CATERPILLAR PL444 Cellular Radio Systems Installation Guide
- June 6, 2024
- CATERPILLAR
Table of Contents
- CATERPILLAR PL444 Cellular Radio Systems
- Introduction
- Important Safety Information
- Required Parts for PL444 Cellular Radio
- Optional Installation Components
- Radio Disable Switch
- Optional Remote Disable Parts
- VHB Tape Application
- System Diagram
- Mounting the Radio PL444 Mounting Requirements
- PL444 Environmental Information
- Installing the PL444
- Connector & Definition
- Warning Film Installation
- Harness Installation
- Wire to the Equipment
- Connect the Harness to the PL444 Cellular Radio
- Subscribe the Equipment in the “Dealer Services Portal”
- Regulatory compliance statements
- Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
- Download This Manual (PDF format)
CATERPILLAR PL444 Cellular Radio Systems
Introduction
This Special Instruction will provide instructions for installing and
configuring the PL444 cellular radio Systems.
PL444 cellular radio is a remote monitoring solution that enables efficient
and effective equipment management. Product Link transmits the information via
a cellular network.
PL444 Cellular Radio
PL444 cellular radio sends data to the user interface over the cellular
network. This radio uses internal antennas to transmit/receive data via
cellular or Bluetooth and use GPS location services.
Important Safety Information
Work safely. Most accidents that involve product operation, maintenance, and
repair are caused by failure to observe basic safety rules or precautions. An
accident can often be avoided by recognizing potentially hazardous situations
before an accident occurs.
A person must be alert to potential hazards. This person must also have the
necessary training, skills, and tools to perform these functions properly.
Safety precautions and warnings are provided in this instruction and on the
product. If these hazard warnings are not heeded, bodily injury or death could
occur to you or to other persons.
Caterpillar cannot anticipate every possible circumstance that might involve a
potential hazard. The warnings in this publication and on the product are,
therefore, not all inclusive. You must not use this product in any manner
different from that considered by this manual without first satisfying
yourself that you have considered all safety rules and precautions applicable
to the operation of the product in the location of use, including site-
specific rules and precautions applicable to the worksite. If a tool,
procedure, work method, or operating technique that is not specifically
recommended by Caterpillar is used, you must satisfy yourself that it is safe
for you and for others. You should also ensure that you are authorized t o
perform this work, and that the product will not be damaged or become unsafe
by the operation, lubrication, maintenance, or repair procedures that you
intend to use. The information, specifications, and illustrations in this
publication are on the basis of information that was available at the time
that the publication was written. The specifications, torques, pressures,
measurements, adjustments, illustrations, and other items can change at any
time. These changes can affect the service that is given to the product.
Obtain the complete and most current information before you start any job. Cat
dealers have the most current information available.
Machine Specific Warnings
Engine Specific Warnings
Generator Specific Warnings
Required Parts for PL444 Cellular Radio
Quantity | Part Number | Description | Remarks |
---|---|---|---|
1 | 604-9580 | PL444 (NA) |
Cellular Radio
| Radio for North America & South America
1| 604-9581| PL444 (EU)
Cellular Radio
| Radio for Europe, Africa, Middle East, Asia
Pacific
1| 610-1015| Control Harness As| Aftermarket
3| 3T0849| M6x1 Hex Socket
Bolt
|
3| 9X-8267| M6 Washer|
3| 6V8225| M6x1 Hex Nut|
---|---|---|---
1| 433-9730| Film| Blast zone film required for any system that
transmits RF energy
1| 433-9728| Film| Blast zone film required for any system that
transmits RF energy
1| 433-9722| Film| Film required on any system that broadcasts
information
1| 304-5284| Fuse holder|
1| 139-5345| Fuse|
Optional Installation Components
Part Number | Description |
---|---|
497-8355 | VHB 5962 Adhesive Tape – Bulk Roll |
515-3506 | Grommet – M20 Black |
350-4303 | Grommet – Blanking |
7K-1181 | Cable Strap |
Sealant |
Radio Disable Switch
Quantity | Part Number | Description |
---|---|---|
1 | 353-4515 | Toggle Switch Gp |
1 | 6T-6969 | Switch Guard |
1 | 433-9723 | Film |
2 | 3E-3390 | Connector Pins |
1 | 102-8803 | Receptable Kit |
2 | 174-0502 | Connector Plug As |
4 | 9X-3402 | Connector Sockets |
Optional Remote Disable Parts
Quantity | Part Number | Description |
---|---|---|
1 | 464-7816 | Communication Installation Gp |
1 | 419-3911 | Indicator Lamp Gp |
1 | 115-1615 | Relay As (12VDC) |
1 | 3E-5239 | Relay As (24VDC) |
1 | 9X-1055 | Receptacle Terminal |
1 | 155-2269 | Connector Plug As |
1 | 155-2261 | Plug Lock Wedge |
1 | 9X-3402 | Connector Socket |
VHB Tape Application
- Note tape strip size and location in Illustration 2.
- To obtain optimum adhesion, the bonding surfaces must be flat, clean and dry. Typical surface cleaning solvents are 50:50 IPA/ water mixture (rubbing alcohol) or use a degreasing solvent, Citrus Base Cleaner, mineral spirits, naphtha or similar solvents are suggested to cut the oil. This should always be followed with an IPA/water cleaning to help ensure that any residue or film is completely removed.
- Bond strength is dependent upon the amount of adhesive-to-surface contact developed. Firm application pressure develops better adhesive contact and helps improve bond strength. Generally, this means that the tape should experience at least 15 psi (100 kPa) in roll down or platen pressure.
- After application, the bond strength will increase as the adhesive flows onto the surface. At room temperature, approximately 50% of the ultimate strength will be achieved after 20 minutes, 90% after 24 hours and 100% after 72 hours.
System Diagram
Mounting the Radio PL444 Mounting Requirements
Read all instructions prior to installing the hardware. Be sure to consider
the length and routing of harnesses when installing the hardware to minimize
extra hardware needed.
Note: Ensure that power is disconnected from the battery during the
beginning steps of the installation. The following are requirements when
deciding where to mount the radio:
- The radio should be exposed to a large portion of the sky. In most cases, the canopy/container roof usually provides an optimal view of the sky with minimal blockages
- For outdoor installations, radio should be mounted in horizontal orientation or in a vertical orientation to the horizon, closest to the top-most horizontal surface as possible, and with the connector facing in the downward position.
- The module has LEDs to aid in troubleshooting and should be considered when finding a suitable mounting location.
- In order to utilize the GPS Signal, the cellular radio may be mounted under a non-metallic cover, but not a metallic one
- Do not mount the radio in an area that will expose the radio to extreme conditions of heat. Exposure to high heat may make the radio inoperable. Refer to Table 5
- The maximum torque for the radio mounting bolts is 12 N·m (8.85 lb ft).
- Locate the radio so that the radio connectors are not exposed to high-pressure spray or underwater immersion. Exposure to high-pressure spray or underwater immersion may compromise the connector seals and lead to connection failure
- Keep no less than 500 mm (19.68 inch) between the radio and other antennas that transmit a radio signal. The lists of radio antennas to maintain a distance from include the citizen band radio, data radio, and commercial communication radios
- Route the cable such that the cable is not subject to abrasion or pinching.
- Do not route the harness near any source of extreme heat (exhaust)
- Do not mount the harness so that the limitations of temperature are exceeded
- Do not mount on a cantilever
- Do not mount on a flexible surface
- Must be mounted on a flat surface
- Place the radio in an area that is easily accessible and can be serviced in a reasonable amount of time
- Place the radio in an area, and with an orientation, that the radio is not used as a “boot step” or a “fulcrum point”. The radio is made of a high strength plastic and, although durable, is still breakable.
- Locate the radio with sufficient clearance for the radio harness to be installed to prevent sharp bends in the radio harness.
PL444 Environmental Information
PL444 Environmental Information Table
Parameter| Specification
Operating Temperature Range
| −40°C to +85°C
(−40°F to +185°F)
Vibration| 9.8 Grms random (24-2000 Hz), up to 0.5 g2/Hz
Sealing| IP66 & IP67
Operating Voltage| 9 to 32 VDC
Humidity| SAE J1455
Installing the PL444
-
Mount the radio in a location with the least amount of exposure to extreme environmental conditions as
Note: Avoid mounting the radio next to high heat sources such as exhaust stacks
Note: Keep a distance between the radio and other antennas that transmit a radio signal. Caterpillar recommends a distance of at least 1 m (3.28 ft). Keep no less than 500 mm (19.69 inch) between the radio and other antennas that transmit a radio signal. The list of radio antennas to maintain a distance from include the citizen band radio, data radio, and commercial communication radios.
Note: Avoid mounting the radio in a transmitted beam of any radar equipment. -
Install the required bolts, washers, and locknuts to secure the radio. Tighten the mounting bolts for the radio to 12 ± 3 N·m (8.85 ± 2.21 lb ft)
-
Plug in the harness. The harness should extend straight out of the radio. Harness must be connected to protect the radio from paint operations and to maintain sealing. Follow product servicin
-
Route the cable in such a way that the cable is not subject to abrasion or pinching. Do not route the radio harness near any source of extreme heat (exhaust). Do not mount the radio or the radio harness so that the limitations of temperature −40° C (−40° F) and 85° C (185° F) are
Note: Place Product Link radios on independent fuses and ensure that the fuse is a 5A fuse. Having an independent fuse for the Product Link will also prevent other key components from being disabled if Product Link fails.
Connector & Definition
44-Pin Connector & Definition
Pin Number| Definition
A1| CAN HIGH
B1| CAN LOW
L1| KEYSWITCH
M1| (+) BATTERY
M2| (-) BATTERY
K2| WIRELESS DISABLE
H3| OUTPUT DRIVER 1
J3| OUTPUT DRIVER 2
A3| RS485 RTN
A4| RS485 A+
B4| RS485 B-
Warning Film Installation
Install the warning film in Illustration 4 in a location such as the dash or control panel. Ensure that the warning film is clearly visible to the operator during the normal operation of the equipment.
The blast site is defined as the area that handles explosive material during loading. Included is the perimeter that is formed by the loaded blast holes.
If required, the following are suggested methods to disable the Caterpillar Product Link communication device:
- Turn the Product Link radio disable switch to OFF.
- Disconnect the Caterpillar Product Link communication device from the main power source. This action is performed by disconnecting the wiring harness at the Product Link radio.
Note: If no radio disable switch is installed and the equipment will be operating near a blast zone, a Product Link radio disable switch may be installed on the equipment. The switch will allow the Caterpillar Product Link communication device to be shut off by the operator from the equipment control panel. Refer to “Radio Disable Switch (Optional)” for more details and installation instructions.
Harness Installation
Quantity | Part Number | Description |
---|---|---|
1 | 610-1015 | Control Harness As |
Wire Information | Description | Required/Optional |
---|---|---|
(+) Battery | 101-RD (Red) | Required |
(-) Battery | 229-BK (Black) | Required |
Keyswitch | 105-BR (Brown) | Required |
CAN High | F711-YL (Yellow) | Required |
CAN Low | F712-GN (Green) | Required |
RS485 A+ | R951-WH (White) | Optional |
RS485 B- | R952-BU (Blue | Optional |
RS485 Rtn | R953-BR (Brown) | Optional |
Output Driver 1 | U932-GN (Green) | Optional |
Output Driver 2 | – | Optional |
Wireless Disable | – | Optional |
Wire to the Equipment
Note: Ensure that the equipment power is OFF, and the battery disconnect is ENGAGED when installing harness.
The standard harness for the installation is part number 610-1015 Control
Harness As. Connect the wires to the equipment by following Table 8.
Battery (+) should be connected to a 5A fused battery power supply.
Recommended wire splicing practices should be followed for any of the harness
splices.
Note: Use proper application and installation guide, and schematic of
equipment to determine the best place to splice wires for installation.
Provide a drip loop in the harness to prevent water from being directed to the
radio. If the harness is too long, gather in loops and secure with zip ties.
Connect the Harness to the PL444 Cellular Radio
Note: Ensure that the equipment power is OFF, and the battery disconnect is engaged when installing the Connect the 44-Pin connector to the radio.
Turn the Equipment Power ON
Once the PL444 cellular radio has been connected, and the wires from the harness for battery positive, battery negative, and key switch power have been connected to the equipment, turn on the power to the equipment.
Configuring the Product ID Remotely
The PL444 device will register with its own serial number. The Product Link device serial number can be searched in the “Dealer Services Portal”. Once the Product Link device serial number is found, the Product ID, or Machine Serial Number can be set remotely from the “Dealer Services Portal”.
To set the Product ID remotely, select the pencil icon in the “S/N” row. In the popup box, select the “New Serial Number” option. This selection will allow you to put in the serial number of your choice.
Upgrading Firmware Procedure (Over the Air)
The firmware can only be updated remotely through cellular communication. To have your software updated, submit a DSN ticket stating that you would like to have the software on your PL444 updated, along with acknowledgment of customer consent, and the DSN Tier 2 analysts will have the software on your radio updated.
Check the LED Lights on the Radio
The PL444 cellular radio is equipped with LED lights that function when the equipment key switch is turned to ON. The LED lights on the radio from left to right are yellow, white, blue, orange.
LED Light Status
LED Color (Purpose)| LED Off| LED Flashing| LED On Solid
Yellow
(Cellular)
| Device off, fault, modem
off, low power mode
| Searching for signal| Data connection
established
White (Bluetooth®)| Device off, fault, Bluetooth disabled, low power mode|
Data traffic occurring| Connection established
Blue (Datalink)| Device off, fault, or no
connection
| Activity on J1939 or
Modbus
| –
Orange (GNSS)| Device off, fault, low
power mode
| Searching / No Lock| GNSS Fix
Subscribe the Equipment in the “Dealer Services Portal”
The PL444 cellular radio is configured automatically for the services selected
in the Dealer Services portal. Your Caterpillar dealer administrator will be
notified when your device is on-line and ready to have services enabled. Once
the dealer selects the desired services, the configuration will be sent over
the air and the device will be configured to provide the proper data at the
proper frequency for the service in the Dealer Services Portal.
Consult with your dealers Product Link specialist for more details in
assisting you for the right data service to meet your needs. Service starts
with basic equipment management features providing hour, location monitoring,
health, and utilization.
Regulatory compliance statements
PL444 cellular radio is a remote monitoring solution that enables efficient and effective equipment management. Product Link transmits the information via a cellular network. Classification for PL444 cellular radio
NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.
Radiofrequency radiation exposure Information:
This equipment complies with FCC and IC radiation exposure limits set forth
for an uncontrolled environment. This equipment should be installed and
operated with minimum distance of 20 [*] cm between the radiator and your
body.
This transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any
other antenna or transmitter.
[*] Insert min distance were justified by measurement/calculation. Distances lower than 20cm are prohibited. Distances more than 20cm shall be justified by normal/intended use of the device
Manual Requirements according 15.19 / RSS-GEN
NOTICE:
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules [and with Industry Canada
licence-exempt RSS standard(s)].
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference
that may cause undesired operation.
Production plant of PL444
Continental Automotive Hungary Kft
Napmatka u. 6
H- 1106 Budapest
Hungary
Approval owner of PL444
Caterpillar Inc
100 N.E. Adams
Peoria, IL 61629
USA
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