Technical · Free Excel template

Tracker IO and parameter mapping sheet: device signal to platform parameter

A raw number from the device means nothing until it has a factor, an offset, a unit and a name on the platform. Write the mapping once, test each row with a known value and keep the proof.

Free: enter your name and email and we send you the file. Works in Excel, Microsoft 365, Google Sheets and LibreOffice Calc. No macros.
  • J1939 and OBD-II examples
  • Pass or Fail per signal
  • No macros
Verify every definition for your vehicle

The examples are common J1939 and OBD-II definitions. Signal definitions, byte order and scaling differ by vehicle and manufacturer, and not every vehicle answers every PID. Take the factor and offset from the document for your vehicle and test each row. The sheet records the test. It does not prove that a vehicle sends a signal.

What is inside

One mapping, tested row by row

For integrators, installers and platform administrators who connect a device to a platform. Examples sit in gray rows and are not counted.

  1. 01

    Mapping

    50 rows. Name, source, raw type and unit, factor, offset, physical unit, platform parameter, alarm limits and a test.

  2. 02

    Test result

    Enter a known raw value and what the platform shows. The sheet computes the physical value and marks Pass, Fail or Open.

  3. 03

    Summary

    Counts by result, five completeness checks for missing names, units and factors, and two signatures.

  4. 04

    Reference

    A two-byte to value helper and nine common J1939 and OBD-II definitions to verify.

The formula

Physical value = offset + factor × raw

This is the convention of DBC files. Write 1 in the factor and 0 in the offset when the raw value is already in the right unit.

Device signalSPN 190raw 4968Factor and offset0.125 × raw + 0PlatformEngine RPM621 rpm
Fig. 1 A raw value from the device becomes a named parameter with a unit
physical = offset + factor × rawExample: 0 + 0.125 × 4968 = 621 rpmCheck the result with a second known value before you trust the row.
Examples to verify

Common J1939 and OBD-II scaling

Use them as a starting point and confirm each against your vehicle or device document.

Common definitions in the Reference sheet
SignalScaling
J1939 SPN 190 · Engine speed0.125 rpm/bittypical
J1939 SPN 110 · Coolant temperature1 · offset -40 °C/bittypical
OBD-II PID 0C · Engine RPM(256A+B) / 4 rpmtypical
OBD-II PID 05 · Coolant temperatureA - 40 °Ctypical
OBD-II PID 0D · Vehicle speedA km/htypical
OBD-II PID 42 · Control module voltage(256A+B) / 1000 Vtypical

Common definitions. Verify against your vehicle or device document.

The test

A row passes only when the platform agrees

The sheet allows a tolerance you set: a share of the value and a fixed part. The larger of the two applies.

tracom-io-parameter-mapping-sheet-en.xlsx
SignalSourceFactorOffsetUnitTest rawPhysicalPlatform showsResult
J1939 SPN 190CAN0.1250rpm4968621621Pass
J1939 SPN 110CAN1-40°C1309090Pass
OBD-II PID 0COBD-II0.250rpm690417261500Fail
Example rows. The third shows a mismatch: the platform shows 1500 rpm where the formula gives 1726.

Why write the mapping down

A device reports raw numbers: a count from a CAN frame, millivolts from an analog input, a bit from a digital input. The platform shows a parameter with a name and a unit. Between the two sits a scaling that someone entered once, often from memory.

When a graph looks wrong a year later, a written mapping tells you whether the fault is in the vehicle, the device setting or the platform.

What each column means

Source tells you where the value comes from. Raw type and raw unit describe the number before scaling. Factor and offset turn it into a physical value. Physical unit and platform parameter say what the platform shows. The low and high alarm limits are the values at which you will set an alert, so they can be checked later.

Bytes and byte order

A signal that is two bytes long can be sent low byte first or high byte first. J1939 sends the low byte first. The Reference sheet has a small helper: type the two bytes in decimal, choose the order and it gives the raw value. Always confirm the order in the document for your vehicle.

Testing a row

Put a known raw value in the Test raw column, work out what the platform should show, then read what it does show and type it in. If the two agree within the tolerance the row passes. Test at least two values for a row with an offset, so you catch a wrong sign.

Limits of this sheet

It records a mapping and a test. It does not know your vehicle: every factor and offset is yours to enter and verify. It is not a certificate or an approval.

Related Tracom solution

Check the mapping on the Tracom portal

Connecting a Tracom ST100 or M1N? Fill the sheet next to the device manual, then check each parameter name, unit and alarm on the SCMS portal.

  • SCMS portal. Compare each parameter, unit and alarm with your sheet.
  • Emergency panic alerts. Map the panic input and test it on the platform.
  • Over-the-air updates. If your device supports remote configuration, send a harmless change and check the result on the platform.
Questions

Mapping sheet questions

Connecting a device to a platform? Talk to Tracom.

What are the factor and the offset?

They turn the raw number into a physical value: physical = offset + factor × raw. A raw count of 4968 with a factor of 0.125 and an offset of 0 is 621.

Where do I find the factor for my vehicle?

In the signal definition from the manufacturer or the vehicle document, often a DBC file or a J1939 table. The examples here are common definitions, so verify them.

Why does a row show Open?

You entered a test raw value but not what the platform shows. Read the platform and type the value, and the row becomes Pass or Fail.

Can I use it for digital inputs?

Yes. Use factor 1 and offset 0, a raw value of 0 or 1 and put what the platform shows, such as ignition on, in the platform column as 0 or 1.

Is the tolerance official?

No. One percent and 0.05 are typical starting values. Change them to what your use needs.

What is Tracom's role here?

Tracom makes the devices. This sheet is a neutral tool for any integrator. It gives no approval or certificate.

Next step

Write the mapping down and test it

Bring your mapping sheet. We will go through it with you and show how each parameter looks on the portal.

Related tools and templates

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