MP 700 Series GPS modem
Software Installation,
Configuration, and Integration
Guide
2130346 Rev 2.0
Preface
Rev 2.0 Oct.04 1
Important Notice
Due to the nature of wireless communications, transmission and reception of data can never be guaranteed. Data may be delayed, corrupted (i.e., have errors) or be totally lost. Although significant delays or losses of data are rare when wireless devices such as the Sierra Wireless modem are used in a normal manner with a well-constructed network, the Sierra Wireless modem should not be used in situations where failure to transmit or receive data could result in damage of any kind to the user or any other party, including but not limited to personal injury, death, or loss of property. Sierra Wireless, accepts no responsibility for damages of any kind resulting from delays or errors in data transmitted or received using the Sierra Wireless modem, or for failure of the Sierra Wireless modem to transmit or receive such data.If you have purchased this product under a United States Government contract, it shall be subject to restrictions as set forth in subparagraph (c)(1)(ii) of Defense Federal Acquisitions Regulations (DFARs) Section 252.227-7013 for Department of Defense contracts, and as set forth in Federal Acquisitions Regulations (FARs) Section 52.227-19 for civilian agency contracts or any successor regulations. If further government regulations apply, it is your responsibility to ensure
compliance with such regulations.
Safety and Hazards
Do not operate the Sierra Wireless modem in areas where blasting is in progress, where explosive atmospheres may be present, near medical equipment, near life support equipment, or near any equipment which may be susceptible to any form of radio interference. In such areas, the Sierra Wireless modemMUST BE POWERED OFF. The Sierra Wireless modem can
transmit signals that could interfere with this equipment. Do not operate the Sierra Wireless modem in any aircraft, whether the aircraft is on the ground or in flight. In aircraft, the Sierra Wireless modem MUST BE POWERED OFF. When operating, the Sierra Wireless modem can transmit signals that could interfere with various onboard systems.
Note: Some airlines may permit the use of cellular phones while the aircraft is on the ground and the door is open. Sierra Wireless modems may be used at this time.
The driver or operator of any vehicle should not operate a computer or any other device connected to the Sierra Wireless modem while in control of a vehicle. Doing so will detract
from the driver or operator's control and operation of that vehicle. In some states and provinces, operating such commu-nications devices while in control of a vehicle is an offence.
Limitation of
Liability
The information in this manual is subject to change without notice and does not represent a commitment on the part of Sierra Wireless. SIERRA WIRELESS AND ITS AFFILIATES SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIM LIABILITY FOR ANY AND ALL DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, GENERAL, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR EXEMPLARY DAMAGES INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, LOSS OF PROFITS OR REVENUE OR ANTICIPATED PROFITS OR REVENUE ARISING OUT OF THE USE OR INABILITY TO USE ANY SIERRA WIRELESS PRODUCT, EVEN IF SIERRA WIRELESS AND/OR ITS AFFILIATES HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES OR THEY ARE FORESEEABLE OR FOR CLAIMS BY ANY THIRD PARTY. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event shall Sierra Wireless, and/or its affiliates aggregate liability arising under or in connection with the Sierra Wireless product, regardless of the number of events, occurrences, or claims giving rise to liability, be in excess of the price paid by the purchaser for the Sierra Wireless product.
Patents
Portions of this product are covered by some or all of the following US patents: 5,515,013 5,617,106 5,629,960 5,682,602 5,748,449 5,845,216 5,847,553 5,878,234 5,890,057 5,929,815 6,169,884 6,191,741 6,199,168 6,327,154 6,339,405 6,359,591 6,400,336 6,643,501 6,516,204 6,561,851 6,653,979 6,697,030 6,712,627, 6.785,830 D367,062 D372,248 D372,701 D416,857 D442,170 D452,495 D452,496 D453,733 D459,303 D496,642 D496,655 and other patents pending.Manufactured or sold by Sierra Wireless or its licensees under one or more patents licensed from InterDigital Group.
Copyright
© 2004 Sierra Wireless. All rights reserved.Preface
Rev 2.0 Oct.04 3
Trimble® is a registered trademark of Trimble Navigation Limited.
Lassen™ is a trademark of Trimble Navigation Limited. InstallShield® is a registered trademark and service mark of InstallShield Software Corporation.
Other trademarks are the property of the respective owners.
Contact
Information
Your comments and suggestions on improving this documen-tation are welcome and appreciated. Please e-mail your feedback to [email protected]. Thank you. Consult our website for up-to-date product descriptions, documentation, application notes, firmware upgrades, trouble-shooting tips, and press releases:
www.sierrawireless.com
Sales Desk: Phone: 1-604-232-1488
Hours: 8:00am to 5:00pm Pacific Time e-mail: [email protected] Post: Sierra Wireless, Inc.
13811 Wireless Way, Richmond, BC Canada V6V 3A4 Fax: 1-604-231-1109 Web: www.sierrawireless.com
Rev 2.0 Oct.04 5
Table of Contents
Introducing the MP 700 Series GPS modem . . . .9
Voice support . . . 9
Provided software . . . 10
About GSM, GPRS, and EDGE . . . 10
GSM accounts and coverage . . . 11
Supported GSM radio frequencies . . . 12
Connection types . . . 12
Serial or USB PC connection . . . 13
Documentation . . . 14
Software Installation . . . .15
System requirements . . . 15
Installing Watcher. . . 15
Installing the modem driver (Windows NT only) . . . 17
Account Configuration . . . .19
The SIM card and account information . . . 19
Inserting the SIM card . . . 19
Setting up connection profiles . . . 21
Configuring a profile . . . 21
Default profile . . . 22
Operating the MP 700 Series GPS modem . . . .23
Modem hardware . . . 23
Turning the modem on and off . . . 23
Reading the status indicators . . . 24
Watcher software . . . 25
Watcher help . . . 26
Launching Watcher . . . 26
Watcher window . . . 26
Using the Modem as a Mobile Phone . . . .27
Connecting voice devices . . . 27
Making voice calls . . . 27
Configuring the Operating Mode and Fallback Feature . . . .29
Operating modes. . . 29
Serial PC connections . . . 30
USB PC connections . . . 30
Autoconnect . . . 30
Fallback feature. . . 31
Configuring the Modem to Report GPS and I/O Data . . . .33
GPS configuration and reporting . . . 33
GPS protocols and commands . . . 34
GPS configuration using AT commands . . . 34
GPS configuration in Watcher . . . 37
GPS display in Watcher . . . 37
GPS TAIP quick reference . . . 37
I/O device installation and configuration . . . 38
Connector pinouts . . . 38
Port specifications . . . 39
Digital input devices . . . 39
Digital output devices . . . 40
Contents
Rev 2.0 Oct.04 7
Sending Data to your Network Application . . . .47
Configuring the modem to route data to a server . . . 47
Report frequency timers . . . 47
MTP configuration . . . 50
The problem created by Network Address Translation (NAT) . . . 51
Solutions to the NAT problem . . . 52
Retrieving the Unique Mobile Device ID . . . 53
Using the Monitoring and Tracking Protocol . . . .55
The RNAP protocol . . . 55
Packet layer . . . 56
Multiplexing layer . . . 56
The MTP protocol . . . 57
MTP message types . . . 57
Summary/registration message frequency . . . 64
TAIP commands . . . 64
Alarm acknowledgement . . . 65
Support and Warranty . . . .67
Technical support . . . 67
Warranty . . . 67
Technical Specifications . . . .69
RF and electrical specifications . . . 69
Environmental specifications . . . 71
Weight and dimensions . . . 71
GPS performance . . . 72
Regulatory Information . . . .73
European Union. . . 73
Declaration of Conformity for CE Marking . . . 73
Canada (Industry Canada approval) . . . 74
Rev 2.0 Oct.04 9
1
1: Introducing the
MP 700 Series GPS modem
• Provided software
• About GSM, GPRS,
and EDGE
• Serial or USB PC
connection
• Documentation
Note: Do not connect the MP 700 Series GPS to a USB port on a PC before installing the software. See Chapter 2.
The Sierra Wireless MP 700 Series GPS modem provides a wireless network connection for portable computers installed in vehicles. The modem has a rugged design that withstands the vibration, shock, humidity, and extremes of temperature experienced in the normal operation of police, emergency, utility, and field service vehicles.
The network connection provided by the MP 700 Series GPS can be used to access shared data, browse the Internet, and send and receive e-mail and text messages. The modem also allows for sensors, gauges, and alarms (such as panic buttons) to be deployed in vehicles and remotely monitored from a central location or dispatch. A built-in GPS module provides location and heading data that can also be remotely monitored.
Voice support
Depending on your service provider, the MP 700 Series GPS may be voice-enabled. If so, you can attach a headset to your modem and use it as a mobile phone.
Provided software
The MP 700 Series GPS modem comes with this software:
• Watcher, the enabling software for the modem that manages and monitors your connections.
• The driver that forms the interface between the modem and your Windows operating system.
• The firmware that is stored in non-volatile memory. The MP 700 Series GPS has an embedded AirCard wireless network card (also made by Sierra Wireless). There are two firmware programs on the MP 700 Series GPS—one stored on the controller board of the modem, and one on the AirCard. The firmware was loaded into the AirCard and controller board when the modem was assembled. As new versions of the software and firmware are released, they are posted to the Sierra Wireless web site, www.sierrawireless.com.
About GSM, GPRS, and EDGE
The MP 700 Series GPS operates on GSM network technology. GSM (Global System for Mobile communications) is a type of wireless communications network designed for mobile phones that is widely deployed throughout the world. GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) and EDGE (Enhanced Data GSM Environment) are add-on data services to GSM networks. GPRS provides a maximum data transmission speed of 56 kbps while EDGE provides a maximum data transmission speed of 216 kbps. The MP 750 GPS supports GPRS while the MP 775 GPS supports GPRS and EDGE service.
GPRS service has been implemented on most GSM networks but there are a few areas (mainly rural areas in Europe) with GSM coverage but no GPRS service. EDGE is less widely implemented. The MP 700 Series GPS modem is primarily designed to provide GPRS/EDGE data connections but it also allows for CSD (Circuit-Switched Data) connections in areas that have GSM coverage but no GPRS or EDGE service (assuming CSD is supported by your service provider).
Introducing the MP 700 Series GPS modem
Rev 2.0 Oct.04 11
Figure 1-1: The MP 700 Series GPS modem and the GSM and GPS networks.
GSM accounts and coverage
You must set up an account with a GSM service provider (that offers GPRS/EDGE service) for each
MP 700 Series GPS modem you install. After installing the MP 700 Series GPS modem software, you must configure it to use an account. (See “Account Configuration” on page 19.) The service provider supplies a SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) card—sometimes called a “smart card” or “smart chip”—for each account. The SIM card provides the
MP 700 Series GPS modem’s identity on the GSM network. It contains account information and must be inserted in the MP 700 Series GPS modem for the modem to operate. (See “Inserting the SIM card” on page 19.)
MP 775 GPS
Base Station (GSM)
MP 700 Series GPS installed in a vehicle with laptop computer. GPS Satellite
GSM/GPS Antenna
Network Operations Center
Private/Dedicated Link
Customer Fixed End System
The ability of the MP 700 Series GPS modem to obtain GSM and GPRS/EDGE service in any area is determined by several factors:
Network proximity and GPRS/EDGE availability To obtain GSM service, you must be within the coverage area of a GSM network operating in one of the radio frequency bands supported by the MP 700 Series GPS modem. (See “Supported GSM radio frequencies” on page 12.)
GPRS has been implemented on most GSM networks, except in a few rural areas in Europe. (EDGE is less ubiquitous.) In areas which have do not have GPRS/EDGE service, you may be able to make circuit-switched data (CSD) connections and voice calls (if supported by your service provider), but you will not be able to make high-speed, packet-data connections.
Roaming If you are within the coverage area of a GSM network operated by a service provider other than your own, your ability to obtain service depends on whether a roaming agreement exists between your service provider and the one operating your current local network. There may be additional fees for roaming service. Contact your reseller or service provider for information.
Account provisions Your account may restrict usage of certain networks, may prevent voice communications, or may limit your connection time or data transmission.
Supported GSM radio frequencies
Every GSM network operates on one of these sets of radio frequency bands:
• 850 MHz band—used by some North American service
providers
• 900 MHz band—used by some European service
providers
• 1800 MHz band—used by some European and Asian
service providers
• 1900 MHz band—(also called the PCS band) used by
many North American service providers
The MP 750 GPS is a tri-band product operating on the 900, 1800, and 1900 MHz bands. The MP 775 GPS is a quad-band product operating on the 850, 900, 1800, and 1900 MHz bands.
Introducing the MP 700 Series GPS modem
Rev 2.0 Oct.04 13
Packet data connections When using GPRS/EDGE, the MP 700 Series GPS modem makes a high-speed, packet-based wireless connection using standard Internet data protocols. Packet data connections require GPRS/EDGE service. GPRS provides a maximum data transmission speed of 56 kbps while EDGE provides a maximum data transmission speed of 216 kbps.
Circuit-switched data (CSD) connections Circuit-switched connections can be established in areas that have GSM but not GPRS/EDGE coverage. The Fallback feature must be properly configured to allow for this. (See page 31.) In a circuit-switched connection, the modem connects to a specific phone number. The maximum data rate in this type of connection is 14.4 kbps.
Voice connections Depending on your service provider, your MP 700 Series GPS may be voice-enabled. If so, you can attach a headset to your modem and use it as a mobile phone. You require a headset or other audio device with a 4-wire, 2.5 mm connector connected to the Audio connector on the modem.
Serial or USB PC connection
The MP 700 Series GPS can be connected to either a serial (DB9) or USB port on a PC. When connected to a serial port, the MP 700 Series GPS behaves like a dial-up modem. When connected to a USB port, the MP 700 Series GPS behaves more like a network card. With a USB PC connection, the modem connects instantly to the network on startup, unless the operating mode is set to On Demand. (The operating modes are covered in Chapter 4, beginning on page 23.) With a USB PC connection, and the operating mode set to Always On, it is not necessary to run Watcher to make connections.
Depending on how you are using the MP 700 Series GPS, you may want to have both a USB and serial connection between the modem and the host. This allows you, for example, to make a network connection over the USB connection, while using a “moving map” application over the serial connection. To do this, you must configure the modem to send GPS data to the serial port using the AT command, AT!MPGPSCOMOUT. (See the AT Command Reference, document number 2130309, for more details.)
If you intend to use the modem in this way, you must install the modem using the USB option. (See page 15.) If you install the modem using the serial option and then connect a USB cable, the modem will not function.
Documentation
The MP 700 Series GPS modem documentation consists of two guides and an online help system.
The MP 700 Series GPS Software Installation, Configuration, and
Integration Guide (this document) describes how to:
• Install the software.
• Configure the software to use a GSM account and SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) card.
• Understand the LEDs on the modem and the indicators in the Watcher software.
• Set up the modem’s operating mode and configure the feature that allows for CSD connections.
• Configure the modem to report GPS and/or I/O (input/ output) data (from sensors, gauges, or panic buttons).
• Use the modem to connect to a VPN (Virtual Private Network).
• Collect and use GPS and I/O data from a fleet of vehicles in which MP 700 Series GPS modems are installed. The MP 700 Series GPS modem Vehicle Installation Guide provides instructions on installing the hardware, describing how to:
• Mount the modem in a vehicle.
• Connect to the vehicle’s battery.
• Connect to the vehicle’s ignition switch or a separate on/ off switch.
• Ground the device.
• Connect the radio and GPS antennas.
• Connect a headset, a notebook computer, and other I/O (input/output) devices.
The Software Installation, Configuration, and Integration Guide and the Vehicle Installation Guide are provided as PDF (Portable Document Format) files on the installation CD.
Online help is provided with Watcher. The help describes all
the icons and indicators in Watcher, provides detailed instruc-tions on using Watcher to make voice and data connecinstruc-tions, and explains how to send and receive SMS messages. When using Watcher, you can access help through the menu system or by pressing the <F1> key.
Rev 2.0 Oct.04 15
2
2: Software Installation
• System requirements
• Installing Watcher
Before you can use the MP 700 Series GPS, you must install Watcher and the modem driver. This section guides you through the installation.System requirements
Note: Do not connect the MP 700 Series GPS to a USB port on a PC before installing the software.
The Watcher software supports notebook computers with these operating systems (using either a serial or USB PC connection):
• Windows 2000 Professional (with Service Pack 4 or later)
• Windows XP Professional
Note: Windows NT 4.0 is supported only on the
MP 750 GPS; it is not supported on the MP 775 GPS.
These operating systems are also supported but require a serial connection between the modem and PC:
• Microsoft® Windows®98 SE
• Windows NT 4.0 (with Service Pack 6a)
Installing Watcher
Note: On Windows NT, 2000, and XP, you must be logged in with administrative privileges to install the software. (Windows NT is only supported on the AirCard 750.)
Follow these steps to install Watcher and the modem driver:
1. Close any Windows programs that are open on your computer.
2. Insert the MP 700 Series GPS modem CD in your CD-ROM drive.
The CD should automatically launch and display a menu. If not, select Start > Run from the Windows taskbar and type d:\launch.exe (where d is the drive letter of your CD-ROM drive).
3. From the CD start-up menu, select installation and
documentation and then MP Watcher installation to launch the InstallShield® Wizard.
Table 2-1: System resource requirements
Interface Available DB9 serial or USB port Drive CD-ROM drive (installation only)
Note: If you want to have both a USB and serial connection to the modem, install the modem using the USB option. See page 13.
4. Use the Next and Back buttons to navigate through the wizard.
· If you are running Windows 2000 or XP, you are
prompted to configure Watcher for either the “MP Series Modem (Serial)” or “MP Series Network Adapter (USB)”
driver. (If you are running Windows 98 or NT, you only have the serial option.) If you are connecting the modem to a DB9 serial connector on the PC, select the first option. If you are connecting the modem to the USB connector on the PC, select the second option.
Note: Once the modem is installed, if you chose to switch connections (from serial to USB, or from USB to serial), you must rerun the installer.
· If you have multiple COM ports, the wizard prompts you to select one. Use the check boxes to select the port to which you are connecting the modem. (If you are connecting the modem to a USB connector on the PC, your selection here has no effect.)
5. If the Digital Signature Not Found (Windows 2000) or Software Installation (Windows XP) window appears, you can safely ignore the warning. Click Yes or Continue Anyway
when it appears.
6. If you are installing the USB driver, you are prompted to connect the modem. Connect the modem and click OK.
Note: The final window of the wizard may be slow to appear as the driver installation occurs.
7. Click Finish in the final window. To close the CD start-up menu, select the taskbar button to redisplay the window, then select exit in the lower right corner of the window.
8. If you are running Windows XP, the Found New Hardware Wizard appears. Click Next. If the Hardware Installation window appears again, click Continue Anyway. Click Finish on the final window of the wizard.
9. If you are running Windows NT, a window appears informing you that you must install the
“Sierra Wireless MP Series Modem” prior to using Watcher. Click OK. (The modem driver installation is covered in the next section.)
10. If you are installing the serial driver, connect the modem to your PC. Windows then completes driver installation. If you are running Windows 98, 2000, or XP, you can proceed to the next chapter (page 19) for instructions on config-uring your account. If you are running Windows NT, proceed to the next section.
Software Installation
Rev 2.0 Oct.04 17
Note: Windows NT is only supported on the MP 750 GPS.
Installing the modem driver
(Windows NT only)
Note: The Windows NT CD and the Service Pack 6a CD are required to complete the installation.
Before installing the software ensure that Windows Networking and RAS (Remote Access Services) are installed. (See the Windows NT online help for procedures.)
1. If you have not yet done so, connect the MP 700 Series GPS to your PC.
2. From the Windows taskbar, choose Start > Settings > Control Panel.
3. Double-click the Modems icon. If the Install New Modem wizard launches, proceed to the next step. Otherwise, click
Add to launch the wizard.
4. Select Don’t detect my modem, I will select it from a list and click
Next.
5. From the Manufacturers list in the left column, choose
Sierra Wireless Inc. (not Sierra Wireless).
6. From the Models list in the right column, choose Sierra Wireless MP Series Modem and click Next.
7. Click the Selected Ports radio button and select the COM port to which the modem is attached (usually COM 1), then click Next.
8. Click Finish.
9. If the Modems Properties window is not already open, double-click the Modems icon to open it.
10. Select Sierra Wireless MP Series Modem and click the
Properties button.
11. In the Maximum speed drop-down list, select 115200 if it is not already selected. Click OK.
12. Click Close to close the Modems Properties window.
Rev 2.0 Oct.04 19
3
3: Account Configuration
• Inserting the SIM card
• Setting up connection
profiles
• Default profile
Once the Watcher software is installed (as described in the previous chapter), you must configure the
MP 700 Series GPS modem with an account before it is ready for use.
The SIM card and account information
You require an account with a GSM service provider for each MP 700 Series GPS being deployed. For each account, you should also obtain a SIM card. The SIM contains account infor-mation used by the network to identify subscribers and provide access to the appropriate messages and services. The SIM must be inserted in the modem’s SIM slot (as described in the next section.)
Your service provider may give you only one APN in which case you require only one profile. Some service providers assign separate APNs for separate purposes. For example, some service providers supply one APN to use for Internet browsing and a different APN to use with a VPN. In this case you must set up multiple profiles. The MP 700 Series GPS allows for up to three profiles.
Most service providers have one or two standard profiles that all or most of their subscribers are expected to use. Most of these standard profiles have been pre-defined in Watcher, allowing you to select a standard profile, rather than creating it manually. To manually set up an account, you require the necessary information from your service provider: username,
password, and APN (Access Point Name).
Inserting the SIM card
The MP 700 Series GPS modem has a SIM card slot next to the lights on the indicator panel. The slot is protected by a
removable rubber cover, and houses a SIM card sled. To insert a SIM card into the modem:
1. Open the rubber cover.
2. Use a pen or stylus to press the yellow eject button inside the slot.
Figure 3-1: Opening the SIM card cover and ejecting the carrier. 3. Pull the sled out of the slot.
4. Place the SIM card into the sled until it clicks into place. The SIM card should fit in only one way, with the contact surfaces facing up as shown.
Figure 3-2: Placing a SIM card into the sled. 5. Insert the sled back into the SIM slot.
Figure 3-3: Inserting the SIM card carrier and closing the cover. 6. Push the sled in until it clicks into place in the slot. Close the rubber cover again, by fitting in the left edge, then pressing in to seal the cover, as shown.
Account Configuration
Rev 2.0 Oct.04 21
Setting up connection profiles
Note: Your profiles are stored on your MP 700 Series GPS modem—not on the SIM card. This means that if you use your SIM card in another device, you must create a profile on that device.
Unless your MP 700 Series GPS modem was preconfigured by your reseller or service provider, you must set up at least one connection profile before you can use it to access the Internet. Some service providers offer a single profile. Some offer separate profiles for separate purposes (for example: one for web browsing and one to use while accessing a corporate network over a VPN). You may also require different profiles for different types of data connections, or if you have multiple SIMs. The MP 700 Series GPS modem allows you to create up to three profiles.
Configuring a profile
Note: If the version of firmwareon your modem is not current with your version of
MP750 Watcher, you will be prompted to update your firmware when you launch the program. This update is important to ensure proper operation of your modem. The update may take as long as fifteen minutes.
To create a profile:
1. Ensure that the SIM card is inserted into the card slot (see “Inserting the SIM card” on page 19).
2. If Watcher is not running, start Watcher by choosing Start > Programs > Sierra Wireless > MP 700 Series > MP 700 Series GPS Watcher, or double click the desktop shortcut.
3. Select TOOLS> Connections. The Connections
window appears, showing you the currently configured profiles.
If a profile is listed, your modem is likely preconfigured and is ready for use—you may choose Cancel and proceed to “Configuring the Modem to Report GPS and I/O Data” on page 33 or “Operating the MP 700 Series GPS modem” on page 23. (If you wish to examine the existing profile, highlight the profile and click the Edit button.)
4. In the Connections window, click Add to create a new profile. The User Profile window appears.
5. Either select a pre-defined profile from the Profile Name
field, or enter your profile information as follows:
· Profile Name: Enter a description of the profile or
account. This name appears in the main Watcher window and, if you later create more profiles, you can use it to select this profile.
· User Name and Password: Enter your user name and/or
password if assigned by your service provider.
· APN (Access Point Name): Enter the APN that the
service provider gave you, if any.
Default profile
Note: The Fallback connection is only invoked when a
connection is established using the default profile. See page 31.
The default connection profile is the one used to establish a wireless data connection if you do not select a specific profile before you click Watcher’s Connect button. If you only have one profile, it is the default. If you create more than one profile, you can set the default in the Connections window:
1. In Watcher, choose TOOLS> Connections. The Connections window appears.
2. On the Profiles tab, select the appropriate box in the Default Connection column, then click OK.
Rev 2.0 Oct.04 23
4
4: Operating the
MP 700 Series GPS modem
• Modem hardware
• Watcher software
Operating the MP 700 Series GPS modem requires some knowledge of both the modem hardware and the Watcher software. This chapter describes the basics of each.Modem hardware
The MP 700 Series GPS modem is usually mounted in the trunk or passenger compartment of a vehicle.
Turning the modem on and off
The way in which the MP 700 Series GPS is wired determines how it is powered on and off. In most cases the power supply for the modem is the vehicle's electrical system and the modem is powered on and off in one of these ways (see the
MP 700 Series GPS modem Vehicle Installation Guide—document
number 2130286—for details):
• Accessory on. The modem is powered when the ignition is
switched to "Accessories". (This allows the modem to be powered when the engine is off.)
—or—
• Engine on. The modem is powered only when the ignition
is on. (The modem is only on when the engine is on.) —or—
• Separately switched. The modem is connected to a
separate on/off switch so that it can be turned on and off independently of the engine and vehicle accessories. Rather than cutting power to the modem, the ignition key or power switch allows the modem to perform a controlled shutdown sequence that avoids data loss. (You can also set the modem to wait up to 240 minutes after the power switch has been turned off before it shuts down. See the description of the Power Off Timer in the Watcher online help for details.)
Reading the status indicators
The MP 700 Series GPS modem’s indicator panel includes four indicator lights and the SIM card slot:
Figure 4-1: The indicator panel of the MP 700 Series GPS modem.
The table below shows the behavior of the LEDs during normal modem operation:
SIM card slot
Transmit (Tx) indicator GPS indicator Power indicator Receive (Rx)
indicator
Table 4-1: LED operation
LED Behavior Indicates
Power Off Modem is not powered.
Rapid flashing Modem is powered and has not acquired GSM or
GPRS/EDGE service. Slow flashing (about 1.5 seconds
between flashes)
Modem has acquired GSM service but not GPRS/EDGE service.
On solid Modem has acquired GPRS/EDGE service.
Tx Flashing Modem is transmitting data.
Rx Flashing Modem is receiving data.
GPS Off GPS module is not active.
Flashing GPS module is active but not receiving valid
fixes.
Operating the MP 700 Series GPS modem
Rev 2.0 Oct.04 25
Resetting the modem
The reset button for the MP 700 Series GPS modem is on the top of the housing.
To reset the modem, press hard on the button until all four indicator lights illuminate. (Use a thin, blunt tool such as a stylus or capped pen; avoid sharp implements that might puncture the rubber.) This terminates any data
connection and causes the modem to perform a self-test. (Stored settings are not lost.)
Figure 4-2: The modem reset button.
Watcher software
Watcher is the program used to manage and monitor the MP 700 Series GPS modem. For information about installing Watcher and setting up a connection profile, see “Software Installation” on page 15 and “Account Configuration” on page 19.
Watcher allows you to:
Note: Dependent on the operating mode, it may not be necessary to run Watcher to use the modem, but it is useful to do so because Watcher provides useful status information as well as providing the ability to configure certain options.
• Create and edit connection profiles.
• Determine signal strength, roaming status, GPRS/EDGE availability, and other network connection parameters.
• Monitor the status of the MP 700 Series GPS modem and of GSM service.
• Initiate data connections.
• Make and receive phone calls (if voice is enabled).
• Send and receive SMS messages.
• Enable or disable SIM security that prevents others from using your SIM card if it is lost or stolen.
• Set Watcher notification options.
• Configure the I/O ports.
Watcher help
Watcher has a well-indexed and detailed online help system. To get help in Watcher, select HELP> Help Topics. You can also display help by pressing the <F1> key on your computer.
Launching Watcher
To launch Watcher:
1. Ensure that the SIM card is inserted into the card slot (see “Inserting the SIM card” on page 19).
2. If Watcher is not running, start Watcher by choosing Start > Programs > Sierra Wireless> MP 700 Series > MP 700 Series GPS Watcher, or double click the desktop shortcut.
Watcher window
The main Watcher window includes a number of elements that let you control and monitor your MP 700 Series GPS modem and your connection to the GSM network.
Figure 4-3: The Watcher window, showing the DATA tab controls. Connect/Disconnect
VIEW menu Minimize
Compact view Close Watcher
Connection profile drop-down list TOOLS menu HELP menu Title bar button Edit connection profile button DATA tab
VOICE tab (when
Status area enabled) Watcher indicators Signal strength GPRS EDGE Roaming SMS message Headset Incoming call Missed call Call forwarding Voice mail Power off timer
GPS
Rev 2.0 Oct.04 27
5
5: Using the Modem as a Mobile
Phone
• Connecting voice
devices
• Making voice calls
Depending on your service provider, your MP 700 Series GPS may be voice-enabled. If so, you can attach a headset to your modem and use it as a mobile phone.Connecting voice devices
To use the modem for voice communications, connect a 4-wire headset with a 2.5 mm connector to the modem’s Audio connector. (If the modem is installed in the trunk of the vehicle, it will be necessary to install an extension cable between the headset and the modem. Contact your service provider for information about supported cables.)
Figure 5-1: The MP 700 Series GPS modem’s Audio connector.
Making voice calls
When the voice features are enabled in Watcher, the main window has a VOICE tab that functions like the keypad on a mobile phone (see page 26). For more details, see the Watcher online help.
Rev 2.0 Oct.04 29
6
6: Configuring the Operating
Mode and Fallback Feature
• Operating modes
• Fallback feature
Operating modes
The modem has two operating modes: Always On and On Demand. To understand the operating modes for the modem, it is necessary to understand the MP connection from end to end:
Figure 6-1: Modem connections.
There are two modem connections: the host-to-modem
connection and the modem-to-network connection.
• Host-to-modem—This is the connection between the PC
on which Watcher is installed and the MP 700 Series GPS. Your PC connection (serial or USB) and your Autoconnect setting determine how this is established.
• Modem-to-network—This is the connection between the
MP 700 Series GPS and the network.
The operating mode determines how the modem-to-network connection is established. In Always On mode, the
modem-to-network connection is established whenever the modem is
powered and GPRS/EDGE service is available. In On Demand
mode, the modem-to-network connection is established only when the host-to-modem connection is also established. If you are developing a network application to control or monitor MP 700 Series GPS modems installed in a fleet of vehicles, it is usually best to use Always On mode. (With On Demand mode, it can be difficult to track the modems’ IP addresses.)
Host-to-modem connection Modem-to-network connection
Serial PC connections
With a serial connection, the host-to-modem connection is estab-lished by selecting the Connect button in Watcher, or if
Autoconnect is enabled, the connection is automatically estab-lished when Watcher is launched. The modem-to-network connection is established based on the operating mode as described above.
USB PC connections
If the modem is connected to a USB port on the PC, the
host-to-modem connection is established automatically when the
modem and the PC are powered. It isn’t necessary to launch Watcher to establish the connection. There is little difference between Always On and On Demand mode with a USB connection, because the host-to-modem connection is estab-lished immediately on startup.
To access the Operating Mode field, from the main Watcher window, select TOOLS > Connections and select the Network tab.
Autoconnect
Note: The Autoconnect checkbox is only available if the modem is connected to the serial port on the PC. (With a USB connection, Autoconnect is effectively always enabled.)
The Autoconnect feature controls whether the host-to-modem connection is automatically established. When the feature is enabled, the connection is established automatically when:
• Watcher is launched
• GPRS/EDGE service is re-acquired after it has been lost When Autoconnect is enabled, a connection is maintained, as long as Watcher is running and there is GPRS/EDGE service, until you select the Disconnect button.
To access the Autoconnect field, from the main Watcher window, select TOOLS > Options and select the Data tab.
Configuring the Operating Mode and Fallback Feature
Rev 2.0 Oct.04 31
Fallback feature
Note: Only the default profile uses the fallback number—if you select another profile from Watcher’s pull-down menu (see page 22) before attempting to connect, the connection will fail if no GPRS/EDGE service is available.
The Fallback feature allows you to configure the modem to attempt a dial-up connection (over the GSM network) when GPRS/EDGE service is lost.
In North America and in highly-popluated areas of Europe, GPRS/EDGE service is available throughout the GSM coverage area and there is little need for the Fallback feature. In less densely-populated, rural areas of Europe, there are areas where there is GSM coverage but no GPRS/EDGE coverage. In these areas, the Fallback feature can be useful.
When the Fallback feature is configured and enabled, the modem attempts a dial-up connection in these circumstances (if GPRS/EDGE service is not available):
Note: If a user establishes a modem-to-GPRS connection by selecting Connect, and the user travels outside of GPRS/EDGE coverage, the connection is terminated. This does not invoke the Fallback feature. The user would need to select the Connect button to establish the dial-up connection.
• The user selects the Connect button in Watcher
• The modem requires a connection to make an automatic report.
Fallback connections are billed as CSD (circuit-switched data) connections. (Contact your service provider for details.) If the Fallback feature is invoked by an automatic report, the connection will be terminated when the inactivity timer expires.
Regardless of whether the Fallback feature is invoked, the modem’s IP address is lost anytime the modem-to-network connection is lost. Many Internet applications stop running when the IP address is lost.
Watcher does not display a message when the Fallback feature is invoked, but the GPRS indicator will turn off.
The online help in Watcher provides complete instructions on configuring and using this feature.
Rev 2.0 Oct.04 33
7
7: Configuring the Modem to
Report GPS and I/O Data
• GPS configuration and
reporting
• I/O device installation
and configuration
The MP 700 Series GPS modem is capable of reporting position and heading information (using the embedded GPS module) as well as reporting the status of sensors, gauges, and alarms connected to the modem’s I/O port. The MP 700 Series GPS is typically installed in a fleet of vehicles with the GPS and/or I/O data being sent to a central office or dispatch location for processing.
This chapter describes how to implement local reporting of GPS and I/O data. Chapter 8 describes how to configure your modem to exchange data with your private network. Chapter 9 describes the protocols used to report the GPS and I/O data so that you can develop or configure a centralized system to convert the raw data into meaningful information.
GPS configuration and
reporting
GPS receivers use an array of orbiting satellites operated by the United States Department of Defense to triangulate their coordinates on the earth’s surface. In order to use the GPS module in the MP 700 Series GPS, a GPS antenna must be connected to the modem. (The installation requires either two antennas—one GSM and one GPS—or a single combination GSM/GPS antenna.)
For more information about GPS, see the Primer on GPS
Opera-tions (document number 2130313) on the Sierra Wireless web
site, www.sierrawireless.com. The Vehicle Installation Guide on the installation CD (document number 2130286) provides information about installing the components required to support GPS.
GPS protocols and commands
Note: The “MP Rugged WirelessModem TAIP Reference” (document number 2130312) provides a description of the TAIP commands that can be used with the
MP 700 Series GPS modem. This is available on the Sierra Wireless web site,
www.sierrawireless.com. Infor-mation about the Lassen SQ GPS modules, including more documentation on TAIP commands, is available at www.trimble.com. When configured for NMEA, the GPS module is limited to NMEA GGA and NMEA VTG messages only. More information on NMEA message standards is available at www.nmea.org.
The GPS module supports two methods of reporting naviga-tional information, using either the TAIP (Trimble ASCII Interface Protocol) or NMEA (National Marine Electronics Association) protocols. When the MP 700 Series GPS is shipped from the factory, the GPS module is configured for TAIP. If you are using a GPS application that requires data to be reported according to the NMEA protocol, the modem must be reconfigured using an AT command. (See the next section.) NMEA is a reporting protocol only, while TAIP provides the ability to send commands to the module to query for infor-mation and configure reports. When the modem is set for TAIP, TAIP commands can be sent to the modem in these ways:
• Using AT commands. (See the next section.)
• Using the RNAP and MT protocol (described in Chapter 7).
• Using Watcher. (See page 37.) TAIP commands can be used to:
• Query the modem for its current position, heading, and speed.
• Enable and disable automatic reporting of GPS data, and (if enabled) set the interval at which automatic reports are sent.
• Configure the format of the reports.
The MP 700 Series GPS can be configured to store TAIP or NMEA packets while the modem is out of GSM coverage, and to forward the packets when coverage is restored. (See
Table 7-1 on page 35.)
GPS configuration using AT commands
The table on the next page lists the AT commands that allow you to retrieve GPS data from the modem and configure the GPS module. The MP 700 Series GPS AT Command Reference (document number 2130309) describes how to establish a session that allows you to send AT commands to the modem and provides more details on the commands listed here (as
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Rev 2.0 Oct.04 35
well as all the other AT commands that work on the MP 700 Series GPS). The reference is available on the Sierra Wireless web site, www.sierrawireless.com.
Table 7-1: GPS AT commands
(Parameters are in the <> brackets)
AT command Description AT!MPGPSDATA? Returns a string containing the:
• Status of the GPS LED
• Operational status of the GPS module • Latitude • Longitude • Altitude • Speed • Heading
• Number of satellite fixes
• Age of the data
• UTC time
AT!MPGPSCMD= <“TAIP
command”>
Sends a TAIP command to the module. Note that TAIP commands use “>” as the start delimiter and “<“ as the end delimiter. For example, to issue the TAIP command QST (which queries the operational status of the GPS module), you would enter:
AT!MPGPSCMD=
"
>QST<"
AT!MPGPSINIT=<init no>, <“TAIP command”>
Specifies TAIP commands to be included in initialization strings that are executed by the modem on start-up . The <init no> parameter specifies the order in which the commands are to be executed (1=first, 5=last).
AT!MPGPSINTSET =<update interval>
Sets the interval at which the GPS module does position and altitude readings. (This does not control the interval at which these are reported). The <update interval> is in seconds (minimum 0, maximum 255). AT!MPMTCONF= <engid>, <ctype>, <destip>, <destport>, <lowtmr>, <fasttmr>, <gpstmr>
Sets the interval at which GPS data is reported by each of the four reporting engines. This command is covered in detail under “MTP configuration” on page 50.
ATI4 Displays the Unique Mobile Device ID. This number is required to identify each modem on the network. This is discussed on page 53.
AT!MPGPSRESET= [<protocol>]
Resets the GPS module and allows you to switch between the TAIP and NMEA protocols: • AT!MPGPSRESET=0—Sets the protocol to TAIP. • AT!MPGPSRESET=1—Sets the protocol to NMEA. AT!MPGPSSTOR= <#GPSrecords>
Enables and disables the storing and forwarding of GPS records (TAIP or NMEA) and, when enabled, sets the total number of records stored.
• AT!MPGPSSTOR=0—Disables the feature.
• AT!MPGPSSTOR=1-1000—Sets the total number of records the modem can accumulate while out of GSM coverage. (The maximum is 1000.) When this number is reached, the modem discards the oldest record as each new record is captured so that the stored records are the most recent.
Table 7-1: GPS AT commands
(Parameters are in the <> brackets)
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Rev 2.0 Oct.04 37
GPS configuration in Watcher
In Watcher, you can configure the modem to report velocity and altitude data in either metric or imperial units. To set the units, select TOOLS > Configuration > GPS from the main Watcher window.
When the modem is set for TAIP, the Command field and Send
button on the GPS window allow you to issue TAIP commands to the GPS module.
GPS display in Watcher
To view latitude, longitude, velocity, heading, altitude, and local and UTC time1, select TOOLS> Display GPS from the main Watcher window.
From a cold start (where the modem is powered on with no stored navigational data), it may take a few minutes for the GPS module to obtain satellite fixes and begin reporting. The data is then updated every second.
GPS TAIP quick reference
The following table is a quick summary of the TAIP message identifiers. For detailed information and message syntax, see the MP Rugged Wireless Modem TAIP Reference (document number 2130312) and the Lassen SQ GPS documentation on TAIP commands available at www.trimble.com.
1. UTC is Universal Coordinated Time, the time in Green-wich, England.
TAIP Message Identifiers
AL Altitude/Vertical Velocity
CP Compact Position Solution
DC Differential Corrections
DD Delta Differential Corrections
ID Identification Number
IP Initial Position
LN Long Navigation Message
PV Position/Velocity Solution
RM Reporting Mode
I/O device installation and
configuration
The I/O port on the MP 700 Series GPS modem allows for the remote monitoring of gauges, sensors, and alarms. This feature can be used to display readings on instruments or gauges and to remotely monitor panic buttons or alarms (such as gun rack alarms that are trigged whenever a gun rack is opened). This section describes how to connect and configure I/O devices, such as sensors, gauges, and alarms to work with the MP 700 Series GPS modem.
Connecting these devices requires that you make a customized I/O cable. The cable must have, at one end, whatever connector is required by the I/O device, and at the other end, the DB15 connector. The cable wires must pin to the appropriate pin numbers on the I/O connector. The pinouts are described in the next section.
The maximum length of the I/O cable is 15 feet.
Connector pinouts
The MP 700 Series GPS modem’s I/O port is a female DB15 connector with eight active I/O pins:
• Two (2) digital I/O ports.
• Two (2) digital input ports.
• Four (4) analog input ports.
There are six reserved pins, and one ground pin.
ST Status
TM Time/Date
VR Version Number
Configuring the Modem to Report GPS and I/O Data
Rev 2.0 Oct.04 39
Figure 7-1: Pinouts for a male DB15 I/O cable (left) that connects to the MP 700 Series GPS modem’s female DB15 I/O connector (right). Note that the two figures’ pinouts are mirror images of one another, since they plug together.
Port specifications
Note: No more than 36 VDC should be applied to any I/O pins.
See “I/O port characteristics” on page 72 for the technical specifications of the I/O ports, including input voltages.
Digital input devices
Digital input devices are those that have only two states and send a signal to the modem in one of those states. An example of a digital input device might be a gun rack alarm that sends a signal to the modem any time the gun rack is open. Another example would be a panic button that sends a signal to the modem when it is pushed.
There are four pins of the DB15 connector to which a digital input can be connected: Pins 3, 4, 11, and 12. (Pins 3 and 11 could alternatively be used for digital output.)
1. Reserved—do not connect
2. Reserved—do not connect
3. Digital I/O 1 (Din1/Dout1) 4. Digital input 3 (Din3) 5. Reserved—do not connect
6. Reserved for future support
7. Analog input 2 (Ain2) 8. Analog input 4 (Ain4) 9. Reserved—do not connect
DB15 MALE
10. Ground (GND)
11. Digital I/O 2 (Din2/Dout2)
12. Digital input 4 (Din4) 13. Reserved—do not connect
14. Analog input 1 (Ain1) 15. Analog input 3 (Ain3)
of differential GPS—do not connect
Typically a digital input device should be connected between Ground (Pin 10) and the input port (Pin 3, 4, 11, or 12).
Figure 7-2: A button wired to Pin 4 (digital input) and Pin 10 (Ground).
The pins will report a logic high on an input of 3.3 VDC. An internal pull-up resistor provides a high condition when the switch is open.
The digital input pins report a logic low on an input between 0 VDC and 0.8 VDC. Sinking the input pin to ground yields a logic low (0x00) when the port is polled.
If you configure the modem to send data to a network server, digital input data can be remotely monitored. (Chapters 6 and 7 explain how to configure the modem and use the data.)
Digital output devices
Note: Digital outputs cannot becontrolled remotely. The MP 700 Series GPS does not receive or transmit digital output data over the network.
Digital output devices are those that have only two states and the state is controlled by a signal from the modem. Any device that is to be switched on and off from Watcher would be installed as a digital output device.
There are two pins of the DB15 connector to which a digital output can be connected: Pins 3 and 11. (These can be used for either input or output.)
Typically a digital output device should be connected between Ground (pin 10) and the output port (Pin 3 or 11).
Configuring the Modem to Report GPS and I/O Data
Rev 2.0 Oct.04 41
The digital I/O ports provide open-collector output to a maximum of 500 mA.
Analog input devices
Note: Analog input dataCANNOT be sent to a remote host. The MP 700 Series GPS does not receive or transmit analog input data over the network.
Analog input devices are those that generate a signal of varying voltage, based on the state of an instrument or gauge. An example of an analog input device might be a sensor that detects the vehicle’s speed or fuel volume.
There are four pins of the DB15 connector to which an analog input can be connected: Pins 7, 8, 14, and 15.
Typically an analog input device should be connected between Ground (pin 10) and the input port (Pin 7, 8, 14, or 15).
Figure 7-4: A sensor wired to Pin 7 (analog input) and Pin 10 (Ground).
The analog input ports use a 10-bit (1024-step) analog-to-digital converter over a range from 0 to 3.3 VDC, yielding a digital step resolution of 0.0032 V.
I/O configuration using AT commands
Once a sensor, gauge, button, or switch is physically connected to the MP 700 Series GPS, the modem must be configured to manage the input from, or output to, the device. This configu-ration can be done using either AT commands or using Watcher.
The table below lists the AT commands that allow you to retrieve I/O data from the modem and configure the I/O ports. The MP 700 Series GPS AT Command Reference describes how to establish a session that allows you to send AT commands to the modem and provides more details on the commands listed
here (as well as all the other AT commands that work on the MP 700 Series GPS). The reference is available on the Sierra Wireless web site, www.sierrawireless.com.
Table 7-2: I/O AT commands
(Parameters are in the <> brackets)
AT command Description AT!MPAIN?
<chan>,<scale>
Reports the current state of a specified analog input port. The <chan> parameter corresponds to a pin number as follows:
• <chan>=1—device on Pin 14
• <chan>=2—device on Pin 7
• <chan>=3—device on Pin 15
• <chan>=4—device on Pin 8
The <scale> parameter specifies whether a raw or scaled value is reported (0=raw, 1=scaled value). See “Analog input setup” on page 44 for an explanation of raw and scaled values.
AT!MPAINCFG= <chan>, “<input label>”, “<unit label>”, <zero scale>, <full scale>
Assigns a label, unit label, zero scale, and full scale to a specified analog input. See “Analog input setup” on page 44 for a description of the parameters. The <chan> corresponds to the pin numbers as above.
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AT!MPDIO= <chan>,<value>
Sets the value at a specified digital output channel. The <value> parameter sets the port to logic level low or logic level high (0=low, 1=high). See “Digital I/O setup” on page 45 for an explanation of the logic levels. (The value can only be set for channels 1 and 3 and only if they are configured for output.)
AT!MPDIO?<chan> reports the current value at a specified digital I/O port. The <chan> parameter corresponds to a pin number as follows: • <chan>=1—device on Pin 3 • <chan>=2—device on Pin 4 • <chan>=3—device on Pin 11 • <chan>=4—device on Pin 12 AT!MPDIOCFG <chan>,<type>, “<IO label>”, <alarm>, “<logic low label>”, “<logic high label>”, [<level>]
Assigns a type (input or output), label, alarm level, logic low level, and logic high level to a specified digital input or output. See “Digital I/O setup” on page 45 for a description of the parameters. The <chan> corresponds to the pin numbers as above. (Only channels 1 and 3 can be configured for output.)
AT!MPDIOCFG?<chan> reports the configuration of a specified port.
Table 7-2: I/O AT commands
(Parameters are in the <> brackets)
I/O configuration in Watcher
There are separate windows in Watcher for configuring the analog and digital ports.
Analog input setup
The Analog Input window (TOOLS> Configuration > Analog...) is used to configure devices on the four analog inputs. Each tab corresponds to a pin:
To configure an analog sensor or gauge, select the tab that corresponds to the pin you are using, and complete the fields as follows:
• Label: Enter a description of the sensor or gauge (Measured Voltage, Vehicle Speed, etc.), up to 20 characters in length.
• Raw value: Shows the analog value from the input
(read-only). The analog input has a 10-bit (1024-step) resolution, so the raw value range is between 0 and 1023.
• Zero scale: Enter the minimum value for the units you are
reporting (used to convert the raw analog value of zero).
• Full scale: Enter the maximum value for the units you are
reporting (used to convert the raw value of 1023).
• Current value: Shows the resulting converted value using
the zero and full scales entered.
• Unit: Specify the units of the input (volts, km/h, etc.), up to 20 characters in length.
Example
If you are measuring the amount of fuel in the tank, and the gauge you have connected to the I/O connector measures between 0 (raw value 0) and 20 (raw value 1023) gallons, then your zero scale is 0.0 and your full scale is 20.0. Your label could be “Fuel”, and units, “gallons”.
The measurements are calculated for the 20-gallon range
Analog Tab Connector Pin Input 1 14
Input 2 7
Input 3 15
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Rev 2.0 Oct.04 45
Digital I/O setup
The Digital Input/Output window (TOOLS> Configuration >
Digital...) is used to configure devices on the two digital I/O and two digital input ports. Each tab corresponds to a pin:
To configure a digital sensor or gauge, select the tab that corre-sponds to the pin you are using, and complete the fields as follows:
• Label: Provide a description of the sensor or gauge, up to
20 characters in length.
• Type: Select Input, Output, or Not used. (Output is not available on tabs 3 and 4.)
Note: Logged events are written to disk as [date] [time]
[Type][Label][Current state], using the short date and time formats defined by the operating system.
• Logic low name: Describe the state of the device at logic
level low, up to 20 characters in length. (For example, if a switch in the off position leads to a logic low, you could choose to label it Switched Off.)
• Logic high name: Describe the state of the device at logic
level high, up to 20 characters in length (such as Switched On).
• Alarm logic level: Assign an action associated with the I/O
port:
· high: a notification is sent, and the event is logged, if the
state changes from a logic low to a logic high.
· low: a notification is sent, and the event is logged, if the
state changes from a logic high to a logic low.
· log only: no notification is sent, but any change in logic
level is logged.
The name and location of the log file is specified on the Advanced tab of the Options window (TOOLS> Options). By default, the log file is located in the program folder or user folder and is called MPlog.txt.
• Current value: Shows the current value of the port.
Digital Tab Connector Pin I/O 1 Input or output on pin 3
I/O 2 Input or output on pin 11
Input 3 Input on pin 4
Rev 2.0 Oct.04 47
8
8: Sending Data to your Network
Application
• Configuring the
modem to route data
to a server
• Retrieving the Unique
Mobile Device ID
This chapter discusses how to configure the MP 700 Series GPS modem to send GPS and I/O data to a network server. This is a simple process that uses a single AT command. If, however, there are any firewalls on your or your service provider’s network, provision must be made to route the data through or around the firewall. A general discussion of some methods of dealing with firewalls is provided.
This chapter also explains how to retrieve the Unique Mobile Device ID from the modem. This is the number that uniquely identifies each modem. Any application that uses the GPS and I/O data from the modem requires this number.
Configuring the modem to route
data to a server
The protocol that defines how the MP 700 Series GPS data is packaged is called MTP (Monitoring and Tracking Protocol). This protocol is explained in detail in the next chapter. MTP is configured using the AT command AT!MPMTCONF. In issuing this command, you specify the IP address and port number to which the MTP data is to be sent, and values for the timers that determine the frequency with which the data is to be sent. These timers are discussed in the next section.
The MP 700 Series GPS modem provides four independent reporting engines, allowing data to be sent to four different destinations. This allows, for example, GPS data to be sent to one host application, and I/O data to be sent to another. You must configure each engine that you intend to use separately using AT!MPMTCONF.
Report frequency timers
The low rate timer, fast rate timer, and GPS timer control the interval between reports from the modem. The low rate timer sets the interval at which reports are sent in the absence of any other trigger or timer. The low rate timer is in minutes with a
default of three minutes. (The other timers are in seconds.) In most configurations, the low rate timer does not come into effect.
Note: Alarm triggers must be configured locally on the MP 700 Series GPS, using either Watcher or the AT command AT!MPDIOCFG.
The fast rate timer only becomes active when an alarm
condition is triggered by a rise or drop in the level of one of the digital I/O channels. The default for the fast rate timer is three seconds.
Note: When the fast rate timer is set to 0, a single report is sent when an I/O alarm is triggered. It is not necessary to acknowledge the alarm (as described on page 65).
If the GPS timer is set to a value other than 0, it controls the frequency of reports in the absence of any alarm or event triggers. (This is unless it is set to an interval that is longer than the low rate timer, but since the low rate timer is in minutes and the GPS timer is in seconds, the GPS timer typically has the shorter interval.).
