Specifications
i50 Manual (5.10)
Page 15
© 2015 Datalink Systems, Inc.
www.datalinksystemsinc.com
5.0 Installation
The i50 is designed to be installed inside a vehicle or other asset. It operates over a wide
temperature range (-20C to 50C), but should not be placed in an engine compartment or anywhere
temperatures can exceed the operating values. An external case is recommended if operating the
unit in wet or dusty environments. See section 3.0 for detailed specifications.
5.1 Device Orientation
The i50 may be installed in any orientation. However, if the optional internal accelerometer is being
used to detect high g-forces, the mounting angles must first be set. See section 9.0 for details on
configuring the accelerometer.
5.2 Power Supply
Connect the i50 ground line to vehicle ground (or negative battery terminal). Then connect the power
line to a continuous voltage source (or positive battery terminal). Make sure to select a voltage
source that remains active while the vehicle starter motor is engaged. It is recommended to use an
external 5 amp fuse on the power line.
Connect the VOUT line to any device you want to power up while the i50 is awake. This is commonly
used to power an external data terminal such as the Datalink Mobile Data Terminal (MDT).
5.3 I/O Connections
The i50 will operate successfully with only power and ground I/O connections. In this configuration, it
can be set to use battery voltage to detect engine running, and use its accelerometer to detect motion
to wake up from sleep.
However, it is recommended to connect the IGN input to a vehicle ignition source (high voltage only
when ignition is turned on). The i50 can then be configured to wake up and go to sleep as IGN is
turned on or off.
If accurate engine hour calculations are required, the default method of using battery voltage to
detect engine running may not be reliable enough. In this case, one i50 input can be configured as an
“Engine On” input, and connected to a vehicle circuit that is active only while engine is on (oil
pressure, fuel pump, etc).
See section 13.0 for more information about Input configuration.
You can also use the i50 digital outputs to control external circuits. These outputs can be controlled
remotely, and maintain their state while the i50 is sleeping.
5.4 COM Connections
Use the three serial ports (COM1, COM2, and COM3) to connect external RS-232 devices to the i50.
These ports are commonly used to connect modems or external data sources.