Let’s now take a short tour of the neoVI ION’s hardware. We’ll examine the device from all sides, showing its external components and explaining what each does. This will help you become more familiar with the unit so you can more easily set up, configure and use it
Warning
Warning: The neoVI ION is a complex device that does not contain any user-serviceable parts. Do not attempt to open the case of the neoVI ION unless specifically instructed to do so by an Intrepid Control Systems technician, or you risk possible injury or damage to the unit.
The neoVI ION is enclosed in a sturdy black-anodized metal case. The device has been designed and tested for in-vehicle use, and is operational in a temperature range from -40°C to +85°C. An overall view of the neoVI ION can be seen in Figure 3.
Connectors and ports are often a point of failure with hardware devices. To ensure that the neoVI ION provides you with years of reliable service, Intrepid has ruggedized the physical interfaces on the device by using reinforced metal connectors.
To further protect the device against bumps and drops, it has blue-colored rubber bumpers on both ends. These bumpers are removable, but there is no need to do this under normal circumstances, and we recommend that you leave them in place.
The bottom of the neoVI ION contains useful reference information, including the device serial number, pinouts of its HD-26 and µDB-9 connectors, and Intrepid’s contact information (Figure 4). Pinouts for all ION connectors and cables can be found in Chapter 7.
These connectors are named VNET 1 and VNET 2. To connect to the neoVI ION, the network interface cable should be connected to VNET 2 enabling CAN, LIN and Ethernet messages to be passed between the network and the ION. This connector also provides primary power to the device. Your additional VNET (from section 2.6) can be accessed from VNET 1. This male, high-density, 26-pin D-subminiature connector is the primary means by which the neoVI ION interfaces with vehicle networks.
Cellular and GPS antenna
You will receive a Cellular and GPS antenna with your neoVI ION. Connect the antenna as shown in the picture below.
You can connect a monitor to the ION using the HDMI port. This connection gives access to android screen for making the settings like the WiFi connection and the Wireless neoVI APK download.
This is the “square” connector for USB devices that use detachable cables. (The “USB A/B cable” will connect the USB “B” side to the neoVI ION and USB “A”.)
The DAQ port is for the Data Acquisition and designed for accessing Video over IP. This makes neoVI ION capable of logging Video data from upto 8 cameras.
The LAN port is for providing access for Internet, connecting with VSPY over LAN.
Covered slot
This slot holds the SD card that stores data logged or captured by the neoVI ION and the SIM card for cellular connection. It is protected by a metal cover that prevents accidental ejection of the card and protects the slot from dirt and debris.
Standard size slot for SD cards supporting up to 128 GB each for logging data. The SD cards only fit in one way. To extract the card, push in and it will pop out.
Slot for a small card that identifies the device on a cellular network. To insert the SIM card, the
non-notched side goes in first with the contacts facing down towards the SD card slot. The card
does not click.
As mentioned in Section 1.2, the ION ships with several standard cables, as well as one of five optional OBD cables that was selected when the device was ordered. We’ll now illustrate these cables and describe each one’s use. Connector pinouts and cable signal tables for this hardware can be found in Chapter 7 (except for the USB cable, which is industry standard).
USB “A/B” Cable
This is a standard cable is used to connect PCs or other hosts to USB devices that do not have integrated cables (Figure 9). The detachable cable makes the ION easier to transport than would be the case if it were built in, and allows the cable to be easily replaced if it is ever damaged.
This special cable “breaks out” the HD-26 connector on the left side of the neoVI ION to three connectors that are used to communicate with vehicle networks. The cable is illustrated in Figure 12, while the network interface connectors are described further below.
Figure 12: ION Ethernet Cable Adapter. This cable allows the ION to connect to vehicle networks and receive its primary power input.
DB-25 Connector
This is the main vehicle network interface connector, carrying CAN, LIN and Ethernet messages, as well as providing power to the ION from the network (Figure 13). As we’ll see later in the manual, it is also used to connect an additional cable for OBD applications.
Figure 13: DB-25 Connector. This connector carries main network traffic and primary DC power to the ION.**
DB-9 Connector
This connector carries 4 LIN channels for LIN applications (Figure 14).
Figure 14: DB-9 Connector. This industry-standard connector carries LIN traffic.
RJ-45 Connector
This female RJ-45 socket is used to attach a standard Ethernet cable for Automotive Ethernet and DoIP applications (Figure 15).
The ION comes with your choice of one of five OBD cables, which are used to interface the device to a vehicle or bench OBD port. Four of these cables attach to the DB-25 connector on the ION Ethernet Cable Adapter (Figure 13), while the fifth actually takes the place of that cable, connecting directly to the ION.
See Section 3.3 for Connection diagrams that show how to connect all of these cables to the ION and your network or bench.
neoVI-OBD-1 Cable
This cable, which has a red OBD-II connector, is used primarily for General Motors vehicles. It can be seen in Figure 16.
This is the same as the neoVI-OBD-MULTI cable but terminates with a right-angled OBD II connector for vehicles where this is required. A picture of the cable is shown in Figure 18.
This special cable attaches to the ION’s HD-26 connector in place of the regular ION Ethernet Cable Adapter. It contains DB-25, DB-9 and OBD-II connectors wired for DoIP use, and is illustrated in Figure 20.
