Messenger

Overview

The Messenger is an integrated telemetry and alarm notification system designed specifically to work seamlessly with electronic control units, ECUs, and other devices that support CANbus or J1708 communications.

Each Messenger monitors 32 unique CANbus PGNs at speeds up to 1.25 Mbits/second or dozens of J1708/1587 PIDs. When user-defined operating conditions are violated, like receipt of an engine diagnostic message, information is immediately sent to internet-based applications like Antx Tracking or other third-party solutions.

When housed in the Deutsch weatherproof enclosure, the Messenger connects to the ECU through a single cable with the standard 9-pin or 6-pin Deutsch J1939 or J1708 connector. The dual GPS/GSM antenna connects to the two keyed connectors on the Messenger.

Communication to the internet-based applications is via UDP or TCP over the GSM network. CDMA and Satellite communication are also available.

Designed for the Future

Since it is inevitable that newer and faster wireless networks will become prevalent, the Messenger was designed as a two-board integrated product. One board handles all wireless communication, so networks like EDGE, EV-DO or UMTS can be supported by simply changing out the GSM board and inserting the appropriate network board.

How the Messenger Works

The Messenger continually monitors pre-defined PGN values, performs computations and limit comparisons on those values. These processed values are sent to an internet-based application based on a timed interval or when various conditions or limits violations occur.

The information sent to the internet includes the unit identification, GPS location, date/time, processed values based on PGN parameters of interest, computed values, remote unit status, etc.

Capabilities that provide real benefit

The Messenger is designed to provide a highly robust and configurable platform for unique applications. The powerful 32-bit processor, real-time operating system, FLASH and SRAM on the Messenger allow for:

• Virtual real-time transfer or monitored conditions
• Local computations and evaluations from monitored conditions
• User-specified PGNs to be monitored
• Event and data logging
• Exception-based reporting to internet-based applications
• Over-the-air tunneling into the Messenger or other OEM equipment attached to the Messenger for remote diagnostics or re-configuration
• Reprogram a single unit or 1000s of units automatically via FTP
• Automatic firmware upgrades via FTP
• Event log and current configuration upload via FTP
• SMS messaging to change configuration or request monitored values
• Notifications based on time, events or computations from data
• Very low power mode based on RPM limit or other conditions
• Over-the-air re-flashing of the Messenger application - add new capabilites to the Messenger without having to visit it!

Some Conditions Monitored

• non-CANbus conditions
• GPS coordinates for location and geo-fencing
• General purpose closure-to-ground input
• Analog input for fuel level or other sender
• CANbus or J1708/1587 parameters from 1 or more ECUs
• Engine hours (Total, daily idle and daily running)
• RPM
• Battery voltage (switched and unswitched)
• Oil pressure, temperature and level
• Fuel level
• Fuel usage rate
• Coolant level and temperature
• Odometer
• Throttle position
• Instantaneous and Average fuel economy per engine start
• Hard braking
• All diagnostic messages reported through DM1 (J1939) or trouble codes (J1708/1587)
• Fault conditions reported through TPCM (J1939)
• User-defined PGN/FMI (J1939) or PID (J1708/1587) values
• Computed values reported daily
• Fuel usage (Daily idle usage and daily running usage)
• Idle time-limit exceeded (Idle time and fuel used)
• Maximum and Minimum RPM
• Maximum and Minimum Oil pressure, temperature and level
• Maximum and Minimum Coolant level and temperature

Specifications

• 3.25" x 3.95"
• GSM/GPS board piggy-backs on Messenger board
• 4 mounting holes
• CAN controller
• Supports protocol version 2.0 part A and B/Active
• Rates up to 1.25Mbit/second
• 32 independent PGN message objects at a time
• Serial ports
• RS232/RS485
• Support SAE J1708/1587 protocol
• Support Modbus Slave protocol
• External CDMA or Satellite modems
• Support for Hand-held fleet management devices
• Support OEM-specific communication
• Battery backed up Real-Time Clock, event log and data log
• GSM-GPRS with SIM card holder embedded on Messenger
• Certifications
• FCC, PTCRB and ATT approvals for GSM/GPRS end-user applications
• Operating vibration: exceeds SAE J1455 vibration levels
• Operating shock: exceeds SAE J1455 shock levels
• Enclosure: exceeds IP65/NEMA 4X
• RoHS compliant
• Wireless communication
• GSM/GPRS - UDP or TCP
• CDMA
• Satellite via serial port
• Extreme low power mode
• FLASH memory for application
• up to 512K
• downloadable via serial port or over-the-air connection
• Low-low power SRAM
• up to 512K
• battery backed
• DIP switches to select:
• Serial port function - Debug, Modbus, Other
• Serial port interface - RS232 or RS485
• Modbus Slave ID
• Baud rate
• Event logger
• Last 500 significant events
• Accessible over-the-air
• Accessible locally via serial port
• LEDs
• Power modes - off, low, full
• Cellular status and signal strength
• GPS status
• CAN or J1708/1587 status
• Serial port status
• OEM specific
• General purpose inputs
• Up to 3 digital (closure to ground) inputs
• Analog input - voltage, ma or resistive
• SMS capability
• Receive commands for changing configuration
• Receive commands for over-the-air direct communications with internal menuing system
• On-demand reporting of values
• OEM specific
• Physical Characteristics
• Operating power: 8-32VDC
• Sleep mode - less than 6 ma @ 12VDC
• Monitoring mode - 110ma @ 12VDC
• GPRS transmit mode - 800ma peak @ 12VDC
• Industrial temperature range -40 to +70C
• Watertight industrial enclosure

How the Antx Tracking System Works

The Antx Tracking system performs any user-specified alarm notifications via e-mail, text-messaging and/or voice calls and also records all the information for future reporting.

Users can logon to the Antx Tracking system at any time from anywhere using a web-browser and their secure username and password. Once logged in, users can view current data on an interactive map, generate reports from historic data, modify alarm notification lists and configure unique names for any and all conditions monitored.

The Antx Tracking system is provided as a service with a nominal annual service fee. Included in the fee are unlimited number of alarms, unlimited number of notifications and 2 username/password accounts - full-access and limited access.