Material Spreaders

Material Spreaders

Vision Integration for Materials Spreaders

1. Overview and Key Benefits

The FleetPaths Vision solution provides real-time visibility and detailed data logging for materials spreaders, ensuring optimal operational efficiency, accountability, and cost management during salting, sanding, and de-icing operations.

By integrating the Vision Unit directly with your spreader controller, our system allows you to accurately measure and track key metrics within the FleetPaths Dashboard.

Key Benefits:

  • Precision Control: Monitor exact application rates to reduce material waste and save costs.

  • Proof of Service: Automatically log time, location, and application data for full accountability.

  • Maintenance & Diagnostics: Receive alerts and diagnostic information on spreader performance.

2. Supported Materials Spreader Controllers (Compatibility)

The FleetPaths Vision solution is compatible with a wide range of commercial spreader controllers using a serial connection.

VendorController ModelData Logging SupportBaud Rate (Typically)Vision SupportedAdditional Notes
RexRothCS 530Yes - RS-2329600 bpsYesNeeds RexRoth cable R987448072.
RexRothCS 550Yes - RS-232115200 bpsYesRecommended cable is P/N R987400008.
RexRothCS 660Yes - RS-232115200 bpsYesIf using a CS550 harness, connect to the cable labeled "Temp".
Certified PowerSpreadSmart RX / Dual SpreadYes9600 bpsYesNo settings change required. Uses Cirus data format.
Certified PowerFreedom 2Yes9600 bpsYesRequires Firmware 6.0+. Requires AVL harness SG07051073 if no RS-232 port.
Certified PowerXDSYes9600 bpsYesRecommended firmware 4.02+. Datalogging must be enabled.
Dickey JohnControl PointYes19200 bpsYesManual Speed setting must be enabled for testing/simulation.
Force AmericaSSC5100Yes9600 bpsYesRequires a datalogging key to unlock AVL output.
Force America5100 EXYes (limited)9600 bpsYesY-cable (P/N 1104107) may be needed if joystick is installed.
Force America6100 Gen 1–4Yes9600 bpsYesRequires Event Logging Authentication (ELA) Module.
Force America6100 Gen 5Yes9600 bpsYesHas built-in AVL output (ELA module not required).

3. Integrated Spreader Data & Communication

The Vision Unit communicates with spreader controllers via RS-232 serial interface (Female DB9 TX on pin 2, RX on pin 3). Data transmission is generally set to 9600/8/1/none (Baud/Data Bits/Stop Bits/Parity).

VendorData ProtocolData Exchange MethodCommunication Notes
RexRothProprietaryPolling: Vision Unit sends an '@1' command every 5 seconds while moving to request data.Data is transferred back through RX1.
Certified PowerString Format 1 / CirusTimed Interval: Controllers send data automatically every 10-30 seconds.String Format 1 sends data in 1 message at regular intervals.
Dickey JohnProprietaryRequested Data: Initialization command (24F001013F...) must be sent on power up. Data must be requested via five separate commands.Physical: Pins 7 and 8 on the DB9 need to be shorted out.
Force AmericaProprietaryTimed Interval: Controllers send data automatically at a timed interval to the Vision Unit.No data needs to be sent to the controller.

4. Controller Installation and Configuration Guide

This section outlines the specific steps required for physical installation and software configuration for each supported controller.

4.1. General Physical Setup

Prerequisites:

  • A Vision Unit must be installed and active in the vehicle.

  • The correct RS-232 serial cable must be acquired (specific cables listed in Section 2).

Step-by-Step Installation:

  1. Locate the Serial/Data Port: Identify the RS-232 data output port on your material spreader controller.

    • Note: For the Force America 5100EX with a joystick, a COM Port “Y” cable (P/N 1104107) may be required for dual connections.

  2. Connect the Cable: Attach the RS-232 serial cable to the controller's port.

    • Note: For the Dickey John Control Point, pins 7 and 8 on the DB9 connector must be shorted out.

  3. Connect to Vision Unit: Connect the other end of the cable to the corresponding serial port on your Vision Unit.

  4. Configure in Dashboard: In the FleetPaths Dashboard, navigate to Settings > Devices > Vision Integration. Select the vehicle and choose the correct controller model type.

4.2. RexRoth Configuration

CS 530 and CS 550

Requirements: Needs the correct data cable (R987448072 for CS530, R987400008 for CS550).

Configuration Steps:

  1. Insert Key: From the main screen, insert the programming key into one of the USB ports.

  2. Access Programming: Wait about 10 seconds, then press the lock symbol icon (bottom right).

  3. Set AVL: On the programming screen, ensure the “AVL” box is checked and the “GPS” box is unchecked.

  4. Exit: Press the Exit button (door icon on the bottom left) and remove the programming key.

  5. Verify: The AVL symbol should be green.

CS 660

Requirements: Recommended cable is P/N R987400008.

Configuration Steps:

  1. Insert Key: From the main screen, insert the programming key into one of the USB ports.

  2. Access Configuration: Wait about 10 seconds, then press the lock symbol icon.

  3. Select IoT Tracking: On the Configuration screen, scroll down and select IoT Tracking.

  4. Exit: Press the Exit button (door icon in the bottom left) to return to the main screen.

  5. Verify: Confirm setup by ensuring IoT is visible on the screen.

4.3. Certified Power Configuration

SpreadSmart RX / Dual Spread

These models do not require any settings to be changed on the control head. Data output is automatic at 9600 bps.

Freedom 2

Requirements: Firmware version 6.01 or higher is required. The SG07051073 AVL harness must be installed if no RS-232 port is present.

Configuration Steps:

  1. Enter Menu: Press and Hold the MODE/MENU button to enter the main menu.

  2. Access Technician Menu: Press User Level > Select Technician (password may be required) > Press OK.

  3. Verify Firmware: Press System Setup > System Info to verify Firmware version 6.01 or higher.

  4. Enter Telematics: From the Technician Main Menu, press System Setup. Scroll down and press Telematics.

  5. Set Protocol: Set Protocol to String Format 1. Press Save.

  6. Set Breadcrumb Rate (Optional): Press the drop-down next to Send Every and select 10 seconds. Press Save.

  7. Reboot: Exit all menus and reboot the controller.

XDS

Requirements: Recommended firmware is 4.02+.

Configuration Steps:

  1. Login: Login to the controller as "admin" (default password is “admin”).

  2. Access Telematics: Select [Setup] > Select [Telematics].

  3. Set Protocol: Confirm that the data format is “String Format 1". Set to "String Format 1" and press Save.

  4. Set Interval: Use the drop-down menu to change [Breadcrumb Rates] to "10" seconds.

  5. Save & Exit: Save the settings and exit the menu.

  6. Reboot: Reboot the controller.

4.4. Dickey John Configuration

Control Point

Configuration Steps:

  1. Access Menu: Select F12 to return to the Misc Menu and select Serial Port.

  2. Set Baud Rate: Press 1 for the Baud Rate Select screen.

  3. Use the Up/Down arrow keys to change the baud rate to 19200.

  4. Press the Esc key to accept the value and exit.

  5. Physical Requirement: Ensure pins 7 and 8 on the DB9 connector are shorted out.

4.5. Force America Configuration

SSC5100

Requirements: Requires a programming key from Force America if Event Logging is not enabled.

Configuration Steps (To Enable Event Logging):

  1. Enter Calibration: Power on the controller. Use the left selector knob to display [calib] (lowercase). Press the knob in to enter calibration mode [CALIB] (uppercase).

  2. Set Spreader Config: Rotate to [SET SPREADER CONFIG] and press the centre selector knob for "yes".

  3. Enable Logging: Rotate to [ENABLE EVENT LOGGING] and press the centre selector knob for "yes".

  4. Advanced Logging (Optional): If prompted, rotate to [SETUP EVENT LOGGING], select "yes". Then rotate to [STORE EVENT OBD&EXT] and select "yes".

  5. Verify Settings: Ensure Baud Rate is 9600 and Time Interval is set to 00:05.

5100 EX

Requirements: If a joystick control is installed, the COM Port “Y” cable (P/N 1104107) is required for dual connections.

Configuration Steps:

  1. Enter Calibration: Enter the [Calibration] menu (an access code may be required).

  2. Set Event Logging: Under the [Calibration > Config] menu, set [Event Logging] to "AVL".

  3. Save: Press "Ok" to save the setting and exit.


6100 Gen 1–4
Requirements: The Event Logging Authentication (ELA) Module is required. This module connects to the 2-pin connector on the 12-pin harness (P/N 1016023).

Configuration Steps:

  1. Enter Calibration: Power on the controller and enter the [Calibration] menu (access code may be required).

  2. Set Event Logging: Under the [Configuration > Enabled Options] menu, set [Event Logging] to "AVL".

  3. Disable Hibernation: Under the [Configuration > Shutdown] menu, set [Hibernate] to "Disabled".

  4. Enable Intervals: Navigate to [Configuration > Event Logging > Intervals] and set each parameter to "Enabled".

  5. Reboot and Verify: Exit the menu and reboot the controller. Verify AVL connectivity by looking for the AVL icon on the display.


6100 Gen 5
Requirements: No ELA module is required; AVL output is built-in.

Configuration Steps:

  1. Enter Calibration: Power on the controller and enter the [Calibration] menu (access code may be required).

  2. Set Event Logging: Under the [Configuration > Enabled Options] menu, set [Event Logging (Serial)] to "AVL".

  3. Enable Intervals: Navigate to the [Configuration > Event Logging > Intervals] menu and set each parameter to "Enabled".

  4. Reboot: Navigate to the [Calibration > System Management > Shutdown] menu and select “Restart Now” to reboot the controller.

5. Troubleshooting and Support

If you are not receiving data, please check the following:

  • Cable Connection: Ensure the cable is securely fastened at both the spreader controller and the Vision Unit.

  • Controller Settings: Double-check the configuration steps in Section 4. If the controller requires a firmware update, a programming key, or an ELA module, these must be obtained and installed.

  • RexRoth: Confirm that the AVL box is checked and the GPS box is unchecked.

  • Dickey John: Verify that pins 7 and 8 on the DB9 are shorted out and the Baud Rate is set to 19200.

  • Certified Power: Verify that the Protocol is set to "String Format 1" (for Freedom 2 and XDS).

For further assistance, please contact our Support team at cs@fleetpaths.com or (269) 290-7518.