Status Operational Status

4G Converter Kit Installation - Thales

  • Last edited on

Introduction

This is the procedure to convert a V3 telematics unit to operate with 4G cellular networks. The conversion requires a converter box and two paddle antennas.

Converter boxes are not pre-assigned to specific V3 units.

Materials Required

Quantity Description layout.png
1 Converter Box
1 Serial/Ethernet Cable
2 Paddle Antennas
4 Zip Ties
2 Alcohol Wipes

Installation

  1. Locate the V3 telematics control unit.

    When upgrading a VTHU unit, refer to the factory installation images for location of the telematics control unit.

  2. Note the serial number located on the back of the unit and the asset number to later confirm in Ground Traffic Control that the converter installation is successful.
    02.png
  3. Plug the serial cable and ethernet cable from the kit into the converter box.
    layout-cut.png
  4. Turn the vehicle on to make sure a cellular signal is available on the V3.
    04.png
  5. Plug the other end of the serial cable into the 6-pin port on the V3 unit.
    05.png
  6. Use zip ties to manage cable slack.
  7. Use zip ties to secure the converter box to the cable assembly.

    Avoid placing directly on/on top of other radios or source of electrical noise.

  8. Attach the two antennas to the converter box at the coaxial terminals.
    thales_coax.png
  9. Secure the antennas in the bulkhead at least 8 inches apart from each other and 10 inches away from people:
    1. Clean the surface with an alcohol wipe.
    2. Remove the adhesive backing.
    3. Press the antenna in place to secure.
    10.png
  10. Secure the V3 telematics unit in its mount.
  11. Power cycle the V3 telematics unit by unplugging the 4-pin connector, waiting 15 seconds, then plugging the cable back in the device.
  12. Check the cellular signal light on the V3 telematics unit. A red light indicates that the converter box is functioning and a 4G signal is present.
    12.png

Verify Installation

You can confirm in Ground Traffic Control that the 4G converter kit is installed in the vehicle by checking the GPS Unit Health report for the external SCID of the converter SIM.

  1. From the main menu of Ground Traffic Control, go to Reports at the top, then in the GPS Track & Trace column, click GPS Unit Health.
  2. On the list view, click the Show/Hide Columns button and select "External SCID" to add that column to the report.
    external-scid.png
  3. Search for the asset number or GPSSN being converted.
  4. Confirm that the number in the "EXTERNAL SCID" column matches the number of the 4G converter SIM. 

Related articles