Connect User Guide

Introduction

The Connect is a rugged Android tablet, providing all-in-one technology for drivers to perform inspections, navigate routes, view workflows, manage tasks, send and receive messages, maintain electronic HOS records and receive driving performance feedback. Drivers and managers may easily access driver and vehicle information using Zonar’s Ground Traffic Control fleet management software to improve efficiency, productivity and safety across their organizations.

The primary purpose of this guide is to walk users through the basic functions of the Connect. While we attempt to point out the most common operations and functions, keep in mind that common sense, good housekeeping procedures, attention to detail and safety precautions are critical for the successful use and maintenance of the Connect. We also provide additional materials with and installed on the tablet, and found on the Zonar website to assist with day-to-day use. Help files located on the tablet provide deeper explanations of the functions and use of installed applications. Quick reference guides are included with the tablet so drivers may quickly reference basic functions. Lastly, our website contains information and resources for the Connect and all Zonar products (https://www.zonarsystems.com).

For additional support needs, a team of professional support technicians are available 24/7 at 1-877-843- 3847 or by email at customercare@zonarsystems.com.

 

Acronym Dictionary

Acronyms used in this user guide are listed below.
CMV – Commercial Motor Vehicle
ECM – Engine Control Module
EVIR – Electronic Verified Inspection Report
GPS – Global Positioning System
GSM – Global System for Mobile
HOS – Hours of Service
IMEA – International Mobile Station Equipment Identity
PIN – Personal Identification Number
RFID – Radio Frequency Identification
SD – Secure Digital
SIM – Subscriber Identity Module
TTS – Text-to-Speech
USB – Universal Serial Bus

Getting Started

Requirements for Operation

There are prerequisites that must be met before drivers or technicians will be able to log into the Connect tablet. Ground Traffic Control is used to set up and configure organization, asset and driver information.

Refer to the Ground Traffic Control User Manual for full details on setting up and maintaining Ground Traffic Control.

Before use, the following need to be completed:

1. A driver profile must be created in Ground Traffic Control with the following required information:
   • First and Last Name
   • Zonar Tag Number
   • Home Base Location
2. The driver must be assigned a Driver ID which can be a number or RFID card (Driver ID is also referred to as the Zonar Tag Number).
3. The driver needs to be assigned a PIN.
4. Organization and asset profiles must have been set up in Ground Traffic Control.
   • Organization Profiles contain all of the organization-specific information and settings including which applications will be installed on the Connect tablets. Asset Profiles contain all of the vehicle or asset-specific information in the organization.
5. Connection to the GPS telematics device must be established (for data transfer from the vehicle and Ground Traffic Control).
6. GSM connection must be established (cellular connection needed for data transfer between the GPS unit and Ground Traffic Control).

First-Time Boot-Up

Typically, the installation technician performs the first-time boot up, downloads/installs any necessary updates, and accepts the license agreements for the Connect and Navigation software.

The first time the Connect boots up after all software and applications are installed, the device performs a series of internal checks and tests to ensure that it is ready for use. The Connect checks for cellular connection (GSM) and if established, updates the Organization and Asset Profiles. The Log In screen will then display, prompting for a Driver ID and PIN.

Logging In & Out

Logging In

The Connect must be docked to log in for the first time or if the driver cache has expired. Login cannot occur when the device is undocked unless the user is cached. This does not apply when logging in from Sleep mode.

1. Enter the Driver ID by using the keyboard or scanning a driver card.
   • To scan a driver card, hold the card near the lower left-side edge of the tablet until the beep confirms it has been read.
     • When the RFID reader is active, the LED is illuminated blue.
     • The effective scanning range for the reader is within 2” of the left side of the device.

2. Enter the PIN using the keyboard.
3. Tap the Log In button.

If a repair on the vehicle has been noted in Ground Traffic Control, the user will see a message asking them to confirm completion of repairs before the home screen is accessed.

Logging Out

1. On the Home Screen, tap the driver tile in the lower right corner to enter the Manage Drivers screen.

2. Tap the Logout button.

Powering Off

1. Press the power button for at least 2 seconds.
2. Tap Power Off.
3. Confirm power off by tapping OK.

 

Fundamentals

Connect Device Overview

 

Connect Button Overview

The Connect hard buttons allow for constant access to the device’s core functions.

	Power – The power button can allow the Connect to power on and off. In addition, the user can hold the power button to access the silent mode toggle. Tap: Enter/Awake Sleep Mode 2-second Hold: Access power down and silent mode toggles
	Volume Control – The volume control can be held to increase (+) or decrease (-) the device’s volume output.
	Back – The back button will return the user to the previous screen. This function works both while on the home screen and within the installed applications.
	Home – The home button returns a user to the Connect Home Screen regardless of their position within an application or other menu.
	Menu – The menu button allows quick access to a number of All Apps and options offered by the Connect, depending on what menu or application is currently in use. By using the menu button, a user can activate the Connect flashlight, access the camera, access device settings, adjust device brightness or access the Connect’s built-in help menus and documents.

 

Connect Home Screen Overview

The Connect Home screen allows for quick access to applications and All Apps.

Using Applications

A user may launch installed Zonar applications through the Home screen through one of two methods. Users may start an application by either tapping an application tile from the main Home screen or by tapping an application icon in the Zonar toolbar. The Connect also comes with a number of native applications that are pre-installed at the factory. Users access these applications from the All Apps drawer at the bottom of the Home screen.

The following applications are stock with all Connect tablets, and are Android-stock applications. Details on Zonar-specific applications and their use can be found in the Help resource built into the Connect.

Users will only see the application tiles and icons for those installed on the device.

When the vehicle is in motion, many applications are locked or have limited function. In order to use the full range of applications, use only while the vehicle is safely stopped.

 

Calculator This is a standard calculator with basic functions.

 

Gallery Users may view their photos and videos using the Gallery. If photos or videos have been saved to the tablet or SD card, the Gallery will show how many are available to view. Users can tap a group of photos or videos on the screen, and then tap the one to view. They also have the ability to crop and rotate photos, if needed.

 

Camera Take photos and videos with the Connect tablet using the built-in camera app. Users may save photos and videos to the tablet or SD card.

 

 

Clock Within the clock application, users may set and maintain alarms.

 

 

Web Browser The Connect features a built-in web browser for accessing the Internet. From the All Apps Menu, tap the Browser icon.

 

The Connect must first be configured and connected to a Wi-Fi network to browse the Internet.

As with any device used to access the Internet, be cautious when browsing. To minimize the risk of viruses and malicious code, only browse from trusted sources. The Connect also does not support the installation of 3^rd party applications.

The Notification Bar and Icons

The notification bar located at the top of the screen provides important information about the state of the Connect tablet and installed applications. The notification bar always shows the time and date, as well as battery life. In addition, the bar indicates network connections (such as cellular (GSM) and Wi-Fi), GPS connection, new messages, upload and download activity, application warnings and alerts, as well as other system and Android notifications. Refer to the table below for short descriptions of the most common icons.

ICON	DESCRIPTION
	No Wi-Fi connection
	Wi-Fi is connected
	No cellular connection
	No GPS connection
	Self-Check Failure
	Battery is charging & level indicator
	USB connected
	New unread message
	Zonar Logs verify duty status logs edited by dispatcher
	Zonar Logs duty status logs to be confirmed
	Zonar Logs at-risk violation alert
	Zonar Logs driver in violation
	EVIR non-critical defects present
	EVIR critical defects present
	AT&T Connected
	ELD Data Malfunction
	Log Sync Complete

 

Notification Drawers

To review details of notifications in the notification bar, open the notification drawer.

Tap on the left notification bar at the top of the screen and perform a swipe down with the face of the touchscreen to the bottom. A list of notifications will appear and some notifications provide additional details may be available by tapping an item in the list. To view connection, brightness, and other settings tap on the right notification bar at the top of the screen and perform a swipe down with the face of the touchscreen to the bottom.

The Dock

The Connect docking station serves as the home for the tablet. Installed in the vehicle with a mounting device (see the hardware installation guide for more information), the dock charges the tablet while not in use and allows for direct communication with Zonar’s telematics device that collects and transmits information about the vehicle’s location and performance.

Some actions in the Zonar applications require that the Connect be docked in order to transfer data to/from the telematics device, Zonar data servers and Ground Traffic Control.

Docking and Undocking

To dock the Connect tablet:

1. Place the bottom of the tablet in the dock.
2. Push the connect back into the dock until it is locked into place.
   • Note: Do not push down on the two-stage clasp until the connect itself is locked into place.
3. Push the down on the first clasp (the most upright) and the second clasp will follow, continue pushing until it is securely locked in place.

To undock the Connect tablet:

1. Slowly pull up on the first clasp until and the second clasp will follow.
2. With both hands, slowly pull the Connect forward until it is undocked.

User should place a hand over the tablet to secure the device when ejecting from the dock.

 

Advanced

Application Updates

The Connect automatically checks for and downloads updates for all installed applications. If updates are needed, the Connect checks for Wi-Fi/LTE connectivity, if connected, the Connect notifies the user of pending updates and prompts to proceed with the download.

What is transmitted over LTE?

• Log Syncs
• EVIR Configurations and Attached Photos
• Forms Templates

What is not transmitted over LTE?

• Messages
• EVIR Inspections

If the update is smaller than 1MB in size, the Connect downloads and installs the update via cellular network if no Wi-Fi connection is available.

Driver Management

Logging in Co-Driver

1. From the home screen, tap the Manage Drivers Icon in the lower right corner to open the Manage Drivers screen.

2. Tap Add Co-Driver.

3. Co-driver logs in on the Co-Driver Log In screen with driver card/number and PIN.

Changing Active Driver

4. From the home screen, tap the Manage Drivers Icon in the lower right corner to open the Manage Drivers screen.
5. Tap the tile of the driver who will be driving. The "Make Active" icon will switch to "Active". The currently active driver will switch to "Make Active".
6. Press Save & Continue.

» Tap »

The active driver must be changed on this screen in order for the Zonar Logs application to calculate Drive time correctly, or to properly assign driver performance alerts and feedback through My Driving.

 

Using Zonar Applications

Because different fleet types will require the use and installation of different Zonar applications, refer to the help files on your tablet for information and instructions on using the applications installed on your device. See Appendix A for instructions on accessing Zonar Help.

Volume Adjustment

Users may adjust sound volume through the Settings menu:

All Apps menu » Settings » Sounds » Volumes

Silent/Vibrate Mode

To quickly disable sounds:

1. Press the power button and hold for at least 2 seconds to bring up the system menu.
2. Tap the bottom middle button to mute all sounds but keep vibration.
3. Tap the bottom left button to disable all sounds and vibration.
4. Tap the bottom right button to restore sound.

Sleep Mode

When the Connect is undocked, or docked on a vehicle without power, the device times out and enters sleep mode after a certain period of time to save battery life and for better device security. By default, this period is 2 minutes, but this can be adjusted to 15 seconds, 30 seconds, 1 minute, 2 minutes, 10 minutes, 30 minutes or never.

To exit from sleep mode:

1. Press the power button on the upper left-hand side of the device.
2. Log in with driver card\number and PIN, if prompted.

To manually enter sleep mode while the device is active, press the power button.

To change the screen timeout setting, from the Connect Home Screen, tap the All Apps menu » Settings » Display » Sleep

1. Tap the desired screen timeout setting.

Press the back button on the tablet twice to arrive at the original screen or Home screen

 

Strap Installation

The Connect may be equipped with a strap accessory (sold separately) to securely carry the tablet while it is out of the docking station.

To install the strap:

1. Undock the tablet.
2. Using a Phillips #2 tip screwdriver, insert a screw into each of the four holes located on the back of the tablet and tighten until secured.
3. Adjust strap as needed.

If replacement screws are needed, contact Zonar (Zonar P/N 20054).

Device Settings

Users may configure and set preferences using various device settings. For application settings, refer to the Help files for the applications you have installed on your device.

Wireless & Networks

Wi-Fi

The Wi-Fi setting allows you to turn this feature on and off. Go to the All Apps menu » Settings » Wireless & networks » Turn Wi-Fi on or off using the checkbox.

When the Connect is connected to a Wi-Fi network the Wi-Fi icon will display in the notification bar.

Wi-Fi settings

View and add available Wi-Fi networks. Users may also have the Connect notify users when a Wi-Fi network is available. Go to the All Apps menu » Settings » Wireless & networks » Wi-Fi settings.

To configure Wi-Fi on the Connect:

1. Turn Wi-Fi on by checking the Wi-Fi checkbox under Wi-Fi settings.
2. Tap a Wi-Fi network from the list under Wi-Fi networks.

For secured Wi-Fi networks (shown with a lock over the Wi-Fi icon), usernames and/or passwords are required.

3. Enter the username in the Identity box, if required.

Tap inside the Identity box to access the keyboard.

Tap Next in the bottom right-hand corner of the keyboard to advance to the Password box.

4. Enter the password in the Password box.

Tap inside the Password box to access the keyboard, if needed.

Tap Done in the bottom right-hand corner of the keyboard to remove the keyboard.

5. Tap the Connect button.

If connection to the Wi-Fi network is successful, the Wi-Fi icon will display in the notification bar. Also, Connected will display underneath the name of the currently connected network in the Wi-Fi networks list.

Users may add more than one Wi-Fi network to the Connect’s list, but only one will be connected at a time. If users have previously accessed a Wi-Fi network by entering credentials, the Connect will remember this and display Remembered underneath each of these networks, except the one that is currently connected. Users may remove Remembered networks by tapping the network and then tapping the Forget button.

The Android keyboard may increase the difficulty of managing some network password settings when using a Landscape view. By turning the Connect to a Portrait view, there is no interference.

 

Zonar Settings

Diagnostics

Run Device Diagnostics: Your window to information relating to the health of the Connect as well as the status of the GPS unit. This includes software version, vehicle information, and configurations installed. Go to the All Apps menu » Zonar Settings » Tap Run Device Diagnostics.

Enable Driver Cache: Users may have the Connect save their driver profiles. Go to the All Apps menu » Zonar Settings » Enable Driver Cache by using the checkbox.

Pin Lock: Allows the user to adjust the amount of time before they must enter their PIN after the screen goes to sleep. Go to the All Apps menu » Zonar Settings » Tap the down arrow next to Pin Lock and then tap the amount of time desired.

View Installed Apps: View installed applications and their version numbers. Go to the All Apps menu » Zonar Settings » Tap View Installed Apps.

Check for Zonar updates: Users may manually request to update applications. Go to the All Apps menu » Zonar Settings » Tap Check for Zonar Updates.

If you receive notification that an application update was not successfully installed, users may use Check for Zonar updates to manually request updates to applications.

Turn Off Display When In Motion: When checked, the display will turn black when the vehicle is in motion. Apps will continue to run while the screen is off.

Mute Audio When In Motion: When checked, the device sound will mute while the vehicle is in motion.

Sound

General

Volume: Users may adjust the volume levels for media and alarms. Go to the All Apps menu » Settings » Sounds » Tap Volumes » Use the slider bars to adjust the media and alarm volume levels.

Feedback

Audible selection: Users may enable or disable sound when making screen selections. Go to the All Apps menu » Settings Sounds » Enable or disable using the checkbox.

Display

Brightness: Users may adjust the brightness level on the Connect or set the tablet to do this automatically. Go to the All Apps menu » Settings » Display » Brightness » Check the Automatic brightness checkbox or use the slider to set to desired level.

Auto-rotate screen: Users may set the Connect to automatically change the screen orientation. Go to the All Apps menu » Settings » Display » Enable or disable using the checkbox.

Animation: Users may change animations settings from All animations to Some animations or No animations. Go to the All Apps menu » Settings » Display » Animation » Tap the desired animation option.

Screen timeout: Users may change the screen timeout setting from 2 minutes (default) to 15 seconds, 30 seconds, 1 minute, 2 minutes, 10 minutes, 30 minutes or never. Go to the All Apps menu » Settings » Display » Screen timeout » Tap the desired timeout setting.

 

Storage

User storage

Erase user storage: Users may erase the data saved to the internal storage on the device such as photos and videos. Go to the All Apps menu » Settings » Erase user storage » Tap the Erase user storage button.

This action cannot be undone. All files in internal storage will be erased.

EXTSD card

Mount EXTSD card: After inserting a SD card, users need to mount the card before files can be copied. Go to the All Apps menu » Settings Storage » Tap Mount EXTSD card.

Erase EXTSD card: Users may erase the files stored on an SD card. Go to the All Apps menu » Settings » Storage » Erase EXTSD card » Tap the Erase SD card button

This action cannot be undone. All files on the card will be erased.

USB disk

Mount USB disk card: After inserting a USB drive, users will need to mount the drive before files can be copied. Go to the All Apps menu » Settings » Storage » Tap Mount USB disk card.

Erase USB disk: Users may erase the files stored on a USB drive. Go to the All Apps menu » Settings Storage » Erase USB disk » Tap the Erase USB storage button

This action cannot be undone. All files on the drive will be erased.

Language & Keyboard

Language settings

Select language: Users may change language settings. Go to the All Apps menu » Settings » Language & Keyboard » Tap language » Choose language from the list:

• English (United Kingdom)
• English (United States)
• Español (España)
• Español (Estados Unidos)
• Français

User dictionary: Users may add words to the user dictionary and then view the words added to the dictionary. Go to the All Apps menu » Settings » Language & Keyboard » User dictionary » Review the added words. To add new words, press the Menu button and key in the desired new words.

Voice input & output

Text-to-speech settings

Listen to an example: Users may listen to a short demo of speech synthesis. Go to the All Apps menu » Settings » Voice input & output » Text–to-speech settings » Tap Listen to an example.

Always use my settings: Users may override application settings with the settings specified under Default settings. Go to the All Apps menu » Settings » Voice input & output » Text–to-speech settings » Enable or disable using the checkbox.

Default settings

Default engine: If a user has more than one speech synthesis engine installed, they may specify the default to be used. The only TTS engine that comes installed on the Connect initially is Pico TTS. Go to the All Apps menu » Settings » Voice input & output » Text–to-speech settings » Default engine » Tap the desired setting.

Speech rate: Users may change the speed at which text is spoken from Normal to Very slow, Slow, Fast or Very fast. Go to the All Apps menu » Settings » Voice input & output » Text–to-speech settings Speech rate » Tap the desired setting.

Language: User may change the language in which the text is spoken. Go to the All Apps menu » Settings » Voice input & output » Text–to-speech settings » Language » Tap the desired setting.

Engines

Pico TTS: Users may change the language in which the Pico TTS text is spoken. The only Pico TTS language that comes installed on the Connect initially is English (United States). Go to the All Apps menu » Settings » Voice input & output » Text–to-speech settings » Pico TTS » Tap the desired setting.

Accessibility 

Accessibility Settings

Button backlight: Users may enable or disable the button backlight feature. Go to the All Apps menu » Settings » Accessibility » Enable or disable this setting using the checkbox.

Date & Time

Use 24-hour format: Users may enable or disable the 24-hour clock. Go to the All Apps menu » Settings » Date & time » Enable or disable this setting using the checkbox.

 

Support & Maintenance

Accessing Help Files and Guides on the Connect

To access help files outside of a Zonar Application:

1. Tap the Help icon in the All Apps menu (found at the bottom of the main screen).

2. Tap the desired application icon to open the help file.

Additionally, users may access the Help section by pressing the Connect’s menu button and tapping Help from the window.

 

Care & Maintenance

Care

• Avoid dropping the Connect or operating it in high-shock or high-vibration environments.
• Do not expose the Connect to water.
  • Excessive contact with water can cause the Connect to malfunction.
• Do not store the Connect where prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures can occur.
  • Ideal operating temperature: -20°C to 60°C (-4°F to 140°F)
  • Ideal storage temperature: -40°C to 85°C (-40°F to 185°F)
  • Ideal battery charge temperature: 0°C to 60°C (32°F to 140°F)
  • Ideal battery discharge temperature: -20°C to 60°C (-4°F to 140°F)
  • Prolonged exposure with extreme temperatures can permanently damage the Connect.
• Never use a hard or sharp object to operate the Connect touchscreen.
  • Doing so may damage the touchscreen and leave it nonfunctional.

Cleaning the Connect

Avoid chemical cleaners and solvents that can damage plastic components.

Cleaning the tablet case

• Clean the outer casing of the Connect using a cloth dampened with a mild detergent solution.
• Wipe the device dry with a clean, dry cloth.

Cleaning the Touchscreen

• Use a soft, clean, lint-free cloth.
• If necessary, use water, isopropyl alcohol or eyeglass lens cleaner.
• Apply the liquid to the cloth.
• Gently wipe the Connect screen with the cloth.