Mastering Zonar
★ Zonar Products · Driver Tablets
Zonar runs its driver-side apps on rugged Android tablets that live in a locking, powered dock in the cab. Here are the models, how they are locked down and how they go in.
Product image for reference.
Zonar's driver tablets are rugged Android tablets that ride in the cab and run the driver-facing side of Zonar's platform. Zonar pre-loads the apps the fleet chooses, locks the tablet down so it is only used for work, and mounts it in a powered dock. Apps come from the Zonar App Marketplace, which covers Zonar's own apps and Google-certified third-party apps for things like compliance, diagnostics, messaging and route optimization.
On a Zonar fleet, the tablet is also where drivers work with tools such as EVIR electronic inspections and, on school buses, the Verify rider manifest that works with Z Pass.
| Spec | Samsung Galaxy Tab Active5 | MioWORK F840 |
|---|---|---|
| Screen | 8 in touchscreen, 1920 x 1200 | 8 in touchscreen, anti-glare |
| Android | Android 14, four OS upgrades | Android 13 |
| Processor | 8-core Qualcomm | 8-core Qualcomm |
| Toughness | IP54, 1.8 m drop, 20G shock, Gorilla Glass 5 | IP54, 1.8 m drop, 20G shock |
| Connectivity | 4G LTE, Wi-Fi, NFC, Bluetooth | 4G LTE, Wi-Fi, NFC, Bluetooth |
| Dock | RAM powered locking dock | Dedicated vehicle cradle |
The Samsung also has a programmable key that can be set to open a chosen app. Both tablets come with Zonar Mobile Shield.
The Samsung and RAM package includes the RAM EZ-Roll'r, a form-fit powered dock with a lock, which takes the Samsung's own protective skin or a RAM skin and hand strap. A form-fitting sleeve and hand strap are optional for drivers who carry the tablet outside the vehicle. In the cab, Zonar lists a Samsung Galaxy Tablet Cable Assembly (part 81656) and a MioWORK Tablet Adapter Cable (part 81755) for connecting the tablet to the vehicle system; both are on our Zonar Harnesses page.
Dock placement is the whole job. The tablet has to be within the driver's reach and readable at a glance, but it cannot block the windshield view, the gauges, or an airbag's path. Mount the RAM base to something solid so the tablet does not shake on rough roads, run the power cable out of sight where it will not get pinched by a seat or a door, and check that the dock is actually charging before you leave. If the cable is tapped into vehicle power rather than a factory plug, confirm the circuit with a meter first; our Vehicle Wiring Database has wire colors and locations.
Tablets make sense for Zonar fleets whose drivers do electronic inspections, school bus fleets using rider verification, and any fleet that wants work apps in the cab without drivers using personal phones. Fleets whose drivers only need the tracker in the background may not need a tablet in every vehicle, so it is worth deciding which vehicles actually need one.
When you are ready to put these in your vehicles, API Signal supplies the hardware, sets up the monthly service and has our technicians install it on site at your yard, so the vehicles never leave your lot. Call 803-513-1009 or use Get Zonar Pricing and Installation to set a date.
Sources: Zonar tablets product page, Zonar harness and cable list. ZONAR is a trademark of Zonar Systems, Inc. Other product names belong to their owners. API Signal is an independent installer and is not Zonar.
Zonar offers the Samsung Galaxy Tab Active5 and the MioWORK F840, both rugged 8-inch Android tablets.
No. Zonar Mobile Shield pre-loads the chosen apps and blocks unauthorized downloads of apps, programs and games.
Yes. Zonar offers an optional setting that locks the tablet while the vehicle is in motion.
The Samsung and RAM package uses the RAM EZ-Roll'r, a form-fit powered dock with a lock.
Tell us how many vehicles and what they are. We'll quote the hardware and the install together.