FCS1362:2010 UK CODE OF PRACTICE for the installation of mobile radio and related ancillary equipment in land based vehicles (SUPERSEDES MPT1362)
FCS1362:2010 UK CODE OF PRACTICE for the installation of mobile radio and related ancillary equipment in land based vehicles (Supersedes MPT1362) First published as MPT1362 1987 (with Crown Copyright) First revision 1990 Reprinted 1991 Revised and Reprinted March 1997 Second revision 2001 Reprinted 2002 Third Revision 2005 Minor amendments 2007 FCS1362 Supersedes MPT1362 in subsequent editions Fourth Revision 2008 Fifth Revision 2010, known as FCS1362:2010 Published by Federation of Communication Services ©
Foreword This code of practice document applies when installing all forms of mobile radio and telephony equipment, along with any ancillary or auxiliary products, in land based vehicles of various types.
Contents Foreword ...................................................................................................................................... 3 Scope ........................................................................................................................................... 8 1. Definitions and Abbreviations .............................................................................................. 9 1.1. 1.2. 2. Definitions ...................................................
2.9. Precautions when working on vehicles .................................................................................................... 24 2.9.1. Electric powered and hybrid vehicles ................................................................................................ 24 2.9.2. Vehicle battery disconnection ........................................................................................................... 24 2.9.2.1.
4.3. Installation of cables ............................................................................................................................... 37 4.3.1. Routing of power and control cables ................................................................................................. 37 4.3.1.1. Grommets ............................................................................................................................... 37 4.3.1.2. Routing cables ....................................
5.3.3. Checks on emergency service vehicles ............................................................................................ 51 5.3.4. Vehicle’s engine and ignition during testing ...................................................................................... 51 5.3.5. Dealing with problems found in final testing ...................................................................................... 51 5.3.6. Road testing ....................................................................
Scope This code of practice provides guidance for the installation in land based vehicles of: • mobile telephones and other communication devices such as PDA and data terminals • business radio such as PBR equipment • in-vehicle mounting kits for transportable and handheld equipment • mobile equipment • telematics • ancillary and auxiliary equipment associated with the above It does not cover the installation of equipment in aeronautical or marine environments.
1. Definitions and Abbreviations 1.1. Definitions For the purposes of this Code of Practice, the following definitions apply: Aerial base A standard base mount that a whip antenna screws on to. The base incorporates a coaxial lead to connect the antenna to the radio. Ancillary equipment Any equipment required as part of the installation in addition to the radio (e.g. voltage converter). Auxiliary equipment Any equipment which forms additional communication functions.
In Car Entertainment or ICE Installer ISM Band Radiating element Radio system SIM access profile Telematics Telemute Vehicle Identification Number Vehicle Supplier Zigbee FCS1362 current to power equipment. ICE is a generic term used to describe broadcast radio, CD tuners, navigation and computer screens and so on fitted to vehicles. Radio equipment installation technician undertaking the work on the vehicle.
1.2.
PMR PPE PTT RF RFI RSSI RX SAP SIM SOT SRS SVA TETRA TX VHF VIN VSWR UHF UMTS W WEEE WLAN FCS1362 Professional/Private Mobile Radio (also known as PBR) Personal protective equipment Press to Talk Radio Frequency Radio Frequency Interference Received signal strength indicator Receive SIM access profile Subscriber identity module Also known as ISO2CAR the SOT lead is used to connect aftermarket equipment that utilises a standard ISO connection to vehicles that do not have a compatible ISO harness connectio
2. Guidelines for safe & legal installation of equipment The installer has a responsibility to ensure the safety of the vehicle has been maintained once work to fit the equipment has been completed. This responsibility remains with the installer for the work undertaken and may not be transferred. Having the customer sign off after the job completion does not transfer liability for safety.
2) For equipment which has a connection to one or more of the vehicle’s data buses (e.g. ECU, CAN bus), the equipment or system must carry a type approval mark (‘e’ mark). Vehicle data buses, especially the CAN bus, also control certain safety functions. Connection to such a data bus must be done in a proper manner with suitable equipment in order to maintain the integrity of the bus in question.
2.2.5. Compliance for vehicles carrying dangerous goods Any installation in a vehicle intended for the transport of dangerous goods (such as petrol, gas, fertiliser or sugar) must comply with both the European ADR regulations and any relevant UK code of practice for that industry.
Note that 97/24/ EC does not call for aftermarket equipment which falls in to this category and is CE marked to use the emission limits from the Automotive Directive as in the case of CE marked equipment fitted to cars. The EMC requirements for these vehicles are currently under review and it is understood that they will eventually be similar to the Automotive Directive 2004/104/EC. 2.3.
2.3.1.2. Equipment & vehicle supplier’s warranty Installation of mobile radio equipment to any part of the vehicle other than an authorised connection or mounting point may invalidate the vehicle warranty. If there is doubt the vehicle or equipment suppliers should be consulted. When provided, the vehicle manufacturer’s radio equipment installation instructions should be used as the prime guide. 2.3.2.
2.3.2.3. Disposal by a local authority Local authorities may dispose of WEEE related waste to businesses by special arrangement. 2.3.2.4. Secure disposal Items of secure (encrypted) equipment, such as PMR or Emergency Services radio, must be disposed of securely under the terms imposed by the Government regulatory authorities. The United Kingdom Data Protection Act 1998 requires that procedures are followed for the secure disposal of any equipment and storage media that may contain personal data (e.g.
• watches or other metallic items such as jewellery that could damage paintwork, or come in contact with the battery supply, are removed. If, for example, a ring cannot be removed it should be covered with suitable insulating material Special clothing should be worn if required, i.e. high visibility jackets, safety shoes, etc. Personal protective equipment (PPE) should also be used if required (for example protective goggles worn if drilling a hole). 2.5.
Consideration should also be given where the equipment is to be fitted into an area of the vehicle that may be occupied by passengers. Some specialist vehicles will require the equipment to withstand specified g-force to avoid equipment breaking loose and causing injury to passengers in the event the vehicle is involved in an accident. 2.6.1.1.
Avoid running cables in parallel Especially true for radio equipment antenna co-axial cables • Where cabling is either open to the elements, or accessible within a vehicle, it will need protecting. o Solid trunking will offer maximum protection to the cables where the vehicle type allows its use o Spiral binding is flexible and easy to fit but probably least friendly for servicing equipment as it may need to be unwound just to replace one cable.
• • Heat shrink splicing o These come in two types and have a heat shrink outer casing making them acceptable in areas where the connector may be exposed to the elements o They generally follow the same colour code for wire size as standard crimps, i.e. red, blue and yellow o Crimp versions require the correct crimp tool to be used before the outer casing is shrunk using a heat gun. o Solder versions are self contained with pre fluxed solder within a transparent heat shrinkable tube.
• Installers converting vehicles to the SVA Criteria must install to the SVA requirements using equipment that complies with the Criteria • Installers adding equipment to a SVA compliant vehicle must ensure that the additional equipment is compliant with the SVA Criteria and take care that the changes to the vehicle undertaken when fitting do not invalidate the vehicle’s SVA compliant status Additional information on the Standard, the EsCAN, the SVA Criteria and the permitted range of connectors can be obt
A low profile antenna type may be more suitable and is preferable to mounting the antenna on the side of vehicles; particularly high sided vans. If a whip antenna is cut to length a protective cap must be securely fitted. Do not leave a sharp, uncovered point at the top of the rod. 2.8.2.4. Magnetic base antenna safety The magnetic base must be of a suitable size for the antenna and vehicle operating speed. If necessary consult the antenna manufacturer for the application data to ensure suitability.
2.9.2.1. Battery disconnection and existing electrical and electronic equipment If a vehicle battery is disconnected problems may occur with existing electrical/electronic equipment in the vehicle such as: • engine management systems and other in-vehicle ECUs • vehicle alarm systems • in-car entertainment units and any other after-market devices fitted with an anti-theft security code. o Disconnecting ICE from the battery supply and/or removal of the ICE may have some other consequences, see section 4.5.1.
• • • • • • • • • • • • o Refer to section 4.8.1 for the measurement test requirements Measuring tape Power drill kit Cone cutter RF connector ratchet crimp tool DC connector ratchet crimp tool Portable soldering iron o Battery operated irons are preferred. Gas powered soldering irons may not be suitable for some environments or vehicles particularly petrochemical or hazardous load vehicles. o Open flame torches of any kind are deemed to be dangerous and a fire risk and so should not be used Heat gun.
3. Planning, preparation and pre-installation guidance A copy of the current FCS1362:2010 code of practice should always be available to the installer for reference. Appendix A illustrates the installation process in a flow chart. 3.1.
3.3. Pre-check of mobile equipment The equipment to be installed should be examined to ensure it meets the criteria given in section 2. Should the equipment not satisfy the requirements then the customer must be informed and it must not be installed. It is recommended that the equipment should be tested before it is installed in the vehicle. At this stage all the basic functions can be checked. Only a suitably qualified person using calibrated test equipment should carry out any internal adjustments. 3.4.
3.6.1. Vehicle inspection Any problems identified during the pre-installation inspection should be noted and a course of action agreed with the customer before any work proceeds. It is recommended that a checklist be used to ensure a consistent standard of vehicle inspection is undertaken. Details of items covered during the vehicle inspection should be recorded on the report.
4. Installation procedures Ensure all component parts of the equipment to be fitted are present and in serviceable condition to enable the completion of the job. See section 4.11 regarding de-installation should the installation job involve moving equipment from one vehicle to another. 4.1. Installation of antenna and coaxial cable The antenna system and its installation dictate the quality of performance of the mobile communications equipment.
Covert type antennas can be either a modification of an existing body mounted antenna (e.g. bee sting) or an internally fitted unit. Internal, discreet or covert types generally have a reduced performance compared to conventional antennas due to their design and/or mounting location. Consideration should be given to their suitability for the customer’s application before fitting this type of antenna. See Appendix G for information regarding antenna performance of covert antennas.
4.2.2. Approximate frequency to wavelength conversion A simple formula to calculate the wavelength in metres from a given frequency is: 300 Frequency (MHz) e.g. For 150MHz, 300/150 = 2 metres and therefore a ¼ wave is 0.5m or 50cms, a ½ wave 1m or 100cms. Table 2 - Approximate frequency to wavelength conversion Band Name Citizens Band (CB) Band 1 Low Band VHF Mid/High Band 3 TETRA/Public Safety UHF 1 UHF 2 800MHz Band GSM 900 GPS GSM 1800 UMTS W-LAN & Bluetooth devices 2.
Antenna positions should be planned to achieve best separation between antennas while maintaining a suitably sized ground plane for each one – see Appendix F. There will be a point where multi-coupling (antenna combining) techniques may become cost effective in maintaining performance. This should be a part of the vehicle installation design process. 4.2.3.1. Antennas and sunroofs If a sunroof is fitted, then the antenna should be mounted at least a quarter wavelength from the opening, see section 4.2.
4.2.4.2. Antennas on non-metallic panels When the antenna installation is to be carried out on a non-metallic surface: • a ground plane independent antenna can be fitted directly to any surface (glass fibre etc.) or onto a mounting bracket which may be supplied by the manufacturer • a standard antenna can be used with a ground plane fitted to the underside of the panel e.g. a metal plate complying with dimensions in section 4.2.3. 4.2.4.3.
• • The antenna should be mounted, wherever possible, so as to maintain vertical polarisation If mounted horizontally it could incur significant cross polarisation loss and produce large null areas in the radiation pattern • Consideration given to the attenuation of signal and radiation pattern distortion caused by being fitted behind trim material (e.g.
check the specification with the supplier. As a guide the cable should have a minimum of 90% braid coverage In addition to attenuation, consideration should be given to the impedance – a tolerance of +/-2Ω at 1GHz and +/-4Ω at 2GHz is acceptable. It should be noted that some cable types may not be suitable for use in the higher frequency bands (e.g. above 1800MHz) – if in doubt check the manufacturer or suppliers specification.
particularly at frequencies above 400MHz. It may be more effective to find a different location for the antenna to achieve a shorter cable run. 4.2.5.1.
4.3.1.2. Routing cables Select a route for the cables preferably away from and/avoiding the following • vehicle wiring • safety-related electronic components o e.g. ECU. • the fuel pipe • brake pipes • control cables • controls • pedal box • steering column • hot components o Note these may be cold during installation, e.g. engine, exhaust, air conditioning etc. • Moving parts should be avoided o Allow for the movement e.g. pedal travel etc.
All components should be installed in accordance with section 2 and with the principal user in mind as per section 3.2, with the following criteria met: • driver’s view of the road scene is not obstructed in accordance with Appendix H. o For further information see ISO 4513 and MOT legislation (Appendix B).
4.4.5. Distribution boxes and transceivers Where a distribution box and or transceiver are provided as part of the radio equipment they should be securely fitted as per section 2.6 Allowance should be made for adequate ventilation for the equipment, especially with higher power transceivers. Where the equipment requires it consideration should be given to SIM card access. Transceivers should not be operated without a connection to a safely installed antenna as per section 4.2.
• The equipment should be designed to handle the power requirements of the auxiliary equipment. See section 4.6.3 regarding fusing 4.5. Audio muting and audio routing facilities When an ICE mute is available and asked for by the customer the compatibility of the equipment must be checked. Care should be taken not to damage or compromise the existing wiring in the vehicle.
• the permanent live • ground or earth • ignition sense (if any) • audio mute • any other connections (for example CD changer, etc.) In some cases when installing aftermarket equipment there may be wiring connectors which are not utilised. Ensure any unused connections are fully insulated and cannot short to other components, ground/earth or metal parts. 4.5.1.3.
The supply cable from the radio equipment should approach the battery in such a way that when terminated the two wires cannot be inadvertently reversed e.g. one wire is shorter than the other. It is recommended that unless a moulded twin supply cable is used then the two supply lines be run together along their length in order to reduce induced noise. 4.6.2.1.
If the ignition sense facility is not required it still may need to be connected to a permanent positive supply to ensure the equipment functions. Follow equipment manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations at all times. In either event the ignition feed to the equipment must be via an in-line fuse of the correct current rating. 4.6.5.2.
4.7.2. Isolated supply system checks Where there is an isolated supply system, it must be ensured that the installed equipment has not degraded the insulation between each terminal of the battery and chassis, i.e. positive to chassis and negative to chassis. Continuity checks, carried out with a suitable multimeter, between the positive and negative supplies and the vehicle chassis must be carried out before and after installation to ensure isolation of the power supply is maintained.
The tests are as follows: • Centre conductor continuity check o low resistance between the centre pin of the coaxial connector and the antenna radiating element (less than 0.3 ohm) • Earth continuity check o low resistance between the body of the co-axial connector and vehicle earth/ground plane (less than 0.2 ohm). This test is applicable to standard body mounted antennas.
For mobile radio covert antennas the limit may be higher – if necessary consult the antenna manufacturer for guidance. If the result obtained is outside of these limits then the antenna and its installation should be inspected to find the cause of the high VSWR, rectified and then re-tested to ensure it meets the relevant limit. Note that when reviewing the results of a VSWR test consideration should be given to the calibration accuracy of the meter and the test location.
4.10. Reassemble vehicle Care should be taken not to damage trim, the vehicle interior and other panels during refitting. When re-fitting panels and trim, ensure all cables are not trapped or damaged. Check that cables will not run below panel screw fixing positions where the screw could snag the cable. Ensure that all items and vehicle fitments removed or disturbed during installation of the equipment function correctly when refitted.
Units may contain a data log stored on in-built hardware or on removable flash memory – the customer should be consulted to determine a satisfactory disposal policy o Any radio equipment to be disposed of should have any frequency or other user specific parameters erased before disposal In the case of GSM or 3G equipment, this would usually involve removal of the SIM card and erasing memories and call data information • Some equipment has a factory reset option that reverts the item back to a ‘factory shi
5. Test and final Inspection Before the vehicle is handed back to the customer the installation should be verified. 5.1. Vehicle and site check A visual check must be made to ensure that tools, items excess to requirement, waste and other debris not required by the customer are cleared from both the vehicle and the site and subsequently disposed of in the correct manner, see section 2.3.2 regarding WEEE obligations. 5.2.
It is particularly important to check for the correct operation of vehicle electronic systems while operating installed transceiver units. EMC problems might be indicated either by warning lights on the vehicle’s instrument cluster or by changes in direction indicator speed or engine RPM, both indicated and actual. Although this applies especially to high-powered radio equipment the effects of cellular GSM, 3G and TETRA transceivers must also be included. Include the vehicle’s ICE system in the testing.
unnecessary. Post installation road testing should, however, always be considered to ensure that there are no adverse EMC effects between the installed equipment and the vehicle systems.
6. Demonstration and Customer Training Correct operation of the equipment and all the facilities of the installation should be demonstrated to the customer, user or nominated representative and relevant documentation handed over. 6.1. General In the case of a PBR installation the customer may be instructed on the correct procedures to be used over the air, i.e. use of call signs, messages to be kept brief and to the point and, where appropriate, to monitor the channel before passing a message. 6.2.
7. Acknowledgments Many representatives from all areas of the radio communications industry, vehicle manufacturers and government bodies have been instrumental in pooling their knowledge in order to update this document. The Federation of Communication Services wishes to acknowledge the valuable work undertaken by all those involved the production and revision of this Code of Practice.
Appendix A: Installation Process Flow Chart Installer Equipment 1. Installation planning 2. Pre Installation 3. Installation 4. Post installation tests 5. Test and final inspection Vehicle Installer receives job details and prepares paperwork for next day, i.e. customer details, vehicle details (including checks on installing equipment in the vehicle type), equipment details, mobile number, etc.
Appendix B: Further information and documentation The following reference documents are listed for consultation in respect of installing equipment into vehicles. The FCS webpage (link below) contains an updated list of links to information regarding these documents. http://www.fcs.org.uk/MemberGroups/Installers/FCS1362Links.aspx Document Notes Automotive EMC Directive 2004/104/EC (as amended by 20052009/19/EC and 2005/83/EC) and UNECE 10.
RTTE Directive 1999/5/EC Ensures that telecommunications products meet essential requirements in terms of health and safety, electromagnetic interference and use of the radio spectrum. Wireless Telegraphy Act Covers the licensing of radio communications equipment. Further information can be found on the Ofcom web site www.ofcom.org.
Appendix C: Contact information Further information relating to installation of mobile radio equipment may be available from the following. The FCS webpage at http://www.fcs.org.uk/MemberGroups/Installers/FCS1362Links.aspx contains an updated list of links to information regarding these organisations and government departments.
Portland Press Portland Customer Services Commerce Way Whitehall Industrial Estate Colchester Essex, CO2 8HP Tel: 01206 796351 Fax: 01206 799331 E-mail: sales@portland-services.com Energy Institute publications may also be ordered online at: http://www.portlandpress.com/pcs/books/default.
Appendix D: Example installation report forms and check lists Sample form 1 Installation report Sales order number Job number Installation address Installation date Equipment details Mobile no. SIM number EMEI Model type Lock no.
Sample form 2 Mobile Installation Check List – Page 1 of 2 Job Number: …………….. Date start: ………….………. Sheet ……... of ….…... Installation location: …………………………………………..…… Customer & Ref. No: …………………….….………….. Vehicle Type and Model: …………………………………………..…………………………………………………………..…… Reg. Number: ………………………………….. VIN Number: …………………………………………………………..…...… Instruction / Type of equipment: Table 1. Mark the table: N (Not applicable), ✔(Pass - OK), X (Fail).
Mobile Installation Check List – Page 2 of 2 Record and report any effects noticed during the following post-installation tests: EMC Test 1. (Radiated Immunity) With the engine at 1500 RPM, transmit on low, middle and high frequencies of the used band, operate and observe both the operational equipment (E.G. The light bar and headlight flashers if fitted) and the unshaded items in column “E1” of table 1. Pay particular attention to the engine speed, the rev. counter and the ABS warning indicator.
Appendix E: Antenna radiation patterns Typical H plane radiation patterns for various antenna positions on a typical saloon car are shown in the following figures. These illustrate the typical trade off between good omni-directional performance and location of the antenna. For all the diagrams: • Plot A on the left is typical for a low band PBR (66-88MHz) wavelength whip. • Plot B on the right illustrates a typical 900 MHz band cellular GSM/3G mobile phone antenna with gain. See sections 2.8 and 4.
Antenna mounted on centre of roof Plot A FCS1362 Plot B Page 64 of 74 © Nov 2010
Antenna mounted towards rear of vehicle roof, saloon type vehicle Plot A FCS1362 Plot B Page 65 of 74 © Nov 2010
Antenna mounted towards rear of vehicle, estate/van type vehicle Figure below shows a typical radiation pattern of the cellular GSM/3G 900Mhz antenna for a vehicle where the rear slopes away sharply, e.g. a 'hatch-back', estate or van. Compare the plot for the saloon type vehicle on the previous page.
Antenna mounted on rear off side wing FCS1362 Page 67 of 74 © Nov 2010
GPS receiving antenna The following diagram shows the E plane plot for a GPS antenna. This shows the requirement to provide coverage above the antenna location to capture signals from satellites in the sky.
TETRA ¼ wave whip antenna This is E plane pattern of a TETRA ¼ wave whip and shows null at top and wide aperture, high angle of radiation.
TETRA co-linear whip This is E plane pattern of a TETRA co-linear whip and shows null at top and lowered angle of radiation to push more signal towards the horizon FCS1362 Page 70 of 74 © Nov 2010
Appendix F: Multiple antenna installation Image and data supplied by NPIA The diagram below illustrates an installation with multiple antennas. Although the example is of a typical hatchback police vehicle the principle applies to any vehicle with additional antennas and items installed on the roof. The antenna positions shown on vehicle roof below have been selected to achieve an effective ground plane and best separation between the antennas and roof clutter.
Appendix G: Covert antenna location and radiation patterns Image and data supplied by NPIA Body mount ¼ wave whip aerial Rear screen external glass mount type aerial Front Windscreen Internally Mounted aerial (Approx. 5 cm from ‘A’ Pillar) Rear Bumper mounted aerial (inside bumper) Front of vehicle 1 36 35 2 3 3 34 4 2.5 33 5 2 32 31 6 7 1.5 30 8 1 29 9 0.
Appendix H: Swept area of the windscreen This illustrates the area of the vehicle’s windscreen in which no part of the installed equipment must reside in order to meet the legal requirements in section 2.3. Conventional windscreens are divided into two areas: 1. Zone A, shown as a shaded area on the diagram below, is 290mm wide centred on the steering wheel for the depth of the area swept by the vehicle’s rain wipers. 2.
Appendix I: Example Declaration of Conformity FCS1362 Page 74 of 74 © Nov 2010
