Communications Manager Networks tab details

Enabled

Check this box to enable the interface between the Communication Manager program and the HighwayMaster software. When a service is enabled, it can be stopped and started on the main Communication Manager screen.

Run Communicator Automatically

If you want to load the communication software every time you start the Communication Manager program, check this box. Otherwise, you will have to manually start the WinHost Comm Handler software before manually starting the Communication Manager interface.

Start Interface Automatically

If you want the interface between communication software and the Communication Manager program to be automatically activated every time you start the Communication Manager program, check this box. If unchecked, you must manually start the interface after loading the Communication Manager program.

Return Receipt

If this box is checked, when a message sent from the Dispatch program or Driver Call In program is read by the Driver, an 'AR' status will be sent from the remote unit. This is translated by the Communication Manager program into an 'A' status, which is used to indicate that the message has been read by the Driver. In the Driver Call In program, you can view the status of any Forward (i.e., dispatch office to remote unit) message.

For sites using the Dispatch program’s Drill Down function, this box must be checked in order to use the LTL Read by Driver status change (as configured on the General tab).

Forward Message Priority

Sets the default Xata ExecNT priority value for outgoing messages. 'Default' will use the value specified in the Xata ExecNT software, which is by default 'Normal'.

'Normal' status attempts to send messages up to 9 times over 35 minutes. 'Important' status has the same send frequency, but sends the message immediately, rather than waiting for the next scheduled communication. 'Sleepy' attempts to send the message 7 times over 18.25 hours. 'Important Sleepy' has the same send frequency as 'Sleepy', but initiates an immediate communications dialog. You can also configure the message priority for specific macros in the Communication Macro Setup program. Also, in the Dispatch program or Driver Call In program, you can select the message priority on an individual basis for each forward message.

Use Macro for Freeform

Place a checkmark in this box if you wish to use a macro for freeform. Under ExecNT, there are two types of devices, Pro2000 (older) and MobileMax2 (newer). Each have different screen geometries, and freeform messages will format differently depending on the target. When this is checked, the system will automatically generate a macro definition upon export, and use that macro when sending FF messages, so that the formatting is consistent on both device types.

Distribute Reply to Sender Only

You can specify that Return messages that are in reply to Forward messages only get distributed to the user who sent the original Forward message. The Login Name (as configured in the Security Setup program) of the user who created the Forward message is used, and the Distribution List configured on the General tab is ignored.

Interface Path

Specify the location of the communication software on the computer where the Communication Manager program is run.

Gateway Location

Enter the gateway location.

Port

Enter the port number.

Enabled

If you wish to enable the 'Auto Alert' processing available for the Xata network system-wide, select this flag, and then use the 'Event Status Setup' button to configure the Auto Alert factors. Individual Devices can be enabled / disabled in the Mobile Device Maintenance program as well.

Event Status Setup

The Event Status Setup window allows the User to assign specific Status Codes to different Auto Alert events. Once setup and 'Enabled' (using the above flag) the Communication Manager program will process incoming proximity events using the Status Codes defined in this window. If a device has departed the last Geopoint it has been given, the program will then send it the next batch (if there are any).

Select the Status Codes you wish to be applied to Xata Devices for the 'Arriving', 'Arrived' and 'Depart' events for both the Shipper and Consignee locations.

Selecting Use non-standard status will allow you to use 'Non-Standard' Status Codes for your Auto-Alert events. A Non standard status is a Status Code that doesn’t usually get used for that particular event.

For example: for a Depart event, a valid standard Status would be a Depart Shipper behavior or a 'STOPOFF' behavior code. If you enable the 'Use Non-Standard Status' flag, you can use a code that has a Dispatch behavior.

Enabled

Check this box to enable the interface between the Communication Manager program and the HighwayMaster software. When a service is enabled, it can be stopped and started on the main Communication Manager screen.

Start Interface Automatically

If you want the interface between communication software and the Communication Manager program to be automatically activated every time you start the Communication Manager program, check this box. If unchecked, you must manually start the interface after loading the Communication Manager program.

Run FTP Interface Automatically

If you want the FTP interface between communication software and the Communication Manager program to be automatically activated every time you start the Communication Manager program, check this box. If unchecked, you must manually start the FTP interface after loading the Communication Manager program.

Maintain Security/Preferences

Selecting this button opens the AirIQ Setup window, where you can specify your login data and alert/actions handling preferences.

Profile Enabled

Place a checkmark in the field provided to enable this user’s profile.

Profile Name

Enter a profile name for this AirIQ user.

AirIQ User Name

Enter a username for this AirIQ user.

AirIQ Password

Enter a password for this AirIQ user.

Comments

Enter any relevant comments in the field provided.

Enabled

Check this box to enable the interface between the Communication Manager program and the FleetMind software. When a service is enabled, it can be stopped and started on the main Communication Manager screen.

Run FleetMind Communicator

This option has been disabled as it is no longer required by the Windows Service-based Communications Manger.

Start Interface Automatically

If you want the interface between communication software and the Communication Manager program to be automatically activated every time you start the Communication Manager program, check this box. If unchecked, you must manually start the interface after loading the Communication Manager program.

Interface Path / Out Path / In Path

These fields tell the Communication Manager program where to process the import and export files from FleetMind. You should create some directories on your local system for this purpose, and then enter these directory paths in these fields (see image above for an example of how to configure this).

Completion Codes.P

This field is used to designate the various completion codes for Pickups that FleetMiind will use when interacting with TruckMate. Enter the Pickup Completion Code(s) you would like to use, separated by a comma.

Completion Codes.D

This field is used to designate the various completion codes for Drops that FleetMiind will use when interacting with TruckMate. Enter the Drop Completion Code(s) you would like to use, separated by a comma.

Click the search button to select a Terminal Zone Code from your system, and then click the down 'Finger' button to add that Terminal to the list of available Terminals for use with the FleetMind software.

This section designated the TruckMate Status Codes that will apply to various FleetMind Pickup and Drop-off events. Use the drop-down menus to select the appropriate TruckMate Status Code to tie to the FleetMind event.

Codes with the '.P' suffix designate 'Pickup' type events, while Codes with the '.D' suffix designate 'Drop' events.

Enabled

Check this box to enable the interface between the Communication Manager program and the Geocom software. When a service is enabled, it can be stopped and started on the main Communication Manager screen.

Start Interface Automatically

If you want the interface between communication software and the Communication Manager program to be automatically activated every time you start the Communication Manager program, check this box. If unchecked, you must manually start the interface after loading the Communication Manager program.

Distribute Reply to Sender Only

You can specify that Return messages that are in reply to Forward messages only get distributed to the user who sent the original Forward message. The Login Name (as configured in the Security Setup program) of the user who created the Forward message is used, and the Distribution List configured on the General tab is ignored.

Debug Log

Added more debugging information for Geocom. When the Communication Manager imports messages from Geocom, save the XML data to a seperate log file called GeoComImportMsgs.log.

Enabled

Check this box to enable the interface between the Communication Manager program and the HighwayMaster software. When a service is enabled, it can be stopped and started on the main Communication Manager screen.

Run Comm Handler Automatically

This option has been disabled as it is no longer required by the Windows Service-based Communications Manger.

Start Interface Automatically

If you want the interface between WinHost Comm Handler software and the Communication Manager program to be automatically activated every time you start the Communication Manager program, check this box. If unchecked, you must manually start the interface after loading the Communication Manager program.

Path to HighwayMaster

Specify the location of the WinHost Comm Handler software on the computer where the Communication Manager program is run.

Test

To check that the Communications Manager program is communicating correctly with the WinHost Comm Handler software interface, click the Test button.

Immediate Message Transmission

If this box is checked, Forward macros and messages will cause the WinHost Comm Handler software to transmit the message to the remote unit immediately, thus overriding the dial schedule configured in the WinHost Comm Handler software.

Message Acknowledgment Priority

Refers to the remote device’s ability to send an acknowledgment when a Forward macro or message is received. Because the size of the acknowledgment is smaller than the size of a cellular packet, the system has the ability to add the acknowledgment message to another outgoing message from the remote device, thus saving communication costs.

'Hold' will store the acknowledgment message until another outgoing message or data call is generated by the remote device. 'Forward' will send the acknowledgment message immediately, resulting in a communication charge for each acknowledgment message.

'Immediate' uses HighwayMaster’s optional 'callback' feature. In this case, at the same time the HighwayMaster network delivers the message to the remote device, it attempts to pick up and send the acknowledgment message back to the dispatch office.

If the callback option is not enabled by HighwayMaster, the acknowledgment message will be sent with the 'Forward' priority. The 'System Default' priority is 'Hold'.

Enabled

Check this box to enable the interface between the Communication Manager program and the PeopleNet software. When a service is enabled, it can be stopped and started on the main Communication Manager screen.

Run PeopleNET Communicator

This option has been disabled as it is no longer required by the Windows Service-based Communications Manger.

Start Interface Automatically

If you want the interface between communication software and the Communication Manager program to be automatically activated every time you start the Communication Manager program, check this box. If unchecked, you must manually start the interface after loading the Communication Manager program.

Forward Message Priority

Sets the default PeopleNet priority value for outgoing messages. 'System Default' will use the value specified in the PeopleNet software.

Distribute Reply to Sender Only

You can specify that Return messages that are in reply to Forward messages only get distributed to the user who sent the original Forward message. The Login Name (as configured in the Security Setup program) of the user who created the Forward message is used, and the Distribution List configured on the General tab is ignored.

Interface URL

Enter the Internet address required to complete this operation.

Company ID

Enter the Company ID required to complete this operation.

Password

Enter the Password required to complete this operation.

Interface Path

Enter the Interface Path required to complete this operation.

Proxy Server / Proxy Port

If required, enter the URL of the Proxy Server and the Port on which it can be addressed.

Check for GPS Updates Every XX Minutes

Enter the number of minutes you would like the GPS to check regularly. For example, if you wish to check for GPS updates every hour, enter 60 in the minute field.

Check for Incoming Messages Every

If you’d like to check for incoming messages every 5 minutes, for example, enter the number 5 in the field provided.

Message Status Check - Tier 1

You can set up your message status check with tier 1, 2, or 3 (which would mean certain messages would be labeled priority 1, 2, or 3). Enter the number of minutes you would like these tier message status items regularly checked. For example, if you want priority 1 messages checked every 2 minutes, enter a 2 in the field provided.

Message Status Check - Tier 2

You can set up your message status check with tier 1, 2, or 3 (which would mean certain messages would be labeled priority 1, 2, or 3). Enter the number of minutes you would like these tier message status items regularly checked. For example, if you want priority 1 messages checked every 2 minutes, enter a 2 in the field provided.

Message Status Check - Tier 3

You can set up your message status check with tier 1, 2, or 3 (which would mean certain messages would be labeled priority 1, 2, or 3). Enter the number of minutes you would like these tier message status items regularly checked. For example, if you want priority 1 messages checked every 2 minutes, enter a 2 in the field provided.

Check for GPS Updates xx Minutes After ODL

After the ODL, you might check for GPS updates every few minutes. Enter the minute amount in the field provided.

Complete Position History Every

Enter a time value (in minutes) that you wish to complete the Position History values.

Enabled

You must check the 'Enabled' checkbox to use the PACOS features of PeopleNet.

Log Events

If you wish to Log Events from your Cancom / Omnitracs system, check this checkbox.

Include Message Data in Log

If you wish to 'Include Message Data' in your PACOS Logs, check this checkbox.

Check for PACOS Messages Every

Enter a time value (in minutes) that you wish to check for PACOS Messages.

AutoCorrect Setup

Select this button to open the AutoCorrect GPS Coordinates window, which allows the user to configure the new PACOS 'AutoCorrect' feature.

Basically, when a Driver arrives at a stop, the location may or may not match the pre-generated GPS coordinates. The address might be the front office, for instance while the actual warehouse is in the lot across the street. If 'AutoCorrect' is enabled, then the GPS reading of the truck when the driver pushes the 'Arrived' button will be used to adjust the stored GPS reading. In general, the last 'X' readings will be used to average a new GPS coordinate. The method of averaging is user adjustable.

In the example above, a RMS (root mean square) calculation is being used where the new reading is considered to be the square of the mean of the square roots of each reading. For example:

new = (sqrt(old1) + sqrt(old2) + sqrt(old3) …​..sqrt(oldn))^2

If you wanted a simple average, then you would simply set all the 'Coefficient' and 'Exponent' values to '1'.

Event Status Setup

Select this button to open the Status Setup window.

The PeopleNet OBC can detect a number of PACOS events, when a trips starts, when a Driver arrives/departs a stop, whether a Driver is late, when a Driver reaches a waypoint, etc. This Status Setup window allows us to TruckMate status codes (and associated behaviors) to these PACOS events.

When a truck crosses a defined 'Geofence' (the spatial limit for notification from a Mobile Device) and stops at a shipper, the OBC detects this and can automatically place a call back to TruckMate stating that an 'Arrive' event at 'Stop X' has occurred. From the Database, we can see that 'Stop X' is, say, a Shipper, so we look up the associated code ('ARRIVESHIP') and apply it to the Trip and/or Freight Bill.

If the Status has a behavior associated with it, like 'PICKD', then it will do the action (eg. PICKD will move the FB onto the attached trailer).

Normally, the Statuses that appear in the drop down list are limited to what the system thinks makes sense in a Truckload (TL) environment. For instance, it will only allow statuses that have a 'PICKD' behavior to be selected for 'ARRIVED SHIPPER'.

Use non-standard status

But in some cases, this doesn’t work. For instance, a Company may do trailer drops. This company hauls an empty trailer to the Shipper, drops it off and picks up a loaded trailer. They then haul this loaded trailer to the Consignee site where they drop it off and pick up an empty to take back to the Terminal.

If they were limited to the default set of statuses, they would 'ARRIVE' with an empty Trailer. The 'ARRIVE' event would trigger a status with the 'PICKD' behavior, this would cause the Freight Bill to be loaded onto the current Trailer (i.e. the empty one). The Driver would then unhook the Trailer and connect the new Trailer. He would then send a normal macro back to TruckMate to let the Company know the 'Trailer ID' he picked up. He would then drive off with this new Trailer but TruckMate would think that the Freight Bill is still back at the Shipper sitting in the old Trailer. Similarily, when the Driver arrives at the Consignee, he would drop off his Trailer and hook up an empty, again sending a 'Trailer Drop/Hook' Macro back to base. When he leaves, it triggers the 'DEPART' event which will set the 'DEP@CONS' Status. Since this Status has the 'DELV' behavior, the system will attempt to deliver the Freight Bill from the new (empty) Trailer.

By checking the 'Use non-standard status' button, the User can assign a Status with the 'PICKD' behavior to a 'Shipper Depart' event and a Status with the 'DELV' behavior to the 'Consignee Arrived' event. This would load the Freight Bill on to the Trailer when it 'DEPARTS' (i.e. AFTER a new Trailer has been hooked up) and unload the Freight Bill when it 'ARRIVES' (i.e. BEFORE it has been unhooked).

Enabled

Check this box to enable the interface between the Communication Manager program and Shaw Tracking’s QTracs software. When a service is enabled, it can be stopped and started on the main Communication Manager screen.

Run QTracs Automatically

This option has been disabled as it is no longer required by the Windows Service-based Communications Manger.

Start Interface Automatically

If you want the interface between Shaw Tracking’s QTracs software and the Communication Manager program to be automatically activated every time you start the Communication Manager program, check this box. If unchecked, you must manually start the interface using the Enabled checkbox after loading the Communication Manager program.

Return Receipt

If this box is checked, when a message sent from the Dispatch program or Driver Call In program is read by the Driver, an 'AR' status will be sent from the remote unit. This is translated by the Communication Manager program into an 'A' status, which is used to indicate that the message has been read by the Driver. In the Driver Call In program, you can view the status of any Forward (ie, dispatch office to remote unit) message. For sites using the Dispatch program’s Drill Down function, this box must be checked in order to use the LTL Read by Driver status change (as configured on the General tab).

Forward Message Priority

Sets the default QTracs priority value for outgoing messages. 'Default' will use the value specified in the QTracs software, which is by default 'Normal'. 'Normal' status attempts to send messages up to 9 times over 35 minutes. 'Important' status has the same send frequency, but sends the message immediately, rather than waiting for the next scheduled communication. 'Sleepy' attempts to send the message 7 times over 18.25 hours. 'Important Sleepy' has the same send frequency as 'Sleepy', but initiates an immediate communications dialog. You can also configure the message priority for specific macros in the Communication Macro Setup program.

Also, in the Dispatch program or Driver Call In program, you can select the message priority on an individual basis for each forward message.

Install

After you have installed Shaw Tracking’s QTracs software, click the Install button to create the required ODBC aliases.

Test

You can use the Test Interface button at any time to re-check the configuration of the ODBC aliases. This might be useful for troubleshooting purposes, should your aliases get changed. It will also check the various Import/Export options in QTracs, as follows:

Distribute Reply to Sender Only

You can specify that Return messages that are in reply to Forward messages only get distributed to the user who sent the original Forward message. The Login Name (as configured in the Security Setup program) of the user who created the Forward message is used, and the Distribution List configured on the General tab is ignored.

Once you have set these, reboot the host machine and then restart QTracs and the Communication Manager program.

Enabled

In order to use the Automated Arrival and Departure features, you must check this checkbox.

Log Events

If you wish to Log Events from the Shaw Tracking system, check this checkbox.

Event Status Setup

Clicking this button will open an Event Status Setup screen where you may use pull down menus to configure the Status Codes for the 'Arrived' and 'Depart' events for your Shipper and Consignee customers. Check the 'Use non-standard Status' option if you are using non-standard Status Codes in your TruckMate system.

Arrival Time Tolerance

Enter a time value (in minutes) for the Automated Arrival system.

End-of-Trip Threshold

Enter a time value (in minutes) for the End-of-Trip Threshold.

Low Confidence Event Offset

Enter a time value (between 5 and 120 minutes) for the Low Confidence Event Offset.

QTracs can now be configured to login automatically, based on the settings 'QTracs SQL Login' and 'QTracs SQL Pwd' found in the Application Configurator program > COMMGR.EXE section.

Enabled

Check this box to enable the interface between the Communication Manager program and the StarTrak software. When a service is enabled, it can be stopped and started on the main Communication Manager screen.

Start Interface Automatically

This option has been disabled as it is no longer required by the Windows Service-based Communications Manger.

Enabled

Check this box to enable the interface between the Communication Manager program and the Terion software. When a service is enabled, it can be stopped and started on the main Communication Manager screen.

Run Dialer Automatically

This option has been disabled as it is no longer required by the Windows Service-based Communications Manger.

Start Interface Automatically

If you want the interface between Terion software and the Communication Manager program to be automatically activated every time you start the Communication Manager program, check this box. If unchecked, you must manually start the interface using the Enabled checkbox after loading the Communication Manager program.

Return Receipt

If you would like to have Return Receipts generated by your Terion software, check this checkbox.

Forward Message Priority

Use the pull down menu to select a Forward Message Priority for your Terion software.

Distribute Reply to Sender Only

If you would like your Terion Reply Messages to be delivered only to the User who sent the original Message, check this checkbox.

Address / Port

Enter the IP Address and Port number for your Terion Network Operation Center.

Account

Enter your Terion Account number.

User ID

Enter your Terion User ID name.

Password

Enter your Terion User Password.

Change

If connected to the Terion Network Operation Center, you can click this button to change your Password.

Path

Enter the Interface Path required to complete Terion operations.

Enabled

Check this box to enable the interface between the Communication Manager program and the TracKing software. When a service is enabled, it can be stopped and started on the main Communication Manager screen.

Start Viewer Automatically

If you want to load the Tracking Viewer software every time you start the Communication Manager program, check this box. Otherwise, you will have to manually start the Tracking Viewer software before manually starting the Communication Manager interface.

Start Interface Automatically

If you want the interface between Tracking software and the Communication Manager program to be automatically activated every time you start the Communication Manager program, check this box. If unchecked, you must manually start the interface after loading the Communication Manager program.

Interface URL

Enter the URL where the Tracking Service can be accessed.

Customer ID

This is the ID of the customer at TracKing.

Interval (Minutes) / Interval (Secs)

Select a proper interval for refreshing position data, and the proper interval (max idle time)

Use Proxy Server

This flag determines if a proxy server will be used or not.

Enter the information related to the proxy server (Server Host, Port, User Name, Password).

Enabled

Check this box to enable the interface between the Communication Manager program and the Vistar software. When a service is enabled, it can be stopped and started on the main Communication Manager screen.

Run Vistar Communicator

This option has been disabled as it is no longer required by the Windows Service-based Communications Manger.

Start Interface Automatically

If you want the interface between Vistar software and the Communication Manager program to be automatically activated every time you start the Communication Manager program, check this box. If unchecked, you must manually start the interface using the Enabled checkbox after loading the Communication Manager program.

Log Traffic

Place a checkmark in the box provided to enable a log for the Vistar Communicator traffic.

Log Activity

Place a checkmark in the box provided to enable a log for the Vistar Communicator activity.

Interface URL

Enter the Internet address required to complete this operation.

Username

Enter the Company ID required to complete this operation.

Password

Enter the Password required to complete this operation.

Interface Path

Enter the Interface Path required to complete this operation.

Check for New Messages Every

If you’d like to check for new messages every 5 minutes, for example, enter the number 5 in the field provided. The default setting is 5.

Check for New Alarms Every

If you’d like to check for incoming alarms every 2 minutes, for example, enter the number 2 in the field provided. The default setting is 2.

Auto-Inactivity Ping

Check this checkbox to Ping the communications devices if the Vistar system has been Inactive.

At This Time Each Day

Used in conjunction with the 'Auto-Inactivity Ping' option. Enter a time value (using 24 hour time values) that you would like to Ping the communication device.

If GPS has not Responded Within

Used in conjunction with the 'Auto-Inactivity Ping' option. Enter a time value (in hours) that you wish to wait for a GPS response from the communications device before Pinging.

Ping Device using Poll Type

Used in conjunction with the 'Auto-Inactivity Ping' option. Select a 'Poll Type' you wish to use when Pinging the communications device.

And Requesting GPS Quality

Used in conjunction with the 'Auto-Inactivity Ping' option. Select the 'GPS Quality' you would like your Automatic Pings to request.

User #1-10

Use the pull-down arrow to select one of the choices from: 'Speed (mph)', 'Speed (km/h)', 'Temperature (°F)', 'Temperature (°C)', 'Battery Level (volts)', and 'Heading'.