Geotab Support Forum

We have purchased 4 GO4 and 1 GO4-RF units, with the possibility of another 116. We need to track the idle time of our buses. Has anyone done this type of install? If so how did you go about accurately monitor the idle? Is there a way to do this without the j1939?

Thanks

If the vehicle supports engine diagnostics (OBD\CAN, J1939\CAN, J1708) , the unit can be connected directly to the diagnostic connector in the vehicle. In this case, the unit receives RPM data to determine if the engine is running. When the engine is not running, the ignition will be considered off and idling is very accurate.

Without Engine Diagnostics, the system receives ignition from a hard wire connection (Yellow Wire). In this case, depending how the unit is wired - the ignition may appear to be on even though the engine is not running (i.e key is in the ON, or Accessory position). Using a multi-meter, you can measure the voltage at the ignition wire to determine if this is the case. We recommend connecting the ignition wire (Yellow Wire) to a source that is +12V only when the Key is in the ON position (not accessory).

we currently have a few units installed in our trucks for a demo

we are having some issues with the idling, what exactly constitutes idling? we had a case where one of our drivers made 7-8 stops but the unit shows the truck as running, we are assuming he left the truck running and went in and out of the locations fast

my question is what parameters need to be met for idling to occur?

Hello,

If the vehicle is stationary for 200 seconds with ignition on, it is considered idling and a stop will be registered. Traffic stops will not be counted unless they exceed 200 seconds.

If the unit is a passive unit (RF 900 mhz or Wi-Fi), you have the option to adjust the MaxLog time parameter. Please review the following forum post for more information: http://geotab.com/Support/GeotabFor...fault.aspx

I use the idle time feature a lot. Have done so for the last few months. Mainly in specific zones and use the data to encourage our drivers to reduce idle times. It is very easy to set up.