New RASTRAC Feature: Time-Based Starter Disable

Posted by Rastrac Team Feb 24, 2016 4:03:22 PM

disable starterIf you have a large fleet of vehicles, you may want to make sure that they are not being used outside of business hours. Unauthorized use of these vehicles can lead to excess fuel usage, wear and tear on the trucks, and liability for the company if they are involved in any type of accident. RASTRAC has developed a new tool to easily make sure this will not happen by having the starter disabled at a set time daily. 

Starter Disable Overview

  • This feature requires a vehicle’s RASTRAC device to be wired for the Starter Disable function.
  • The time-range based Starter Disable feature will disable the starter at a programmed start time and enable the starter at a programmed end time.
  • If a vehicle’s engine is running when the starter disable is set to on, it will not turn off the engine. However, the next time the ignition is turned to the start position, the vehicle will not start.
  • During the time range the starter is disabled, the disable can be turned off through RASTRAC as shown below; conversely, you may also turn the disable on at any time using the same step.

disable_1.jpg

  • The status of the starter disable can be viewed for each vehicle as shown below:

disable_2.jpg

When the starter is enabled you will see a key, as seen above where the blue arrow is pointing. When the starter is disabled, the key will have a circle around it with a line through it.

  • The time range can be changed at any time through the message feature of RASTRAC, as described below. 
  • The time zone a device is in will not affect the time range. Specific coding has been installed in the device for each time zone. There are two programming configurations: Daylight Savings Time in force and Daylight Savings Time not in force. This is to accommodate the Arizona time zone. RASTRAC will change the configuration for each device as needed according to Daylight Savings Time.

Changing the time-range for the Starter Disable feature

The time the starter becomes disabled and then re-enabled is completely up to you. It only takes a few steps.

  • Navigate to the Messaging tab in RASTRAC as shown below:

disable_3.jpg

  • Via the Message window at the bottom left of the page, you can set the Disable or Enable times over the air with the commands listed below.
  • Begin by choosing the vehicle you wish to change or to verify the disable/enable times by choosing the vehicle from the drop down vehicle list.

Commands:

  1. The command below in bold must be typed into the Message window and is required for changing the time range for the action you wish to carry out. 

    Note: The time of day is based on 24 hours and must be entered similar to the example time shown.

  2. After the command has been typed, click the Send button.
  3. After the command has been sent, you will receive a response as shown below. The expected time to receive a response will be 30 to 60 seconds. Should a response not be received, resend the command until a response has been received. The response will ensure the command has been received by the RASTRAC device in the vehicle.

Disable: set timeofday 0 22:00  (this will set the disable time to 10:00pm)

Response: Configuration command succeeded

 

Enable: set timeofday 1 5:30  (this will set the enable time to 5:00am)

Response: Configuration command succeeded

  • You can verify the Disable and Enable times with these commands:

Disable: get timeofday 0

Response: Time of Day 0 set to 22:00

 

Enable: get timeofday 1

Response: Time of Day 1 set to 5:30

 

Contact us today for additional information on the Starter Disable feature!

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News and updates on RASTRAC and our GPS fleet management and asset tracking capabilities. 

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