2024-10-28

Reading data from the CAN bus
S10.3/S10.5 - All in One - J1939, J1708, FMS, OBD, K-Line (tachograph)

The S10.3 and S10.5 terminals are advanced devices that incorporate various modules. In addition to the basic ones, such as GPS for vehicle tracking and GSM for transmitting data from the vehicle to the application, it is worth noting the technology for reading data from the CAN bus. The terminals enable data reading both by connecting to the FMS connector and by directly connecting to the CAN bus in the vehicle.

The range of read data is detailed in the list of supported vehicles for each model individually. Currently, around 60 logistical parameters are read from the bus, not including readings from the dashboard indicators.

What makes the data reading from the CAN bus using S10.3/S10.5 unique?

The uniqueness of reading data from the CAN bus using S10.3/S10.5 lies in the application of technology that allows for the flexible choice of connection points in the vehicle to retrieve data. Both connecting to the FMS connector and directly connecting to the signal wires of the CAN bus pose no challenges in obtaining the desired data. This technology makes the terminals universal and user-friendly, not only for installers but also for logistics involved in the dispatch of devices.

Competing solutions available on the market often force buyers to make decisions, even during the purchase of the device, regarding how they plan to acquire data from the CAN bus. This concerns the connection method. Built-in modules in tracking devices often require buyers to connect to the bus using an FMS connector, as these modules do not support other standards. The need for connection in a different location compels buyers to purchase an external module that supports different types of buses, leading to increased costs. However, its not just the purchase costs that are a drawback; additional installation costs may arise. There are instances where the vehicle lacks an FMS connector or it is inactive. In such cases, an installer with a device designed only for FMS support may not be able to successfully complete the installation. This situation necessitates organizing another installation with an additional module that is not limited to the FMS standard.

The above-mentioned issues do not occur in the installation of the S10.3/S10.5 terminal. The S10 technology supports all bus standards available on the market – J1939, J1708, FMS, OBD, K-Line (in the case of S10.5). If, during installation, it turns out that there is no FMS connector or it is inactive, then it is necessary to connect to the bus using a dedicated connection scheme for the specific vehicle model.

Dedicated connection schemes and the range of read data

Connection schemes to the CAN bus are prepared based on local measurements conducted by our technicians. Several points in the vehicle are scanned to select a location that provides the maximum amount of data possible. As a result, a dedicated connection scheme is created:

Local measurements allow us to precisely specify the data to expect when connecting at the designated location.

According to the above example, by connecting to the yellow-green wire in the green connector located under the fuse box, in the VOLVO FH vehicle (2020-), we can expect to read the following data:

CAN bus measurements

Measurements are conducted in the case of the introduction of a new vehicle model to the market. Sometimes even minor model changes, such as a facelift, necessitate re-measurements due to electronic changes implemented by the manufacturer. We constantly monitor new releases to provide terminals compatible with a specific vehicle model before it enters regular sales and fills corporate fleets. We also conduct dedicated measurements for so-called exotic vehicles not commonly found in standard fleets upon individual requests.

In a nutshell, the CAN bus holds no secrets for us, allowing us to deliver exceptional solutions that stand out from the competition.