TennaCANbus Tracker Installation

How to install the TennaCANbus tracker (including optional Tenna StormBox install for outdoor use).

Important! TennaCANbus should be installed only by a qualified mechanic.

In this article:

Safety Information

Notices

Tools and Materials Required

Hardware Included

Tools and Materials Optional (if installing StormBox)

Hardware Included Optional (if installing StormBox)

Installation Instructions: TennaCANbus

Safety Information

WARNINGS:

  • Follow established safety precautions for operating and servicing the equipment on which you are installing this Tenna product.
  • Do not mount any devices or run any cabling which may interfere with an asset’s safety guards or shields.

CAUTION:

  • Re-tighten any screws loosened during work.
  • Replace any safety devices removed during work.

Notices

  • Do not install TennaCANbus while the vehicle ignition is ON.
  • To prevent damage to the pins when installing or removing TennaCANbus, be careful not to twist or tilt the tracker as it enters or exits the corresponding connector on the vehicle or adapter cable.
  • TennaCANbus alone is meant to be installed inside the cab only. If you are installing TennaCANbus outdoors, you must install within a StormBox.

Tools and Material Required

  • Mobile device with Tenna App installed
  • Laptop or desktop PC for verification
  • 1/4” drive socket set
  • Cable ties or hook-and-loop fastener
  • Screwdriver or bit driver set
  • Pliers
  • 5/16” ID weatherproof rubber grommet for 1/2” hole
  • Standard ATC inline with waterproof captive lid
  • 32V 3A purple ATC fuse
  • Misc. heat-shrink and electric terminals
  • Heat shrink torch
  • Step Drill Bit 1/4 to 1 3/8 inches
  • Diagnostic code readers JBUS capable (Not required but great tool for troubleshooting.)

Hardware Included

  • TennaCANbus
  • TennaCANbus Harness

  • Appropriate cable adapter (as previously determined in the asset-tracker match)

NOTE: Most OHW (Off Highway) assets have the standard J1939 DLC (Data Link Connector). Some manufacturers use their own proprietary DLC, so it is very important that you use the correct one for a successful install.

The following adapters are currently available from Tenna:

  • Caterpillar 9-pin Straight Cable Bulkhead Adapter (GMS-CATX-SC)
  • Caterpillar CDL 9-pin (GMS-CAT9-YC)
  • Caterpillar CDL 14-pin (GMS-CA14-YC)
  • Deutz 12-pin (GMS-DZ12-YC)
  • Doosan 14-pin (GMS-DO14-YC)
  • John Deere 9-pin Straight Cable (GMS-JBSL-SC)
  • Komatsu (GMS-KOMT-YC)
  • OBD-II Type B (24V) (GMS-OB24-YC)
  • OBD/Bobcat 6-pin (GMS-BOB6-YC)
  • OBD/Kubota 4-pin (GMS-KUBO-YC)
  • Standard J1939 (GMS-1939-Y2)
  • Yanmar 6-pin (GMS-YAN6-YC)

Important! If you received the wrong adapter for your vehicle, contact Tenna Technical Support at 888.836.6269.

Tools and Material (Optional)

If installing Tenna StormBox for outdoor use:

  • 1/2” drill bit
  • 1” drill bit
  • Length of 18-gauge wire (as needed) for tracker power and ground
  • Mounting screws or VHB tape
  • 3M primer pen
  • Misc. heat shrink and electric terminals

Hardware Included (Optional)

The following is included if installing a Tenna StormBox:

  • Tenna StormBox plastic case (GMS-CBOX-PA) with screws (to mount cover)
  • Steel mounting plate with screws (to mount inside of the box)
  • 1/2” grommet
  • 1” grommet

Installation Instructions: TennaCANbus

Step 1: Link the tracker to the asset in the Tenna App

  1. Go to where the asset is located (so that you can see and touch the vehicle).

Pro Tip! Being in physical proximity to the asset helps ensure that you link the tracker to the intended asset.

  1. Open the Tenna App on your mobile device and log in.
  2. Using the Search function, find and select the vehicle that you want to track with this tracker.
  3. From the Asset page, tap Add Tracker.
  4. Follow the prompts along with these installation instructions.

Step 2: Install the Tenna StormBox (optional)

NOTE: This step is only necessary if you are installing the TennaCANbus outdoors. Skip to the next step if you are not using a Tenna StormBox.

  1. Identify the location where you will install the Tenna StormBox and note where the bottom of the box will sit.
  2. Install the included steel plate to the interior of the Tenna StormBox with the provided screws.

  1. Drill a 1” hole on the bottom, left side of the Tenna StormBox. Then, drill a 1/2” hole on the bottom, right side of the Tenna StormBox.

  1. Route the white connector of the TennaCANbus harness through the 1” hole. Make a cut in one half of the larger grommet included with the Tenna StormBox. Install the grommet over the orange cable of the harness.

  1. Install the smaller grommet in the ½” hole. Guide the extra length of power and ground wires into the Tenna StormBox from the bottom (through the smaller grommet).

  1. Within the Tenna StormBox, connect the power and ground wires to the power and ground cables on the tracker harness using the appropriate heat shrink connectors (making sure all connections will be protected by the Tenna StormBox once these are completed and the Tenna StormBox is closed).

Step 3: Install the tracker

Pro Tip! For best results, park the asset in a location with an unobstructed view of the sky.

  1. Input the asset’s hour meter value and miles, if applicable.
  2. Turn off the ignition and remove the key from the ignition switch. Not doing so will result in a failed installation.
  3. Locate the vehicle’s DLC.

NOTE: In most vehicles, the DLC is located in the cab. You may also find the DLC in an outside fuse panel or behind an access door.

Important! Some assets may have two DLCs:

  • Caterpillar Backhoe
  • Leibherr Crane

If installing to Caterpillar Backhoe with the DLC mounted/soldered in the PCB board (as pictured below):

DO NOT INSTALL TO THIS DLC. Prior to install, your Tenna Rep will have confirmed the asset's serial number and provided the correct 9-pin or 14-pin Y-adapter that can be connected to a second/different DLC in the machine. Locate the second DLC and complete the installation there.


If installing to a Leibherr Crane with a FMS 12-pin DLC (pictured below):

DO NOT INSTALL TO THIS DLC. Prior to install, your Tenna Rep will have confirmed the asset's serial number and provided the correct J1939 Y-adapter that can be connected to a second/different DLC in the machine. Locate the second DLC and complete the installation there.

  1. Once the DLC is found, remove the asset’s OEM DLC and replace it with the provided Tenna Y Adapter (bulkhead end). Secure in place.

  1. Secure the OEM DLC harness socket to the plug end of the Tenna Y Adapter (non-bulkhead fitting end).

  1. Route the harness’ positive and negative cable directly to the battery area using wire extensions and butt splices as needed. Install the fuse holder on the positive wire close to the battery. Use a 3A purple ATC fuse.

  1. Connect each wire to it’s respective terminals (Red: positive; and Black: negative).

NOTE: GROUND - On 24V equipment there are two 12V batteries. The black (ground) wire of the tracker harness must connect directly to the actual battery ground (0V) post that usually runs to the battery disconnect/chassis ground. Not doing so will cause the tracker to not work correctly.

Important! Do not connect the black wires to a chassis ground or any other ground connection. Doing so will affect the tracker operation if the master battery disconnect is turned off.

NOTE: POWER - On 24V equipment there are two 12V batteries. The red wire must connect directly to the actual battery post that provides 24V and not to the battery that provides 12V at the cross over battery cable post. A multimeter should be used to check both battery positive posts and connect to the battery that reads 24V with the meter’s ground lead connected to the battery ground post that connects to the ground cutoff switch. Not doing so will cause the TennaCANbus system to not work correctly.

  1. Use cable ties to secure and protect all wires away from moving parts, sharp edges, and heat sources.
  2. Plug the adapter’s 16-pin (OBD style) socket into the tracker’s harness’s blue 24V OBD plug.
  3. Carefully plug the harness’s 20 pin (white connector) into the TennaCANbus tracker. Push firmly until locked in place.

Step 4: Mount and activate the tracker

  1. Using an acetone based cleaner, remove dirt and debris from selected mounting location within the cab of the equipment with a clear view of the sky.
  2. Remove the protective layer from the VHB tape on the back of the tracker.

  1. Mount the tracker to the cleaned and dried location. Press the tracker into the mounting location to set the adhesive bond.

IMPORTANT! To ensure proper adhesion, only apply VHB tape in temperatures above 50°F.

Careful use of a butane torch is recommended to heat sheet metal mounting surfaces in lower temperatures. Exercise caution with open flames to prevent accidents.

    1. If installing using a Tenna StormBox, mount the tracker to the steel plate within the case.
    2. Screw the Tenna StormBox cover onto the bottom half of the case, making sure that the wires inside of the Tenna StormBox are not pinched.

Important! Do not overtighten the Tenna StormBox screws but make sure that they provide good pressure to the Tenna StormBox cover so it is protected from the elements.

  1. If installing a Tenna StormBox, mount the Tenna StormBox to the asset using screws or VHB tape.
  2. Use cable ties to secure the adapter or extension cable to a stationary part of the asset so the tracker, harness, and adapter cannot move. Ensure that the cabling cannot flail about in the wind or catch on passing personnel or equipment.
  3. Cycle the ignition to the START/ON position, starting the engine and activating the tracker installation and verification process.

Step 5: Perform a test cycle

  1. With the ignition still ON, continue to run the asset for at least 15 minutes as a test cycle.
  2. Turn OFF the ignition and remove the key from the ignition switch. This will end the test cycle.
  3. Record the following information about the test cycle:
    1. The time the test cycle started and ended
    2. The current hours displayed on the asset’s hour meter

IMPORTANT! Do NOT cycle the ignition on and off once the test cycle is completed and prior to verification. Doing so will result in inconsistent data. After verification, the asset shall be operated normally.

If installing external PTO, view Installation Instructions: External PTO.

Step 6: Verify the tracker

Complete the remaining steps presented in the Tenna App to finalize and submit the installation for verification.

Complete the verification in Tenna using a laptop or desktop computer. View TennaCANbus Tracker Verification for more details.

Did this answer your question? Thanks for the feedback There was a problem submitting your feedback. Please try again later.