Suntech ST4290L Tracking Device User Manual

Tracking Device
ST4290L
Operation Manual

ST4290L Tracking Device

CONFIDENTIAL DOCUMENT
This document belongs to the intellectual property of Suntech International Ltd. and shall neither be copied nor be given to any 3rd parties without prior written consent from the company.
DO NOT MAKE ANY COPIES

Disclaimer

We, at Suntech, announce that this document and all other related products (i.e. device, firmware, and software) have been developed by the company, Suntech International Ltd., which is hereinafter referred to as “Suntech”. The information in this manual is believed to be accurate and reliable at the time of release. We, at Suntech, also assume no responsibility for any damage or loss resulting from the use of this manual, and expressly disclaim any liability or damages for loss of data, loss of use, and property damage of any kind, direct, incidental, or consequential, in regard to or arising out of the performance or form of the materials presented herein or in any software program(s) that may accompany this document. When this document is released, it is most compatible with a specified firmware version. Now that the functionalities of the devices are being developed and improved continuously from time to time by Suntech, any alteration on the protocol, the firmware functions, and the hardware specifications of the product is subject to change without prior notice.
Copyright
We, at Suntech, notify you that Suntech holds all parts of intellectual rights applicable in the copyright laws in all the countries. The information contained in this document cannot be reproduced in any form without prior written consent made by Suntech. Any software programs that might accompany this document can be used only in accordance with any license agreement(s) between the purchaser and Suntech.
Warning
Our customers are required to be aware that connecting the wire inputs can be hazardous to both of the installer and your vehicle’s electrical system(s) if not done by an experienced installer. This document assumes you are aware of the inherent dangers of working in installing the device on the vehicle(s) and the machinery.
Document Amendments
When it comes to the firmware version column with a specific firmware number, any amendment(s) on the comments column should be made on this relevant firmware version (and the versions thereafter). Before applying any changes made in this protocol, you are required to make sure that you have upgraded the firmware suitable for the specified version.

Introduction

ST4290
The ST4290 is a vehicle tracking and controlling device. It is designed to collect location data through GPS technology, and various vehicle conditions through event lines, and interact remotely with its server by using GPRS/LTE Cat M-1 technology.
In order to make the vehicle tracking system work, the device should be configured and installed properly on a vehicle whose geographical position and/or state is desired to be remotely monitored and/or controlled.
Please note that this Operation Manual is for the standard model. In case specific requirements are incorporated into this Manual, such a manual applies only to the case.
For overall operation including installation, in addition to the ‘Device Manual’, users should refer to other documents such as Parameter Manual, Commands Manual, Reporting Manual, and so on.

Overview

The main function of the device installed on a vehicle is to report vehicle location and status to its monitoring server at predefined intervals and to deliver commands coming from the server for activating any appliance connected to the device.
2-1. Operation modes
The device works in one of the four (4) operation modes below.

• Parking(Idle) mode: This mode is operational when ‘Ignition’ is OFF for a duration longer than the pre-defined time.
  – In the parking (idle) mode, the device can get into special modes for power saving like ‘Sleep mode’ and ‘Deep sleep mode. These power-saving modes are described in more detail at the end of this document.

• Driving mode:
  This mode starts when the ‘Ignition’ of the vehicle is ON.

•  Idle mode:
  The speed and movement of the vehicle are not detected.

• Speeding mode:
  Vehicle movement is detected and the vehicle speed exceeds the limited speed..

2-2. Reports sent by the device

There are 3 types of report/response sent by the device to the server as follows:
Reports (Status / Alerts )
Keep-alive report,
2-3. Parameter change
Parameters that have already been set on the device can be changed via GPRS/LTE CAT M-1 or via SMS or RS232 is connected to a PC if a user needs to do so. Some controlling functions can also be implemented in the same way.
2-4. Features
Key features of the ST4290 device are as follows:

• Unified Protocol
  Support standard report format fixed to all models.
  Customers can select only the data they want from the data included in the report so that they can configure their own report format.

• Multiple Modes
  Customers can set up multiple modes of operation so they can see more detailed routes as needed.
  Each operation mode consists of PARKING/DRIVING/IDLE/SPEEDING

• PROFILE
  By introducing the concept of profile. It is possible to selectively use a preset profile for each mode.
  Each profile consists of a “Time interval, Travel distance, Travel angle” setting value.
  A detailed travel route can be confirmed.
  Because DEVICE judges the three conditions together and reports, you can check the detailed route vehicle.

• Power Saving Modes (Power Down Modes)
  **** The device can save power consumption of the battery by using one of two modes such as Sleep Mode or Deep Sleep Mode.

• Event Lines
  The device has 1 output line, 1 input line, and one ignition line. Please refer to Chapters 3-1

• LED Indicators
  The LEDs indicate GPRS/LTE CAT M-1 and GPS status. It is helpful to check what error(s) and why such an error has occurred. Please refer to Chapters 3-4

• Maintenance server support
  Upgrading Firmware by Over The Air (Firmware OTA)

• Checking the Status of the Main Power Source
  The device recognizes its connectivity with the main power source (i.e. vehicle’s battery) and is able to inform the server about the status of whether or not the main power line is disconnected. The device is also able to inform the server about the voltage level status of the main power source and informs the server in case the voltage level of the main power source drops down below the pre-set value. This function is applicable to battery-installed device models only.

• Alerting Battery Error
  The device sends an alert when a battery charging error occurs. This function is applicable only to the device models available with backup batteries.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION ON EVENT LINES AND FEATURES

3-3. Alert of Buzzer
In a case that the Output type is set to ‘Buzzer’, the buzzer alerts. The following table shows such cases:
3-3-1. Related with over-speed

11](https://manuals.plus/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Suntech-ST4290L-Tracking- Device-12.png)| When the vehicle’s speed exceeds the over-speed value.

3-4. Indication with Two(2) LEDs
RED LED indicates GPS status and the blue LED indicates GPRS/LTE CAT M-1 status while the device is not processing calls.
3-4-1. Red LED for GPS

content/uploads/2022/10/Suntech-ST4290L-Tracking-Device-8.png)
No Fix| 2|
< Probable Situations>
1. If the power is on, the GPS chipset tries to find a position for some minutes.
2. If the device has weak connectivity with the GPS network or if it has no GPS signal position.
3. If GPS connectivity with a device is weak.
GPS Chipset Error GPS Antenna Error| 3|
< Probable Situations>
1. If the GPS antenna is disconnected.
2. If the GPS antenna or socket of the GPS antenna is broken.
3. If the device is broken.

3-4-2. Blue LED for GPRS/LTE CAT M-1

content/uploads/2022/10/Suntech-ST4290L-Tracking-Device-11.png)
Server Com. Error| 2| < Probable Situations >
1. If the server or network parameter is wrong.
2. If the server is closed.
3. If there is a temporary network barrier.
GPRS/LTE CAT M1 Com. Error| 3| < Probable Situations >
1. If the network parameter is wrong.
2. If SIM is blocked and it is impossible to use GPRS/LTE CAT M-1 session.
3. If there is a temporary network barrier.
4. If the device receives a weak GPRS/LTE CAT M-1 signal.
5. If GPRS/LTE CAT M-1 connectivity with a device is weak.
No Network| 4| < Probable Causes>
1. If the GPRS/LTE CAT M-1 antenna is disconnected.
2. If the GPRS/LTE CAT M-1 antenna or the socket of GPRS/LTE CAT M-1 the antenna is broken.
3. If the device is broken.
SIM PIN Locked| 5| < Probable Situation >
1. If SIM PIN is enabled.
Cannot Attach NW| 6| < Probable Situations>
1. If the device receives a weak GPRS/LTE CAT M-1 signal.
2. If GPRS/LTE CAT M-1 connectivity with a device is weak.
No SIM| 7| < Probable Situations >
1. If there is no SIM or if SIM is not inserted properly.
2. If SIM or SIM socket is broken.
SIM PUK Locked| 8| < Probable Situation >
1. If SIM PUK is enabled.

3-5. Power Saving
The device can save power consumption of the battery by using one of two modes as Sleep Mode or Deep
Sleep Mode. If PWR_DN is set with ‘1’ or ‘2’ and report interval in parking mode is made every 10 minutes or
longer than 10 minutes to enable the devices to process power down while the vehicle is in a parking situation. However, there are some restrictions in processing power down:

• When the GPS signal is not fixed, the device can start to process power down after trying to fix it for 5 minutes.
• If communication with the server fails continuously, the device processes Deep Sleep after trying to make communications for 8 minutes.
• While the device is in deep sleep, it cannot process charging the backup battery.

The device turns off LED and sends a status report and a related alert before entering the power-down functionality.
The device terminates power down either when the ignition is ON. In such cases, the device sends a related alert and status string, instead.

• Sleep
  The device turns off only the GPS part and GPRS/LTE CAT M-1 part enters Sleep. Even for the time of Sleep, all communication with the server works normally and the device can receive SMS or call always. The average Sleep current is lower than 10mA and this current may be increased under weak GPRS/LTE CAT M-1 conditions.

• Deep Sleep
  The device turns off GPS and GPRS/LTE CAT M-1 part. For the time Sleep, all communication with the server is impossible and it cannot receive any SMS messages, either. The device turns on GPRS/LTE CAT M-1 session every max. 30 minutes. However, the device cannot receive SMS or call while it is in Deep Sleep. The average current during Deep Sleep mode is around 5mA (non-battery version).

3-6. BackupBattery

The device has a backup battery in order to be prepared for any emergency cases when the main power source is removed or sabotaged. When the vehicle is stolen and the power of the device is removed, the backup battery starts working as a replacement power source for the main power source (the vehicle’s battery).
The device was designed to keep the backup battery staying as effective as possible all the time. Charging the backup battery starts if the voltage of the backup battery goes below 4,2V.In parking mode, charging the backup battery is held when the main power source gets consumed down to 90% of the normal voltage level. T
he charging algorithm for the backup battery has protection against over- voltage, abnormal charging current, and high temperature.
In addition, the device alerts about battery errors if the backup battery cannot be charged.

Motion Sensor

< About How to activate Motion Sensor>

• Ignition ON (Driving)
  The sensor mode goes to collision detection mode. So, if the vehicle has a car accident, the accident may bring about a big impact of which value is higher than that of the specified collision threshold (COLL_THRES). In this case, the device will be reporting a collision message to the server.
  After a collision is made against the vehicle, the sensor will be disabled for a while (30 seconds) so as to avoid sending to the server the same message as the first one repeatedly.

• Ignition OFF (Parking)
  ‘Ignition Off ‘situation means that the vehicle is in a state of parking and that the sensor goes to ‘parking mode’(shock or movement detection mode).
  In this situation, if there is a shock made on the vehicle by somebody, the device will report a shocking message to the server. The device will also exit from the power down mode if the device has been in power down mode.
  After triggering an event such as a shock or a movement, the sensor will be disabled for a while (for 30 seconds) so as to avoid sending to the server the same message as the first one repeatedly.

< About Threshold>

• Collision Threshold
  Our recommendation is 0.7 but it is only for reference value obtained from our field testing made on real vehicles (nearby gear). The value may vary in a real situation depending upon the driving manner or condition of the road. So, you need to check this value.

• Shock Threshold
  Our recommendation is 0.04 but it is only for reference value obtained from our field testing made on real vehicles (nearby gear). The motion sensor is installed on an inside part of the vehicle’s body to measure sensitivity value(s) created by vibration and shock impact given to the vehicle. The value of this sensitivity varies because it depends on what body part of the vehicle the motion sensor is installed.
  A shock Threshold is also used for checking the movement of vehicles. So, the device may not be able to recognize if a shock threshold value is too high. You need to consider these kinds of factors measurable under a realistic environment when you also adjust the values.

< Notes>

• ON: Activation.
• OFF: Deactivation.
• Enable: Enable or Disable by setting.
• X: Please, do not care.

For the setting method, please refer to “Motion Sensor Parameter Settings”.
[Caution]: Basically, the device checks any motions in parking mode(Ignition Off). It does not care about the enabling flags such as COLL_EN or SHOCK_EN. This means that, if the device senses any motion (movement) created in the power-down mode, it will exit from the power-down mode as if a creature would wake up from sleeping suddenly. So, if you want to check the power down mode to save power consumption of the backup battery, DO NOT give any impact on the vehicle.
3-8. Protection of Vehicle Battery
For a period of duration that the vehicle has been in parking mode for a long time by consuming the vehicle’s battery down to a very low level, the device starts entering the Deep Sleep Mode automatically. This situation happens because the device intends to prevent the vehicle’s battery from wasting power. In this case, the device alerts with ALERT_ID 14 before entering the deep sleep mode and exits from the deep sleep mode either when the ignition line goes to ‘ON’ or until the voltage level is increased sufficiently.
The vehicle’s battery level for protection can be changed by making a Command. Refer to the Voltage control parameters section.

Storage of Reports un-sent

The device has a maximum storage capacity of the un-sent reports in such cases as follows:

• 3,000 reports (**),
• 1024 bytes for the response that the command has required the device to respond with as a command response
  Note ():**
  Due to a bad report-routing environment, the device could not make real-time- based reporting. For example, the reporting router does neither run properly, is nor connected properly. In such a situation there might be a report which has consequently failed to arrive in the server successfully after making several attempts to send the report to the server. In that case, the device stores such a report for a while until such environment (e.g. GPRS/LTE CAT M-1 network) gets back to normal to enable the device to try to send the report to the server again.
  When ‘reports’ start being accumulated, max 3000 reports can be held in the buffer storage of the device. If those ‘reports’ are triggered out to the server, the oldest report is erased first and a new report is buffered if the buffer is completely full of those reports. And then, a new status report enters (FIFO: First In First Out as a sequential system).

Caution
FCC Part 15.19
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.

FCC Part 15.21

Any changes or modifications (including the antennas) to this device that are not expressly approved by the manufacturer may void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
FCC RF Radiation Exposure Statement:
[EN] FCC and IC RF Radiation Exposure Statement: This equipment complies with FCC and IC RF Radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment.
This device and its antenna must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.
This equipment should be installed and operated with a minimum distance of 20 cm between the radiator and your body.
ISED Statement :
This device contains license-exempt transmitter(s)/receiver(s) that comply with Innovation, Science, and Economic Development
Canada’s license-exempt RSS(s). Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

1. This device may not cause interference.
2. This device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.

Author
KS HONG
Rev.
Date
1.01 28 Sep 2020
Confidential Document

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