Laipac Technology SFAVL105106 StarFinder AVL User Manual Starfinder

Laipac Technology Inc. StarFinder AVL Starfinder

Users Manual

StarFinder AVL User’s Manual & Reference Guide Revision 2.01 –June 2005 © 1999-2005 by Laipac Technology, Inc. All rights reserved – The Specifications and information regarding the products in this manual are subjected to change without notice. All statements, information, and recommendations in this manual are believed to be accurate but are represented without warranty of any kind, express or implied, users must take full responsibility for their applications of any Products - Reproduction of the contents of this manual, in whole or in part, without written permission of Laipac Technology, Inc. is prohibited.
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Statement This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures: -Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. -Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver. -Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected. -Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help. You are cautioned that changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void your authority to operate the equipment.
p1© Laipac Technology, Inc. 2005Table of ContentsStarfinder AVL GPRS .............................................................................................. 2 Starfinder AVL GPRS Hardware........................................................................... 2 Starfinder AVL GPRS Unit Overview................................................................ 3 Position Report................................................................................................. 4 Report Position by Event.............................................................................. 5 Report Position by Request.......................................................................... 5 Remote Control Relays................................................................................... 6 Input Port and Applications............................................................................... 6 Output Port and Applications............................................................................ 7 GPS Receiver................................................................................................... 8 GSM/GPRS Modem......................................................................................... 9 RF Panic Keyfob ( optional )........................................................................... 10 Geofence Setting............................................................................................ 10 Data Logger and Downloading....................................................................... 10 Logging Data by Event............................................................................... 10 NMEA-0183 Output........................................................................................ 11 Configuration Via Serial Port.......................................................................... 11 LEDs for Operation Status Indication............................................................. 12 Power Supply................................................................................................. 12 Internal Charger and Backup Battery............................................................. 13 Installation...................................................................................................... 13 The Starfinder AVL Unit ............................................................................ 13 GSM Antenna............................................................................................. 14 GPS Antenna.............................................................................................. 14 Input Signal Cable...................................................................................... 14 Output Control Cable.................................................................................. 14 Power Cable............................................................................................... 15 Environment Requirement.............................................................................. 15 Starfinder AVL GPRS Software.......................................................................... 15 Software Overview.......................................................................................... 15 GPRS Server Gateway Software................................................................... 16 GPRS Server Setup................................................................................... 16 GPRS Server Settings................................................................................ 17 Starfinder Client Application Software............................................................ 17 GPRS Client Software Setup...................................................................... 17 GPRS Client Software Configuration.......................................................... 18 Customer Account Setup............................................................................ 18 Starfinder Client Software's Control Panel................................................ 18 Starfinder Client Software's Database......................................................... 19 FAQ.................................................................................................................... 19 Can I use normal AC power adaptor for Starfinder AVL testing?................... 19 Why have I got the position, but still can not see the vehiclet on the map?.... 20 How many client software can I install to connect to GPRS Server?.............. 20 Why the client software connecting to GPRS server, lot of data appear?...... 20 How long should I wait for Starfinder to get the valid GPS signal ?................ 20 What is the accuracy of the Starfinder locating?............................................ 20
p2© Laipac Technology, Inc. 2005 How much time the car battery can last for Starfinder when car's parking?... 20 How can I reset the password if I forget the Unit's passowrd?....................... 21 How can I know the GPRS Server is running and accessible?...................... 21 Can I run the GPRS server on a PC with internal IP?.................................... 21 How many records can Starfinder Unit log?................................................... 21 Trouble Shooting................................................................................................ 22 Starfinder GPRS Unit doesn't respond any command.................................. 22 Possible reasons from Starfinder Unit........................................................ 22 Possible reasons from GPRS Server......................................................... 23 Possible reasons from Client Software....................................................... 24 Client Software receives data, but the vehicle doesn't show on the map....... 25 The communication's ok, but the clinet software cannot receive valid GPS signal25 GSM Yellow LED not blink.............................................................................. 25 Starfinder Unit cannot be configured via RS232............................................. 26
p3© Laipac Technology, Inc. 2005Starfinder GPRS AVL Starfinder GPRS AVL Hardware Starfinder GPRS AVL Software FAQ Trouble Shooting -o-Starfinder GPRS AVL Hardware
p4© Laipac Technology Inc. 2005Starfinder GPRS Unit consists of GSM module, which is used for receiving and sending dataover GSM network; GPS module, which is used for receiving GPS signal; and microcontrollerwhich is used for coordiante the operations between different modules; EEPROM, which is usedfor saving settings and log data; Two Input ports and Two Output ports which are used fortelmetric and telecontrol, RF panic reciever which is used for receiving RF panic signal from Keypad. Starfinder GPRS Unit Overview Input Ports and Application Output Ports and Application GPS Receiver GSM/GPRS Modem RF Panic Geofence Data Log and Download Configuration Via Serial Port LEDs for Operation Status Indication Power Supply Internal Charger and backup Battery Installation Environment Requirement-o-Starfinder GPRS Unit OverviewStarfinder GPRS Unit INTRODUCTIONGPRS(General Packet Radio Service), which is based on GSM technology, has many advantagesin terms of cost and speed over SMS. Since GPRS is always on line, Starfinder GPRS Unit isidealy to be used for real-time tracking.Most GPRS devices use dynamic IP, Starfinder GPRS unit can only work in client mode andGPRS server works in server mode, that means always Starfinder intends to connect to GPRSserver which is always listening at certain port waiting for the Starfinder Unit to connect. Theserver machine in which the GPRS server program is running must have static IP so that it canbe located by Starfinder GPRS Unit. You must ensure that the server's internet connection has a static IP address, please contact your Internet Service Provider to confirm it. It is importantbefore configuring the Starfinder GPRS Unit that you know your GPRS server has static IPaddress.Apart from the IP address other GPRS network parameters are also required to be configuredbefore you can use GPRS communications. This is necessary because different GPRS operators
p5© Laipac Technology Inc 2005require different settings for connecting to their network. Most GPRS network providers will havea quick start guide that shows the most important GPRS parameters for their network. Thefollowing GPRS parameters are required for Starfinder GPRS Unit using GPRS service:•APN ( Access Point Name)•APN User Name•APN User Password•GPRS Dial NumberOnce the Starfinder GPRS Unit has been configured via the serial port. it is necessary to runStarfinder Client/Server software on the machine with the internet connection. Client and Serversoftware can either install on the same machine or in different machine. You also can have morethan one Client softwares running in different machines at the same time. You may prefer toinstall Starfinder Client/Server Software as well as GPRS gateway to receive data. configurationvia the serial port. If running on a corporate IT network or from behind a firewall assistance may be required fromyour network administrator to configure the network for operation. By default the GPRS Serveruse port 80 and requires both incoming and out coming TCP/IP access on this port to be routedto the external Internet connection.Starfinder GPRS Unit Features:•Simple to Install. Small in size for easy concealment.•Providing REAL Time Tracking by GPRS which is always online with TCP/IP connection.•Automatically connect to GPRS server when power on.•Automatically reconnect when GPRS connection outages occur.•Easy to setup by using Hyperterminal and serial port.•2 INPUT which can connect to car alarm and In-car panic button respectly.•2 OUTPUT to Power Windows/Doors, Engine immobilizer, Sirens remotely controllable. •Programmable data logger to record up to 32Kbytes GPS data coordinates into Memorybased on time, distance and events.•Programmable position report based on time, distance and events, or by request•Small consumptive power, wide range input voltage with power supply circuit which isspecially design for automotive application.•NMEA-0183 output to Laptop or PDA for In-car use Navigation.•Built-in backup battery and it's charger circuit which is provided in module as a option.(External backup battery are also possible by using reserved external backup battery port)•Three LEDs used to indicate the different operating states like power ON/Off, GPS states,and GSM modem states.-o-Position Report
p6© Laipac Technology Inc 2005The basic function of Starfinder GPRS Unit is for reporting the position information to the controlcenter, there are two methods to let the Starfinder report the position and other information: Report Position by Event Report Position by Request-o-Report Position by EventMany events can trigger the Starfinder Unit to send report message to control center:•Input1(Opto1): when opto1 has input signal, the Starfinder will send position report to thecontrol center together with the event code•Input2(Opto2): when opto2 has input signal, the Starfinder will send position report to thecontrol center together with the event code•RF panic: when RF panic key is pressed, the Starfinder will send position report to thecontrol center together with the event code•Geoference: when the geofence is set in Starfinder, the Starfinder will keep checking andcomparing the geofence with current position, whenever the Starfinder Unit find the vehicleis out of geofence, then a geofence event will be triggered, the Starfinder will send positionreport to the control center together with this event code•Main power lost: when the Starfinder installed the backup battery and charger, thenStarfinder will be able to be triggered by main power lost event when car battery stopworking and the Starfinder will send position report to the control center together with thisevent code•Time Based: When the Starfinder is configured with the time interval of message reporting,the Starfinder will send position message reporting at certain time interval•Distance Based: when the Starfinder is configured with the distance interval of messagereporting, the Starfinder will send position message reporting at certain distance the vehiclehas moved.-o-Report Position by RequestIn addition to get position report automatically, Starfinder GPRS Unit also allows to reportposition by request, when operator at the control center can get the current postion by using theStarfinder Client Software to send a "get postion request" command, then when the StarfinderGPRS Unit receives this command, it will send it's current position report to the Control Center.The Starfinder can respond the following requests:•Request System Information: this command can be used to inquiry the Starfinder'sfirmware version, the Starfinder's Unit number, memory size, Unit ID.•Request Position: this command can be used to inquiry the current position of the vehicle
p7© Laipac Technology Inc 2005•Request Current Settings: this command can be used to inquiry the current settings inStarfinder Unit such as: data log time interval, data log distance interval, message reporttime interval, message report distance interval, geofence center point's lat/long, anddeviation.•Request Current Status: this command can be used to inquiry the current status of theStarfinder Unit such as: Relay1/Relay2 is On or Off, Events states•Request Current Mileage: this command can be used to inquiry the current mileageinformation of the vehicle-o-Remote ControlRemote control is one of Starfinder GPRS Unit's functions:There are two devices in Starfinder GPRS Unit which are used for remote control: Relay1 andRelay2. From the client software in the control center, you can send control command to turn ON or OFFboth Relay1 and Relay2.Relay1 is normal open(In the normal condition, the relay's contact is disconnect) which mostcustomers use it to connect to Horn/Alarm systemRelay2 is normal close(In the normal condition, the relay's contact is connect) which can beusually connect to vehicle's ignition circuit.-o-Input Ports and ApplicationThe input ports in Starfinder Unit are designed for catching the events of the Starfinder whichmust be reported to the control center together with the position.Starfinder has two optocoupler ports: Input1(OPTO1) and Input2(OPTO2), the input DC signalcan be from 3V to 27V. Usually these input ports can connector such as the door sensor, ignitionsenor etc. Please pay attention the parity, the positive terminal connect to input signal's "+",and the negative terminal connect to input signal's "-". Reversed connection will result in it failto work or even damage the opto-couple components. The two inputs events can trigger the Starfinder send position report to control center togetherwith the correspond event information which trigger this report message
p8© Laipac Technology Inc 2005-o-Output Ports and Application Output ports are designed so that the control center can control the vehicle remotely. Starfinder has two output switches (Relay1 and Relay2) for connecting or disconnectingremotely which is controlled by control center. Relay1 is normal open (the contact is disconnect at the condition of no power), it can be usedfor horn alarm trigger or other switch which need connect at emergency. This relay normallydisconnect, when receive a switch on command from control center, this relay will connect andkeep connecting for 1min then disconnect again. This feature is useful for trigger the such ashorn alarm circuit to emit siren for 1 min and turn off to save the battery power.Relay2 is normal close(the contact is connect at the condition of no power), it is suggestedused for vehicle ignition control. It can disable the vehicle when it is safety for the vehicle ownwhen he doesn't want to user to start this vehicle.
p9© Laipac Technology Inc 2005-o-GPS ReceiverGPS receiver specifications GPS RECEIVER SPECIFICATIONSGeneral characteristics Navigation methods All-In-View, 2-satellite solutionParameter Value Channels 16 parallel RF connector SMA femaleRF frequency 1575.42MHz (L1 band, C/A) RF input impedance 50 ohmsRF sensitivity -133dBM or lessActive antenna bias voltage 3V
p10© Laipac Technology Inc 2005Position datum WGS-84Navigation methods All-In-View, 2-satellite solutionPerformanceParameter Value Position accuracy 20m 2DRMS (PDOP=2.5, HDOP=1.5) Velocity accuracy 0.3m/s (PDOP=2.5, HDOP=1.5)Position update rate 1Hz Hot start time 7-20 seconds Warm start time 33-50 secondsCold start time 35-60 secondsReacquisition(loss < 5 minutes) 2-6 secondsReacquisition (loss > 5 minutes) 6-10 seconds-o-GSM/GPRS ModemFEATURES: Dual-band EGSM/GPRS component (EGSM 900/1800 MHz, EGM 850 / 1900 MHz) designed for M2M and automotive applications * Compliant with ETSI GSM Phase 2+ standard - Class 4 (2W @ 900 MHz) - Class 1 (1W @ 1800 MHz) APPROVALS The modules is approved worldwide under test standards including - Radio and Telecommunication Terminal Equipment (R&TTE) and Global Certification Forum - Certification Criteria (GCF-CC), EMC, Safety and Chinese approvals VOICE FEATURES * Voice features (GSM mode) : - Telephony, Emergency calls - Full Rate, Enhanced Full Rate, Half Rate (FR/EFR/HR) - Echo Cancellation and Noise Reduction - Full duplex hands free DATA FEATURES * Data circuit asynchronous, transparent and non transparent up to 14400 bits/s * Fax Group 3 (Class 1 and 2) - GPRS packet Data features : * GPRS Class 2 (SMS Version) or Class 10 (GPRS Version) * Coding Schemes : CS1 to CS4 * PBCCH support MESSAGE SERVICES * Point to point (MT/MO) and Cell Broadcast GSM SUPPLEMENTARY SERVICES
p11© Laipac Technology Inc 2005* Call Forwarding, Call Barring * Multiparty * Call Waiting, Call Hold * USSD -o-RF PanicThe RF Panic can be used to trigger the Starfinder and a position report to the control center astogether with the RF Panic event. The DIP switch code of the key in which the 434MHZ or418MHz RF module built-in should be preset to match the 434MHz RF receiver DIP switch codein the Starfinder in order to let the RF Panic work.-o-GeofenceThe Starfinder GPRS Unit has a built-in geofence setting function, which can provide a squarelike area geofence, in order to set a geofence, the geofence center point latitude/longitude, thedeviation from the center point latitude and longitude must be set, the event mask bit forgeofence should be enable. The Starfinder Unit will keep comparing the deviation between thecurrent latitude/longitude and geofence's center point latitude/longitude, if the deviation isgreater than set deviation, a out-of-geofence event will be triggered, and a position reporttogether with out-of-geofence event will be sent to control center.-o-Data Log and Download•The standard Starfinder GPRS Unit has 32kbytes memory for data log which can save around450 records. If saving data 5mins a record, then these memory can save around 8 hoursGPS data, if you chose 64Kbytes data, then you save 900 records.•You can download these data over the air or via a serial port locally. Through the air justsend Get ALL Logged Data command then you can download all logged data. To downloadthrough serial port, you need run hyperterminal and configure it to 9600-8-N-1 can connectto Starfinder GPRS Unit, then press Enter you also can get all logged data Log Data by Event-o-Log Data by EventThe data log is event based, the following events will trigger the Starfinder data the position andthe event into memory:•Input1(Opto1): when opto1 has input signal, the Starfinder will record the positioninformation and the event code if the event mask is set.•Input2(Opto2): when opto2 has input signal, the Starfinder will record the positioninformation and the event code if the event mask is set.•RF panic: when RF panic key is pressed, the Starfinder will record the position informationand the event code if the event mask is set.
p12© Laipac Technology Inc 2005•Geoference: when the geofence is set in Starfinder, the Starfinder will keep checking andcomparing the geofence and current position, whenever the Starfinder Unit find the vehicleis out of geofence, then out of geofence event will be triggered, the Starfinder will record theposition information and the event code if the event mask is set.•Main power lost: when the Starfinder installed the backup battery and charger, thenStarfinder will be able to be triggered by main power lost event when car battery stopworking and the Starfinder will record the position information and the event code if theevent mask is set.•Time Based: When the Starfinder is configured with the time interval of log data, theStarfinder will record the position information and the event code at certain time interval ifthe event mask is set. •Distance Based: when the Starfinder is configured with the distance interval of log data,the Starfinder log the data at certain distance the vehicle has moved.-o-NMEA-0183 OutputStarfinder GPRS Unit can also output standard $GPRMC NMEA sentence at the baudrate of4800b/s at it's RS232 port. If you have laptop or PDA which installs the electronic map, you canconnect it to the Starfinder Unit using DB9 cable for In-car self-navigation.-o-Configuration Via Serial PortTo configure the Starfinder GPRS Unit according to the following steps:•Connect Starfinder RS232 port to PC's com port, then start run hyperterminal byPC->Start->All Programs->Accessories->Communications->Hyper Terminal, to create a newone with name Starfinder, and configure it as 9600-N-8-1 and connect to serial port.•Power on Starfinder AVL GPRS Unit, the following text will appear:Starfinder GPRS AVL Firmware V1.34GPRS(R)ALL Right Reserved 2004Do you want to set parameters(Y/N)You can press "Y" to start configurethen Starfinder will ask you:AVL Unit ID(e.g. 99999999): your Unit Id input here then press "Enter"(should be less than 8characters)then Starfinder will ask you:AVL Password(e.g.00000000): your Unit's password put here then "Enter"(should be lessthan 8 characters)then Starfinder will ask you:GPRS Dial Number(e.g. *99#): provided by your GPRS service providerthen Starfinder will ask you:GPRS APN(e.g. internet.fido.ca): provided by your GPRS service providerthen Starfinder will ask you:GPRS APN User Name(e.g. fido): provided by your GPRS service providerthen Starfinder will ask you:
p13© Laipac Technology Inc 2005GPRS Password(e.g. fido): provided by your GPRS service providerthen Starfinder will ask you:Your GPRS Server IP(e.g. 64.119.108.239): The static IP address of the PC in which gprsserver is running then Starfinder will ask you:Your GPRS Server Port(e.g. 80): the port which you chose for the TCP/IP connect betweenStarfinder GPRS unit and gprs server, the default is 80Then you will find:Settings Saved!The configuration is completed.-o-LEDs for Operation Status IndicationThere are three LEDs for indicating the operation state of the Starfinder Unit.LEDStatus On Off FlashRed LED Starfinder Power On No Power/Power Failure NAGreen LED GPS Signal OK Module Failure No GPS SignalYellowLED GSM Module PowerOn GSM Module PowerOff/Failure GSM Mudule InNetwrok-o-Power SupplyThe Power ConsumptionStarfinder power supply is specifically designed for automotive application which can workstable under high power noise environment and wide range input voltage from 9V to 48V.The Starfinder AVL System typically consumes around 140mA at 13.8V with an extra 50mAcurrent when each relay is activated. The following table summarizes power consumptionmeasured during normal operation.State Voltage CurrentBoth relays inactivate 13.8V 140mA
p14© Laipac Technology Inc 2005One relays activate 13.8V 190mABoth relays activate 13.8V 240mA Note: Starfinder AVL has a option to switch the high accuracy GPS to an alternative low power16Ch. GPS receiver with GPS shut down feature. The current consumption can drop down to50mA in stand-by mode. MOQ will be required.Although the average current for Starfinder is arounf 200mA, but the GSM modem's peakcurrent when transmitting can be great up to 2A, so using power adapter to test the Starfindercould cause the it malfunction.-o-Internal Charger and Backup BatteryThe Starfinder can also install internal battery charger and backup battery. In the normalcondition, the backup battery works in standby mode, the battery changer will detect thevoltage of back up battery all the time, the backup battery's voltage will drop down with thetime pass since the self discharging, whenever the battery charger detect the backup battery'svoltage drops to certain value, the charger circuit will start to charge it, the battery will changefrom standby mode to charging mode, when the battery's full, then charger will cut off thecharge circuit from backup battery, then the backup battery will change to standby mode again.Starfinder also detects the main battery input, when Starfinder detects the main power lost, itwill switch to backup battery automatically and send position report to inform the control centertogether with the power lost event. So the control center not only can get the position reportbut also know that this position report is caused of the main power lost event.The backup battery can work for at least 2 hours when main power lost-o-InstallationThe Starfinder Installation includes the following contains: The Starfinder Unit GSM Antenna GPS Antenna Input Signal Cable Output Control Cable Power Cable-o-The Starfinder Unit The Starfinder Unit should be install inside the vehicle at which the Unit is not easy to be found and access.The hiddener the better. Bed environment such as high temperature, high humidity, and high dust should beavoided. Some place like under the dash board, in the trunk, under seat between the door would be ideal.
p15© Laipac Technology Inc 2005Making using of the three LEDs which can indicate the operation states of Starfinder Unit during installationwould be greatly helpful.•The Red LED on tells you the Starfinder is powered on•Green LED flashing tells you Starfinder is working but the GPS signal is still not available. Only when theGreen LED is constantly on, the Starfinder has catch the valid GPS signal.•Yellow ON tells you the GSM modem is powered on, when SIM card inserted and yellow LED flashes, ittells us the GSM has accessed to the GSM network.Using there LEDs can speed up the installation procedure greatly.-o-GSM AntennaThe GSM antenna installation is much flexible, can be anywhere inside the vehicle exceptenclosure by a metal case, but still require to be hidden and cannot be seen and toucheddirectly.-o-GPS AntennaThe GPS Antenna should be install hidden under some non-metal material, like under the carpetbeside the window. Never under any metal material which will cause the GPS antenna doesn'twork. The GPS antenna has very high direction, so please always let the antenna top side faceto the sky.-o-Input Signal CableThe input signal cables which are connected two input ports of the Starfinder and the inputsignals such like panic button or door open/close sensor. These cables are also required to becabling hidden without being found by people. The positive terminal should connect to vehiclebattery, the negative terminal can connect to the input sensor one terminal and the sensor'sanother terminal connects to ground.-o-Output Control CableThe output control cables which are connected two output ports of the Starfinder and connect inserial into the vehicle electric circuit such as horn/alarm circuit(Relay1) and car ignition circuit(Relay2). These cable should be thick enough which can pass up to 10A constant current. Thesecables are also required to be cabling hidden without being found by people. In order toconnect these output port to the existing vehicle electric circuit, we need to cut the exitingcircuit at one point, then connect the one of the output terminal at one end of the existingcircuit, the other terminal connect to the other end of the existing circuit. Then when switchON/OFF the Relay1/Relay2, we can start and stop these vehicle's existing electric circuit'soperation remotely. Since the great current could be in these cable, a 10A in-line fuses aresuggested to connect in serial into the circuit for protection purpose.-o-Power CableThe power cable should connect directly to the vehicle battery's two terminals. Connect to
p16© Laipac Technology Inc 2005cigarette light is not recommended. because when you shut down the car, the power supply from the battery to cigarette socket will be cut, then Starfinder will stop working.-o-Environment RequirementENVIRONMENT AND MECHANICS * Operating temperature range : - 30C to + 60C * Storage temperature range : - 40C to + 85C -o-Starfinder GPRS AVL SoftwareStarfinder Software consists of Starfinder firmware (software embedded in the Starfinder Unit)which is used to control the Starfinder Unit whole hardware functionality, GPRS Server which isa proxy server to pass the data between Starfinder GPRS Unit and Starfinder Client Software,Starfinder PC server which is used to connect Starfinder Client and GPRS Server, StarfinderClient Software which is an application to monitor and control the Starfinder remotely in realtime. Software Overview GPRS Server Software Starfinder Client Application Software-o-Software OverviewStarfinder GPRS Software is of a Client/Server architecture. The gprs server responsible for passdata between Starfinder GPRS unit and Starfinder Client software. The GPRS server consists ofGPRS gateway and Laipac Server which is used to connect gprs gateway and Starfinder clientsoftware
p17© Laipac Technology Inc 2005-o-GPRS Server SoftwareGPRS Server is a proxy server which is used to pass data between Starfinder GPRS Unit andStarfinder Client software, and responsible for maintain the multi- Starfinder Units connection toClient software. GPRS Server Setup GPRS Server Settings-o-GPRS Server SetupInstall GPRS Server in the next steps:1. Find the CDRom in Starfinder Unit Package.2. Insert CDRom in to your Server PC.
p18© Laipac Technology Inc 20053. Run CD Drive:\AVLGRSPInstallation\GPRS_win32_service1.1\setup\setup.exe-o-GPRS Server SettingsFollow the following steps to complete the GPRS server settings:1. Start Settings.exe software from desk top2. Press create a new unit, then a dialog box new unit will pop up, fill in the Unit ID andPassword of the Starfinder Unit you are going to install, then press ok to exit3. Press save this unit's data button to save this configuration4. Press Add new IP for selected Unit, then a dialog box named IP Address will pop up, fill in theClient software's PC IP address into it then press ok to exit5. Press save this unit's data button to save this configuration6. After completed, press Exit to exit configuration-o-Starfinder Client Application SoftwareThe Starfinder AVL client software is a control terminal which is used to monitor, configure andcontrol the vehicle in real time and responsible for the history data saving and replaying. Inorder to use Starfinder Client Software, you need to install, configure client software and createcustomer account for each user, and use control panel to control each vehicle GPRS Client Software Setup GPRS Client Software Configuration Customer Account Setup Starfinder Control Panel Starfinder Database-o-GPRS Client Software SetupThe following steps are for installing the GPRS Client Software:1. Find the CDRom in Starfinder Unit Package.2. Insert CDRom in to your Server PC.3. Run CD Drive:\AVLGRSPInstallation\AVLClient2.16Setup(Mappoint)\setup.exe if your mapformat is mappoint or Run CDDrive:\AVLGRSPInstallation\AVLClient2.16Setup(GeoObj))\setup.exe if your map format is
p19© Laipac Technology Inc 2005mapinfo/arcview/autoCAD/bmp-o-GPRS Client Software ConfigurationBefore using GPRS Client software, the following settings are required:•Network settings: goto Starfinder AVL Client 2.16->Network->Configuration:1) put the IP address of the PC in which the GPRS Server is running2) put the port# for the connection between Laipac Server and Starfinder Client software, tocheck what this port# should be, you can goto c:\windows\laipacGPRS.ini, you can find thepcserver =5063, so please put 5063 in the client software's port# text box3) Press OK to exit•Goto Starfinder AVL Client software->Vehilce->Set Vehicle Property; please check Unit ID and Password, both of them should match the Unit ID and Password whichyou just programmed into the Starfinder GPRS Unit, if not, you can goto C:\programfiles\LaipacStarfinder\StarfinderAVL\Program\then open data.mdb, find the property filed andedit the Unit ID and Password,manual to match the parameters in the Starfinder Unit. CloseAccess to exit-o-Customer Account Setup•To create a new vehicle account, you can use the temporary Vehicle1 or Vehicle2 to createnew on. The change the account information on the new temporary account.•For Unit ID and Password which you cannot edit in set vehicle property, then gotoC:\program files\LaipacStarfinder\StarfinderAVL\Program\then open data.mdb, find theproperty filed and edit the Unit ID and Password,manual to match the parameters in theStarfinder Unit. Close Access to exit-o-Starfinder Control PanelThe Starfinder Control Panel is used to configure, control and send request from Control Centerto the Starfinder GPRS Unit.It consists of three parts: Request; Configuration and ControlRequest Configuration Output ControlGet System Information Data Logging Set Relay1 OnGet Current Position Login Set Relay1 OffGet All Logged Data Message Sending Set Relay2 OnGet Current Status Geofence Settings Set Relay2 OffGet Current Settings Set MileageGet Mileage
p20© Laipac Technology Inc 2005-o-DatabaseFor current version Starfinder GPRS AVL, the data base is integrate with client software. Eachclient software has its own data base which is Microsoft's Access.-o-FAQThe FAQs intend to help you quick start using Starfinder AVL GPRS system. Reading these firstmight help you to save time on familiar with Starfinder : Can I use normal AC power adaptor for Starfinder testing? Why I've got position, but my vehicle's still not shown on the map? How many client software can I install to connect to GPRS server? Why when the client software connects to GPRS server, a lot of data arrive? How much time the Starfinder can catch the valid GPS signal? What is the accuracy of the Starfinder locating? How much time the car battery can last for Starfinder when car's parking? How can I know the GPRS Server is running and accessible? Can I run the GPRS server on a PC with internal IP? How many records can Starfinder Unit log?-o-Can I use normal AC power adaoptor for Starfindertesting?No, usually the AC power adaptor's voltage is not stable, it will change with the load, andalthough the Starfinder is average current is around 200mA, The power supply must be able to provide sufficient current in a transmit burst which typically rises to 2A.Beyond that, the power supply must be able to account for increased current consumption ifthe module is exposed to inappropriate conditions, for example antenna mismatch. Most ACadaptor cannot meet this requirement, so we strongly suggest our customers use 12V/2A switchmode power or car battery rather than AC power adaptor for Starfinder testing. -o-Why I've got position, but my vehicle's still notshown on the map?For some languages which are not English, the number format is different from English. Forexample, in English the number 3.4, but in Spanish, it would be represented as 3,4. TheStarfinder's protocol need use "," to sperate the different field in a sentence, which will causethe Starfinder fails to parse different fields from a sentence. To solve the problem, you need
p21© Laipac Technology Inc 2005change the PC's Regional and Language Options. Please goto PC->Start->ControlPanel->Regional and Language Options->Regional Options->Select English(Canada)->Press OKto exit. After this changing, your vehicle will be shown on the map.-o-How many client software can I install to connect toGPRS server?There is no restriction, you connect as many as you want. But the overall performance will begoing down with more and more client software connect to the gprs server. The limitation isfrom the much many data the GPRS traffic can handle at the same time.-o-Why when the client software connects to GPRSserver, a lot of data arrive?When the Starfinder Unit has connected to the GPRS Server, but the client PC which is in theclient IP list of the GPRS Server doesn't connect to GPRS Server, then all data from StarfinderUnit to GPRS server will be saved in the GPRS server's inbox, whenever the client connects toGPRS server, then all data in the inbox will send to client, even though the Starfinder Unit is notworking at this moment. These output data won't stop until all inbox data has been emptied-o-How much time the Starfinder can catch the valid GPSsignal?Depends on the GPS starting mode, the are three kind of GPS starting modes: hot start, warmstart and cold start.For hot start, the synchronous time is: 8secFor warm start, the synchronous time is: 38secFor cold start, the synchronous time is: 48sec-o-What is the accuracy of the Starfinder locating?Depends on the GPS, usually the GPS module's position accuracy will be < 20m-o-How much time the car battery can last for Starfinderwhen car's parking?Depends on the capacity of the car battery and the power consumption of Starfinder GPRS unit.Normally a car battery's capacity is around 14Ah, the Starfinder operation current is from 60mAto 300mA depends on the operating mode (idle, sending/receiving message sometimes, sending/receiving message frequently). So according these conditions, the Starfinder can workfor around 47hrs to 233hrs(2days to 10days).-o-
p22© Laipac Technology Inc 2005How can I reset the password if I forget the Unit'spassowrd?The only way is uninstall the Starfinder Unit, use DB9 cable to connect Starfinder's RS232 portand PC's com port, start Hyperterminal (configure to 9600-8-N-1), use Starfinder's serial portlocal setting function to reprogram the Starfinder Unit, input a new password, and update theclient software's vehicle property's Unit Password in the data base, then you can control thisStarfinder Unit again from client software.-o-How can I know the GPRS Server is running andaccessible?First get the server's IP, for example: 64.119.108.239, then get the port number at which theGPRS Server is listening, for example: 80, then goto PC->Start->Run->telnet 64.119.108.23980, if you can find the GPRS respond you with $AVREQ,?*42, then that means the GPRS serveris running and accessible. Second, after you configure the client network with server IP64.119.108.239 and port# 5063, then press connection ball, the connection ball can turn greencan also prove the GPRS server is running. The first method can also check the connection toGPRS server at port 80 is not blacked by the firewall, sometime, even the GPRS server isrunning, but the firewall may not allow it to be accessed, if you already know the GPRS serveris running, but you still cannot connect by telnet, then there should be firewall blocks it, pleaseunblock it if you know how to do that or ask your network admin to do it. The same can happento the connection between GPRS server and Client software. For the windows XP which hasupdated with Windows XP pack 2 might have the windows firewall enabled, so please go to PC->Start->Control Panel-> Windows Firewall ->Exception Tab-> configure the softwareand port, let the windows operating system not block the GPRS connection at related portnumber.-o-Can I run the GPRS server on a PC with internal IP?Yes, but you have to properly configure the router.•First, your router should have a public and static IP •Since your GPRS server at specific port with TCP/IP connection, so you should configure therouter, when it receive the data from the specific port. the router should know pass this datato the PC on which the GPRS server is running.•When you configure the Starfinder GPRS unit, you cannot input the internal IP of themachine on which the GPRS server is running although this IP address might be a static IP,but it is a internal IP which can not be saw from public. You should configure the StarfinderUnit with the router's IP, since the router has been configured properly, the routerresponsible to redirect the data traffic to the server machine with GPRS server.-o-How many records can Starfinder Unit log?Starfinder has 32Kbytes memory for data log which can save upto around 450 records, if youconfigure the Starfinder to log data 1 record each 2 minutes, then it can log around 15 hoursdata.
p23© Laipac Technology Inc 2005-o-Trouble ShootingThe trouble shooting lists the most common problems for our customers experience and providesome procedures for solving the problems step by step. Starfinder GPRS Unit doesn't respond any command Client Software receives data, but the vehicle doesn't not shown on the map The communication's ok, but the client software cannot receive valid GPS signal GSM Yellow LED not blink Starfinder Unit cannot be configured via RS232 -o-Starfinder GPRS Unit doesn't respond any commandThere are many reasons which will cause the Starfinder Unit doesn't respond your command.Please check these possible reasons one by one using the following steps. Possible reasons from Starfinder Unit Possible reasons from GPRS server Possible reasons from Client Software-o-Possible reasons from Starfinder UnitThe following reasons from Starfinder Unit can cause Starfinder doesn't respond thecommand:•Is the yellow LED flashing?When SIM card is inserted, power is on, the yellow LED should flash, otherwise the GSM modulesomehow has problem, then the Starfinder Unit won't work. The power supply; GSM antenna,the SIM card, or GSM modem itself could cause the GSM modem doesn't work.•Does the GSM antenna connect correctly?The GSM antenna must be connected and the antenna cable, connector shouldn't loose or breakinside. The GSM signal strengthens must be enough.•During testing, the power supply must meet the Starfinder's requirement, many AC/DCadaptors cannot meet this requirement unless it is a good quality switch power which canprovide peak current up to 2A, and voltage be greater than 9V.• Is the Unit ID programmed correct? If the Unit ID is not correct, the Starfinder software will ignore the response although theStarfinder Software has receive this message.
p24© Laipac Technology Inc 2005• Is the Password programmed correctly?If the password is not programmed correctly, Starfinder will not respond the command sent byStarfinder client software•Is the GPRS dial number correct? The GPRS needs a special dial number for accessing GPRS gateway, you can ask your GPRSservice provide give you this number, usually this number will look like *99#, *99***1#,*98***2#...etc. If this number is not correct, The Starfinder GPRS Unit will not be able toaccess to GPRS network.•Is the APN set correctly?The APN is also one of the most important parameters for Starfinder to connect to GPRSnetwork. Is looks like the URL which we use to visit a web site. It looks like "internet.fido.ca","internet.ca", "airtelwap.es"....etc., please ask your GPRS service provider gives you thisparameter.•Are the APN User Name and APN Password correct?The APN user name and password are also required for Starfinder GPRS Unit to connect to GPRSnetwork. Also ask your service provider provide these parameters to you.•Is the GPRS server IP programmed correctly?The GPRS server's IP is static IP address, which the Starfinder GPRS Unit is going to connect to.If this IP is not provided correctly to Starfinder Unit, this connect will not be able to setup.•Is the Port Number setting correct?To setup an internet connection, not only an IP address must be correct, but also the Portnumber, the server listens at specific port, the Starfinder GPRS unit must send the connectionrequest at this same port, mismatch port number between Starfinder GPRS unit and GPRSserver can also cause fail to connect•Does the SIM card's GPRS service which you are using activated?Make sure that the SIM card's GPRS service is activated.-o-Possible reasons from GPRS ServerThe following reasons from GPRS server can cause the Starfinder Unit doesn't respondthe command from Starfinder Client Software•The GPRS server software must be installed at your Server machine.•The firewall shouldn't block the port and the IP from Starfinder Unit.•If the Server is behind the Router (Firewall), the firewall must be configured properly sothat the router understand to pass all GPRS data traffic to the GPRS server•The GPRS Server's Settings kit(You can find it, which is a icon named Settings, on yourserver's desktop) must be used to add the Starfinder Unit which you are going to track intothe list, this settings software can add the Unit ID, Unit's password and the Client software's
p25© Laipac Technology Inc 2005IP into its list. So that both Starfinder Unit and Client software can connect to GPRS server.•Check the two port number setting in GPRS server: goto PC -> Start -> Run ->%systemroot%, then open laipacGPRS.ini, you will find the following information like: [options] gserverport=80 pcserverport=5063In here, port 80 is for the connection between Starfinder Unit and GPRS server, port 5063 is forthe connection between Laipac Server and Client Software. these ports setting at StarfinderUnit, GPRS server, and Client software must match each other, for example, if Starfinder UnitPort number is set to 80, the gserverport in laipacGPRS.ini must be set to 80 also, thepcserverport in laipacGPRS.ini is set to 5063, then at Client software network configuration,you also have to set to 5063, otherwise, the connection won't set up and no data can send andreceive.-o-Possible reasons from Client SoftwareThe following reasons from Client Software can cause the Starfinder Unit won'trespond the command from Starfinder Client Software•Check the client software network setting; goto-> Starfinder Client 2.16-> menuNetwork->Configuration, you will find three text box; Server IP, Port# and Server ID, ServerIP is the PC in which the GPRS server software is running, if this IP is not correct clientsoftware won't connect to gprs server; Port# should be the same as which is configured inlaipacGPRS.ini, or the client also connect to server, the Server ID is for internal control only,just fill in with any number.•goto Starfinder AVL Client 2.16->Vehicle->Set Vehicle Property, please check ensure thatthe Unit ID and Password match the Starfinder's Unit ID and Password which you justprogrammed into Starfinder Unit and GPRS server list. If not match, goto C:\programfiles\laipacStarfinder\StarfinderAVL\Program, open data.mdb, change the Unit ID andPassword to the same as which have programmed into Starfinder Unit, if this Unit ID or thepassword in the command sent from Client software to Starfinder Unit doesn't match, thiscommand won't be executed by Starfinder Unit. When you send a command from controlpanel, the command only send to the vehicle which is high light in the vehicle list, and theUnit ID in the command send from the client software should match which is programmedinto the Starfinder Unit.-o-Client Software receives data, but the vehicle doesn'tshow on the mapSome reasons might result in the Starfinder cannot show on the map although the clientsoftware received the data from Starfinder Unit:•No available GPS data received, go to Starfinder->vehicle->ControlPanel->Request->Position, when GPS sentence's coming, please check the GPS status, if it
p26© Laipac Technology Inc 2005is "A", then this GPS signal is available, if it is "V", then it is invalid GPS signal, the vehiclewon't be shown on the map•The Vehicle's Unit ID and which you are current high light on the client software doesn'tmatch. The Starfinder software only show current hight light vehicle. To high light a vehicle,just put the mouse to a vehicle in the left top corner vehicle list and click on it.•For some languages which are not English, the number format is different from English.Please refers to FAQ Why I've got position, but my vehicle's still not shown on the map?-o-The communication's ok, but the clinet softwarecannot receive valid GPS signalPlease check using the following steps:•Is the Green LED on the Starfinder Unit constantly on? If not, then the Starfinder GPRS Unitdoesn't receive valid GPS signal•Is the Starfinder works indoor or the GPS antenna is under some metal material? If yes,then please adjust the GPS antenna position so that it can see the sky•Is the GPS antenna's cable installed wrong? For example, using GSM antennas as GPSantenna, the connection between GSM antenna and GPS antenna's been exchanged. If yes,then the Starfinder won't receive valid GPS signal, so please connect each antenna to theright antenna port.•Is the GPS antenna fail? Checking this by changing a another GPS antenna which is knownworking fine, if problem solved, then this is cause of GPS antenna's fail, otherwise continueto next step to check.•Is the GPS module fail? If all of above steps have been checked, the problem remains, thenit causes of the GPS module which may fail, please return the Unit and fix it.-o-GSM Yellow LED not blinkGSM Yellow LED doesn't blink means the GSM modem doesn't access to GSM network yet.Please check using the following steps:•Is the SIM insert into Starfinder Unit's SIM card holder?•Is the GSM antenna connect to Starfinder?•Is the GSM antenna cable or connector broken? When you use Starfinder unit during test,the GSM cable connector screw and unscrew too many times could cause the GSM cable orconnector broken inside then the GSM module cannot receive signal.•Is the power supply for Starfinder Unit qualify? The poor power supply can cause the GSMmodem cannot get enough power to work, the GSM modem need peak up to 2A when
p27© Laipac Technology Inc 2005transmit data, lower than that will cause the GSM modem doesn't work-o-Starfinder Unit cannot be configured via RS232When you configure the Starfinder via RS232, but there are no texts appear on the Hypertermialor there are texts but when you type PC's keyboard, the Starfinder doesn't respond you. Youcan check according to the following steps:•Change another DB9 cable, sometime the defect cable can cause the connection not reliable•Try to Starfinder to another PC•Don't power on the Starfinder Unit before connect the Starfinder Unit and PC using DB9cable and pressed the connection button on the Hyperterminal tools bar•Somehow the Hyperterminal cannot show the Starfinder Logo and prompt when start, youcan try to type 'Y' maybe the other text will appear.•If tried all of above the problem remains, then the Starfinder's RS232 fail and need to befixed-o-
p28© YLaipac Technology Inc 2005Index- C -Can I run the GPRS server on a PC with internal IP? 21Can I use normal AC power adaoptor for Starfindertesting? 19Client Software receives data, but the vehicle doesn'tshow on the map 25Configuration Via Serial Port 11Customer Account Setup 18- D -Data Log and Download 10- E -Environment Requirement 15- F -FAQ 19- G -Geofence 10GPRS Client Software Configuration 18GPRS Client Software Setup 17GPRS Server Settings 17GPRS Server Setup 16GPRS Server Software 16GPS Antenna 14GPS Receiver 8GSM Antenna 14GSM Yellow LED not blink 25GSM/GPRS Modem 9- H -How can I know the GPRS Server is running andaccessible? 21How can I reset the password if I forget the Unit'spassowrd? 21How many client software can I install to connect toGPRS server? 20How many records can Starfinder Unit log? 21How much time the car battery can last for Starfinderwhen car's parking? 20How much time the Starfinder can catch the valid GPSsignal? 20- I -Input Ports and Application 6Input Signal Cable 14Installation 13Internal Charger and Backup Battery 13- L -LEDs for Operation Status Indication 12Log Data by Event 10- N -NMEA-0183 Output 11- O -Output Control Cable 14Output Ports and Application 7- P -
p29© Laipac Technology Inc 2005Position Report 4Possible reasons from Client Software 24Possible reasons from GPRS Server 23Possible reasons from Starfinder Unit 22, 22Power Cable 15Power Supply 12- R -Remote Control 6Report Position by Event 5Report Position by Request 5RF Panic 10- S -Software Overview 15Starfinder Client Application Software 17Starfinder Control Panel 18Starfinder Database 19Starfinder GPRS AVL 2Starfinder GPRS AVL Hardware 2Starfinder GPRS AVL Software 15Starfinder GPRS Unit doesn't respond any command 22Starfinder GPRS Unit Overview 3Starfinder Unit cannot be configured via RS232 26- T -The communication's ok, but the clinet software cannotreceive valid GPS signal 25The Starfinder Unit 13Trouble Shooting 22- W -What is the accuracy of the Starfinder locating? 20Why I've got position, but my vehicle's still not shown onthe map? 20Why when the client software connects to GPRS server,a lot of data arrive? 20
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