STEMCO Tractor Interface Module - Manual (Page 16)

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Automatic AirBAT Binding and Un-Binding Operation
A powerful feature of the Tractor Interface Module is its ability to automatically bind and unbind
AirBATs
. This is most useful in drop and hook applications because the driver doesn’t have to
have any special training or be required to manually unbind and bind trailers as other products
in the marketplace require.
When a TIM is first installed it is not bound to any AirBATs. Driving the tractor causes the
tractor interface module to run its internal software algorithm called “the binding engine” to
evaluate each AirBAT signal received to determine which AirBATs are moving with the tractor
and which are present on other vehicles. After the binding occurs, the AirBATs are bound until
they meet the criteria for being unbound. Normal binding occurs within two (straight line
distance) miles of a tractors starting point. The tractor must have been motionless for at least
three minutes before moving for the binding engine to run. To minimize the opportunity to bind
to other AirBATs on adjacent vehicles on the interstate the binding engine only runs for the first
ten minutes of motion.
The unbinding engine runs at the same time as the binding engine. If an AirBAT is not heard
for four minutes while a tractor is in motion the AirBAT will be unbound from the TIM. AirBATs
will not be unbound when the tractor is motionless; nor will they be unbound when the TIM is
powered down (the TIM is powered by the PeopleNet On-Board Computer so when it powers
down the TIM also powers down).
Wheel Position Assignments
Wheel Positions can be assigned using WebBAT. Once assigned in WebBAT, wheel positions
automatically appear in text messages and email alerts. The wheel position assignments are
optional. Consult the WebBAT users guide to add wheel position assignments.