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Getting Started

This guide is applicable to the following device / devices:
Mini
Mini

Welcome to AutoPi Setup​

This comprehensive guide will walk you through setting up your AutoPi Mini from account creation to full cloud connectivity. Your device arrives pre-assembled with the SIM card installed, requiring only a few essential steps to get operational.

What You'll Learn​

By following this guide, you will:

  • Create and configure your AutoPi Cloud account.
  • Register your device on the platform.
  • Locate your vehicle's OBD port.
  • Physically install the device for optimal performance.
  • Connect the device to the AutoPi Cloud via Wi-Fi.
  • Configure your AutoPi Mini for Electric Vehicle compatibility (if applicable).
  • Complete security and finalization settings.

Important Safety & Setup Requirements​

caution

The AutoPi Telematics Unit is a technical device that interfaces directly with your vehicle's ECU. Before proceeding, please review these critical requirements:

  1. Power Off the Vehicle: Always ensure your vehicle is completely powered off before inserting the device for the first time.
  2. Vehicle Position: Work on and customize your device only when the vehicle is parked.
  3. Do Not Remove While Driving: Never disconnect the AutoPi while the vehicle is in operation.
  4. Power Source: The device can only be powered through the OBD-II port. Direct power to the Raspberry Pi is not supported and may cause damage.
  5. Advanced Settings: When modifying Advanced Settings, ensure you understand the implications, as changes may affect vehicle performance and battery life.

1. Setting Up User Account​

Once you have received your AutoPi device it is important to associate it with Cloud Platform. Go to my.autopi.io and click “Sign up”. In the pop-up, add the e-mail address you want to associate with your account and create a password. You can also expand the form to add additional details like your country and full name, though this can be done later. Click “Create account”.

AutoPi sign up

2. Register Your Device​

After creating an account, you can access the Cloud Platform features for fleet and device management. The next step is to register your device to unlock the platform’s full potential.

To add a device to your account, follow one of these methods:

Option 1: Via Device Management

  1. See the “Device Management” section of the Platform.
  2. Click on “Devices”.
  3. Find and click the “Register Device” button in the upper right corner.

Option 2: Via the Accounts Tab

  1. Navigate to the “Accounts” tab at the bottom of the left side menu on the Platform.
  2. Select “Devices”.
  3. Locate and click the “Register Device” button in the upper right corner.

After clicking the “Register Device” button, the registration tab will appear. Enter all necessary information:

Register Device

  • Unit ID: This is the number on the side of your device. You can also find it in the. document attached in the email you received when the device was shipped.
  • Vehicle Information: Optionally include the make, model and year of the vehicle.
  • Vehicle Type: Choose the type of vehicle (ICE, Battery Electric Vehicle, Hybrid Electric Vehicle, or Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle).

Once all information is entered, click the “Register Device”. Your newly registered device will now appear in the list under “Vehicles” in the Fleet Management section and under “Devices” in the Device Management section of the Platform.

3. Locate OBD Port​

Next step is to install the device into your vehicle. Locate the OBD port in your car, it is usually found underneath the dashboard and looks something like this:

AutoPi.io - OBD port

Please note that the location of the OBD port varies from make and model but is typically found in one of the locations shown below:

AutoPi.io - OBD port location

4. Installation​

When installing the AutoPi Mini, make sure the device is positioned with the logo facing upwards toward the sky. This is important because the GPS antenna is inside the device, and if it's not facing up, you might not get a strong GPS signal.

If the OBD port is in a difficult spot or gets in the way, you can buy an extension cable to place your AutoPi in a more convenient location.

This is the OBD-II extension cable:


AutoPi.io - Relocator cable



Electric Vehicle configurations​

If your AutoPi Mini is connected to an Electric Vehicle we recommend to set some extra configurations for your device. Unlike internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, some EVs do not support automatic VIN detection, which can prevent the device from reading data properly. To resolve this, follow these steps to adjust the advanced settings for EV compatibility.

Mini advanced settings

Recommended advanced settings for Electric Vehicle:

Configuration 1: Adjust OBD Feature, this setting ensures the device correctly communicates with your EV.

  1. Go to: Advanced settings → Obd Settings → Obd Feature.
  2. Select: Non-OBD Compliant.
  3. Press: Save.

Configuration 2: Manually enter your VIN (if not detected automatically).

  1. Go to: Advanced settings → Obd Vin Settings.
  2. Set Vin: enter your 17-character VIN (digits and capital letters).
  3. Pick Vin Source: select Manual.
  4. Press: Save.

Configuration 3: Set Ignition detection for EVs to properly detect when your EV is on or off.

  1. Go to: Advanced settings → System -> Ignition Settings.
  2. Select: Accelerometer.
  3. Press: Save.

Configuration 4: Set Movement source to be more precise when the vehicle is moving.

  1. Go to: Advanced settings → System -> Movement Source.
  2. Select: Accelerometer.
  3. Press: Save.

Configuration 5: Set the Accelerometer Delay Settings to ensure rapid response for data reading but also a protection for quick state changes.

  1. Go to: Advanced settings → System -> Movement start delay.
  2. Select: 5 to 12 seconds.
  3. Go to: Advanced settings -> System -> Movement stop delay.
  4. Select: 30 to 60 seeconds.
  5. Press: Save.

After making these adjustments, check the 'Change History' tab to confirm that your settings were applied successfully.

You Are All Set!

Congratulations! You've successfully set up your AutoPi Mini device and connected it to the AutoPi Cloud. Your device is now ready to start gathering and transmitting data, enabling you to take full advantage of the powerful features AutoPi offers. Take your device for a trip to start gathering data.