Installing the odometry sensor - SharpZ3 | SharpOS 13.4

AutoVu™ SharpZ3 Deployment Guide 13.4

Applies to
SharpZ3 | SharpOS 13.4
Last updated
2023-02-03
Content type
Guides > Deployment guides
Language
English
Product
SharpOS
SharpZ3
Version
13.4

The odometry sensor is installed near the vehicle drivetrain and detects magnets attached to a rotating shaft.

What you should know

  • To complete these steps, you need the following:
    • Jack stands or vehicle ramps
    • Electric drill
    • Stepping drill bit
    • Roll of tape
    • Cable ties
    • Strip of paper
    • Pencil
    • Wrenches
    • Flat blade screwdriver
    • Sandpaper
    • Epoxy (included)

Procedure

  1. Raise and support the vehicle so that you can work on the drivetrain.
    CAUTION:
    • Never get under any vehicle that is only supported by jacks. Use jack stands or ramps.
    • Do not use concrete blocks to support the vehicle.
    • Always chock the wheels of the vehicle and set the parking brake.
  2. Choose a mounting location for the odometry sensor.
    • The sensor must be no farther than 1.9 cm (¾ in) from the magnets.
    • The mounting bracket must be installed on a surface that is immobile relative to the magnets. This means that the distance between the sensor and the magnets must be consistent, even when driving on rough surfaces. The magnets will damage the odometry sensor if they come into contact during vehicle operation.
    • To minimize the lateral movement of the sensor, install it as close as possible to the output of the transmission or differential.

    The following drivetrain locations are recommended:

  3. Mount the sensor bracket:
    • Self-tapping screws are provided to attach the bracket to a surface under the vehicle. However, it is recommended that you use appropriate bolts, nuts and lock washers to secure the bracket. If possible, use an existing bolt from the transmission case or differential case.
      WARNING: Drilling through the floor pan to mount the bracket is not recommended because the motion of the floor does not match the motion of the drive shaft. If you must drill through the floor pan, ensure that you do not damage fuel or electrical lines that might be embedded in the floor pan.
    • If you are mounting the bracket to a crossmember, drill 0.5 cm (3/16 in) holes and attach the bracket with 0.6 cm (1/4 in) tapping screws.
    • If you use a transmission bolt, drill the bracket as required to widen the hole.
    • If only one mounting bolt is available, bend the bracket over an edge to prevent it from spinning.
    • The installation examples used in this procedure show the odometry sensor mounted below the drive shaft, but note that the sensor can be oriented in any direction relative to the drive shaft.
  4. Remove the protective rubber cap from the sensor, and then attach the sensor to the sensor bracket as close to the end of the bracket as possible.
    Install a lock washer and a nut on each side of the bracket. Hand-tighten the nuts. The connection will be fully tightened at the end of the installation.
  5. Bend the bracket as needed to aim the sensor at a point on the middle of the drive shaft.
    Tip: To reduce vibration, bend the bracket so that it is as short as possible.
  6. Determine the number of magnets to use.
    Shaft circumference can vary depending on the vehicle type and selected drivetrain location. Use the following guidelines to determine the number of magnets to use.
    Minimum shaft circumference Number of magnets
    5.1 cm (2 in) 2
    7.6 cm (3 in) 3
    10.2 cm (4 in) 4
    12.7 cm (5 in) 5
    15.2 cm (6 in) or larger 6
    If the shaft cross-section is not circular, for example, hexagonal or other shape, place the magnets as required so that they are evenly-spaced. The distance between the magnets and the sensor can vary but must not exceed 1.4 cm (0.75 in). If you need assistance, contact your AutoVu™ representative.
  7. Prepare the magnet mounting location:
    1. Use the included sandpaper to remove surface rust from the expected magnet locations around the shaft.
      If the magnet locations are already clean and rust-free, use sandpaper to roughen the surface to ensure that the epoxy adheres.
    2. Use the included alcohol wipe to clean the magnet mounting locations.
  8. Identify the magnet mounting points:
    NOTE: In the following example, four magnets are installed. Adjust the instructions to account for the number of magnets you are installing.
    1. Wrap a strip of paper around the shaft.
    2. Mark the circumference of the shaft and cut the paper to match.
    3. Fold the paper in half twice, dividing it into four equal sections. Make the creases more visible using a marker. The creases will show the mounting location for the magnets.
    4. Wrap the strip of paper around the shaft and use a piece of tape to hold the paper in place.
  9. Secure the magnets to the shaft:
    1. Position the strip of paper so that the magnets will be installed beside the paper, directly in line with the sensor.
    2. Prepare the epoxy according to the instructions on the package.
      IMPORTANT: The supplied epoxy hardens in 5 - 10 minutes. Read through the rest of the steps and prepare your work before securing the magnets.
    3. Apply epoxy to the back of the magnets and position the magnets beside the mounting locations marked on the strip of paper.
    4. Secure the magnets using two cable ties, making sure that the tie straps sit between the notches on the sides of the magnets.
      To tighten the cable ties, place the blade of a screwdriver against the cable tie lock, and use pliers to pull on the strap end.
    5. Cut off any excess strap and ensure that the cable tie locks do not contact the sensor when the shaft rotates.
    6. Verify that the magnets did not shift during tightening.
  10. Adjust the sensor in the bracket:
    1. Make sure that the gap between the sensor and the magnets is no greater than 1.9 cm (¾ in).
      Reposition the sensor to align with the magnets, if needed.
    2. When the sensor is in its final position on the mounting bracket, tighten the sensor mounting nuts to 31 Nm (23 ft⋅lbf).
  11. Check for an existing hole in the floor pan that is suitable for passing the sensor cable to the base unit.
    If you cannot find an appropriate hole in the floor pan, drill a hole and install a cable gland to protect the cable.
    WARNING: Fuel lines and electrical cables are sometimes embedded in a vehicle's floor pan. Do not drill through the floor pan unless you are sure there are no hidden obstacles.
  12. Run the cable to the base unit using a wire loom to protect the wires.
    WARNING: Make sure that wires are routed away from exhaust pipes, shift rods, or any other hot or moving parts.
  13. Connect the odometry sensor cable to the base unit as shown:
      Component Description
    A Navigation expansion module The navigation expansion module adds precise positioning to the SharpZ3 system.
    B Satellite navigation antenna The GNSS satellite navigation antenna is connected to the base unit and works with the odometry inputs to provide precise georeferencing for the vehicles associated with the plate reads. For more information on which satellite navigation hardware to install, see Satellite navigation hardware options.
    C Reverse signal The SharpZ3 system is usually connected to the vehicle’s reverse signal by tapping the reverse lights.
    D Odometry sensor cable connection Connect the hardware to the base unit as shown in the diagram.
    E Odometry sensor The odometry sensor provides wheel rotation information to the AutoVu™ system if a VSS signal is not available.

Example

Watch this video to learn more. Click the Captions icon (CC) to turn on video captions in one of the available languages.