Fleet management has evolved far beyond simply knowing where a vehicle is located. Modern commercial vehicles continuously transmit enormous amounts of operational data through the SAE J1939 network, while GPS receivers provide precise positioning information. Together, these technologies form the foundation of telematics, enabling fleet operators to monitor vehicle performance,…
Posts published in “Practical Applications”
Theory is important, but seeing it in action is where the real learning begins. This section walks you through real-world examples using the JCOM1939 Monitor Software and JCOM1939 gateways.
In previous quick demos, we focused on SAE J1939 parameters that are transmitted periodically, such as engine speed, vehicle speed, fuel level, and engine temperatures. These messages are broadcast automatically at predefined intervals, allowing any node on the network to receive the data without explicitly asking for it. The Vehicle…
Engine speed is one of the most frequently monitored parameters in any SAE J1939 network. Whether you are developing a dashboard, testing an engine ECU, validating telematics software, or learning how J1939 communication works, engine speed is often the first parameter engineers look at. In this post, we will explain…
When engineers, telematics providers, and fleet managers discuss SAE J1939 for fleet management, one truth becomes immediately apparent: Not all PGNs are created equal. Modern heavy-duty vehicles broadcast hundreds of parameter groups across the network, but in real-world fleet management applications, only a relatively small subset of PGNs carries the…
SAE J1939 defines a comprehensive framework for message formatting, transport, and network behavior in heavy-duty vehicle systems. While many Parameter Group Numbers (PGNs) are publicly standardized, a substantial portion of real-world J1939 traffic consists of proprietary messages. These messages are intentionally undocumented by OEMs and are often central to machine…
John Deere agricultural vehicles, such as this modern tractor, utilize J1939 CAN networks for critical systems. These in-vehicle networks carry engine, transmission, hydraulic, and safety data, and are designed to be robust and reliable. John Deere’s implementation of J1939 is closed and tightly controlled, reflecting the company’s emphasis on safety,…
This post is a bit more personal in nature—something I’ve been meaning to share for a while. I’ve been working with Controller Area Network (CAN) and SAE J1939 technologies for many years now, and, as you can imagine, I’ve gathered quite a bit of hands-on experience along the way. Naturally,…
In modern commercial vehicle operations, efficient fleet management and telematics are crucial for optimizing performance, reducing operational costs, and ensuring regulatory compliance. A key technology enabling this ecosystem is the SAE J1939 protocol, a standardized communication network that facilitates data exchange among electronic control units (ECUs) in heavy-duty vehicles. This…
Let’s begin with a short introduction to NMEA 2000: NMEA 2000 is a marine networking standard designed and managed by the National Marine Electronics Association (NMEA). The NMEA is an association of marine electronics manufacturers, dealers, and technicians. The NMEA 2000 standard defines a low-cost, modest-capacity, bidirectional, multi-transmitter, multi-receiver instrument…
What is the FMS Standard? At the turn of the 21st century, GPS-based vehicle tracking systems were becoming more affordable, yet they still lacked the capability to provide vehicle-related technical information. In a significant industry development, six leading truck manufacturers (Volvo, Scania, Iveco, MAN, DAF, Mercedes-Benz) joined forces in 2002…
