Unfortunately there is no standard allowing another telematics device and to operate alongside a Samsara Vehicle Gateway (VG). Therefore, if your vehicles are already equipped with a third-party fleet management system, the device can generate interference and noise in the CAN network line dedicated to tachograph downloads. This often results in frequent tachograph download failures.
When a third-party telematics device is present, the following symptoms are observed:
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Tachograph downloads are interrupted frequently.
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Samsara displays a
THIRD_PARTY_SYSTEM_INSTALLEDerror message on the Tachograph health page.
When tachograph downloads are interrupted, it is often a result of FMS cabling rather than poor connections on the back of tachograph.
To check the cabling:
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If you use an Enhanced VG Series Tachograph Cable for Heavy Goods Vehicles (models CBL-VG-BHGV or CBL-VG-CHGV) ensure the OEM C Cable is left unplugged.
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Disconnect the CAN C lead from the vehicle side to stop interference from any third-party device. Leave CAN C unplugged from the truck side, such that only the Samsara VG is connected to CAN C.
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Plug the jumper on the Y end.
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Run and move the vehicle around 5mn.
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If it is not possible to disconnect the third-party device, unplug the device to allow the first download to succeed.
This is because the first download can take more than twice as long to complete and is therefore more likely to be interrupted. After the first download succeeds, subsequent downloads may continue.
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For FMS cabling using either CBL-BFMS or CBL-CFMS, if you cannot disconnect the third-party device, change the cables and connect the VG on the back of the tachograph instead of FMS.
In some cases, not all of the vehicle diagnostics will be available on the back of tachograph, particularly fuel consumption data or eco-driving. As a result, it is recommended to use FMS when possible.
