If your MDT-8M device seems to be failing, before contacting CalAmp about returning it, first try the following troubleshooting steps to make sure that something else other than the hardware isn't causing the problem:
- Check for data connection:
- Check that the vehicle ignition key is in the ON or Accessory position.
- Verify that the timestamp is displayed onscreen.
- Open the SIM panel on the right side of the device and make sure that a SIM card is installed.
- Check that the vehicle ignition key is in the ON or Accessory position.
- If the timestamp isn’t displayed, check the following:
- Verify that the cable is securely connected between the LMU (location messaging unit) and the MDT (mobile data terminal).
- Verify that the cable leads into the correct Aux port as defined in the script (usually Aux 2).
- Verify that the LMU is getting power. (Its LEDs should be lit.)
- Verify that the antenna is securely connected to the LMU and that it has acquired COMM (solid orange LED).
- Verify with your customer success manager (CSM) that the appropriate MDT license was activated for your account.
Note: License changes that affect the peripheral type will take effect overnight. - Press the top center edge of the screen and slide down to display the running processes. Verify that CMF Connection Status reads, "LMU is connected."
- Verify that the cable is securely connected between the LMU (location messaging unit) and the MDT (mobile data terminal).
- Reboot the MDT by pressing and holding down the power button on the top-right corner of the device and selecting the Reboot option.
- Verify that the device is reporting to CalAmp K-12:
- Open the CalAmp K-12 mobile app, which is available in Google Play or the App Store, on a mobile device. In the vehicle list, tap the vehicle name. (See Tracking a Vehicle for more details.) If the device is reporting live, a map will appear showing your vehicle's location. Below the map, check the number to the right of Sats (the GPS satellite count); make sure that it is 5 or higher.
Note: You'll need to log in to the app using a CalAmp K-12 login, not a punch ID. - On a computer, use CalAmp K-12 (https://login.synovia.com) to check whether any events are being reported for the vehicle and that it appears in its current location on the map. (See Tracking a Vehicle for more details.)
- Open the CalAmp K-12 mobile app, which is available in Google Play or the App Store, on a mobile device. In the vehicle list, tap the vehicle name. (See Tracking a Vehicle for more details.) If the device is reporting live, a map will appear showing your vehicle's location. Below the map, check the number to the right of Sats (the GPS satellite count); make sure that it is 5 or higher.
- If step 4 shows that the bus still isn't reporting data to CalAmp K-12, try swapping out the LMU for a known working LMU, to check to see if the LMU is the source of the problem.
- If the bus still isn't reporting data to CalAmp K-12, try swapping out the nonfunctioning MDT-8M for a known working MDT-8M, just to check for certain whether the device is the problem.
If you've tried all these troubleshooting steps and the device is still malfunctioning, you can open a ticket at CalAmp K-12 Support Portal. (You can find more details at Returning Hardware and Obtaining a Replacement [Performing an RMA].)