Mayak mobi personal. Autonomous search beacon StarLine M17. User manual

Lighthouse Starline M17 designed to determine the coordinates of the vehicle and inform the owner about an unauthorized start of movement. It can work together with car alarms; the beacon can be powered either from built-in batteries or from the vehicle’s on-board network.

Technical parameters of the beacon

High geopositioning accuracy (5-10 meters) is achieved thanks to a GPS/GLONASS antenna with high sensitivity. The device is also capable of receiving a signal from several satellites in a short period of time and calculating its coordinates.

Information about the location of Starline M17 is transmitted to the owner via SMS messages or via a GPRS data link to the monitoring server. In this case, you can monitor the movements of the device using any device - a smartphone, tablet or computer connected to the Internet.

A microphone is integrated into the device, so you can hear what is happening around the car or inside the cabin (depending on the location of the beacon). Environmental sounds will help you more accurately identify the vehicle's location.

The integrated motion/rotation sensor allows you to inform the car owner about unauthorized movement via SMS message.

Basic scenarios for using a search device

Mayak 17 Starline can control external devices installed on the vehicle. Automatic start of the engine, pre-heater, car alarm siren - any scenario can be implemented. You can also configure the transmission of alarm messages to the owner’s phone when external devices are triggered.

A powerful ARM processor allows you to implement complex scenarios - analyzing the state of batteries, the balance of funds in the mobile operator's account, informing the owner about the need to replace the battery and top up the account.

The system has two operating modes – normal and alarm. In the first, the device periodically transmits information about its coordinates, in the second, data transfer becomes continuous, for a quick search for a car. It's best to connect lighthouse M17 to the vehicle's electrical network, since continuous operation will quickly discharge the built-in batteries.

Articles and news about Starline M17

30.08.2018

The offer is intended for careful drivers whose cars are equipped with smart alarms. Insurance companies highly value the protection against theft of StarLine security solutions, and can also reduce rates for drivers with careful driving (without sudden acceleration, braking and lane changes). The insurance company receives information about management style from the accelerometer of the StarLine telematic alarm system. Currently, Inkor Insurance Insurance Company and R-Telematica are participating in the project.

All functions of Starline M17

The use of GSM/GPRS and GLONASS/GPS modules allows for remote control, management and monitoring of the Starline M17 car alarm from the owner’s mobile phone or from a computer via the Internet.

The high power of the central processor allows the use of artificial intelligence elements in the operation of the device. Starline M17 automatically configures the internal time, network connection parameters, and automatically controls the use of the SIM card balance.

StarLine M15 This is a miniature search beacon designed to determine the exact coordinates of an object whose location needs to be monitored. Can be placed on any vehicle. Moreover, it can also be used to determine the location of a person by placing the device in a pocket or bag. The absence of wires and the small size of the beacon allow you to quietly install the beacon in the most unexpected and secretive places, where it would be very difficult to find it. Since the device is in a “sleeping” state most of the time, it is almost impossible to detect it with air scanners and GSM signal detectors. The presence of a built-in microphone allows you to listen to your surroundings over the phone. The beacon is equipped with a built-in motion sensor, with which it can detect the start of movement or the overturn of a protected object and inform the owner about these events by SMS message.

Features and functionality

TELEMATICS. Amazing simplicity and ease of setup, quick start, as well as automatic software updates thanks to the telematics service www.mayak.mobi

INTELLIGENCE. A powerful ARM processor allows you to implement elements of artificial intelligence. Automatic setting of internal time, Internet connection parameters, automatic balance control and notification of the need to replenish the account

HYPERSENSITIVITY. The unique GPS antenna and the use of A-GPS technology provide ultra-sensitivity and almost instantaneous determination of exact coordinates even in the most difficult conditions

WATER RESISTANCE. The StarLine M15 beacon is a hijacker's nightmare. Thanks to the waterproof case and nano-membrane microphone, the beacon can be hidden in the most unexpected place for a thief: both inside and outside a car, boat or truck

Areas of application

Completeness

  • Lighthouse StarLine M15
  • Lithium battery CR123A (2 pcs.) *
  • SIM card *
  • Command memo
  • Tariff description
  • Warranty card
  • Quick Start Guide
  • User manual

* installed in the lighthouse

Main technical characteristics

  • Communication standard: GSM 900/1800 MHz
  • Version of GSM and GPS antennas: built-in
  • GPS receiver model: SIRF IV
  • Power: 2 x CR123A
  • Battery life: up to 2 years
  • Operating temperature, °C: -40 - +60

The Starline M17 device is a search beacon with small dimensions and weight, which is used to determine the location of an object. The device can be installed on land- and water-based vehicles, as well as in cargo containers when sending luggage or valuable cargo. The beacon can be used to determine the coordinates of a person, for example, a child.

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Principle of operation

Wiring Harness Connection

When connecting devices to an additional output, the current parameters should be taken into account. If the value exceeds 0.2 A, the use of separate relays is required. Operating the beacon in circuits with a high current value will lead to failure of the device. Connecting and disconnecting a channel is done by message. When the output is turned on, the beacon switches to active mode.

Settings

After installing the harness and fixing the device, it must be turned on. To do this, you need to press a thin object on the recessed button located on the side. The built-in diode serves as a power-on indication. At the initial stage, the diode is activated for a few seconds, after which it begins to produce single flashes of short duration. After activation, the user has 20 minutes to begin setting up the device. If it was not possible to make the adjustment within the specified time interval, you will need to press the button again.

When setting up, command messages are sent via SMS text messages. A special feature of the Starline M17 beacon is the ability to recognize letters typed in Russian and English. To check the operation of the device, you need to send a message with the factory password value 1234 to the SIM card number in the beacon. After a few minutes (usually from 30 seconds to 6 minutes), a message with GPS or GSM data will arrive.

Exact GPS coordinates can be entered into the navigator's map and the location can be determined. GSM data is entered into the Moby Lighthouse website, which will give an approximate location. The data can be compared with the actual location and determine the accuracy of the device.

Owner number programming

Number programming:

  1. Send a message like “**** +”, where **** means the password.
  2. Receive a response message with the owner’s number in the form “+79*********”.

Without a programmed number and password, it is impossible to control the Starline M17 beacon. If you lose the changed value, you will have to reset the factory settings.

change Password

To change your password you need to:

  1. Send a command message in the format “**** P [new password value]” to the device number. The value **** means the old password. An example of a command is “1234 R 4321”.
  2. Wait for a response message from the beacon, which will contain the access password. The code must be remembered and written down in a safe place.

Setting the date

Setting the date and current time:

  1. Send a message like “**** T”, where **** is the password. After receiving the SMS, the unit will set the date and time based on the service information in the message.
  2. Receive a response notification indicating the programmed time, date and time zone.
  3. If the operator prohibits the transfer of service data, the parameters are configured directly through the text of the message. Command type “**** T [time] [date] [zone]”. The time is entered in 24-hour format, the date is in day/month/year format, and the zone is an integer from -12 to +12. Example message “1234 T 18:40 02/19/2018 +3”. After completing the request, a confirmation message should be sent to the owner’s phone.
  4. Data verification is carried out using the request “****T?”. When making a request from the owner's phone, you do not need to enter a password in the request.

The beacon implements checking and protection against entering incorrect time or date parameters. The clock has a non-volatile memory and is retained when the power is turned off. After the power supply is restored, they resume running from the stopping point (with an error of ±10 minutes). When communication with satellites is established, the time is automatically adjusted and the beacon will send a message to the owner.

An overview of the device is presented by the AutoAudioCenter channel.

registration on the site

If you need to monitor an object in real time, you will need to register the device on the manufacturer’s website. This requires the IMEI number, which is located on a sticker located on the back cover of the device. The number can be obtained by using the command “**** Info” or “**** info”.

The response message will contain the following information:

  • device serial number;
  • firmware version;
  • processor version;
  • IMEI number;
  • voltage at the battery terminals and charge level (in the form of a three-digit indicator);
  • device temperature.

Monitoring setup

When using monitoring, the user must remember the features of the mode:

  • the device operates with increased energy consumption and can discharge new batteries in 1-2 days;
  • GPRS service must be enabled in the tariff plan on the device’s SIM card;
  • It is recommended to check the cost of traffic when transmitting via GPRS;
  • when the cellular signal is lost, movement data is accumulated in the device buffer and transmitted in a packet when communication is restored;
  • the buffer can store movement data for five days (in polling mode once every 10 seconds);
  • When the monitoring mode is active, it is possible to control the device by transmitting commands.

To enable monitoring you must:

  1. Send a text like “MON +”.
  2. Receive a message about the start of monitoring.
  3. After a few minutes, you will receive additional confirmation that the monitoring mode is enabled.

To monitor movements, it is necessary to ensure that the device is automatically connected to the monitoring server at the moment the ignition is activated and the signal is broadcast until the end of the trip:

  1. Connect the positive power supply terminal to the ignition switch.
  2. Send the text message “**** POWER – A M+” to the beacon.
  3. Wait for a response notification with the following text: “External power: beacon is constantly active, monitoring.” To configure external power parameters, it is permissible to use shortened versions of the POWER or Power commands with the addition of parameter values. Information about the parameters is available in the configuration tables.

To check the operating mode and settings of the Starline M17 beacon, use a request like “**** Power?” or “**** Food?”

Video provided by the DPSGAVTO channel.

User manual

It is recommended to operate the beacon in activation mode once a day, which theoretically will increase the battery life to two years. The capacity is enough to carry out 500 sessions of connection with satellites with data transmission over the cellular network. This parameter can be used to independently calculate the battery life.

When operating the device in low temperature conditions (below minus 25 ºС), the natural decrease in battery capacity should be taken into account. At certain moments, communication gaps and lack of messages from the beacon are possible. When the temperature rises, the operating mode is restored.

When using the device, you can determine operating modes by the indicator.

Activation and deactivation of the alarm mode

To enable the alarm mode, several commands can be used:

  • **** !;
  • **** A (on Russian or English layout);
  • ****Alert or alarm.

Returning to normal mode is performed with the commands:

  • **** - (minus sign);
  • **** N or N (on English and Russian layout);
  • **** Norm or norms;
  • ****Normal or normal.

Activation of wiretapping

Enabling wiretapping is performed with a request like:

  • **** WITH;
  • **** Call;
  • **** call.

The listening session mode does not exceed four minutes, after which it automatically turns off.

GPRS mode

To use GPRS mode you will need:

  1. Send the text “**** I” or “**** I”.
  2. The device will automatically receive data from your telecom operator. In case of errors in operation, the parameters are written with the command “**** I [login] [password]”, where the APN parameter is the address of the access point. All data can be obtained from your mobile operator.
  3. To check the parameters, you can use the command “**** I?” or “**** And?”.

Reset

In the Starline beacon, it is possible to reset settings to factory values:

  1. Send the command “**** Reset” or “**** reset”.
  2. Receive a response indicating all restored factory settings.
  3. Make changes to the settings.

The second option for returning to factory mode is possible:

  1. Unscrew the six screws and remove the back cover of the device.
  2. Remove the batteries.
  3. Press the activation button and reinsert the batteries. The control diode should turn on.
  4. Release the button until the diode turns off, which goes out and turns on again after two seconds.
  5. While the diode is on, press the button again. The reset will be confirmed by four long flashes of the LED.
  6. Turn the beacon on and off using the button on the side panel.
  7. Set new operating parameters.

  1. Activate GPRS mode.
  2. Send the command “**** Fwupdate” or “**** flashing”.
  3. If there is no firmware, the unit will send a message about the latest software version installed. If there is firmware, the unit will download it and automatically write it to memory. All settings will remain unchanged.

If the beacon malfunctions, the software can be rebooted. To do this, use the “**** Restart” or “**** reboot” commands.

  • Sleep mode does not turn on. This occurs due to continuous commands from the owner's phone or setting the alarm period to less than five minutes.
  • There is no connection to satellites or the cellular network. This is one of the common complaints about the device, often found in reviews. The lack of communication occurs due to shielding of the beacon with metal elements or incorrect orientation of the device in space. The second reason may be the presence of an interference source located near the beacon.
  • Increased error in determining coordinates. Observed when connecting with a small number of satellites (less than three) and signal reflections from high-rise buildings.
  • Rapid battery drain occurs due to a constantly active alarm mode, disconnection of the wiring harness from the main network, or prolonged operation in listening mode.
  • No response to SMS. There may be several reasons - device failure, discharge of lithium cells, errors when entering a password, the location of the beacon outside the network coverage area, lack of funds on the balance.

    • The video from the AvtoGSM channel shows a brief overview of the configuration and configuration features of the Starline M17 beacon.

    Actions in case of car theft

    When a vehicle is stolen or cargo is stolen, the following sequence of actions is recommended:

    1. Report the fact of theft to law enforcement agencies.
    2. Submit a request to a beacon of the form “**** B1 15M T”, which will switch the device to the mode of transmitting coordinates every 15 minutes.
    3. Wait for a response message to arrive. Until this point, it is not recommended to send additional messages within 24 hours.
    4. Clarify the location of the object based on the data received and transfer the information to law enforcement officers.
    5. When the satellites are used, the owner will receive approximate data from the GSM network. After arriving at the intended location, you must turn on the wiretapping mode and periodically sound a loud sound, for example, with a horn. When receiving a repeat sound from the beacon with a slight delay, you will need to finally clarify the location of the vehicle or cargo.

    If the search is unsuccessful, you should increase the contact time to several hours and wait for a message with coordinates. The car or cargo may remain in a garage or closed parking lot for several days. As soon as the car leaves the open space, the beacon will inform the owner of the coordinates.

    Advantages and disadvantages

    According to reviews from owners and reviews in periodicals, the Starline M17 lighthouse has a number of positive aspects:

    • availability of dual power (from the on-board network and batteries);
    • it is possible to configure parameters via remote access;
    • high-quality assembly;
    • fast connection with satellites;
    • stable connection with satellites;
    • accuracy of coordinate determination;
    • ease of setup;
    • the ability to track movements through your personal account on the manufacturer’s official website;
    • when using your personal account, you can view trip parameters (start and end points, stop time, speed on sections);
    • Most users note the low cost of purchasing and installing a beacon, as well as the invisibility of the work for an attacker.

    Individual copies of the device are subject to criticism, which can be attributed to a manufacturing defect or incorrect configuration:

    • problems with work were noted in some regions, for example, in Crimea;
    • There are instances with expired SIM cards included;
    • the SIM cards included in the kit often have unfavorable tariffs;
    • spontaneous activation of the motion sensor due to temperature changes, for example, when placing the car in a warm garage in winter);
    • expensive replacement batteries;
    • there are specimens with partially discharged batteries;
    • freezing software that can only be fixed by rebooting;
    • software failures (shift in the time of sending SMS), which return to normal after a few days;
    • low signal level from the microphone, which is why the listening mode is quiet;
    • high power consumption in operating mode, which quickly consumes standard batteries;
    • low sensitivity of the transceiver when installed deep in the cabin or mounted behind metal panels.

    Price

    As of February 2019, the price of the M17 beacon without installation averages 5,400 rubles. The cost of installation on a car costs the consumer up to 2 thousand rubles.

    Video “Installing a beacon on a car”

    The video, shot by the AvtoGSM channel, demonstrates the procedure for installing a beacon on a passenger car.

    After describing the main capabilities and differences in the technical part of the StarLine M15 Beacon in the article “Review of the StarLine M15 GPS Beacon,” let’s move on to a practical acquaintance with its capabilities. And we’ll find out what new the Starline Company has brought to us in the StarLine M15 Lighthouse.

    After purchasing any Bookmark Beacon and familiarizing yourself with its capabilities and reading the instructions, the next natural step is to configure it and prepare it for operation in the desired operating mode.

    ACTIVATION.
    What needs to be done with the StarLine M15 Beacon so that it is ready for use in the stowage mode in a personal car - you first need to press the button on its body. I must say that the button is located behind a rubber membrane and fingers without foreign objects will not be able to press it. Therefore, we do this with something sharp, but not too sharp, so as not to cut through the elastic and deprive the device of its main advantage - water resistance. So - we press this button with a pen, pencil or Phillips screwdriver - and we see how the white LED lights up, which lights up very brightly, which is clearly visible even in the daytime - I hope this does not greatly affect the battery consumption.

    After this, unlike previous Starline Beacon GPS models, we do not have the standard 5 minutes to carry out all the necessary settings, but a whole 20 minutes. And these 20 minutes allow you to set up the StarLine M15 Beacon in a calm mode - without haste and without fear that it will fall asleep and you will need to wake it up again by pressing a button.

    This should help, first of all, inexperienced car owners who, when purchasing a GPS tracker for the first time, decide to set it up themselves, without resorting to the help of specialists. Because Often in such situations, due to lack of experience, they set up while simultaneously reading the instructions and, as a result, they do not have time to complete the allotted 5 minutes, and then wonder why the device does not show signs of life and does not respond to commands.

    SETUP. Option #1.
    Next, we have several options for setting up the StarLine M15 beacon - this is to configure it in a very quick and convenient way through the website www.mayak.mobi, where in a convenient and intuitive form you can make all the necessary settings and fully prepare the GPS beacon to work as a bookmark. To configure the Beacon on the website, you only need to know the phone number of the SIM card located in it. The number can be found on the back of a small piece of paper with a description of the tariff - it should be noted that the SIM card, as usual, contains only 5 rubles, which is only enough to get a few answers from the StarLine M15 GPS beacon during setup. Therefore, I strongly recommend that you take the advice from the tariff description - and deposit money into your SIM card account before starting to set up the tracker - the minimum amount in accordance with the tariff included is 65 rubles.

    To operate the StarLine M15 beacon as a bookmark, you need to configure the following parameters:
    Basic settings:
    - “Owner number” - so that the beacon responds to your SMS.
    - “Beacon name” - will be in the header of SMS messages sent by the beacon.
    - “Message language” - Russian or English available.
    - “Format of SMS messages sent by the beacon” - which sets the method for displaying coordinates sent from the beacon upon request.
    - “Low balance warning threshold” - to warn about approaching a low balance.

    First alarm:
    - “Start of work” - set the date and time when the beacon should wake up for the first time according to this alarm clock.
    - “Operation interval” - set the period of time after which the beacon will wake up in the future.
    - “Send every time you wake up” - set the operating mode.

    Second alarm clock: - set by analogy with the first.

    Motion sensor settings:
    - “Motion sensor” - turn it on or off depending on the tasks assigned to the beacon.
    - “Sensor sensitivity” - set the response sensitivity. Three sensitivity thresholds are available.
    - “Prohibition of repeated notification” - set the period of time during which the prohibition of repeated sending of SMS via the motion sensor will be in effect.

    Advanced settings:
    Here we set the time zone, number for requesting a balance and settings for the mobile Internet (APN, login and password) in accordance with the selected Cellular operator.
    And press the “Set up beacon” button - that’s it, the device is ready for use - all that remains is to hide it in the car.

    SETUP. Option #2.
    If for some reason at the time of setting up the M15 beacon you are not able to access the Internet, then the second setup option is to install all the described modes via SMS messages.
    In order to start using the M15 Lighthouse as a bookmark, the minimum necessary steps are to perform the following basic steps:

    Set “Owner number”
    - send SMS with the text “1234 +”
    !!! Please note that there must be a space between the password and the "+" sign - "1234space+" - this applies to all other commands - there must be a space after the password. There is no clear description of this moment in the instructions, and the pictures on the tips are also not very clear...
    In this case, the owner’s number will be your phone from which the SMS will be sent. If you need to make another phone number the owner, then send an SMS with the following content: “1234space+7phone number”, for example “1234 +79121231212”.

    Set “Contact Schedule”
    - for example by sending - “1234 B1 4H K”
    You can configure Alarm Clock No. 1 so that Machok goes on the air every 4 hours and does not waste batteries on determining coordinates, but only waits for a command to go into active mode to search for a stolen car.

    That's it - the StarLine M15 beacon is ready to be installed on a car as a bookmark. In the future, you can make other settings using SMS commands, but it will be much easier to find the opportunity to configure the StarLine M15 beacon using an online service.

    EXPLOITATION.
    In order to use an accelerated method to draw a conclusion about the quality of the Satellite signal reception - during testing, I configured the StarLine M15 beacon to go on air every hour, while the beacon had to determine the coordinates and send an SMS message in a convenient way for checking on the phone format - with a link to a map with the received coordinates. At the same time, it was immediately located in places that were quite difficult to receive Satellite signals - where it showed confident work in determining GPS coordinates where at one time the StarLine M11 beacon could not cope. And even if GPS coordinates were not determined somewhere, the beacon quite accurately determined the coordinates from the base stations of GSM networks.

    Additionally, during this accelerated test, the correct operation of the motion sensor was checked, in case the StarLine M15 beacon is not used as a GPS bookmark in its pure form, and not only search functions are required, but also some security ones. So, when you turn on the motion sensor and adjust its sensitivity, you can also receive a simplified alarm function from the beacon - a notification to your phone about unauthorized movement of a controlled object.

    But we should not forget that activating a motion-based beacon leads to a reduction in the number of communication sessions over a given period - and as a result, the total operating time of the device as a bookmark on batteries alone is reduced. So, for example, with the configured communication period - 2 times a day (every 12 hours) - a trip to work and back will cause another 2 wake-ups of the beacon - as a result of which the operating time of the beacon without changing batteries will be reduced by almost 2 times.

    As a result, within 9 days with a period of 1 hour and additional waking up due to movement, the StarLine M15 beacon on one set of batteries made about 250 communications with determining coordinates and sending SMS messages. Those. we can say that this is the minimum number of communication sessions that a given beacon can make without replacing batteries, because one of the most energy-intensive operating modes was turned on - if the StarLine M15 beacon is used purely as a GPS bookmark and configured to go on air in standby mode with an SMS command to switch to the active search mode, then due to the disabled GPS module, the consumption and resource will be significantly reduced The batteries will last for more wakeups and broadcasts.

    In general, the StarLine M15 beacon in operation proved to be a completely reliable device, without obvious glitches or comments. What is especially noteworthy is the simple and intuitive setup, which will allow you to quickly prepare the device for operation. I was also very pleased with the fact that during testing, the StarLine M15 beacon showed good accuracy in the operation of software alarms and there was no running forward or backward; actual communication was not observed, as in previous models. This is a rather pleasant little detail, indicating the stability of the device and allowing you to count on it, rather than waiting for a catch at the most crucial moment - when your car is already in the hands of thieves.

    GPS tracker M17 Starline is a search and security device used to determine the coordinates of a car, with a built-in function of notifying the car owner about the movement of the vehicle. The tracking system operates on the basis of data received from navigation satellites.

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    Purpose and capabilities

    Overview of the main features of a miniature search device for a car:

    1. Information about the location of objects is transmitted to the car owner’s phone via SMS messages. You can configure the equipment so that the text contains a link to a site with a map fragment.
    2. The consumer can implement control of additional external equipment using a universal channel, controlling the movement of the vehicle using special applications for a phone or computer.
    3. Surveillance equipment is characterized by the use of a built-in microphone. This allows the car owner to listen to what is happening in the cabin using a mobile device.
    4. One of the main components of the “beacon” is the built-in motion controller. This allows the device to timely determine the moment the vehicle begins to move.

    If the service life of the GPS tracker's power supplies decreases, information about this will be sent to the car owner's number.

    Specifications

    Description of the main properties of the Starline M17 Moby beacon:

    • information is transmitted using the GSM 900/1800 MHz communication standard;
    • the device is equipped with two built-in antenna modules - GSM and GPS class;
    • The “beacon” is equipped with a GLONASS/GPS receiver model MTK333;
    • the accuracy of determining coordinates in typical conditions for the device via the GLONASS channel is up to 10 meters;
    • if the signal reception quality is weak, the range of coordinate determination will increase to 500 meters;
    • when calculating the location of a car using the GSM standard, the accuracy of identifying coordinates in the city will be up to 800 m, and outside the city - up to 30 km;
    • two 1.5 Ah batteries are used to power the “beacon”;
    • The service life of the power supplies in the device is up to two years;
    • The maximum load current parameter for the beacon is 200 mA.

    The AutoAudioCenter channel spoke about the characteristics and capabilities of the M17 GPS tracker.

    The principle of operation of a GPS beacon

    The operating principle of the M17 Starline GPS beacon is based on tracking the signal emitted by the device using international navigation satellites of the space systems of Russia and the USA.

    Determining coordinates

    The procedure for calculating the location is carried out in accordance with data from GLONASS and GPS satellites. The message that comes to the user indicates information about the movement of the car, as well as the direction of its movement.

    The operation of the GLONASS channel may be difficult in underground parking lots and garages. In such cases, the car owner’s phone receives an SMS with information about four GSM base stations with which the device was able to establish a connection. Such data obtained will be less accurate. The consumer needs to configure the correspondence between the identifiers of GSM base stations in advance. To do this, you can use the manufacturer’s official web resource.

    Monitoring

    Data transmission is carried out via GPRS channel and is carried out to a special monitoring service. The user can log into it via a computer or phone and monitor the movement of the car online. When transmitting information to the server, the power consumption of power supplies will be higher. Therefore, it is recommended to connect the “beacon” to an external battery.

    Operating modes of the M17 Starline GPS beacon

    The anti-theft security device can operate in two modes - normal and alarm. Depending on this, the main parameters of the “beacon” operation are determined.

    Normal

    In this state, the device spends most of its time in sleep mode. The beacon is pre-configured to turn on at certain hours when a communication session begins. When activated, the installed “gadget” will send information about the coordinates of the vehicle to the car owner’s number. The user independently configures the time interval, which can range from 1 to 30 days.

    Features of normal mode:

    • battery power is consumed more economically;
    • There is the possibility of hidden installation and connection of a beacon - external batteries and accumulators are not required to power the device.

    Alarm mode

    In this state, the “beacon” is always in touch. Thanks to this, the car owner can send a message to the device at any time and receive a response. If the beacon operates in alarm mode, then the charge of its built-in batteries may last for no more than 2 weeks. Therefore, in this case, it is recommended to connect the M17 Starline GPS tracker to the car battery.

    The “Avtoinstall” channel talked about the operation modes of the M17 Starline GPS tracker and showed what to do if a car is stolen.

    Equipment

    The package includes:

    • "beacon" M17 Starline;
    • wire for connecting to an external power source;
    • two CR123A batteries;
    • SIM card;
    • service book with control commands;
    • description of the current tariff for the SIM card;
    • service quick start guide;
    • installation instructions.

    How to install correctly?

    The likelihood of attackers finding and disabling the beacon will decrease if it is installed in the most unexpected and hidden place. It is not recommended to trust the installation of the device to third-party service centers; according to safety rules, the installation of the GPS tracker must be done by yourself.

    Rules for installing a beacon:

    • the module must be placed with the lid facing up;
    • the housing of the control unit should not be covered with metal products or metallized tint film, otherwise the signal quality will decrease;
    • it is possible to install the device under interior trim elements, in particular door trims;
    • it is necessary to ensure that it will not be exposed to moisture or high temperatures;
    • it is advisable to provide additional protection for the terminal block with wires;
    • Do not install the module near the air ducts of the heating system;
    • The installation location of the control unit must be checked for stable communication with satellites;
    • To prevent an attacker from intercepting a signal using a nonlinear locator, the “beacon” should be placed next to the standard electronic module.

    Installation diagram

    Device connection:

    1. The wire in black insulation is designed to connect the negative signal to the vehicle's electrical network.
    2. The red sheathed cable is used for connection with the positive terminal. The device can be powered from the car's electrical network, designed for 12-24 volts.
    3. The blue cable is for connecting an additional output signal. If you are connecting an alarm or power unit blocking relay, it must be taken into account that the maximum current should be no more than 0.2 A.
    4. The green contact is designed to transmit pulses from external equipment to the device.

    When connecting the M17 Starline GPS tracker, you cannot use external power sources whose voltage is less than 9 or more than 33 V.

    Photo of the connection diagram for the contacts of the M17 Starline GPS tracker module

    Step-by-step instruction

    Installation Guide:

    1. The instrument cluster is being removed. It is recommended to install the M17 control unit behind it as in the most hidden place.
    2. The decorative trim of the interior is being dismantled. If necessary, the facing elements of the air duct are removed.
    3. A “beacon” is installed in a free space.
    4. The module is connected to the standard wiring cables.
    5. The device is fixed in the seat. It is better not to use double-sided tape; it is more important to use plastic ties.

    Setting up a beacon

    Before operation, you need to make sure that the device is connected correctly, so the beacon should be turned on. When activated, the LED indicator on the device’s body will light up.

    basic settings

    When initially adjusting parameters, the following commands are used:

    Team
    1234PASSWORD [new PIN][status]

    Command to change PIN code:

    • 1234 — password that is assigned to the device initially during production;
    • status - a command to determine whether a code is required when sending messages. If you write “+” in brackets, the function will be enabled, if “-” it will be disabled.
    1234T

    Command to automatically set time and date.

    If this parameter needs to be configured manually, then a message is sent with the text: 1234Т[time][date][zone]:

    • time is selected in the format HH: MM, date - DD. MM. YYYY.;
    • The UTC standard is used to assign a time zone.
    1234B1 [time][date][interval][format]The user has the ability to configure two alarms
    1234F [format]

    Setting up message type:

    • if the symbol L is indicated in brackets, then SMS will be sent in link format;
    • if T - in text format;
    • if LT is a combined message type.
    1234ENGLISH or 1234RUSSIANTo select the language of incoming SMS, use the commands

    User Oleg Uspensky spoke about the basic settings, as well as about using the Personal Account to manage the M17 Starline “beacon”.

    Advanced settings

    Service functions

    TeamFunction
    1234FWUPDATE

    Checking software versions:

    • if during diagnostics the device does not detect the presence of new firmware, the user’s phone will receive a message “Cancel software update” in response;
    • If there is a new version of the software, you will receive an SMS with the text “The software update process has started.”
    1234INFO

    Request for service information.

    The response message states:

    • device serial number;
    • firmware version;
    • identifier;
    • temperature of the “gadget”;
    • battery voltage.
    1234USSD[request]

    Text for sending short commands.

    They can be used for:

    • determining the account balance;
    • tariff changes;
    • activation and deactivation of the service.
    1234REPORTSubmitting a device performance report
    1234RESTARTReboot the beacon. If it is successful, a corresponding message will be sent to the car owner’s number.
    1234?? Requesting configuration commands

    The Vafin73 channel talked about changing the parameters of the M17 Starline search device, as well as using service options.

    User manual

    In any case, the standard access code must be changed to avoid information leakage to attackers. After changing the password, you should write it down separately.

    Control commands

    List of basic commands:

    Setting the owner number

    To complete the task of setting a phone number, a message is sent with the text “1234+” or “1234+ХХХХХХХХХХ”, where “1234” is the PIN code and “ХХХХХХХХХХ” is the phone number. In response to the command you will receive information about successful binding.

    Operating mode selection

    Algorithm for selecting a GPRS operating mode:

    1. A message with the text “1234I” is sent to the beacon number.
    2. The “gadget” will begin synchronization to work with the cellular operator.
    3. To ensure that the parameter is activated, use the command “1234I?”.

    To assign a normal operating mode, you must send SMS “1234-” or “1234NORMAL”. To enable the audio control function, the message “1234C” is transmitted.

    Request to determine coordinates

    To receive notification about the location of the car, use the following commands:

    1. The password for access is sent in an empty message. Information about the coordinates of the vehicle will be transmitted in a standard format.
    2. If you need to receive data in expanded form, you must send the command “1234#” or “1234FULL”.

    Setting up motion notification

    You can control the motion notification mode by sending a message with the text “1234D+”. To change this parameter, use the command “1234D SM 60”. It is possible to send a command in Russian, then the text will be “1234D SM 60”.

    Download free installation and operating instructions in PDF format

    You can download the service manual for managing and installing the M17 Starline “beacon” using the following links:

    Advantages and disadvantages

    Main advantages:

    • the possibility of using dual power supply for the device - from the machine’s electrical network and batteries;
    • high-quality assembly of the structure - Starline modules are supplied in a protected shock-resistant case;
    • fast connection to satellites, as well as stable communication in city conditions;
    • ease of initial setup and parameter adjustment;
    • the ability to operate the device unnoticed when installed hidden.

    Disadvantages of the model:

    • There may be malfunctions in the operation of the “beacon” when it is used in certain regions, for example, on the Crimean peninsula;
    • The beacon may include an expired SIM card;
    • the tariffs offered by operators for working with SIM cards included in the kit are usually unprofitable;
    • the device may operate randomly in the event of a temperature difference;
    • high cost of built-in batteries;
    • during operation, the program may freeze in the device, as a result of which it will have to be rebooted;
    • periodic failures in the functioning of the software;
    • when working in audio control mode, the sound will be weak due to the low signal level from the microphone;
    • When operating in active mode, the device consumes more energy, as a result of which the battery discharges quickly;
    • According to reviews, if the “beacon” is installed deep in the cabin, this can lead to a decrease in the sensitivity of the device.

    What is the price?

    Average prices for purchasing the M17 Starline GPS tracker:

    Video

    User Semyon Galyutin in the video showed the process of tracking a car and talked about the features of setting up the M17 Starline search “beacon”.



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