Laipac Technology SFLITELOCATOR Starfinder Lite User Manual Starfinder Lite Manual V1 2

StarFinder Lite

User’s Manual & Reference Guide

Revision 1.2 – 2012

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.

Laipac Technology Inc. StarFinder Lite User’s Manual & Reference Guide

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.

-Consult the dealer or an experienced installer 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.

FCC RF Radiation Exposure Statement:

FCC RF Radiation Exposure Statement:FCC RF Radiation Exposure Statement:

FCC RF Radiation Exposure Statement:

1. This Transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or

transmitter.

2. This equipment complies with FCC RF radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled

environment.

3. This equipment should be installed and operated with a minimum distance of 20 centimetres

between the radiator and your body.

CE Marking

This device has been tested to and conforms to the regulatory requirements of the European Union

and has attained CE Marking. The CE Mark is a conformity marking consisting of the letters

“CE”. The CE Mark applies to products regulated by certain European health, safety and

environmental protection legislation. The CE Mark is obligatory for productions it applies to: the

manufacture affixes the marking in order to be allowed to sell his product in the European market.

This product conforms to the essential requirements of the R&TTE directive 1999/5/EC in order to

attain CE Marking. A notified body has determined that this device has properly demonstrated that

the requirements of the directive have been met and has issued a favorable certificate of expert

opinion. As such the device will bear the notified body number 0560 after the CE mark.

The CE Marking is not a quality mark. Foremost, it refers to the safety rather than to the quality of

a product. Secondly, CE Marking is mandatory for the product it applies to, whereas most quality

markings are voluntary.

Marking: The product shall bear the CE mark, the notified body number(s) as depicted to the right.

CE0560.

Laipac Technology Inc. StarFinder Lite User’s Manual & Reference Guide

Additional regulatory conformance

Specific details about compliance to the following standards and regulatory bodies may be

obtained from Laipac Technology Inc.

• PCS Type Certification Review Board (PTCRB)

• Based on Cellular Telecommunications and Internet Association (CTIA) Over the Air (OTA)

performance tests

• EN 301 511, EN 300 440, EN 62311, EN 301 489-1-3-7 and 60950-1 testing.

Laipac Technology Inc. StarFinder Lite User’s Manual & Reference Guide

Table of Contents

1 INTRODUCTION 5

2 FEATURES 6

3 INITIAL SETUP 7

3.1 What you will need 7

3.2 Setup Summary 8

3.3 Installing the StarFinder Lite Software 8

3.3.1 Introduction to utility software 8

3.3.2 Installation of utility software 8

3.3.3 Installation of USB driver 8

3.4 Configuration of StarFinder Lite 10

3.4.1 Start configuration of your device 10

3.4.2 Basic Configuration 10

3.4.3 Save setting into or read setting from the device 14

3.4.4 Acquire setting from or save setting into a configuration file 15

4 ADVANCED CONFIGURATION AND FEATURES 20

4.1 Setup Settings 19

4.2 System Settings 19

4.3 Input / Output Settings 24

4.4 Application Settings 29

5 HARDWARE DETAILS & LAYOUT 33

5.1 Specifications 34

Laipac Technology Inc. StarFinder Lite User’s Manual & Reference Guide

5.1.1 GPS Engine Specs 34

5.1.2 GSM Modem Specs 34

5.1.3 GPS Antenna Specs 35

5.1.4 GSM Antenna Specs 35

5.2 Installation 36

5.2.1 Required Hardware 36

5.2.2 Installing your Starfinder Lite 36

5.2.3 Considerations 36

5.2.4 Other Options 36

5.2.5 Power Connector 37

5.2.6 Buttons Input/Output 37

5.2.7 Analog Input 38

5.2.8 Optically Isolated Inouts 38

5.2.9 Three Relay Output 39

6 OPERATION 40

6.1 LED Operation 40

6.2 Position Reporting by Event 40

6.3 Position Reporting by Request 41

6.4 Serial Port 41

6.5 Function and its configuration method

Laipac Technology Inc. StarFinder Lite User’s Manual & Reference Guide

1 INTRODUCTION

The Starfinder Lite is a robust platform designed for remote vehicle tracking and security. The

Starfinder combines both GSM/SMS and GPRS (Global System for Mobile Communications/

Short Messaging Service and General Packet Radio Service) communications with ultra-sensitive

GPS technology to provide a rugged yet precise and reliable tracking platform. The Starfinder Lite

can be used to report positions or events in real-time, as well as log positions for local or remote

downloading. The Starfinder Lite comes standard with two optical inputs for connecting to alarm

systems or other sensors, one analog inputs, and three output relays for ignition disabling and

remote door unlocking. A backup battery is also included.

Each Starfinder Lite can be programmed with a unique device ID and can send data to any static

or dynamic IP address or SMS base station. Configuration of the unit can be done locally, via the

Starfinder Lite configuration utility in Windows™, or over the air via GPRS or SMS. We

currently offer our web-based tracking application www.LocationNow.com for tracking and fleet

management. For custom applications, we can provide our ADK kit with confidential protocol to

software developers for platform integration.

Laipac Technology Inc. StarFinder Lite User’s Manual & Reference Guide

2 FEATURES

• Worldwide GSM/GPRS Quad band 850/900/1800/1900MHz

• Multi-mode ready for SMS only, GPRS only or SMS + GPRS

• High Sensitivity GPS Receiver of 20 Ch.

• GPS Accuracy 3 – 5 m

• Dimension 9.7 x 5.9 x 2.6 cm

• Built in jacks for SPK and MIC

• Panic button and Dial button ready

• Supply voltage range: 9 to 36VDC

• Internal Li-Ion backup battery able to provide approximately 10h life from a full charge

• Low operating power consumption (less than 1W after battery is charged)

• Both configuration utility and unit are able to have accessing control (option)*

• Operation Temperature -30C to 65C°

• USB Port for configuration

• Compatible with Mobile Data Terminal

• 2 Optically Isolated digital inputs

• 3 Outputs with relays

• 1 Analog input available

• Multiple Geo-Fence capability with in/out fence alert

• Data logger capability built in with 2500 positions memory to record time stamp, speed,

location, and event state.

• 3 Axial motion G-Sensor to report impact, accident, crash or towing event.

• Real time dynamic position report based on time interval or distance traveled

• Mileage report and over-speed alert

• 3 Emergency call numbers with fail over capability

• Power-saving options available (option)*

• WAAS / EGNOS (optional)*

• 3.7V, 900mAh internal backup battery

• External panic button and call-in answer button

Note:

For features with (option), please check with Laipac Technology Inc to know about their

detail.

Laipac Technology Inc. StarFinder Lite User’s Manual & Reference Guide

3 INITIAL SETUP

This section will help you setup and configure your Starfinder Lite GPRS tracking device.

3.1 What you will need

To begin your evaluation, you will need the following:

• Starfinder Lite

• Power and I/O harness cables complete with Voice and Panic buttons

• GSM patch antenna (3 meters cable length)

• GPS magnet mount antenna (5 meters cable length)

• GPRS data enabled SIM card with known APN settings (2G and TDMA compliant)*

• Your Identity Leaflet provided in the Evaluation Kit*

• 9-36V DC power supply

• USB A to USB Mini B cable

• PC with Windows XP™ or later Microsoft Operating System

*GPRS operation assumed

Laipac Technology Inc. StarFinder Lite User’s Manual & Reference Guide

3.2 Setup Summary

The setup summary is an outline of what must be accomplished in order to operate the device.

Detailed descriptions of these steps will be listed in the next sections.

1. Install the latest version of utility software

2. Complete pre-installation of USB driver on computer

3. Insert the valid SIM card into the SIM Card Tray on the front of the unit

4. Power on Starfinder Lite with DC power supply (12V)

5. Connect the Starfinder Lite to the computer and reset the unit with reset button

6. Install USB driver on computer

7. Run utility and reset unit with reset button

8. If unit is not activated (locked), activate (unlock) it

9. If the existing firmware does not meet the request of utility, update firmware

10. Configure the unit and save the settings to unit

11. Disconnect Starfinder Lite with computer

12. Connect the GPS and GSM antennas

13. Press reset button to valid the configuration and make the device start working

Laipac Technology Inc. StarFinder Lite User’s Manual & Reference Guide

3.3 Installing the Starfinder Lite Software

3.3.1 Introduction to utility software

Utility “setupAIO” is coming as a stand-alone software package. Currently, this utility is able to

provide the two major functions below

● Configuration

● Firmware Update

User can use the web link below to download its latest version, such as “setupAIO20120518”.

http://www.laipac.com/sflite201update.htm

By using the same link, user can also download the following 3 documents, which will be great

helpful for user to know about how to set up and use SF-Lite quickly.

● Utility and Firmware Release Note, such as, “Release Note (BE) RN-V1.34”

● Quick Start manual, such as, “Quick Start Manual (BE) V2.0”

● Firmware Update Manual, such as, “Firmware Update Manual (BE) V2.0”

It is strongly recommended that user should go through “Utility and Firmware Release Note” first,

before he updates his device’s utility or firmware.

3.3.2 Installation of utility software

Refer to Quick Start Manual’s section 1 to 3.

3.3.3 Installation of USB driver

Depending on what kind of Microsoft Windows Operating System being used on user’s computer,

the installation of USB driver procedure is different. User could find all those detail in Quick

Start Manual’s section 4.

Laipac Technology Inc. StarFinder Lite User’s Manual & Reference Guide

3.4 Configuration of StarFinder Lite

3.4.1 Start configuration of your device

Refer to Quick Start Manual’s section 5.

3.4.2 Basic Configuration

To ensure user’s unit is able to access remote server, such as Laipac’s LocationNow service

platform, some basic setting items are requested and described in this section.

a. SETUP 



 Device Info

Fig. 3.4.2.a

Device ID: Specific unit identifier that identifies your device for online tracking. You

can locate the Device ID on your Identity Leaflet or more accurately in your

user account on the website www.LocationNow.com.

Password: Used to protect the StarFinder Lite from other people affecting its operation

with SMS commands. You can locate the Password on your Identity

Leaflet.

GSM Band: This is for setting a frequency that your GSM provider network operates at.

The North American network bands are 850/1900 and the European network

bands are 900/1800. If user is not sure what frequency his carrier operates

at, please contact them for the correct setting.

SIM PIN Number: If your SIM card is password protected, enable this option and input the PIN

code. The PIN code tells the Starfinder Lite to use the user defined PIN

code when communicating with GSM

Laipac Technology Inc. StarFinder Lite User’s Manual & Reference Guide

b. SETUP 



 Services

Fig. 3.4.2.b

Wireless Data Plan This section governs the default GSM connection settings or what the unit

will connect to first.

GPRS: If you are using LocationNow tracking services, this must be enabled.

GPRS mode tells the device it will be transmitting its information across the

internet.

SMS: If you are tracking service based on Short Message System rather than

LocationNow, SMS mode should be enabled. It tells the device to transmit

its information to another SMS device.

Wireless Voice Plan This section initializes the voice option in the StarFinder Lite

Voice: Originally, this setting is designed to tell unit if the existing SIM card is with

voice calling enabled. Currently, unit has enabled this setting actively. Of

course, if you are using SIM card without Voice Plan, no calling or voice

communication can be accomplished.

Incoming Call: This setting determines whether or not the unit will automatically answer

incoming calls. As prerequisite, Voice must be enabled first.

Fall Back Mode This section is used to decide how the unit will react in the event there is no

GSM coverage.

GPRS -> SMS: In the event GPRS communication is lost, the unit will automatically switch

to SMS mode. While GPRS becomes reacquired, the unit will automatically

switch back to GPRS mode of operation.

Laipac Technology Inc. StarFinder Lite User’s Manual & Reference Guide

Note:

1. If user is operating his device exclusively in SMS mode, he may skip this step.

2. In the event that GPRS fails and SMS ‘Fall Back Mode’ has been set, unit will immediately try

its SMS connectivity. If there is no SMS connectivity, the unit will keep switching between

SMS and GPRS until the unit synchronizes with one of these 2 modes. It is noted that GPRS

takes priority if both SMS and GPRS connection exist.

c. SETUP 



 Network

Fig. 3.4.2.c

Wireless Carrier This section covers the information required by the unit to access your

carrier’s Access Point.

GPRS APN: The Access Point Name is used by your SIM card to connect to the GPRS

network. The Access Point is the carrier’s server through which the traffic

becomes converted from GSM to GPRS Internet traffic. Check with your

SIM Card provider for this item.

User Name: The user name authorises your SIM card to access your carrier’s Access

Point. It could be blank in most of case.

Password: The password authenticates your SIM card to access your carrier’s Access

Point. It could be blank in most of case.

Server This section governs the destination end point for the GPRS traffic

Domain Name 1a: This is the domain name of the remote server. For www.LocationNow.com,

it will be ‘laipgw1.com’.

Port 1a: This is the Port used by the remote server with Domain Name 1a. For

www.LocationNow.com , it should be ‘1688’.

Laipac Technology Inc. StarFinder Lite User’s Manual & Reference Guide

Note:

As a rule, if both Domain Name 1a and Static IP 1a are set, unit will try to communicate with

remote server through the domain name first, IP address second. If both Domain Name 1a and

Static IP 1a are inaccessible for any reason, then, unit will turn to try its back-up server,

Alternative Server, if it exists. Unit will try domain name of Alternative Server first, IP address

second.

It is suggested that user does not fill in Domain Name 1a and Domain Name 2a with Static IP

address.

Warning:

If unit has a ‘Fall Back Mode’ setting, along with Primary Server and Alternative Server, when it

loses its GPRS connectivity with its remote servers, both Primary and Alternative Server, unit will

initiate its action of ‘Fall Back Mode’. Refer to introduction to Fall Back Mode.

ALTERNATIVE SERVER

Configuration of the Alternative Server is optional.

Alternative Server is a backup server and used when the primary server is not unavailable. For its

configuration parameters, Domain Name 2a and Port 2a, as well as Static IP 2 and Port 2,

please refer to introduction to Server.

DNS SERVER

DNS IP 1 and 2: Allows you to specify DNS servers by using the IP address. Since unit’s internal

GSM module does this already, these settings are optional.

Laipac Technology Inc. StarFinder Lite User’s Manual & Reference Guide

d. System 



 Report

Fig. 3.4.2.d

Report and its setting:

This option allows you to specify how frequent the unit will send a position update. You can

specify the report by time value in hours, minutes, and seconds. Also, user can specify the report

by distance value in kilometres, miles, or yards.

3.4.3 Save setting into or read setting from the device

Laipac Technology Inc. StarFinder Lite User’s Manual & Reference Guide

Save setting into unit and valid it

Once user complete the configuration, he should click “Save All Setting to Device” button to save

the edited setting into unit if this saving process is OK, Operator should see the pop up window

with prompt “Writing new setting … Success”.

To valid this configuration, user needs

● Disconnect computer with unit

● Insert a valid SIM card into unit and power up the unit with DC power supply (12V)

● Reset unit with reset button to start running application

Read the setting from units

By clicking “Read Setting from Device” button, user can read the reside configuration from the

unit, which being connected to the running utility.

If unit has never been configured and valid its configuration, this reading configuration operation

will be failure.

3.4.4 Acquire setting from or save setting into a configuration file

Acquire setting from a configuration file

User can acquire a set of configuration from a saved configuration file

a. Click “FILE”  “Open”, see Fig. 3.4.4a and 3.4.4b

Fig. 3.4.4a

Laipac Technology Inc. StarFinder Lite User’s Manual & Reference Guide

Fig. 3.4.4b

b. From the existing files to select a prefer one, such as, configuration-1, then click “OK”

If reading file is successful, user can see a pop-up window with prompt “Success”.

Save a set of configuration into a configuration file

User can save the current edited configuration into to a configuration file follow the steps below

c. Click “FILE”  “Save”, see Fig. 3.4.4c and Fig. 3.4.4d

Fig. 3.4.4c

Laipac Technology Inc. StarFinder Lite User’s Manual & Reference Guide

Fig. 3.4.4d

User should type in the name of this new configuration file, such as, “configuration-3”, then, click

“OK”. If saving operation is successful, a pop-up window will appear with prompt “Write Config:

File is created”, see Fig. 3.4.4e

Fig. 3.4.4e

Laipac Technology Inc. StarFinder Lite User’s Manual & Reference Guide

4 Advanced Configuration and Features

This section introduces all other configuration settings not covered by section 3.4.2 Basic

Configuration. Those settings can be categorized into 4 major parts: SETUP, SYSTEM, I/O, and

APPLICATION. Among them, SYSTEM settings are concerned with reporting and voice setup.

I/O settings are used for customizable I/O functionality. The APPLICATION settings are used

for other types of event messages.

4.1 Setup Setting

SETUP 



 NEMA

NMEA Baud: NOT IMPLEMENTED

WAAS / EGNOS: This setting enables the compatibility for Wide Area Augmentation System

and European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service for added GPS

accuracy. For unit with application firmware V1.34 and up,

automatically, this function has been always enabled by unit. User can

skip this setting.

Laipac Technology Inc. StarFinder Lite User’s Manual & Reference Guide

4.2 System Setting

SYSTEM 



 Report

Report and its setting: This option allows you to specify how frequent the unit will send a position

update. You can specify the report by time value in hours, minutes, and

seconds. You can specify the report by distance value in kilometers, miles,

or yards.

Waypoints per Report: This is a user defined value used for report bursting and is governed by

report by time. An example is if the number of waypoints per report is set to

5 and the report by time interval is set to 1 minute, in 5 minutes, the

receiving server will receive 5 waypoints.

Smart Log Report: The smart log report option allows the unit to automatically log its position

and alert information into internal memory in the event there is no GPRS

connectivity. When the Starfinder Lite reconnects to GPRS, the saved

messages will be sent to remote server actively. Automatically, this

function has been always enabled by unit. User can skip this setting

Laipac Technology Inc. StarFinder Lite User’s Manual & Reference Guide

SYSTEM 



 Data Logger

Waypoint Log: Waypoints & Events Log setting gives you the option to log or store

waypoint and alert messages in the unit’s internal memory.

By Time Interval: Logs messages into internal memory based on the specified time interval.

By Distance Interval: Logs messages into internal memory based on the specified distance

interval.

Memory Full Alert: Data Logger Memory Full alert will cause the unit to send an alert when the

internal memory of the unit is full. This means that once the unit runs out of

memory, an alert will be sent to the GPRS server

Laipac Technology Inc. StarFinder Lite User’s Manual & Reference Guide

SYSTEM 



 Phone Number

Assistance Number: When user presses the Panic button on 10-pin I/O cable, the number

programmed into the “Assistance Number” field will be dialled.

Emergency No 1: If this number is set up and unit will send SMS message to the SMS device

with this No. under conditions below

a. User presses the Panic button on 10-pin I/O cable, or

b. Unit is triggered by Towing Alert or Accident Alert

c. Emergency No. 1 sending function related to these alerts are enabled.

SMS Base Station: The SMS Base Station Number is used when the Starfinder Lite is operating

under SMS mode. All of the waypoints and alert messages will be sent to

the SMS Base Station Number. This number also can belong to a cell

phone, an SMS modem, or any SMS device.

Note:

To use the Assistance Number for doing phone call, user’s SIM card must be with valid

Voice Plan

Laipac Technology Inc. StarFinder Lite User’s Manual & Reference Guide

SYSTEM 



 Server Query

Server Query: Used as a GSM keep alive and tests the connection status of the Starfinder

Lite. This setting must be enabled first.

Query Interval: The actual interval in which the Starfinder Lite tests the connection between

the GPRS server and itself. If there is no server response to the message the

Starfinder Lite sends out, the unit will reset and try to resynchronize.

Laipac Technology Inc. StarFinder Lite User’s Manual & Reference Guide

SYSTEM 



 Data/Time

Time Zone: Use this to select your time zone so that the device knows your local

time.

Daylight Savings Time: Use this to enable the daylight savings time start and end dates.

DST Start Date: This is a user defined value of when the user starts their daylight

savings time.

DST End Date: This is a user defined value of when the user ends their daylight

savings time.

Laipac Technology Inc. StarFinder Lite User’s Manual & Reference Guide

4.3 Input/Output Settings

I/O  Input

Input setting items allows you to activate and select the functionality related to input. Input 1 has

options “Disable” and “Ignition”. Input 2 has options “Disable”, “Trigger”, and “Counter”.

Trigger setting: This option allows you to send an alert when the alert signal condition is

met on an Input. An alert is generated when the voltage level goes from

either a High to a Low or from a Low to a High. This setting is user

defined.

Counter setting: This option allows the user to implement input 2 as a counter. The counting

signal can be specified as either a Low to High (Low High) or a High to

Low (HighLow) voltage level change. The maximum counting speed is

50 times per second, with minimum voltage change of last at least 10 ms.

Counter Start Value: This option allows the device to record how many times the alert gets

triggered and accumulates from the value you set it to.

Counter Alert Value: This option allows you to tell the Starfinder Lite to send an alert when the

counter value reaches a user defined value. If you set it to 90, it will send an

alert once the counter’s value reaches 90.

Laipac Technology Inc. StarFinder Lite User’s Manual & Reference Guide

Note:

Input 1 has been reserved for detecting the trigger signal corresponding to vehicle’s ignition on/off

status. Input 1 needs to be enabled if either “Accident alert” or “Towering alert” functions to be

available. The trigger signal exerted on Input 1 should meet the following requests

1. Before starting engine, its input voltage is Logic Low

2. After starting engine, it keeps input voltage is Logic High

3. When engine shuts down, its input voltage is back to Logic Low

For definition of Logic level as its correspondent electrical characteristics, refer to section 5.2.8

I/O  Output

Output setting items allow user to activate and select the functionality related to output. All three

outputs are driven by individual internal relays and are wired as “Normally Open”. For the

“electrical characteristics” of the relays please locate the “electrical characteristics” chart located

on page 43.

Controller: The “Controller” option is used to enable the functionality of an output. Each of the

3 outputs is responsible for a different function. The table below outlines those functions, which

being with firmware V1.34.

Laipac Technology Inc. StarFinder Lite User’s Manual & Reference Guide

Note:

a. “on” or “off” command is sent by remote server to control the behavior of those internal relays.

For customer who wants to use his own server, he needs purchase the protocol from Laipac.

b. As typical vehicle application examples, with proper external relays, user may use Output1 to

control door-open, Output2 for ignition on/off control and Output3 for driving a horn.

c. Depending on actual application request, the output control may have different mode, user

should check SF-Lite Application Firmware Release Note to know about what kind of output

control mode is being used by the application firmware he selects.

I/O 



 Buttons

Panic Button: Allows user to activate the functionality of the panic button by enabling it.

Once enabled, after pressing panic button, unit will initiate the actions below

sequentially

● Send a panic alert message through GPRS connection to the remote server

● Send a SMS message to the SMS device with Emergency No. 1

Output Switch

Type

Relay Action Action

times

“on”

time (s)

“off”

time (s)

Command Type

1 Timed offonoff 1 1 0 Send switch Relay

“off” Command.

2 Fixed off  on or on off 1 1 1 Send switch Relay

“on” or “off”

commands.

3 Timed Offonoff ---

offonoff

12 1 1 Send switch Relay

“off” command.

Laipac Technology Inc. StarFinder Lite User’s Manual & Reference Guide

● Initiate a phone call by dialing Assistance Number

Call Button: Allows you to activate the functionality of the call button by enabling it.

Once enabled, it will allow the user to select

● Auto Answer the incoming call, or

● Press this button to pick up the phone call

Note:

For unit with application firmware V1.32-EC and V1.34, automatically, both of these 2

buttons have been enabled by unit. User can skip this setting

I/O 



 Analog In

Analog Input: The Analog Input functionality must be enabled before using. It is designed to

detect and record input voltage, range between 0.00 and 3.30 volts. This voltage

value will be sent to remote server in the term of the waypoint message. Once

enabled, unit is able to generate an alert message when the input voltage higher or

lower than a user specified value in “High Level” or “Low Level” fields.

Laipac Technology Inc. StarFinder Lite User’s Manual & Reference Guide

I/O 



 Com

RS232 COM PORT: TO BE DEFINED LATER

Laipac Technology Inc. StarFinder Lite User’s Manual & Reference Guide

4.4 Application Settings

Application  Speed & Mileage

Over Speed Alert: In order to use this function, it must be enabled first. The Over Speed Alert,

formerly known as over-speed, is designed to send an alert if the unit moves

faster then the specified speed limit value.

Speed Limit: The speed limit is user defined and can be set in kilometers or miles per

hour. If the unit travels faster than this value, an Over Speed Alert will be

sent to the GPRS server.

Mileage Accumulator: This function must be enabled before it can be used. Unit is able to

accumulate distance based on a user defined “Mileage Starting Value” and

the unit of distance during unit moves. Whenever moving distance is

increased by 1(km/mile), the incremented value will be added to the

Accumulator’s current mileage value.

Starting Value: The Mileage Start Value is user defined and is recommended to match the

odometer reading in the equipped vehicle. From there you can specify the

unit of distance being kilometers or miles and the mileage value will

accumulate from there.

Mileage Alert: This alert must be enabled before it can be used. This alert will be sent to

the remote server whenever another new Mileage Delta value is reached

during vehicle running. It is used to generate a warning for vehicle

maintenance warning or oil change, etc is coming due. For example, if

Mileage Start Value is 1000km and Mileage Delta Value is 5000km, unit will

generate Mileage Alerts when Mileage Accumulator has its reading at 6000 km,

11000 km, 16000km, etc

Laipac Technology Inc. StarFinder Lite User’s Manual & Reference Guide

Mileage Delta Value: This value is a user defined distance value. It is designed to provide a

warning related to the next vehicle maintenance or oil change job is due.

The unit of distance must be the same as the ‘Mileage Starting Value’. The

default setting for this value is 1000 km

Application  Park & Accident

Towing Alert: The Towing Alert must be enabled before it can be used. This feature

requests ‘Input 1’to be enabled as “ignition”. When vehicle with the unit

shuts down its engine, if unit experiences a movement that generates 2G or

greater force, the unit will send an alert to the remote server. This may be in

a situation where someone tows a vehicle without consent.

Trigger Value: The G Sensor Trigger Value has a default value of 2Gs and should be kept

at a low recommended value to sense movement.

Accident Alert: The accident alert requires enabling before it is used. It is designed to sense

a high impact hit and send an alert upon receiving it similar to that of a

vehicle collision. In order to have this alert working properly, ‘Input 1’ must

be enabled as “ignition”, also, user should provide requested “ignition

on/off” signal on Input 1. See section 4.3 I/O – Note.

Trigger Value: The G Sensor Trigger Value has a default value of 5Gs and should be kept

as a recommended value to sense a vehicle collision as opposed to a pot hole

Laipac Technology Inc. StarFinder Lite User’s Manual & Reference Guide

5 HARDWARE DETAILS & INSTALLATION

The Starfinder Lite is enclosed in a robust metal case and can withstand intensive shock and

temperature environments. The features on the front of the unit include a SIM card tray, a USB

port, the reset button, speaker and microphone jacks, 2 female SMA connectors for the GPS and

GSM antennas, and three LEDs to show the status of reporting and connectivity as shown in the

below image.

The connections available on the back of the unit include two optically isolated inputs and three

Relay outputs in the main I/O section labeled as 12V, one analog input and the TTL I/O ports used

for the call answer button labeled as 3-5V, a wide power supply input range of 9-36V, and RS232

interface as shown in the below image. Note: Please refer to sections 5.1.5 through 5.1.9 for

detailed electrical specifications.

Laipac Technology Inc. StarFinder Lite User’s Manual & Reference Guide

5.1 Hardware Details

5.1.1 GPS Engine Specifications

Value Units

Channels 20 Channels

RF Frequency 1575.42 MHz

Position update rate 1 Hz

Active antenna bias voltage 3 V

Position accuracy < 10 Meters

Velocity accuracy 0.1 m/s

Time accuracy 1 uS

Cold start acquisition time 42 Seconds

Warm start acquisition time 38 Seconds

Hot start acquisition time 1 Seconds

Maximum velocity tracked 515 m/s

Maximum altitude tracked 18,000 Meters

Jerk 20 m/s3

Tracking Sensitivity -159 dBm

Navigation Sensitivity -159 dBm

5.1.2 GSM Modem Specifications

• Quad-band GSM/GPRS component (850/900/1800/1900 MHz)

• Designed for M2M and automotive applications

• Class 4 (2W @ 850 / 900 MHz)

• Class 1 (1W @ 1800 / 1900 MHz)

• R&TTE, GCF, FCC, PTCRB, IC

• Embedded TCP/IP stack.

• GPRS Class 10

Laipac Technology Inc. StarFinder Lite User’s Manual & Reference Guide

5.1.3 GPS Antenna Specifications

Frequency 1575.42 +/- 3 MHz

VSWR 2.0 Max

Bandwidth 10 MHz Min

Axial Ratio 3dB Typical

Impedance 50 Ohm

Peak Gain 4 dBic Min

Gain Coverage ≥ -4dBic at 90° ≤ 0 ≤ 90° (over 75% volume)

Polarization RHCP

DC Voltage 3.3V

5.1.4 GSM Antenna Specifications

Bands 850/900/1800/1900 MHz

Frequency Range 824~960 MHz // 1710~1990 MHz

Impedance 50 Ohm

VSWR <2.0

Gain 2dBi

Radiation Omni

Polarization Vertical

Wave Half Wave Dipole

Laipac Technology Inc. StarFinder Lite User’s Manual & Reference Guide

5.2 Installation

The difficulty level of installing your Starfinder Lite depends on which features you would like to

use. Outlined here will be the basic installation requirements for real-time tracking. You can refer

to the Optically Isolated Inputs, Outputs with relays, and Analog Port sections for more advanced

hardware features which may require a more intricate installation.

5.2.1 Required Hardware

• Starfinder Lite

• Power, I/O harness, and call button cables

• GSM patch antenna (3 meters long )

• GPS magnet mount antenna ( 5 meters long )

• GPRS enabled SIM card with known APN settings*

5.2.2 Installing your Starfinder Lite

To begin the installation, insert your activated SIM card into the SIM card tray. Connect the GSM

patch antenna (long and skinny) and GPS magnet antenna (square) to the appropriate connectors.

To power the unit, connect the power wiring harness and connect the red and black wires to a 9-

36V DC supply. Make sure the supplied fuse is in place.

5.2.3 Considerations

There are a few considerations you should make when installing your Starfinder Lite. You should

make sure the unit is somewhat accessible so that you can connect the unit to a laptop via USB for

configuration and local NMEA-0183 output. The GSM antenna may be mounted almost anywhere,

as the GSM signal is generally very strong. The GPS antenna, however, should be mounted

somewhere with a clear line of sight to the sky under dash board, or at least in a position not

surrounded by metal. If you are having trouble receiving either signal, try relocating the antenna.

Another consideration is, if user wants to get high quality Audio performance, please keep distance

SF_Lite unit with electromagnetic noise source.

5.2.4 Other Options

The Starfinder Lite comes with many other options which may need installation. There are 2

optically isolated inputs, 3 Relay outputs, and 1 analog port which may need to be connected and

would rely on the specific application for installation details. A certified car audio/security

installer should be familiar with connecting the relays to door locks or starter triggers. The specs

and considerations for these other features can be found later in this section.

Laipac Technology Inc. StarFinder Lite User’s Manual & Reference Guide

5.2.5 Power Connector

The main Power supply voltage could work in the range of 9-36V. Typical power consumption of

the Starfinder Lite is 1W with peaks up to 5.5W. The current drawn is a result of power over

voltage, thus a low voltage power supply will need to provide more current.

5.2.6 Buttons Input/Output

These four connections are used by the StarFinder Lite Button/Analog cable set. If you are using

these without the standard cable set, the following summarizes the use of these connections.

Input BIO1 – Active LOW; will start, answer, or end a phone call (if enabled)

Input BIO2 – Active LOW; will send a Panic report to LocationNow (if enabled)

Output BIO3 – Normally LOW; indicates phone call status (used to drive LED)

GND – Common Ground

The inputs are standard 3.3V to signal a logical HIGH, and tolerant up to 5V; exceeding 5V can

damage your StarFinder Lite.

Laipac Technology Inc. StarFinder Lite User’s Manual & Reference Guide

5.2.7 Analog Input

Analog Input – When enabled, the analog port is used to measure input voltage from 0-3.3V and

will send an alert when the voltage exceeds the level specified in your configuration. The Analog

input is tolerant up to 5V; exceeding 5V can damage your StarFinder Lite.

Analog GND – This is the ground reference for the Analog Input signal.

5.2.8 Optically Isolated Inputs

The positive wires are the sensing wires or wires that detect the voltage changes and the negative

wires are for common ground. The positive wires are most commonly connected to solenoid wires

that drive ignition, horn, air conditioning, gas cap, door open/closed status, etc.

When the inputs are enabled, they will send an alert when the specified condition is met, and all

have the same electrical characteristics and behavioural options.

Input voltage 0-3.3V

Resolution 10 bit

Sample Time 100ms

Laipac Technology Inc. StarFinder Lite User’s Manual & Reference Guide

Electrical/Logic Levels Characteristics

Minimum Maximum

Voltage Amperage

Logical HIGH 3.5V 1.3mA 18V 6.7mA

Logical LOW 0V 0mA 1.5V 1.1mA

Note: An input level exceeding 19V could damage the StarFinder Lite and should be avoided.

5.2.9 Three Relay Outputs

The Starfinder Lite has three relay outputs which can be remotely controlled by the control center.

All three outputs have the same electrical characteristics and behavioral options. The outputs

serve as a switch either to drive an external relay or to open/close an existing low amperage

circuit. Follow the electrical characteristics chart below or damage may be incurred to both unit

and vehicle. Also review page 30 for the output behavior.

Electrical Characteristics

Maximum Allowable Voltage Maximum Allowable Current

AC 125 V 0.5A

DC 60 V 0.3A

DC 30 V 1A

The switch status of internal Relay when its correspondent output is disabled

Relay 1 --- normally opened;

Relay 2 --- normally opened;

Relay 3 --- normally opened;

Laipac Technology Inc. StarFinder Lite User’s Manual & Reference Guide

6 OPERATION

The following outlines the various operating and reporting features of the Starfinder Lite.

6.1 LED Operation

Three LEDs are on the front of the unit. They are used to indicate the working status of power

supply , GPS, and GSM. The following is a description of their operation.

LED Off Fast Flashing Slow Flashing Keeping On

Power (Red) External power

not available

External power

available

GPS (Green) GPS Searching for Position GPS fixed

GSM (Yellow) Searching for GSM network GSM network connected

6.2 Position Reporting by Event

There are many events which can trigger the Starfinder-Lite to send a position report. Most of

them are outlined below. For other possible messages, contact sales@laipac.com to purchase the

development protocol. The descriptions in italics are options and not standard features.

• Input 1 (Opto 1) An electrical current signal exerted on Input 1 port will send a

position message to the control center with the corresponding event

code.

• Input 2 (Opto 2) An electrical current signal exerted on Input 2 will send a position

message to the control center with the corresponding event code.

• Geo-Fence Once the hardware Geo-Fence is set, the Starfinder will report back

to the control center when the unit has travelled in/out the boundary

with the corresponding event code.

• Over speed When the Starfinder travels above the set speed limit it will report

back to the control center with the appropriate event code.

• Timed Reporting When the time interval reporting is set the Starfinder will send a

position message to the control center after this amount of time.

• Distance Reporting When the distance interval is set the Starfinder will send a position

message to the control center after it has travelled this set distance.

• Accident Alert When detected that a high acceleration (configurable level) is

achieved the Starfinder Lite will send a report to the SMS base

station or control center.

• Towing Alert With the towing alert enabled and the vehicle ignition is off when

the unit senses movement, an alert message will be sent.

Laipac Technology Inc. StarFinder Lite User’s Manual & Reference Guide

• DL Memory Full Data Logger Memory Full alert will cause the unit to send an alert

when the internal memory of the unit is full or has reached max

capacity.

• Mileage Alert Mileage alert will cause the unit to send an alert when travel distance

reaches the value specified by user.

* When both time and distance intervals are set they work dynamically together like an ‘OR’

operation. This means that whenever either condition is met, it will report.

* For detail above refer to section 4.

6.3 Reporting by Request

In addition to automatically reporting the position you can manually request the current position or

settings. The following are some parameters which can be requested.

• System information such as firmware version and memory size

• Current position

• Current mileage or speed limit setting

• Current Report settings

• Current Geo-Fence settings

• Current log settings

• Current input status

• Current output status

6.4 Serial Port

Optional

Laipac Technology Inc. StarFinder Lite User’s Manual & Reference Guide

6.5 Function and its configuration method

This table lists the different functions that the Starfinder Lite offers and outlines where they can be

configured in reference to the configuration utility, remotely using our protocol, or with our LBS

www.locationnow.com platform.

Feature Location Now

Remote Config Utility

Device ID No Yes Yes

Device Password No Yes Yes

GSM Band No No Yes

SIM Pin Number No No Yes

Time Zone No No Yes

GPRS Mode No Yes Yes

SMS Mode No Yes Yes

Voice No No Yes

Incoming call No No Yes

GPRS to SMS fall back No No Yes

APN No Yes Yes

APN username No Yes Yes

APN Password No Yes Yes

Domain name 1a No Yes Yes

Port 1a No Yes Yes

Static IP 1 No No Yes

Port 1 No No Yes

Domain name 2a No No Yes

Port 2a No No Yes

Static IP 2 No No Yes

Port 2 No No Yes

DNS IP 1 No Yes Yes

DNS IP 2 No Yes Yes

NMEA USB Port output Baud Rate No No Yes

WAAS / EGNOS No No Yes

Report by time Yes Yes Yes

Report by distance Yes Yes Yes

Smart Log No No Yes

Air time green mode No No Yes

Waypoints & Events Log No No Yes

Log by Time Interval No Yes Yes

Log by Distance Interval No Yes Yes

Data Logger Memory Full Alert No No Yes

Assistance Number Yes Yes Yes

Laipac Technology Inc. StarFinder Lite User’s Manual & Reference Guide

Emergency Number 1 Yes Yes Yes

Emergency Number 2 Yes Yes Yes

SMS Base Station Number No Yes Yes

Server Query Selection No No Yes

Server Query Interval No Yes Yes

Input 1 as No No Yes

Alert when Ignition on-off No No Yes

Counter 1 Starting Value No No Yes

Alert when Counter 1 Reaches No No Yes

Input 2 as No No Yes

Alert when Door open-close No No Yes

Counter 2 Starting Value No No Yes

Alert when Counter 2 Reaches No No Yes

Output 1 as No No Yes

Starter Control on-off No No Yes

Timer Control 1 Value No No Yes

Output 2 as No No Yes

Horn Control on-off No No Yes

Timer Control 2 Value No No Yes

Output 3 as No No Yes

Siren Control on-off No No Yes

Timer Control 3 Value No No Yes

Panic Button No No Yes

Panic Alert with Following Action No No Yes

Call Button No No Yes

Call Function No No Yes

Analog Input No No Yes

Alert when Analog Input Reaches No No Yes

RS232 COM Port No No Yes

Interface With No No Yes

Speed Limit Alert No No Yes

Speed Limit Yes Yes Yes

Mileage Accumulator No No Yes

Mileage Starting Value Yes Yes Yes

Mileage Alert for Maintenance No No Yes

Mileage Delta Value No No Yes

Towing Alert No No Yes

Towing G-Sensor Trigger Value No No Yes

Accident Alert No No Yes

Accident G-Sensor Trigger Value Yes Yes Yes

Laipac Technology Inc. StarFinder Lite User’s Manual & Reference Guide

Geo-fence Setup Yes Yes No

Switch Relay 1 Yes Yes No

Switch Relay 2 Yes Yes No

Switch Relay 3 Yes Yes No

Request Real Time Position Yes Yes No

Request Device Data Yes Yes No

Request Current Status Yes Yes No

Disable G-sensor Yes Yes No

Disable Geo-fence Yes Yes No

Laipac Technology SFLITELOCATOR Starfinder Lite User Manual Starfinder Lite Manual V1 2

Laipac Technology Inc. Starfinder Lite Starfinder Lite Manual V1 2

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