Set up a FORCE America Controller

Refer to the installation instructions of your FORCE America controller model:

Set up a FORCE America 5100 (Non-EX) Controller

Verify whether data logging is installed on the controller.

If the controller has Data Logging enabled (also known as Option E) it will indicate it on the bootup screen.

If the controller doesn’t have Data logging enabled, contact FORCE America for the Upgrade Key. The data logging key is Black.
Connect the 5100 controller.
1. Using the ACC-RS232 cable provided with the Samsara Vehicle Gateway (VG), plug the USB end into the VG.
2. Plug the serial port into the FORCE America 5100 controller. The port is located in the cable bundle connected to the back of the 5100 Controller.

Enable and Data Logging on the 5100 controller.

Follow the instructions for Calibration of the Event Logging Option in the FORCE America 5100 Data Logging Setup Guide.

For the Calibration Worksheet referenced in the setup, see the following table:

Setting	Value
Baud Rate	9600
Protocol	FORCE
Storage Location	On Board & External
Low Storage Alarm	75%
Data Format	LONG
Data Field (1-37)	Yes
Event Trigger Selection (1-37)	Yes to all (some triggers may be missing)
Time Interval	00:05
Include Standby Time	Yes
Distance Interval	5
Include Standby Distance	YES
Granular Interval	5
PreWet Interval	5
Direct Interval	5
Route Option Enable	NO

If you are using an external temperature sensor, you will need an extra cable.

Plug the Samsara Spreader Cable into the FORCE America 5100ex.

The serial connection port is located on the back of the display unit.
Configure the Active Vehicle Locating Interface (AVL) on the 5100ex controller.

Note

You may need a password or a configuration USB for the header unit to access Config settings.

On the Header unit of the 5100ex, navigate to Calibration > Config > Event Logging. Then enable AVL.
Verify that Samsara is receiving the spreader data.
1. Turn on the vehicle and turn the spreader controller dial to any amount.
2. From the Overview page on your Samsara dashboard, search for and then select the vehicle in the list that you want to test.
3. From the Graph Data drop down, select Spreader and ensure the date selector is set to display data for Today.
  
  The graph should display material data reported by your spreader controller.
Notify your Samsara representative which gateways are connected to the spreader.

The FORCE America 6100 (version 2-4) requires an ELA module and a data logging key. The 6100 Gen 5 does not require a data logging key.

Plug Samsara Spreader Cable (RS232) into FORCE America 6100.

Using the provided Orange adapter labeled Null Modem, plug the Samsara serial cable into the AVL port on the FORCE America 6100 hub. This hub is typically mounted between the seats.
Configure the spreader controller.
1. To open the Configuration menu of the 6100 Unit, press the right or left on the smaller Grey knob.
2. Enter the code to unlock access if needed.
3. Navigate to Configuration > Enabled Options > Event Logging (Serial).
4. Change this option to AVL.
Verify that Samsara is receiving the spreader data.
1. Turn on the vehicle and turn the spreader controller dial to any amount.
2. From the Overview page on your Samsara dashboard, search for and then select the vehicle in the list that you want to test.
3. From the Graph Data drop down, select Spreader and ensure the date selector is set to display data for Today.
  
  The graph should display material data reported by your spreader controller.
Notify your Samsara representative which gateways are connected to the spreader.