on and should alert when turned off (grounded). Contact Ranger support before using Input 2.
• Use a Relay To Change Polarity – For “ground switched” equipment, use a relay to convert the ground signal into a high signal that can be sent to Inputs 1, 3, or 4. A wiring example is here - refer to the “Convert a Negative Output to a Positive Output” section. More relay details and wiring examples are here - refer to wiring example #2 for“ground switched”.

Terminology:

• Relay – A relay is an electrically operated switch. A relay enables a low-power signal (the LMU) to control a high-power signal (a high amperage and/or voltage circuit in a vehicle) while providing isolation between the two signals. Automotive grade relays are available at Radio Shack, auto parts stores, and the Internet.
• Open Collector – An open collector is a switched circuit that controls a connection to ground. Below is a schematic of an open collector. Open collectors are useful for Outputs because they are independent (within tolerance) of the voltage/current necessary to drive the Output.

Open Collector Schematic:

Tips:

• Always Use a Relay – Always use a relay to control an Output so that any problem or short in the main circuit does not damage the controlling circuit (the LMU).
• Outputs 1 and 2 are Open Collectors – Outputs 1 and 2 are open collectors. Output 0 is not an open collector, despite what the product documentation states. Details on Output 0 are below.
• Connecting Output 1 or 2 to a Relay – Page 45 of the Installation Guide shows the schematic for Outputs 1 and 2. To connect a relay:
  1. Connect the positive terminal of the relay coil to power (usually 12V).
  2. Connect the negative terminal of the relay coil to either Output 1 or 2 on the LMU.
  3. Connect the common terminal of the relay to the positive terminal of the power source for the equipment (usually 12V, but 24V on some trucks).
  4. Connect the normally open terminal of the relay to the positive terminal of the equipment (e.g. beacon, horn, etc).
  5. Connect the negative terminal of the equipment to the negative terminal of the power source for the equipment.
• Operation of Outputs 1 and 2 with Relays – When Output 1 or 2 is activated, the corresponding collector circuit inside the LMU closes and current flows through the relay coil causing the relay to close (switch on). When deactivated, the collector circuit inside the LMU opens and current stops flowing through the relay coil causing the relay to open (switch off).
• Output 0 toggles 2V – Output 0 works differently than Output 1 and 2. Output 0 is not an open collector. When Output 0 is activated, the signal is 2V. When deactivated, the signal is 0V. The problem is that most relays require 6V or more. To make use of Output 0, you'll probably need to add a transistor, opticoupler or some other switching mechanism to increase the voltage and drive a relay coil. Contact Ranger support before using Output 0.

For additional information, you can also download and read the official Installation Guide:

• LMU Hardware and Installation Guide

Note the information on this page is intended to supplement, not replace, the Installation Guide.