Rand McNally HD 100

The HD 100 is Rand McNally’s low-cost BYOD alternative to their classic TND 765 device. The HD 100 itself is a simple black box that plugs into the vehicle’s diagnostic port. The black box reads engine data and driving status and communicates with an Android or iOS device of your choosing for display. The free app running on your display device looks and feels very much like Rand McNally’s TND 765 interface, so drivers may be somewhat familiar with the layout already.

Unlike most BYOD systems, the HD 100 does not use Bluetooth. Instead it communicates with your display device via WiFi. This can offer a perhaps more reliable and longer-range connection, but it means that if you want to connect your device to any other WiFi networks you will first need to disconnect from the HD 100. This can be annoying, as the HD 100 will only allow communication with Rand McNally’s servers. If you want to also use your device for web browsing, email, etc then you will need to disconnect from the HD 100 and connect to a real WiFi network or to 4G.

Also rare among BYOD systems is the fact that the HD 100 does NOT rely on your phone/tablet for it’s communication. It is able to communicate essential info like GPS location and engine status even if the phone/tablet is turned off! This is a huge perk, and combined with the fact that the HD 100 can be mounted behind the dash without loosing signal makes it probably the most tamper-resistant BYOD option on the market. In fact, since the HD 100 does its own communication, your display device does not even necessarily need a data plan. A simple WiFi-only tablet works just fine, thus saving the significant monthly cost of a cellular data plan.

One of the major drawbacks of the HD 100 app running on your phone/tablet is that it does not yet include Rand McNally’s IntelliRoute GPS Navigation. However, this feature is under construction and may be added to the app by the end of 2016. The addition of Rand McNally’s excellent GPS would make this system a truly top-notch option in the BYOD ELD market.

Installing the HD 100 black box in incredibly simple. If you don’t mind the device and cable being exposed, it can simply be plugged into the diagnostic port and set on the dash. If you want to hide the device behind the dash, that will obviously take more time. Also remember that a mount of some kind will need to be installed for your phone/tablet, which can add another 10-20 minutes.

The HD 100 is a simple BYOD device with some unique capabilities. While it does have some drawbacks to consider, it is a good option to consider for fleets looking for a  reputable brand name at a fairly affordable price point.

Cost

Pricing on the HD 100, like any BYOD option has some room for variation. The black box itself is affordably priced at $299. If you plan to provide a tablet for your drivers, expect to pay around $150 for a decent WiFi-only Android tablet (such as a Samsung Galaxy Tab). If drivers will use their own cell phones you can save this cost, but remember that the ELD Mandate states that the display device must be mounted to the vehicle where the driver can see it while the vehicle is in motion. The monthly service plans are the same that Rand offers for the TND 765. The Electronic Log only plan is $20/mo. The Basic plan adds messaging and is $30/mo. And the Enterprise plan adds advanced features like engine diagnostics, driver scorecards, critical event reporting and much more for $40/mo.

Pros & Cons

• Communicates even if display device is off
• Low total cost of ownership
• Very easy to install

• No Navigation (coming soon)
• App feels a bit dated, like TND device
• WiFi connection to HD 100 limits other WiFi usage on the tablet

Technical Specs