Sinocastel 213N OBD GPS Tracker User Manual
Sinocastel Co.,Ltd. OBD GPS Tracker
User manual

IDD-213N User Manual 
(Rev. 1.5) 
Sinocastel Co., Ltd. 
December, 2014 

IDD-213N User Manual 
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Regulatory Compliance 
FCC Regulations 
This  device  complies  with  part  15  of  the  FCC  Rules.  Operation  is  subject  to  the 
following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) 
This  device  must  accept  any  interference  received,  including  interference  that  may 
cause undesired operation. 
This device 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  radiated  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. 
Caution: Changes or modifications not  expressly approved by the  party responsible 
for compliance could void the user‘s authority to operate the equipment. 
RF Exposure Information 
This device complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled 
environment. In order to avoid the possibility of exceeding the FCC radio frequency 
exposure limits, human proximity to the antenna shall not be less than 20cm (8 inches) 
during normal operation. 

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Contents 
1. Introduction ...................................................................................................................................................................... 3 
2. Specifications ................................................................................................................................................................... 4 
2.1 External Interface .................................................................................................................................................... 4 
2.2 Status Indicator ....................................................................................................................................................... 5 
2.3 Technical Parameters ............................................................................................................................................ 6 
3. Device Configuration .................................................................................................................................................... 8 
3.1 PC Tool ....................................................................................................................................................................... 8 
3.2 SMS Instructions ..................................................................................................................................................... 8 
4. Installation Instruction............................................................................................................................................... 10 
4.1 SIM Card Installation .......................................................................................................................................... 10 
4.2 OBD Port ................................................................................................................................................................. 11 
4.3 Device Installation ............................................................................................................................................... 12 
5. Functions ........................................................................................................................................................................ 16 
5.1 OBD Protocols ...................................................................................................................................................... 16 
5.2 Location Inquiry ................................................................................................................................................... 16 
5.3 Regular GPS data reporting ............................................................................................................................ 16 
5.4 Regular G-Sensor Data Reporting ................................................................................................................ 17 
5.5 Regular Diagnostic Data Reporting .............................................................................................................. 17 
5.6 DTCs Reporting .................................................................................................................................................... 17 
5.7 Cell ID Reporting ................................................................................................................................................. 17 
5.8 GPS Data Reporting in Sleep Mode ............................................................................................................. 18 
5.9 Data storage/Supplementary Report in Dead zones ............................................................................. 18 
5.10 Trip Mileage ........................................................................................................................................................ 18 
5.11 Trip Fuel Consumption ................................................................................................................................... 18 
5.12 Driving behavior monitoring ........................................................................................................................ 18 
5.13 Alarms and Events Reporting ....................................................................................................................... 18 
5.14 Working Mode ................................................................................................................................................... 19 
5.15 GPS/Cellular Timer ............................................................................................................................................ 19 
5.16 SMS Alert .............................................................................................................................................................. 19 
5.17 Google Map Link ............................................................................................................................................... 20 
5.18 Remote Configuration .................................................................................................................................... 20 
5.19 SMS Configuration ........................................................................................................................................... 20 
5.20 PC Tool Configuration ..................................................................................................................................... 20 
6. Disclaimer ....................................................................................................................................................................... 21 

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7. Warranty ......................................................................................................................................................................... 22 
8. Statement ....................................................................................................................................................................... 23 

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1.   Introduction 
IDD-213N  is  an  intelligent  on-board  diagnostic  device  with  OBD  II  and  SAE 
J1939/J1708 (Heavy duty) compliant, it features plug-and-play technology, could read 
diagnostic  info  from  vehicle  ECU  and  capture  location  data  with  built-in  GPS,  then 
send them to backend server for real-time remote diagnostic and tracking purpose. 
Packing List 
Parts name 
Quantity 
Note 
IDD-213N OBD Dongle 
1 
● 
USB Configuration 
Cable   
1 
○ 
Note:    ● Standard configuration ○ Optional configuration 
(Optional accessories will not be included if there is no indication in the order) 

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2.   Specifications 
2.1   External Interface 
Product appearance as follows: 
1. Standard OBD Connector 
Connect to the 16 pin on-board Diagnostic Link Connector (DLC). 
2. Mini USB interface 
Connect to PC through USB configuration cable. 
3. SOS button Interface 
This is a SOS button interface, to connect the SOS button for emergency, interface 
type is MMCX. 
4. SIM Card slot 

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2.2   Status Indicator 
Indicator 
Color 
Status 
Power/OBD 
LED 
Red 
Blinking  (on  0.5s,  off  0.5s)  -  Trying  to  access  OBD 
system or power off 
Solid on - Successful OBD communication 
Solid off - Tracker mode or in sleep 
Cellular LED 
Orange-red 
Fast  blinking  (on  0.5s,  off  0.5s)  -  No  SIM  card  or 
network searching 
Slow blinking (on 0.5s, off 2.5s) - Registered network 
Solid on - Logged into the server 
Solid off - Cellular off 
GPS LED 
Green 
Blinking (on 1s, off 1s) - GPS signal is good 
Solid on - Searching for GPS signal 
Solid off - GPS off 
Buzzer 
Beep 
One beep - Power on 
Two beeps - Successful OBD communication 
Three beeps - Successful log in 
Four beeps - Trip end and stop OBD communication 
Five beeps - Power off 
Six beeps - Fail to access OBD system 
Five beeps (short beep) - Alarm indication 

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2.3   Technical Parameters 
Mechanical 
Dimension 
63mm (L) x 48mm (W) x 28mm (H) 
Weight 
50g 
Interface 
OBD interface: 16 pin standard OBD II 
Configuration interface: Mini USB 
SOS button interface: MMCX 
SIM card interface: Push-Push Type 
Storage 
2MB FLASH, can store up to 24000 GPS data 
Data Transmission 
Packet data (GPRS or HSPA) and SMS 
Positioning Mode 
GPS 
OBD Protocol 
SAE J1850 PWM 
SAE J1850 VPW 
ISO 9141-2 
ISO 14230-4 
ISO 15765-4 
SAE J1939 (Heavy duty) 
SAE J1587/J1708 (Heavy duty) 
Power 
Working Voltage 
9-36VDC 
Working Currency 
Average Currency: <150mA@13.8/27.6VDC 
Max. Currency: <200mA@13.8/27.6VDC 
Sleep Currency: <10mA@12/24VDC 
Internal Battery 
3.7V/160mA Lithium battery 
3-axis Accelerometer 
+/-2g、+/-4g、+/-8g、+/-16g 
GPS 
Channels: 48 
Sensitivity: -163dBm 
Accuracy: 5m CEP 
Time to first fix: 
Cold start: <35s (typ.) 
Hot start: <1s (typ.) 
Cellular 
Frequency:   
GSM/GPRS/EDGE: 850/1900MHz   
UMTS/HSDPA: 850/1900MHz 
Network protocol: Embedded TCP/IP stack   
Sensitivity: 

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-111dBm@UMTS   
-109dBm@GSM 850MHz   
-110dBm@GSM 1900MHz   
Certification: FCC, PTCRB, IC 
LED Indicator 
OBD/Cellular/GPS 
Buzzer 
System status/Alarm indication 
Antenna 
Cellular Antenna 
Built-in 
GPS Antenna 
Built-in 
Environment 
Working 
Temperature 
-30℃ ~ +70℃ 
Storage 
Temperature   
-40℃ ~ +85℃ 
Humidity 
5%~95%no frog 

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3.   Device Configuration 
3.1   PC Tool 
Download  USB  driver  and  PC  Tool  at  http://www.sinocastel.com/en/Downloads/. 
Install the USB driver and PC Tool on your PC.   
Connect device to PC through USB configuration cable, open the OBD PC Tool, click 
on “Help->User manual” for configuration reference. 
3.2   SMS Instructions 
SMS command is mainly for remote maintenance. The message content is text format. 
Default secret key is the last 6 digits of the device ID. The key  can only be changed 
through PC Tool. SMS format is defined as follows: 
3.2.1   Set IP parameters 
Send  SMS  *SecretKey#set  gprs#APN,User,Password,IP,Port*,  device  will  reply  *set 
gprs#ok* or *set gprs#fail*. 
e.g.: *123456#set gprs#cmnet,,,113.98.241.66,11088* 
3.2.2   Read IP parameters 
Send  SMS  *SecretKey#get  gprs#*,  device  will  reply  *get  gprs#APN,User,Password, 
IP,Port*. 
e.g.: *123456#get gprs#* 
3.2.3   Set domain parameters 
Send SMS *SecretKey#set domain #APN,User,Password,IP,Port*, device will reply *set 
domain#ok* or *set domain#fail*. 
e.g.: *123456#set domain# cmnet,,,obd.livetelematics.com,11088* 
3.2.4   Read domain parameters 
Send  SMS  *SecretKey#get  domain#*,  device  will  reply  *get  domain#APN,User, 
Password,domain,Port*. 
e.g.: *123456#get domain#* 

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3.2.5   Get current location 
Send SMS *SecretKey#position#*, device will reply 
*position#http://maps.google.com /?q=latitude,longitude*. 
e.g.: *123456#position#*http://maps.google.com/?q=22.536934,114.021425* 
3.2.6   Set working mode 
Send SMS *SecretKey #set  workmode#mode*, device will reply   
*set  workmode#ok/fail*. 
mode = passenger、heavyduty 或tracker 
e.g.: *123456#set  workmode#tracker* 
3.2.7   Read working mode 
Send SMS *SecretKey #get  workmode#*, device will reply *get  workmode#mode*. 
mode = passenger、heavyduty 或tracker 
e.g.: *123456#get  workmode#* 

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4.   Installation Instruction 
4.1   SIM Card Installation 
1. Remove the SIM card cover. 
2. Insert the SIM card and press gently, a click will be heard upon successfully placing 
the SIM card in its place, please follow the insertion direction marked on the SIM 
card cover. 
3. Put the SIM card cover back. 
Note:   
There  is  a  backup  battery  in  the  device,  please  make  sure  all  lights  are  off  before  inserting  or 
removing SIM card. 

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4.2   OBD Port 
In general, the OBD port is located in the driver or passenger cabin, from the edge of 
dashboard on driver side to the border of 300mm. It is easy to touch by sitting in the 
driver's seat; the preferred location is within the area from steering post to the vehicle 
centerline. 

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4.3   Device Installation   
Before  installing  the  device,  please  make  sure  device  has  been  configured  with 
necessary parameters including network parameters and working mode. 
Park the car and make sure engine is off, align the OBD connector of the device with 
the engine  diagnostic  port and simply  push  in  place, ensuring  the  device is secure. 
There comes one beep indicating device is power on. 
If the OBD port cover can not be closed back after device plugged in, please use OBD 
extension cable and mount the device in proper place. 

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Some heavy duties may need 9-Pin or 6-Pin deutsch wiring harness. 
For  vehicles  do  not  have  an  OBD  port,  please  use  power  cable  to  connect  vehicle 
battery and configure the device with tracker mode.   
Start engine, then device starts OBD communication, acquiring GPS info and Cellular 
network connection. Various status can be indicated by lights and beeps. 
OBD communication: The OBD light change its status to solid on and comes 2 beeps 
with successful OBD communication. 
GPS  function:  The  GPS  light  becomes  blinking  indicates  that  device  has  got  its 
location. 
Cellular  connection:  The  Cellular  light  change  its  status  to  slow  blinking  indicates 
registered  network,  becomes  solid  on  and  comes  3  beeps  indicate  logged  into  the 
server. 
Note: 
*Firmware below  V2.2.2: When working with  passenger or heavy duty mode, if OBD light keeps 
blinking and comes 6 beeps it means that device is not compatible with the vehicle, please change 
working mode. If it does not work with both passenger and heavy duty modes please change to 
tracker mode. To change working mode: 1) Remove the device, configure with PC Tool and install 
again. Or, 2) Send SMS *secretkey#set workmode#mode*, secretkey is the last 6 digits of device ID 

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as  default,  mode can  be  passenger or heavyduty or tracker,  device  will  reboot  and  work  with 
configured working mode. SMS should be sent within 10 minutes after device plugged in, or it will 
go into sleep. With tracker mode, diagnostic functions are not provided, device simply gets power 
from OBD port. When plugged in there comes 6 beeps indicating it is working with tracker mode, 
if engine keeps off or idle state device will go into sleep after 3 minutes. 
*Firmware V2.2.2 and above: When device is the first time power on (plugged in), it will scan OBD 
protocol according to pre-configured working mode (ie, passenger car or heavy duty mode), the 
maximum  scanning  time  can  be  up  to  10  minutes,  if  no  OBD  protocol  is  detected  during  this 
period, device will auto change working mode to tracker mode, if OBD protocol is detected, device 
will  keep  its  working  mode.  After  auto  scanning  period  device  will  not  change  working  mode 
anymore even it is re-plugged, unless working mode  is re-configured with  PC Tool, via SMS, or 
from server. If tracker mode is pre-configured device will not scan OBD protocol and keep working 
with  tracker  mode  unless  working  mode  is  re-configured.  There  comes  6  beeps  indicating  that 
device is working with tracker mode. 
*If GPS does not work, please use OBD extension cable and mount the device in a proper place to 
make sure GPS signal can be well received. 
*If  dashboard  lights  are  abnormal  after  installation,  please  remove  the  device  and  contact 
Sinocastel technical team. 
Log into www.livetelematics.com to check real-time monitor and trip reports. 
Login                                                    Vehicle monitoring list 

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Vehicle real time location 
Vehicle real time status 

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5.   Functions 
5.1   OBD Protocols 
Device  supports  all  legislated  OBD  II  protocols,  it  is  also  SAE  J1939  and  SAE  J1708 
compliant. 
 SAE J1850-PWM 
 SAE J1850-VPW 
 ISO 9141-2 
 ISO 14230-4 (KWP2000) 
 ISO 15765-4 (CAN) 
 SAE J1939 (Heavy duty) 
 SAE J1587/J1708 (Heavy duty) 
5.2   Location Inquiry 
Upon receiving location inquiry message from server or via SMS, device reports GPS 
data immediately. 
5.3   Regular GPS data reporting 
GPS  data  can  be  sampled  by  3  means:  by  time  interval,  by  distance  or  by  heading 
change. They can be enabled or disabled separately, only sampled by time interval is 
enabled by default.   
The sample rate for time interval can be 2-600s and default setting is 30s, for distance 
interval  can  be  50-5000m  and  default  setting  is  500m,  for  heading  change  can  be 
5-90° and default setting is 15°.   
There can be single or several groups of GPS data in one GPS message, determined by 
groups  of  GPS  data  per  message,  device  will  not  report  GPS  message  until  it  has 
collected specified groups of GPS data. Groups of GPS data per message can be 1-30 
and default setting is 1. 
For example, sampled by time interval and sampled by distance are enabled, and the 
respective settings are 10s and 500m, groups of GPS data per message is 5. Assume 
that  vehicle  is  running at  speed  of  72km/h (20m/s),  then  it  takes 25s  to  run out of 
500m, so GPS data are sampled at 10th, 20th, 25th, 30th, 40th second and reported at 
40th second as 5 groups of GPS data have been collected at that time.   

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The suggested minimal interval for GPS report is 10s. For example, if only sampled by 
time interval is enabled, then the settings might be 10s of sample rate and 1 group of 
GPS data per message, or 5s of sample rate and 2 groups of GPS data per message. 
5.4   Regular G-Sensor Data Reporting 
Device  reports  G-Sensor  data  (g-value  of  X/Y/Z  axis)  according  to  configured  time 
interval, this function is disabled by default. 
The sample rate can be 200-6000ms and default setting is 1000ms. 
There  can  be  single  or  several  groups  of  G-Sensor  data  in  one  G-Sensor  message, 
determined by groups of G-Sensor data per message, device will not report G-Sensor 
message until it has collected specified groups of G-Sensor data. Groups of G-Sensor 
data per message can be 50-100 and default setting is 100. 
5.5   Regular Diagnostic Data Reporting 
Device is able to read variety of vehicle diagnostic data, also called PID (parameter ID), 
including vehicle speed, engine RPM, engine coolant temperature, mass flow air, etc, 
and report up to 10 types of PID data according to configured time interval.   
The sample rate can be 2-600s and default setting is 60s. 
There can be single or several groups of PID data in one PID message, determined by 
groups  of  PID  data  per  message,  device  will  not  report  PID  message  until  it  has 
collected specified groups of PID data. Groups of PID data per message can be 1-30 
and default setting is 1. 
The suggested minimal interval for PID report is 10s, for example, 10s of sample rate 
and 1 group of PID data per message, or 5s of sample rate and 2 groups of PID data 
per message. 
5.6   DTCs Reporting 
Device is able to read vehicle pending and stored DTCs (diagnostic trouble code), and 
freeze frame  data.  The backend server analyzes and  displays  the  DTCs  for users  on 
time to avoid high repairing cost. 
5.7   Cell ID Reporting 
Device  reports  Cell  ID  every  30  seconds  when  it  loses  GPS  signal,  this  function  is 
disabled by default. 

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5.8   GPS Data Reporting in Sleep Mode 
Device reports GPS data according to configured time interval during sleep. The time 
interval can be 10-1440min and default setting is 60min. 
5.9   Data storage/Supplementary Report in Dead zones 
When there is no Cellular signal or Cellular signal is poor, GPS information are stored, 
and reported after signal recovery. Supplementary report can be last for 15 minutes at 
most after ignition is off. 
5.10   Trip Mileage 
Device reports driving mileage in each reported message. 
5.11   Trip Fuel Consumption 
Device reports fuel consumption in each reported message. 
5.12   Driving behavior monitoring 
Real-time  detects  bad  driving  behavior,  including  Speeding,  high  RPM,  hard 
acceleration, hard brake, excessive engine idle time. 
5.13   Alarms and Events Reporting 
Alarms  and  Events  are  reported  when  they  are  triggered  or  eliminated  and  there 
comes short beeps, beeps are disabled by default. 
 Engine on/off (Supported from firmware V2.1.2) 
 High RPM (triggered and eliminated) 
 Speeding (triggered and eliminated) 
 Low battery voltage (triggered and eliminated) 
 High engine coolant temperature (triggered and eliminated) 
 Hard acceleration 
 Hard brake 
 Excessive engine idle time (triggered and eliminated) 
 Fatigue driving (triggered and eliminated) 
 Towed 
 MIL on/off (Supported from firmware V2.1.2) 
 Excessive exhaust emission (triggered and eliminated) 

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 Plug indication 
 Unplug notification 
 Emergency 
Default thresholds for alarms:   
 High RPM: 4500r/min 
 Speeding: 120km/h 
 Low battery voltage: 10.5V 
 High engine coolant temperature: 98℃ 
 Hard acceleration: 0.4g 
 Hard brake: 0.6g 
 Excessive engine idle time: 15min 
 Fatigue driving: 240min 
5.14   Working Mode 
Device  supports  3  types  of  working  mode:  Passenger  car,  Heavy  duty  and  Tracker 
mode. 
With  tracker  mode,  device  does  not  report  diagnostic  data,  DTCs,  trip  fuel 
consumption and some alarms including high RPM, high engine coolant temperature, 
hard acceleration, hard brake, excessive engine idle time, MIL and excessive exhaust 
emission. 
With Tracker mode, device wakes up from sleep on detecting motion state last for 20 
seconds, and goes into sleep on detecting static state last for 3 minutes. 
5.15   GPS/Cellular Timer 
GPS and cellular can keep working after ignition off according to configured timer, but 
no regular reports during this period. This function is disabled by default. (Supported 
from firmware V2.1.2) 
The  timer  for  GPS/GSM  can  be  5-7200min  and  default  setting  is  720min,  for  data 
connection can be 5-120min and default setting is 60min.   
5.16   SMS Alert 
If user mobile phone numbers are configured, device sends SMS to each user number 
when alarms are triggered or eliminated, it is disabled by default. 

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5.17   Google Map Link 
Latitude and longitude in location SMS can be directly linked to Google map. 
5.18   Remote Configuration 
Users can configure device or update firmware through website: 
http://www.livetelematics.com. 
5.19   SMS Configuration 
Users can configure device via SMS commands. 
5.20   PC Tool Configuration 
Users can configure device or update firmware through PC Tool. 

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6.   Disclaimer 
This user manual only applies to IDD-213N device. 
The  device  is  compatible  with  OBD  II  standard,  it  is  also  SAE  J1939  and  J1708 
compliant.  While  some  vehicles  are  not  following  those  standards,  therefore 
Sinocastel can not guarantee the OBD performance of the device with every vehicle. 
The GPS function may be affected in electromagnetic shielding area or bunker place. 
The device has a  built-in cellular module. It  should be used as far as  possible  away 
from  fuel  depots,  chemical  plants  and  other  areas  could  cause  an  explosion.  Most 
sensitive to external RF sites (such as gas stations, hospitals and school, etc.) may be 
equipped with radio frequency jamming equipment; some functions may be affected 
in the interference area. 
As the device transmits data via cellular, please use the SIM card which supports data 
service and make sure that the account balances is sufficient. Do not use any SIM card 
which is restricted by region. 
To make sure the products works well, please use the original accessories. 
This  manual  is  based  on  the  “as-is”  situation.  Sinocastel  will  not  guarantee  the 
accuracy, reliability and content of the handbook. Also Sinocastel reserves the right to 
amend or withdrawn this manual without any prior notification. 

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7.   Warranty 
If product got quality problem within the warranty period, please bring the product 
together with a valid warranty card and purchase invoice to the dealer for checking.   
Please do not disassemble this product, this may result in damage, Sinocastel will not 
be responsible for those problem. 
1  year  of  warranty  since  purchase  time  and  life-long  maintenance.  For  Failure  or 
damage  due  to  incorrect  operation  or  not  following  the  instruction,  Sinocastel  will 
provide paid maintenance within warranty period. 
User name: 
Contact number: 
Address: 
Post code: 
Purchasing date: 
Serial number: 
Remark: 
Please keep this card carefully in order to better serve you. 
Distributor (Company Chop): 
Maintenance Records 
Product Model: 
Date 
Faults and maintenance of records 
Maintenance 
(Signature) 
User 
(Signature) 
Fault Description 
Maintenance 
Note: This form must be carefully completed. 

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8.   Statement 
Without  written  permission  from  Sinocastel,  it  is  prohibited  reproduce,  transmit, 
distribute or save part or all of the contents of this document in any form. 
Sinocastel reserves the rights to modify or improve these products without any prior 
notification. 
Sinocastel  reserves  the  rights  to  change  or  cancel  the  content  of  this  document 
without any prior notification. 
All rights reserved by Sinocastel Co., Ltd. 
Address:  5/F,  5th  Building,  Software  Park,  No.  2  Gaoxin  C.  3rd  Road,  Nanshan, 
Shenzhen, China 
Postcode: 518057 
Tel: (86)755-86156349 
Fax: (86)755-86169366 
http://www.sinocastel.com