DCM-300 Modem
Hardware Options and Installation
Product Tour
 Internal Components
– GPS receiver
– Cell modem
– Wi-Fi Card
Rugged Aluminum
Housing
SIM card Interchangeable
External GPS
Antenna
External Wi-Fi
Antenna
Single JAE
Data connector
External Cellular
Antenna
Featured Application
 Provides complete Connected Farm solution
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–
–
–
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Corrections by cell (VRS and RTX)
Office Sync (data transfer)
Vehicle Manager (asset tracking)
Vehicle Sync
Remote Assistant
Features
 VRS/RTX corrections – RTK corrections
– Corrections by cell via VRSNow or other nonTrimble NTRIP based networks
– Requires purchase of data package
• Trimble offers Verizon(CDMA), AT&T(GSM) (USA only)
• GSM Global data packages sourced separately
– Network IP address and Port ID
– Username and Password
– Data stream or mount point
• CMR or CMR+
– Receive CenterPoint RTX worldwide via cell
– Purchase VRSNow subscription at http://vrsnow.us/
Features
 Office Sync – annual subscription
– Enabled in Farm Works software
– Send and receive data between office and the field
via Wi-Fi or cellular transmission
– Eliminate need to transfer data via USB thumb
drives.
– Specific to Connected Farm single sign-on
– Specific to modem serial number
– Use Wi-Fi or purchase cellular data package to
transfer data
Features
 Vehicle Manager – annual subscription
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–
–
–
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Asset tracking, geofence and curfew alerts
Service enabled at www.connectedfarm.com
Specific to modem serial number
No FmX/FM1000 or CFX/FM750 display required
Two power modes for DCM-300 affect reporting status
1. Engine running
 Full power mode
 Checks position and updates server every 15 minutes
2. Engine stopped
 Low power mode
 Checks position every 6 hours
Features
 Vehicle Sync - one time passcode
 Real time wireless data transmission between multiple
vehicles
 Only works with FmX/FM1000 display
 Share:
 guidance lines
 coverage logging
 point/area/line features
 vehicle icons of other operating units
 Harvest data and Field-IQ as-applied data, tank levels
 Connect via DCM-300 with Wi-Fi antenna
Versions of Modems
 Two cellular network models available
̶ Check faceplate on modem to verify type
DCM-300G
GSM Network
DCM-300C
X
CDMA Network
X
Vehicle Manager
X
X
Office Sync
X
X
RTK Corrections
X
X
DCM-300G Version
 SIM Card installation required
– GSM only
Data Plan Selection
 Choosing a cellular carrier
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–
–
–
–
Provides access to the internet
Voice has priority over data
DCM-300 has higher power than cell phone
CDMA designed for data
Trimble offers data plans for Verizon (CDMA) or
AT&T (GSM) (USA only)
– Outside of USA, users source data plan directly with
appropriate GSM carrier
Compatibility
 Will the modem work with non-Trimble
networks?
– CORS: Yes, requires CMR or CMR+ format
– DOT (state): Yes, requires CMR or CMR+ format
• Contact network provider for instructions
– Competitive networks
• Color blind
• Topcon TopNet, Leica SpiderNet, Geo++, MyWayRTK,
Freedom Plus, Raven Slingshot
• Requires CMR or CMR+ format
DCM-300 Installation
Considerations Before Install
 What is modem going to be used for?
 This impacts decisions for:
 Power connection
 Modem location/visibility
DCM-300 LED Lights
Green LED:
Power &
Telematics
GPS Status
Amber LED:
Cellular &
Wi-Fi Status
DCM-300 LED Status
 Blink is 1 second on/1 second off
 Slow blink is 3 seconds on / 3 seconds off
 Fast blink is 200 milliseconds on / 200 milliseconds off
 Note – The amber light will blink if modem has not been activated with
cellular service; display will report wireless signal strength if cellular service
is available.
Power Connection Options
Two options for connecting modem to power:
1. Harnessing to connect to a Trimble power bus.
2. Harnessing to connect to battery power and key
switch power.
Note: if modem is to be used with Connected Farm Vehicle
Manager/asset tracking, power option 2 is recommended for
constant vehicle tracking.
DCM-300 Power Installation Options
R Terminal
Connection
CAN Connection
Switch Power
Direct to Battery
Power
Power Bus Connection
Power Bus Connection Install
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Very easy to hook up.
No need to route cables outside the cab.
Modem is only on when the display is on.
Good solution for VRS/NTRIP connections.
Incomplete tracking abilities for Vehicle
Manager since modem doesn’t have access to
constant power.
Direct to Battery / Switch Power Install
1. Route power harness direct to battery.
2. Connect switch power wire to 12 V power
source.
 If switch power wire is not attached, modem will
power on for 15 minutes and then go into low
power mode and only report every 6 hours. It will
not go back into full power mode without a signal
from a switch input. If this is not done, the system
will not operate correctly.
 Likewise, if the switch power wire is run to the
battery, modem will remain in full power mode at all
times and ultimately drain the battery.
R Terminal Connection Hookup
1. Connect the R Terminal to alternator for
accurate count of engine hours with Vehicle
Manager.
 Option not necessary if machine is using CAN
connection that reports engine hours
Modem Applications
Different ways modem can be used:
 Vehicle Manager only
 VRS/RTX/Office Sync/Vehicle Sync/Vehicle
Manager/Remote Assistant or any combination
Installation Kit
Vehicle Manager/Asset Tracking ONLY
 Covert installations
 Kit includes:
– GPS/Cell combo antenna
– Antenna label must be installed
face up
– Check connection status with LED
GPS Port
Cell Port
Label
Side
Up
DCM-300 Vehicle Manager Layout
Asset Tracking Only Install
R Terminal
Connection
Switch Power
Power Bus
Connection
Direct to Battery
Installation Kit
Vehicle Manager/Asset Tracking
 Vehicle CAN Adapter Harness
Installation Kit
Office Sync/Vehicle Sync/Vehicle Manager/VRS/RTX
 FmX and CFX-750 layout is identical
 Components
– DCM-300 modem
– GPS/cell combo antenna (for Vehicle Manager/asset
tracking)
– High gain cellular antenna
– FmX ~ CFX-750 cable assembly
 Connection to power
 CAN connection with Vehicle CAN adapter cable
 Optional connection to R terminal on alternator if engine hours
are not available on the CAN
̶ USB Hub
FmX / DCM-300 Installation Layout
USB Hub must be
installed
CFX-750 / DCM-300 Installation Layout
USB Hub Install
 Damage to the USB hub can occur if the main
connector (1) is connected after power (2) and USB
(3) have already been connected.
 You must connect the main connector (1) before
connecting the power and USB.
3
1
2
Office Sync/Vehicle Sync/Vehicle Manager/VRS/RTX
 FmX/FM1000 or CFX/FM750 installations
Office Sync/Vehicle Sync/Vehicle Manager/VRS/RTX
 FmX/FM1000 or CFX/FM750 installations
USB/Display
Fuse
Power
CAN
Modem
Office Sync/Vehicle Sync/Vehicle Manager/VRS/RTX
 FmX/FM1000 or CFX/FM750 installations
– High gain cell antenna
– Magnetic mount
– 20’ of coaxial cable
Office Sync/Vehicle Sync/Vehicle Manager/VRS/RTX
 FmX/FM1000 or CFX/FM750 installations
– GPS/cell combo antenna (Only required for Vehicle
Manager)
– Install with proper side facing up
– Disconnect cell side when
used with high gain cell antenna
for VRS/File Transfer
Installation Kit
Vehicle Manager/VRS/RTX
 AgGPS262/372 antenna
 Components
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–
–
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DCM-300 modem
GPS/Cell combo antenna (for asset tracking)
High gain cellular antenna
AgGPS262/372 cable assembly
 Connection to power
 CAN connection with Vehicle CAN adapter cable
 Optional connection to R terminal on alternator if
engine hours are not available on the CAN
DCM-300 to AgGPS372 Install Layout
Install Kit – Vehicle Manager/VRS/RTX
 262/372 Receiver installations
Install Kit – Vehicle Manager/VRS/RTX
 262/372 Receiver installations
– Uses same protocol as Ag3000 modem
– No firmware update required on Pro600 displays
262 Receiver
CAN
Modem
Fuse
Power
DCM-300 Ordering and
Activation Procedure
Purchasing DCM-300 Hardware
 Modem components ala carte – order pieces that
you need.
 Changed from 2012 bundle arrays
1. Purchase DCM-300 modem
2. Purchase additional hardware as needed
 Centerpoint VRS/Data Transfer antenna kit
 Vehicle Sync components
 Cable Assy, DCM to display, receiver or asset
tracking only
3. Purchase DCM-300 data plan and Connected
Farm services as needed
Tips for Successful Modem Operation
 Modem requires service plan to operate.
 Purchase services on Trimble Store under
Information Management >Connected Farm & DCM300 Modem and Data Plans.
 Services must be activated.
 Activation of services requires knowing modem
serial number.
Information Management on the Store
DCM-300 Modems on the Store
DCM-300 Modems on the Store
Base Modem Bundle
 DCM-300 modem
 External covert GPS & cellular antenna
VRS/Cellular Data and Vehicle Sync
 Purchase VRS Upgrade kit to add VRS and/or Office
Sync data transfer transmission capabilities.
 VRS subscription and Office Sync service
purchased separately.
 Purchase Vehicle Sync Wi-Fi Antenna and Passcode
to enable functionality
Centerpoint VRS/Data Transfer Service
To Activate Modem for VRS/Data Transfer Service:
1. Order Centerpoint Upgrade and Antenna Hardware Kit
2. Activate Centerpoint VRS/Data Transfer service
1. From Partner Store Home page select Service Activation
2. Find Service Order Number
a) Enter DCM-300 Modem serial number and customer
Connected Farm account email
b) Click ‘Apply’ or ‘Apply and Email Results’
c) After Clicking ‘Apply and Email results’, enter Dealer
email
d) Service has been activated when you see:
1) ‘Email sent to message..’
2) Activation status changed from ‘Not Activated’ to
‘Activated 20-Sep-2012
e) Activation Acknowledgement Email sent to End
Customer
DCM-300 Cables
 Purchase DCM-300 to Display cable to use modem
with FmX or CFX-750 display
 Purchase DCM-300 to Receiver cable to use modem
with AG-372 or 262 receiver
 Purchase DCM-300 Asset Tracking cable to use
modem without a display or receiver.
Vehicle Interface Cables
 Purchase cables to interface with:
 R-Terminal connection to track engine hours from
alternator connection
 Vehicle CAN adapter harnesses to interface with
ISO CAN capable vehicles to read data on public
CAN
Purchase Data Plans on Trimble Store
 Cellular data plans
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Used to provide cellular internet connection
Receive VRS correction signals
Send/receive data with Office Sync
Perform Remote Assistant
One data plan sufficient for both VRS and Office
Sync functionality
Connected Farm Services
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

Remote Assistant – annual service
 Activate service with FmX display s/n and customer single sign-on
email address
Vehicle Manager - annual service
 Activate service with modem s/n and customer single sign-on email
address
Office Sync - annual service
 Activate service with customer single sign-on email address
 Email pdf form on store to activate service
Remote Assistant Setup
1. Activate Remote Assistant service on Trimble
Store
 Order number, FmX display s/n and customer
Connected Farm email address are required
 Unlock will be generated on store.
2. Reseller will be emailed Remote Assistant login
credentials and a link to the web site
3. Reply to the email with the DCM s/n in order for
Trimble to upgrade DCM firmware over the air
4. Enter unlock code on FmX display
5. Enable Remote Assistant on FmX display to
start a session
Activate Remote Assistant Service
 Remote Assistant must be activated
 Service activation on the store
generates unlock code required to be
input on the FmX display
Service Activation Screen
 Need FmX display serial number and customer
Connected Farm account email address
 Activation will generate unlock code in Service Activation
column
Vehicle Manager Ordering
 Refer to instructions to complete Service
Activation when modem is received.
Vehicle Manager Service
To Activate Vehicle Manager Service:
1. Order Vehicle Manager Service
2. Activate Vehicle Manager Service
1. From Partner Store Home page select Service Activation
2. Find Service Order Number
a) Enter DCM-300 Modem serial number and customer
Connected Farm account email
b) Click ‘Apply’ or ‘Apply and Email Results’
c) After Clicking ‘Apply and Email results’, enter Dealer
email
d) Service has been activated when you see:
1) ‘Email sent to message..’
2) Activation status changed from ‘Not Activated’ to
‘Activated 20-Sep-2012
e) Activation Acknowledgement Email sent to End
Customer
Service Activations
 To activate Vehicle Manager service and/or Centerpoint
VRS/Data Transfer, choose the Service Activations
category
Service Activation Screen


Fill in form on Store
Specify customer email
address they wish to
use for sync.
Customer Service Activation Email
Office Sync Ordering
 Order Office Sync service on Trimble Store
Follow Activation Instructions
Office Sync Device Connection
P/N 81014-16
To Activate Office Sync
1. Enter order in the store as usual for Office Sync - please note the Sales Order
number
2. Complete PDF form - fill in all blanks.
3. Email to cf@TRIMBLE.COM
4. An email notification will be sent when the service is activated.
5. Office Sync runs for 12 months from purchase
6. To renew Office Sync begin again by entering an order for this service on the
store, completing form and emailing form as previously done.
7. If renewal is not received - Office Sync will be inactive until a new service is
purchased.
Questions:
- Please direct all Office Sync activation questions to the email address
cf@TRIMBLE.COM
Office Sync Activation Form (Click Here)
Office Sync Activation Form
 Fill out and
email service
activation form
 Specify
customer email
address they
wish to use for
sync.
DCM-300 Updates
Over The Air
How To Get The Update
 Update delivered wirelessly over the air (OTA) to DCM300 using a cellular or wireless connection.
 Request update by filling out and submitting request form
available on Trimble store under Information
Management > DCM-300 Modem & Data Plans.
 Trimble will respond to update requests within 24 hours,
Monday through Friday.
 Resellers will receive email confirmation when update is
processed.
 Update will begin the next time modem is powered up.
Update Request Form
 Complete form.
 Email to
cf@trimble.com
 After
confirmation,
alert customer to
turn modem on,
at convenient
time, to receive
update.
How Long Will It Take to Update?
 Modem must be powered on and connected to the
Internet for the update to begin.
1. Download



Time to download will depend on cellular signal strength anywhere
from 15-40 minutes.
Download will suspend and continue with power cycle.
Modem will continue to operate normally while update is
downloaded in the background.
2. Installation



Modem will be inoperable while installation occurs.
Average install time is less than 15 minutes.
If power is cycled during an install, installation will start over with
power cycle.
 To prevent update and reboot from interrupting VRS
connection and Autoguidance, turn modem on outside
work hours and allow it to update.
How Will I Know If The Update is Working?
 Modems with version 4.0 firmware will give this
message:
DCM-300 Unlocks
Verifying DCM-300 Unlock in FmX
With the DCM-300 connected and powered on, go to the FmX home
screen and select Unlocks. If DCM is connected correctly, it will be
unlocked and ready to use.
Verifying DCM-300 Unlock In FmX
 In FmX unlocks screen, the DCM-300 will appear in list
 Note green checkmark indicating DCM is unlocked
Verifying DCM-300 Unlock In CFX-750
To navigate to unlock status go to:
Wrench > Status > Upgrade Options
VRS CONFIGURATION
AND DIAGNOSTICS
FmX / FM1000
Setting up VRS Correction Service
 If necessary, unlock DCM-300 modem using passcode for
File Transfer, VRS, Internet, and Wi-Fi (only for modems
purchased prior to 12/2011).
 Required NTRIP information provided by VRS correction
service provider:
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–
–
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Server name / Address (IP address or URL)
Server port number
Mount point (case sensitive)
User name and password
Using Non-Trimble Data Plan
 Trimble recommends a data plan of at least 500 MB per
month.
 DCM-300G modem (P/N 83500-xx).
– You must purchase a data plan and a new SIM card from your
preferred provider and replace the factory SIM card in the DCM300 G modem with the new SIM card purchased from the
provider.
 DCM-300C modem Verizon (P/N 83400-xx). If you go
directly to Verizon, you must provide Verizon with 8-digit
ESN number shown on back of the DCM-300 modem.
– Note – No configuration tool is required to activate the Verizon
modem.
FmX Setup
 Add the VRS Plugin
VRS Plug-in Setup
 With VRS plug in added, click Setup
FmX GPS Configuration For VRS
 Under Settings, set Corrections to Trimble VRS in order to use
internet corrections
DCM-300 VRS Configuration
 Set VRS device type to DCM300
DCM-300 VRS Configuration
 VRS Server Setup – enter NTRIP settings from VRS provider
DCM-300 VRS Configuration
 For DCM-300G Modem only - enter SIM card data where
necessary Note: not all carriers require this info to be
used
SIM Card Setup (GSM only)
 Note – This tab is available only for DCM-300G modems
and is only needed if cellular SIM card was obtained from a
third party.
 Required information provided by SIM card provider:
–
–
–
–
APN (case sensitive)
User name
Password
SIM PIN
 Note – After entering or editing any of the four SIM card
settings, modem automatically reboots to apply changes.
The modem will be offline for approximately three minutes
while rebooting.
VRS Diagnostics Screen
 Diagnostics screen shows wireless signal strength as well
as VRS service status
CONNECTED FARM
SETUP AND
DIAGNOSTICS
FmX / FM1000
FmX Setup
 Add Office Sync Plugin
Connected Farm Plug-in Setup
 With Office Sync plug in added, click Setup
Connected Farm Setup – in this case the modem is plugged in
and powered – it takes 2 or more minutes to connect to display
Enter SIM Card Info If Needed
 For DCM-300G only - the SIM Card settings can be entered
• Enter device name (what you want the device to show up
as in Farmworks Office)
Hit Account Setup
Connected Farm Diagnostics
 Connected Farm diagnostics show the Wireless link
status, signal strength, and activity
 Useful for both VRS and Connected Farm
Connected Farm Inbox
Questions?
VRS CONFIGURATION
AND DIAGNOSTICS
CFX-750 / FM750
Setup Screens
GPS Setup
Set Correction Source to RTK
Correction Delivery Selection
VRS Modem Selection
VRS Settings
DCM-300G Modem SIM Settings
This setup is only needed for DCM-300G units where the customer
has supplied their own SIM card. CDMA modem’s do not need to
edit any Wireless settings
Entering SIM Settings
 Modem setup is only required for DCM-300G units where the
customer supplies their own SIM card. Settings should be obtained
by contacting your SIM card supplier.
DCM-300 VRS Server Setup
VRS Server Address
VRS Port Number Entry
VRS Mount Point Entry
VRS User Name Entry
VRS Status Entry
VRS Status


Screen shows summary of NTRIP settings and DCM-300
status items
Connection status shows when modem is connected to a
VRS service
Takeaway Points
 Cabling that connects the DCM-300 modem to an FmX /
CFX-750 display is the same for both VRS corrections
and Connected Farm Office Sync.
 The GPS patch antenna (included) is recommended but
not required for the modem unless you are using Vehicle
Manager asset tracking service.
 The modem has 3 different unlock codes that are stored
on the modem itself, not on the display. They are:
– File transfer, VRS corrections, Internet, and Wi-Fi
– Ag Bus vehicle bus config (for Telematics)
– Cellular parameter modification (This unlock enables you to enter
and edit SIM card settings if you need to activate the DCM-300G
modem for a third-party cellular provider.)
Takeaway Points
 Note – If the DCM-300 modem is not unlocked for File
Transfer, VRS, Internet, and Wi-Fi, the modem will not
connect to a AgGPS 262/372 receiver.
– The AgGPS 262 receiver must have version 2.0 firmware or
higher and use the same setup option as an Ag3000 modem in
the RTK Configuration settings.
 The FmX / CFX-750 display does not need to be
unlocked for RTK if you are only using Connected Farm
Office Sync service.
 The FmX / CFX-750 display must be unlocked to RTK
level if you are using the modem for VRS corrections.
Takeaway Points
 The DCM-300 modem saves some settings internally and
can be set up for VRS corrections through one display
and later transferred for use with another display.
 The modem holds its configuration and transfers it to the
second display on power up as long as the second
display is unlocked for RTK.
 If there is no communication between the modem and the
display, try the following:
– Make sure that the display can “see” the DCM-300 modem from
the Unlock screen three minutes after startup. If the DCM-300
option appears in the Unlock screen the display is communicating
successfully with the DCM-300 modem.
– Make sure the FmX integrated display is connected to the modem
using the supplied USB hub and that the green LED light on the
USB Hub is solid.
Takeaway Points
– The CFX-750 display does not require a USB hub but it is
recommended.
– Make sure that the USB port on the FmX/CFX display is working
correctly.
– To check this, insert a USB drive into the back of the display—if
the display recognizes the USB drive or allows you to load
firmware into the display the USB port is working correctly.
– Note – The USB port will either work for everything or not work
for anything.
– Check power connections to the DCM-300 modem. The power
lead must be connected to a constant 12 V source and the
ignition lead must be connected to a switched 12 V source for
operation.
– Make sure that cable P/N 82033 (connecting the USB hub to the
modem) has no faults or breaks.
DCM-300 SETUP FOR
AgGPS 262/372 RECEIVER
DCM-300 Setup for Ag 262/372
Note – The DCM-300 uses the Ag3000 radio type setting
5. Press Right arrow to highlight radio type and then Up or
Down arrow to change radio type to Ag3000 VRS Radio.
DCM-300 Setup for Ag 262/372
 To configure NTRIP parameters, press Down arrow.
 Enter NTRIP ID address provided by service provider. Service provider
may be a Trimble VRS Now™ service operator, or a third-party network
RTK provider.
 Note – User name, password, and mount points are case sensitive.
Make sure you use correct capitalization when entering these values.
DCM-300 Setup for Ag 262/372
 Set NTRIP server port number
DCM-300 Setup for Ag 262/372
 Set server mount point
DCM-300 Setup for Ag 262/372
 Set server user name
DCM-300 Setup for Ag 262/372
 Set Server password
DCM-300 Status for Ag 262/372
 When DCM-300 modem is connected to network and obtaining
RTK Fixed corrections, the following status messages may
appear in main screen:
DCM-300 Status
for Ag 262/372
 When DCM-300 modem
is connecting to network,
the following status
messages may appear in
the main screen:
DCM-300 Status
for Ag262/372
 If there are network problems or bad
mount points, the following status
messages may appear in the main
screen:
VRS Pro600 User Interface
 This Setup Page is for credentials that
relate to the Correction Provider.
Information to enter here will be provided
by Trimble VRS Now, another 3rd Party
Cellular Network Provider or a
Governmental Provider. All fields may not
need to be filled based on provider and
location
VRS User Interface
Status Page
 Trimble VRS Now information will
vary based on location and Sim Card
Provider (EU). Trimble VRS Now will
provide this information
 Other VRS Networks:
 All information from Sim provider
DCM-300 Setup for Ag 262/372
 Communication between the DCM-300 modem and an
AgGPS 262/372 receiver
 Make sure that the following is correct:
– The AgGPS 262/372 receiver has version 2.0 firmware or higher, is
unlocked for RTK, and has been configured for communication to an
AG3000 modem.
– Cable P/N 82133 from the DCM-300 modem is connected to port B
on the AgGPS 262/ AG-372 receiver.
– Port B is configured for RTKLINK 38400 for both input and output.
– Constant power is connected to the machine battery and the ignition
lead is connected to a switched 12 V source.
DCM-300 Setup for Ag 262/372
 If the AgRemote display shows a message No AG3000
found, the receiver is not communicating with the modem.
Check the following:
– Make sure the DCM-300 modem is unlocked for VRS
operation. If the modem is not unlocked for VRS operation, the
receiver will not communicate with the modem.
– Check the cabling connection between the modem and port B
of the receiver. If cable P/N 82133 is damaged, the receiver
will not communicate with the modem.
– Check power connections to the DCM-300 modem. The power
lead must be connected to a constant 12 V source and the
ignition lead must be connected to a switched 12 V source for
operation.
Questions?