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Getting started

This is a step-by-step instructions on how to set-up your AutoPi 4G/LTE Edition. The AutoPi 4G/LTE Edition is already assembled with your SD card inside and just needs a few steps to complete the installation.

note

The AutoPi Telematics Unit is a highly customizeable and technical device. It contains a direct interface to your car and communicates with the ECU in your car.

  1. When working and customizing your device, make sure that your car is in the parked position.
  2. Do not remove the AutoPi while driving.
  3. When updating the Advanced settings, make sure you know what you are doing, as it can affect the performance of your car and the battery in the car.
  4. The device can only be powered through the OBD-II port. Powering the Raspberry Pi directly, is not supported, and can cause issues.
  5. When inserting the device for the first time, make sure the vehicle is powered off.

1. Setting up user account#

First step is to associate the AutoPi Telematics Unit with your user account. This is done by going to my.autopi.io and following the signup guide here. Please have your Unit ID ready. Your unit ID is printed on the side of your device, but also part of the documentation sent to you per email.

When your device is associated to your account, go to "Advanced->Settings->WiFi" to see the WiFi hotspot password and SSID.

You will need these later.

AutoPi.io - WiFi Password location

2. Insert SIM#

Now its time to install your device in your vehicle. First and foremost, insert your SIM card into your AutoPi. Do this before powering on the device. The AutoPi uses nano sim sizes. The location of the SIM card slot is shown on the picture here:

When you insert the SIM card it's important that the SIM card is inserted correctly. The picture below shows the orientation of the SIM card. Please notice that the text side of the SIM card must be up and the "triangle" end point into the device.

AutoPi.io - SIM card location

caution

Please notice: When the SIM card is inserted correctly, you will hear a small "click" when the card is in position. Don't try do force the SIM out after the click as this will damage the device. Make sure the orientation is correct before inserting the SIM. Wrong orientation could potentially damage your device.

caution

Please notice: The SIM card needs to be compatible with ipv4, for the device to establish a 4g/LTE connection.

Here's a list of the US based SIM providers that we recommend to be used with the AutoPi:

  1. AT&T
  2. T-Mobile
  3. Any MVNO provider that is roaming the networks of the providers above

3. Locate OBD port#

Next step is to locate your OBD port in your car, it is usually found underneath the dashboard and looks something like this:

AutoPi.io - OBD port

The location of the OBD port varies from make and model, but is typically fund in one of the locations shown below:

AutoPi.io - OBD port location

4. Orientation#

When installing the AutoPi, always make sure that your device faces upwards. The logo needs to face the sky, due to the GPS antenna in the AutoPi Telematics Unit, otherwise there is a chance you won’t have a good GPS signal.

5. Relocator cable#

If the port is located in an inconvenient place or is in the way of your legs, you can purchase a relocator cable for your AutoPi to keep it in more convenient area. You can also place it in an holder or purchase a velcro strip to secure it on the side or underneath the dashboard, just remember that the logo needs to face upwards.

This is the relocator cable:

AutoPi.io - Relocator cable

6. Connect to WiFi#

Once you have inserted the AutoPi Telematics Unit into the OBD port, turn on your WiFi on your phone/tablet and then on your phone choose the AutoPi hotspot in order to connect with the device. The hotspot is named something like autopi-XXXX, where XXX is an ID for your device. The password for the WiFi hotspot can be found from the My AutoPi Cloud. When the device is powered on, you can see a blue light on the side indicating power.

For a full description of the two status LED's, please see this.

7. Connect to local administration#

Once connected to the WiFi hotspot, you need to configure your APN settings for the SIM card inserted. To do so, go to my.autopi.io. Click on the "Go local" button at the bottom. However you will need to be logged out in order to see the "Go local" button. Alternative of clicking the "Go local" button would be going to local.autopi.io.

This will connect you to the local device and you should see a screen like shown in the bottom image . This will indicate that you are connected to the local device and you can go ahead and login. No username/password needed.

AutoPi.io - Localhost login

8. Setup APN#

Once logged in you need to go the 4G/LTE pane and enter your SIM card APN settings. You can usually get these from your network carrier. On this pane, you can directly select the appropriate APN settings from a list of predefined carriers worldwide in case you have trouble finding it from your carrier. Please select your carrier or fill out the information manually.

note

If you have purchased a device with a preinstalled SIM card, the recommended APN string is nxt20.net

Once the information is saved, it will be applied to the device and you should see a notification when successfully saved.

4G/LTE Settings

AutoPi.io - Settings Page

APN Presets List

AutoPi.io - Settings Page

9. Verify Connectivity#

To verify that you have set up your APN setting correct, you can use your browser on your phone and go to any other webpage, when connected to the AutoPi hotspot. If you are able to load this page, it means your device is online and has started uploading data to the AutoPi Cloud.

10. Finalization#

Your device is now online and connected to the AutoPi Cloud. When you have completed the setup, remember to change your device WiFi password. The password your device came with is meant for a one time setup and it is recommended to change it after you have setup your device. You can change the password from the AutoPi Cloud Advanced Settings.

11. Tips#

When installing the device in the car, there is a few tips on how to get the best performance of your device.

Hint 1: Try to avoid installing the device in direct sun. Direct sun will heat up the device and in the summertime this can cause the CPU to throttle down, if the temperature gets too hot.

Hint 2

Hint 2: The device contains a GPS antenna inside. Make sure that there is no metal covering the device as this can affect the performance of the device.

Hint 2

Hint 3: The GPS antenna is located close the the logo on the device. To ensure the best performance of your device, make sure the logo side of the device is facing the sky.

Hint 3

Hint 4: When powering the device, make sure you only power it through the OBD connector. The device can not be powered through any of the other ports.

Hint 4
note

Getting started with you DiY Edition? For TMU devices, check this guide, for older, generation 2 devices, check this guide.