SUNTECH ST4250 Vehicle Tracking and Controlling Device User Manual
- June 6, 2024
- SUNTECH
Table of Contents
User Manual
ST4250
Suntech International Ltd.
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, the hardware specifications of the product is subject to change without prior notice.
Copyright
We, at Suntech, notify 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
ST4250
The ST4250 is a vehicle tracking and controlling device. It is designed to
collect location data through GPS technology, 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 User Manual is for the standard model. In case specific requirements are incorporated into this Manual, such a manual applies only for 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.
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..
Reports sent by device
There are 3 types of reports/responses sent by the device to the server as follows:
- Reports (Status / Alerts )
- Keep-alive report,
Parameter change
Parameters that have already been set on the device can be changed via GPRS/LTE CAT M-1 or via SMS or via RS232 connected with PC if a user needs to do so. Some controlling functions can also be implemented in the same way.
Features
Key features of the ST4250 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 the “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 of the 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 Chapter 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 Status of 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 on
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
Immobilizer
If the output type is set to ‘Immobilizer’ or ‘Immobilizer & Auto Active’ and you connect this line to immobilize the vehicle, the Output line can use the immobilizer.
When the device receives a command to activate the immobilizer output, one of the 2 options (‘Active’ or ‘Inactive’) will be selected.
Once the command is sent to enable the immobilizer function of the vehicle, the effect will only take once the ignition is turned off. At that point, the vehicle will be immobilized until the command is sent to disable the function.
In a case that the Output type is set to ‘Immobilizer & Auto active’, the output is activated automatically as long as the vehicle is parked.
Alert of Buzzer
In a case that the Output type is set to ‘Buzzer’, the buzzer alerts. The following table shows such cases:
Related with over-speed
Indication with Two(2) LEDs
RED LED indicates GPS status and blue LED indicates GPRS/LTE CAT M-1 status while the device is not processing call.
Red LED for GPS
| GPS | Blink Count | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Normal | 1 | |
| No Fix | 2 |
< Probable Situations>
1. If power is on, the GPS chipset tries to find a position for some minutes.
2. If the device has a weak connective with the NS network or if it has no
GPS signal position.
3. If GPS connectivity with a device is weak.
GPS Chipset Error
GPS Antenna Error| 4|
< 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.
Blue LED for GPRS/LTE CAT M-1
GPRS/LTE CAT M-
1| Blink Count| Meaning
---|---|---
Normal| |
Server Corn. 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 M-
1 Corn. 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 device receives weak GPRS/LTE CAT M-1 signal.
5 If GPRS/I TF CAT M-1 connectivity with a device is weak
---|---|---
No Network| 4|
SIM PIN Locked| 5| il
Power Saving
The device can save power consumption of the battery by using one of two modes
such 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 related alerts and status strings, instead.
– Deep Sleep
The device turns off GPS and GPRS/LTE CAT M-1 part. For the time of 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).
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 a parking mode, charging the backup battery is held when the main power source gets consumed down to 90% of the normal voltage level.
The charging algorithm for the backup battery has protection against over- voltage, abnormal charging current, and high temperature.
In addition, the device alerts about battery error if the backup battery cannot be charged.
Motion Sensor
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.
The 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.
| State | Detection | Exit from Power-down | Reporting about: |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motion | Shock | Collision | Motion |
| Parking | ON | Enable | X |
| Driving | OFF | OFF | Enable |
< 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 enable 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 impacts to the vehicle.
Protection of Vehicle Battery
For a period of duration that the vehicle has been in a 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
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 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 beheld 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).
REVISIONS
| Rev. No. | Date | Modifications were made on: | Writer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rev. 1.00 | 2020-07-27 | Draft a manual | KSH |
| Rev. 1.01 | 2020-09-28 | Changed model name | SJSONG |
– End of the Document –
Caution
Modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance
could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
FCC RF Radiation Exposure Statement: This equipment complies with FCC RF
radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. This
equipment should be installed and operated with a minimum distance of 20
centimeters between the radiator and your body. This transmitter must not be
co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.
FCC Compliance Information: 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.
*. Caution
- Don’t use USB Connect. USB Connect is only used for production.
- This product is fixed to the vehicle.
- The backup battery is used when the vehicle power is off.
Contain FCC ID: XMR201910BG95M3
| Doc. Title
ST4210 USER MANUAL| Author
KS HONG| Page of Pages
---|---|---|---
Concerning
Features and How to set parameters| Doc. No.| Rev.
1.01| Date
28 Sep 2020
Suntech International Ltd.
Confidential Document