NexTraq VT-2200 User manual

The NexTraq VT-2200
Installation Guide

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Notice This installation guide is published and copyrighted by
NexTraq. Information and specifications contained in this document are
subject to change without notice and do not represent commitments on
the part of NexTraq. Under copyright laws, no part of this
installation guide may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by
any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and
recording, for any purpose, without the express written permission of
NexTraq. This installation guide does not constitute a warranty as to
any product or service, except to the extent expressly provided in the
agreement under which such a product or service was provided.
Trademarks
NexTraq is trademarked. All other trademarks and service marks
contained within this document are the property of their respective
owners.
Disclaimer
The complete terms and conditions under which NexTraq provides
hardware and services are contained in separate agreements. None of
the information in this document is intended to create additional or
separate warranties or guarantees.
© 2011 NexTraq. All Rights Reserved.

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Contents
Introduction .................................................................................................................................................... 4
VT-2200 Hardware ........................................................................................................................................ 4
VT-2200 Wiring Diagrams .................................................................................................................... 6
Equipment and Tools ................................................................................................................................ 6
Antennas ............................................................................................................................................................... 7
Installation Types................................................................................................................................... 7
Vehicle Wiring ........................................................................................................................................... 10
VT-2200 Location ..................................................................................................................................... 12
Post-Installation Testing............................................................................................................ 13
Installation Troubleshooting ................................................................................................... 14
Appendix A – Technical Specifications ......................................................................... 16
Appendix B – Installation Notes .......................................................................................... 17

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Introduction
Following the purchase of VT-2200, there will be several factors to
consider prior to its installation, including placement of the VT-2200
hardware and the selection and placement of the antenna(s). This
installation guide is designed to provide instructions for the
installation of the VT-2200 hardware for use with the NexTraq™ Fleet
Tracking platform.
This document is designed for new and experienced installers and their
managers to help overcome any questions associated with VT-2200
installations.
This installation guide covers the following:
•Equipment and Tools
•Types of Antenna Mounts
•Placement of VT-2200
•Installations
•Troubleshooting
VT-2200 Hardware
The VT-2200 consists of a nylon plastic engineered housing containing
the electronic components. Additional equipment includes a separate
power connection cable and a modular cellular GPS antenna.
Specifications for the VT2200 can be found in Appendix A.
VT-2200 is powered by an external power supply; vehicle power (8-24
volts). The device is designed to be installed in the vehicle’s cab.
The unit is not waterproof or dustproof, nor is it designed to be
placed near or on heat-generating sources (ex: in the engine
compartment, attached to the heater).

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Fig. 1 – VT-2200
External mounting tabs are provided that allow VT-2200 to be secured
to the chassis of the vehicle. If you are replacing a Wahoo 2, VT-2200
will fit in the area you have the Wahoo 2 secured. Additional
equipment is required to properly mount the VT-2200 hardware and is
provided in the installation kit for each VT-2200.
The VT-2200 connector configuration is composed of dissimilar
connectors to eliminate the chance of an installer incorrectly wiring
the unit. Five connectors make up the VT-2200’s configuration. The
connectors are power, GPIO, a serial port interface, GSM antenna
connector and GPS antenna connector.
Pin Out IO
Pin
Signal
Color
1 Positive Edge
Signal
Green
2 Negative Edge
Signal 1
Yellow
3 Negative Edge
Signal 2
Blue
4 Output 1 Orange/White

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VT-2200 Wiring Diagrams
Fig – 2 -Schematic of VT-2200
Equipment and Tools
The following is a general list of tools and supplies required for a
VT-2200 installation:
Recommended Equipment Recommended Supplies
Digital Volt and Ohm Meter (DVOM) Electrical Tape
Screwdrivers (standard, Phillips, Torx, Hex) Double-sided
Tape
Wire Strippers/Wire Cutters Velcro
5 Output 2 Blue/White
6 No Connect No Connect
Pin Out Power
Pin
Signal
Color
1 Ground Black
2 No Connect No
Connect
3 Ignition White
4 Battery Red

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Coax Stripper Silicon Sealant
Pliers 5 Amp Fuses
Razor Knife Ground Terminals
Cordless Drill Tie-wraps
Drill Bits Grommets
Wire Snake Crimp Connectors
Crimping tool Butt End Connectors
Upholster Removal Tool Sheet Metal Screws
Flashlight 18-gauge Wire
Standard & Metric Socket Set
Antennas
Among all installation variables, antenna location has the greatest
impact on the performance of the radio module. Great care should be
taken before installing the antennas. The standard antenna type used
for the VT-2200 is a combination antenna. Two FAKRA connectors provide
connection for GPS (blue) and GSM (violet).
Fig. 3 – Combination Antenna
The combination antenna combines the cellular and GPS antennas into a
single antenna package. The combination antenna can be mounted on
glass, on the dashboard or as a covert installation.
Installation Types
Glass Mount
When mounting the antenna, it should be oriented with the top section
(the flat side) facing the sky. Please note that the antenna specifies
which side is the bottom. The glass mount provides the best reception

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for cellular and GPS. It is recommended that the antenna have a view
of at least 40 percent of the sky. The antenna needs to be mounted as
horizontal as possible. The antenna should not be mounted behind
windscreens, ladder racks or other radio transmission antennas.
Fig. 4 0 - Glass Mount
Dashboard Mount
The antenna should be mounted on the dashboard with a view of at least
40 percent of the sky. It recommended that the antenna be as
horizontal as possible. When mounting the antenna, it should be
oriented with the top section (the flat side) facing the sky.

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Fig. 5 – Dashboard Mount
Covert Installation
When mounting a covert installation, care should be taken not to mount
that antenna shielded by metal. However, it can be mounted on non-
metallic materials such as plastic, fiberboard, fiberglass, etc. The
antenna orientation should be that the
top part of the antenna faces the sky.
Fig. 5 – Covert Mount
The minimum distance between other transmission antennas should
be at least 18 inches for all antenna installations.

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Vehicle Wiring
The 4-pin Molex connector on the back of VT-2200 contains the power,
ground and ignition leads. The supplied power cable plugs into the
Molex connector. The opposite end of the cable has a black wire for
ground, a red wire for vehicle power and a white wire for vehicle
ignition.
Fig 6 – Power Harness
Ground
Make sure the ground point is welded, not bolted, to the vehicle’s
dash support structure. Strip enough slack in the power cable to allow
sufficient length as to attach the black wire to a solid metal surface
that is wielded, not bolted to an under dash support. Add a grounding
ring connector to the end of the black wire, crimp it and screw it
securely onto a non-painted metal frame or plate. Temporarily connect
VT-2200 to ensure it is on constant power before your final placement.
Power
Find constant 12+v wire and slide crimp over wire. Slide red fused
wire from NexTraq power cable all the way into the holder and crimp
with pliers. Cable tie the fused wire to the lead wire. Next, find an
ignition wire that is 12+v when ignition is in the “ON” position and
open or ground when ignition is “OFF.” Slide crimp onto lead wire and
the insert fused ignition lead into side of crimp and crimp with
pliers. Cable tie the fused wire to the lead wire. Optional step:
apply torque seal to all connections.

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A constant power source is essential in the retention of GPS data
inside VT-2200, and is required. Be sure to verify that the power
source you have chosen will work when the vehicle is not running, and
the keys are removed. Verify a 5-amp fuse is inline with the power and
ignition lead. This will protect the unit against power surges and
voiding the warranty.
Ignition
An ignition source is also required for proper installation of VT-
2200. Connect the white wire to the vehicle ignition source. This wire
can be found in close proximity to the main power wire. Be sure that
the tapped wire is a vehicle ignition wire and not an accessory wire.
Some vehicles have wires that are only powered when the vehicle is
running, this is the preferred wire. Ignition wires maintain a voltage
through the crank. Note: turn off all other vehicle accessories
including A/C, radio, etc. to ensure a good ignition source is found.
The best place to pull power is at the ignition harness leading to the
ignition switch.
If there are any questions on what wire colors to use, you can
contact Customer Support at 855.358.6178.
See Appendix A for specifications relating to power, ground and
ignition.
Late Model Vehicle Installation
When installing VT-2200 in any late model vehicle, verify
all connections using a digital multi-meter. In some
instances, obtaining power will require direct connection to
the battery. CAN-based vehicles will contain data lines that
will show voltage on the line itself (usually 5V), but the
line is actually a data line. Most late model vehicles can
utilize CAN-based ignition and accessory circuits so the
ignition line running down the center of the steering column
is actually a data circuit. Connecting VT-2200 to these
circuits can and will cause the unit to malfunction and may
damage the OEM electronic modules within the vehicle. As a
rule of thumb, always use the thickest wires as they carry
the most amperage. If there any questions, please contact
Customer Support at 855.358.6178.

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VT-2200 Location
VT-2200 placement is dependent on several factors:
•The type of vehicle
•The placement of the antennas
•The availability of a constant 12-volt power supply
In most vehicles, the VT-2200 can be placed inside or underneath the
dashboard. The vehicle’s radio can be removed and the unit placed
behind the radio. A kick plate can be removed and the unit can be
safely secured to a firewall or zip-tied onto a permanent fixture. VT-
2200 can be secured underneath the dashboard on ether the driver or
passenger side, in any location that will not interfere with the
safety of vehicle operation. The device can be secured by the
individual tie-wraps or by self-taping screws or Velcro tape.
Fig. 7 – VT- 2200 Location
Avoid placing VT-2200 near moving parts, or next to any vehicle
pedals. Always consider the placement of antennas and be sure the
cables can reach the desired location of the mobile. Permanently mount
the VT-2200.

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Fig. 8 - VT-2200 Placement
Connect the radio, GPS and power cables to VT-2200. Wrap any extra
cable neatly with tie-wraps or electrical tape. Replace any paneling
or molding that was removed in the running of any antenna wires or
power cable.
Fig 9 – VT-2200 Mounting
Post-Installation Testing
VT-2200 registers in the NexTraq platform when radio, GPS coverage and
ignition are switched on. A determination whether the unit is in

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coverage is provided by the presence of solid blue lights on the face
of VT-2200. When VT-2200 is operating correctly, there should be a
solid blue light on PWR, GPS and COM. Note: the radio LED will flicker
while transmitting.
1. Login to the NexTraq application
2. Verify the VT-2200 is operational and displayed in the
application.
3. Check the recent history in NexTraq to verify the unit is
operational.
If you have a Web-enabled cell phone or Internet Explorer, go to
http://www.marcusinstall.com and verify operation. Login information
is required to verify this operation. If you don’t have your login
information, please contact customer service.
Installation Troubleshooting
VT-2200 will not power up.
•Check connection to power supply.
•Check fuse holder for voltage.
•Check with volt meter that there is 12-volts on the red power
wire at the plug end.
•Make sure the unit is properly grounded snuggly to a non-painted
metal surface (chassis ground).
Vehicle will not appear in NexTraq Web application.
•Be sure PWR, GPS and COM are on and solid blue. Check that the
ignition light tracks the vehicle ignition.
•Check to see if the radio light flickers when the ignition is
turned on or off.
•Check power on mobile.
•Be sure to view the correct mobile in the NexTraq Web
application.
•Check antenna connections and placement.
•Drive the vehicle for more than two miles at 30 mph.
GPS light blinking or not on at all.

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•Check GPS antenna connections.
•Ensure that nothing obstructs antenna’s view of the sky.
•Check the antenna cable for pinching or crimping in the corner.
•Reset power.
COM light not on or blinks.
•Check GSM antenna connections.
•Ensure that nothing obstructs the antenna such as metallic
sunscreens.
•Make sure VT-2200 is within the AT&T coverage map.
•Reset power.
Ignition light is not on when vehicle is switched on.
•It is mandatory that the ignition wire be correctly wired to “on”
power and not an accessory line.
•Test the circuit used for ignition voltage with a digital volt
meter
See Appendix B for Installation Notes.

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Appendix A – Technical Specifications
The VT-2200 GPRS device is the latest hardware component from NexTraq that enables vehicle location and tracking through the
NexTraq™ platform.
•
ARM Processor
•GSM/GPRS Modem
•GPS Receiver
•
Digital Inputs/Outputs
•Serial Port Data Communications
Specifications:
Mechanical
The VT-2200 consists of an ABS Plastic engineered
housing containing the electronic components.
Enclosure UV Stabilized ABS Plastic,
Black
Weight 158.75g
(5.6 oz)
Dimensions 28mm x 86mm x 153mm
(1.09” x 3.40” x 6.02”)
Connectors Automotive Grade FAKRA
connectors
Electrical
The VT-2200 power harness is a 4-pin connector for
simple installation. The power harness is
preconfigured for battery, ground and ignition.
Power Operating Range 8v – 24v DC
Supply Voltage 3.3v -4.5v DC
Consumption
Normal 55-60mA
Idle 15-20 mA
Hibernate > 1mA
GSM/GPRS Modem
The VT-2200 uses a quad-band GSM modem for maximum
network compatibility.
Frequency Bands 850/900/1800/1900 MHz
GPRS Class 12 max
Data Methods GPRS (UDP), SMS
GPS Receiver
The VT-2200 uses the latest GPS technology to
ensure most reliable and accurate position,
velocity and time information. Under normal,
clear conditions the GPS performance
characteristics are:
Tracking
Sensitivity
-159 to -160 dBm
Acquisition Time ~3 s Hot Start
~30 s Warm Start
~35 s Cold Start
Position Accuracy ~2.5m CEP
1 dedicated full serial port for future use
Data Communication Interfaces
The VT-2200 can interface with external
devices for enhanced tracking and
navigation. These options include:
•1 dedicated serial port with GPS
NMEA output for in vehicle
navigation
•1 dedicated serial port for personal
navigation device connectivity
•1 full serial interface for future
use
Auxiliary Inputs/Outputs
Digital Inputs 2 negative triggered
1 positive triggered
Digital Outputs 2 relay driver (500
mA)
Accessories
The VT-2200 has cabling available for
standard installation needs. The possible
accessories include:
•2m (6.5ft) GPS/GPRS combo blade
antenna with automotive grade FAKRA
connectors
•3 wire power adapter (battery,
ground, ignition)
•Data interface adapter cables
Environmental
Operating
Temperature
32°C to +85°C
Storage
Temperature
-32°C to +85°C
Certifications & Classifications
Industry PTCRB, GCF
Government FCC, e-Mark

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Appendix B – Installation Notes
The first choice for power connections should always be at the
ignition column. An industry standard poke-tape-tie-wrap method should
be used to secure connections. If column is unobtainable or there is
too many other devices wired to the column, then going to the input
wires behind the fuse box can be a valid alternative. If connections
must be made to fuses at the fuse box, then using a fuse tap pictured
below is acceptable, but should be a “last resort.”
Antenna placement is optimal underneath a removable plastic cover near
the windshield on the top of the dashboard. If no removable cover is
present, then removing the front dash bezel, the radio or instrument
cluster to gain access to under the dashboard is good. Behind the
plastic A pillar cover also works well, but should be a second choice.
If the dashboard is metal and/or not enough clearance is present
behind the A pillar, then mount the antenna at either top center of
the windshield behind the rear view mirror, or at the top right corner
of the windshield.
As for mounting the VT-2200, it only comes with 3’ of power cable so
the unit must be placed within the vicinity of your power connections.
Try to locate a flat metal or plastic surface big enough to fit the
unit and use at least two screws to mount. Tie-wrapping VT-2200 to a
wiring harness is also acceptable. At no point should VT-2200 be
“wedged” or left unmounted since 90 percent of power connections are
on the driver’s side and an unmounted box can easily fall down and
interfere with the braking and/or gas pedal of the vehicle causing a
serious safety hazard.