Topten TK218 User manual

OBD-II GPS Tracker
USER MANUAL
(Model:TK218)
Version 1.0
(Date: Apr.25, 2019)

TK218 OBD-II GPS Tracker User Manual
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CONTENT
Preface...............................................................................................................................2
I. Features & Functions..................................................................................................... 3
II. How to Operate it......................................................................................................... 4
Authorize the Alarm-received Phone No....................................................................................... 4
Arm/Disarm by Phone Calling....................................................................................................... 4
Check the Vehicle’s Status..............................................................................................................5
Arm/Disarm the System by SMS................................................................................................... 5
Check the location by Google Map’s URL.................................................................................... 5
Monitor the Voice........................................................................................................................... 5
Check the Real Physical Address................................................................................................... 6
Change User Password................................................................................................................... 6
Over-speed Alert.............................................................................................................................6
Power Save Mode...........................................................................................................................7
Switch CAN-Bus Protocol............................................................................................................. 7
Other SMS Command List............................................................................................................. 7
III. The Setting for GPRS Connection............................................................................ 10
IV. Transmission of CAN-BUS Data.............................................................................. 11
V . Specifications............................................................................................................ 12
VI. Alarm Types.............................................................................................................. 13
VII. Installation............................................................................................................... 14
VIII. FAQs & Troubleshooting....................................................................................... 15
IX. Maintenance.............................................................................................................. 15

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Preface
TK218 OBD-II GPS tracker can also be used to do vehicle's telemetry via
OBD connector, it can read the vehicle's ECU's data (speed, rpm, odometer,
speed, fuel consumption, harsh acceleration, harsh brake, trouble cord, driver
behavior data...etc) via CAN-BUS.
It has plug & play design, which is compatible with all the cars with OBD-II
connector, and it supports all the CAN-BUS protocols as followings:
No.
Protocol standard
Vehicle type
1
ISO 9141-2
(Asian, European, Chrysler)
2
ISO 14230 (KWP)
Cars
3
ISO15765 (CAN)
Cars
4
SAE J1939
Most trucks
5
ISO 27145
Truck brand: Scania, Man,
Benz(Actros)
Read it Firstly:
Please read this manual thoroughly before you use the device; please keep
it for future reference.
Attention:
(1) Please keep the device away from heavy water, high temperature, heavy
dust or strong magnetism.
(2) Please prepare a valid GSM SIM card in advance.
(3) For safety reason, do not tell other people the mobile phone number of
your tracker.

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I. Features & Functions
1. Plug & play design with OBD-II connector, compatible with all the vehicles
with OBD-II connector, supports most of vehicles with the CAN-BUS;
2. Track on command or by time interval via SMS/GPRS;
3. Arm/disarm by SMS or phone call.
4. Check the car’s real physical address (such as city name, street name.);
5. Track by mobile SMS to get the latitude, longitude, speed, direction &
odometer etc.
6. Check the location directly by the Google map’s URL;
7. Data logger to store 5520 waypoints.
8. Smart engine ON/OFF detection;
9. Odometer function
10. Over-speed alarm;
11. Movement alarm which can be used as an alarm;
12. Engine on alarm;
13. Vibration alarm;
14. Power failure alarm, with internal rechargeable backup battery;
15. Routine optimization when vehicle turns a corner;
16. Monitor the voice;
17. Voltage range: 10V-60VDC, suitable for motorcycle, car or big truck.
18. Reliable design of framework with hardware watchdog.
19. Extreme power save working mode, power consumption could be less than
4mA.
20. Detection on internal battery's volume & vehicle battery's voltage.
21. Remote diagnostics function. Transmission of the CANBUS data via GPRS
network: (1) Vehicle's real-time data: battery's voltage, RPM, speed, TAP
throttle opening, engine load, coolant temperature, fuel consumption,
odometer, error code & times, acceleration times & deceleration times; (2)
Driver behavior data: ignition time, total driving time, total idling time,
average engine hot-start time, average speed, history high speed, history
RPM, total acceleration times & total deceleration times.

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II. How to Operate it
The default user password is 111111.
If the user password is changed, user should send the SMS command with
the new user password instead of 111111.
XXX is the control code, all the letters must be capital letters or in small
letters, command with mixed capital letter & small letter is not recognized by
system
Authorize the Alarm-received Phone No.
SMS command: 111111*10 Mobile #1*20 Mobile #2*30 Mobile #3*
In case of alarm, if user wants to get the alarm SMS from the tracker, he/she
needs send the following SMS to program the tracker firstly, otherwise, the alert
information can't be received correctly.
Example: User sends the SMS 111111*1013922713571*2018902267400* to the
tracker’s SIM card number, if there is any alarm, system will send SMS to both of these two
mobiles. In case of SOS alarm, the system will only send alarm to the mobile #2 & mobile
#3.
Arm/Disarm by Phone Calling
User could also use the 1st alarm-received mobile phone to call the
tracker’s SIM card number, so as to arm/disarm the system.
Arm: After hearing several ring tones, if the systems hang up the call
automatically, and call back you, it means that the system is armed.
Disarm: After hearing several ring tones, if the system hangs up the call
automatically, and don’t call back you, it means that the system is disarmed.
Note:
(1) There is no communication fee for this operation, it is a very convenient way to arm
& disarm the system.
(2)The SIM card inside the device must have the function of Caller ID Display.
(3) Only the 1st alarm-received mobile phone can realize this function.

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Check the Vehicle’s Status
SMS command: 111111CHK (or 111111chk)
This instruction is used to inquiry the vehicle’s location & system’s status.
The system will send back the SMS, includes the similar information, such
as “Armed……”
Arm/Disarm the System by SMS
SMS command: 111111ARM (or 111111arm)
This SMS instruction is used to arm the system
When the system is armed, the movement alert is activated automatically.
When the motorcycle/car moves, the alarm will be triggered.
SMS command: 111111DSM (or 111111dsm)
This command is used to disarm the system & stop sending alert SMS.
Check the location by Google Map’s URL
SMS command: 111111MAP (or 111111map)
Upon receiving the SMS command, the tracker will automatically send back
the SMS including the Google map’s URL, user can use smart phone (GPRS
data service is enabled) to open the URL link, the car’s location will be showed
on the Google map.
User can also use the 2nd alarm-received phone to call the tracker, the
tracker will send back the same content with Google link.
Monitor the Voice
SMS command: 111111MON
This instruction is used to monitor the voice around the car. The SIM card
inside the system pays for the communication fee.
SMS command: 111111MON!
This instruction is used to monitor the voice around the car. The user’s
telephone pays for the communication fee.
Example: User uses the mobile [phone] to send 111111MON! to the system,

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then use the mobile [phone] to call the tracker, it will be connected automatically, and
user can monitor the voice around.
SMS command: 111111MON:P1*P2*P3*
This instruction is used to program the phone number which is used for
carrying out direct monitoring.
Once set up, any call from P1 or P2 or P3 will be picked up automatically by
the tracker. By this way, user can monitor the voice conveniently.
Example: 111111MON:13922713571*
Note: If the phone is the same as the first alarm-received phone (111111*10
Mobile #1*20 Mobile #2*), the calling from this telephone can only arm/disarm
the tracker.
Check the Real Physical Address
SMS command: 111111ADD (or 111111add)
User can program the tracker to work with our platform. Once connected, user can
send this SMS command to get the actual address which is translated by the platform..
Remark: (1) The GPRS data service of the tracker’s SIM card must be activated, and
the correct GPRS setting is needed (refer to the chapter of the setting of GPRS
connection); (2) The physical address depends on the map of the platform..
Change User Password
SMS command: 111111PSWnnnnnn (or 111111pswnnnnnn)
This instruction is used to change the user password. The length of the
user’s password is 3~6 digits. Users are suggested to change to the new
password in use.
Example: User sends the SMS “111111PSW12345” to the system SIM card
number, and gets the confirmed SMS “111111PSW12345” in 3 seconds. It
means that the user password has been changed to 12345.
Remark: Please keep the password deep in mind if it is changed.
Over-speed Alert
111111SPD:X x is the speed in KM/H , maximum value is 255KM/H
(For example: 111111SPD:120, if the car speed is over 120KM/H, it will

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send alert SMS to warn you).
111111SPD:0 to disable the over-speed alert. It is the default setting.
111111SPD: to check the setting of over-speed alert.
when the car speed is higher than the speed value, it will trigger the
over-speed alarm.
Remark: this function is just for reference, because there might be some
time delay or error in detecting the running car’s real speed by GPS.
Power Save Mode
SMS command: 111111PWR:X
Value of X
Actions
0 (default)
Disable power save mode
1
Close GPRS connection
2
Close GPRS connection,GPS module
After setting 111111PWR:1(or 2), if there is no vibration and ACC is turned
OFF, the tracker will go into power save mode after 2 minutes.
Once there is vibration or engine is turned ON, or incoming call/SMS, the
tracker will wake up from the power save mode immediately.
Switch CAN-Bus Protocol
111111CAR:X (X=0 or 1)
111111CAR:0 : it uses the protocol for general cars (default)
111111CAR:1 : it uses the protocol for big truck (SAE J1939 & ISO 27145)
Other SMS Command List
Note: ****** is user’s password and the default password is 111111. The
tracker will only accept commands with the correct password.
Functions
SMS Command
Example
Auto Report by SMS
******RPT:X
111111RPT:5

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Remarks: To set time interval for continuous automatic report via SMS.
X is the interval in minute. If X=0 to turn off tracking by time.
Example, the tracker will send location data back to 3rd alarm-received phone(XXX) every 5
minutes. 111111*10*20*30XXX*
Movement Alarm
******MOV:X
111111MOV:500
X: X is the radius of the fence. default setting is 500 meters
=0: close the movement alarm (when tracker is armed, it will be activated automatically.)
Example: it is set the radius of movement alarm as 500meters.
Set the Shock Sensor
******SHK:X
111111SHK:3
It is to set the sensitivity of the shock sensor. X=1~5. (X=1,less sensitive; X=5, most
sensitive; default X=2).
Clear the Parameters
******CLR!
111111CLR!
Remarks: it will reset all the parameters to the default settings.
Reboot the Tracker
******STR
111111STR
It will reboot the tracker immediately.
Routine Optimization
******DEG:X
111111DEG:30
It is to set the angle. When the car turns a corner over this angle, then it will sample a location
to optimize the routine.
Set the Time Zone
******TZN:X
111111TZN:-8.5
It is to adjust the time difference comparing with Greenwich Mean Time, so that the display
time in SMS content is the same as your local time. (+: means earlier, - mean later)
Example: if your local time is 8hours & 30 minutes earlier than Greenwich Mean Time, then
send 111111TZN:-8.5 to adjust it.
Set the Odometer
******ODO:X
111111ODO:1000
111111ODO: It is to check the present odometer;
111111ODO:X It is to set the tracker's initialized odometer as X meter, and start
accumulation.
Set Heartbeat interval
******HRT:X
111111HRT:5

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It is to set the time interval of the tracker's heartbeat packet, default:3minute. Maximum:
65535 minutes.
Clear Data Logger
******NUL
111111NUL
It is to clear the offline GPS data in the data logger
Check the Gprs Setting
******WWW
111111WWW
It is to check the GPRS settings.
Set the threshold of
smart engine detection
******ACC:X
111111ACC:13.0
The default setting is 13.0. For big truck, it is suggested to set as 26.0. User can send
111111ADC to check the real value. the last number in the feedback SMS is vehicle's voltage.
Check firmware version
& IMEI, others
PAR
PAR
It is to check the firmware version, IMEI, device ID GPRS settings, time zone.
Read vehicle VIN no.
******VIN
111111VIN
It is to read out the vehicle's VIN no. from CANBUS. The command works only when the OBD
module is not in sleep mode
Reset fuel consumption
******OIL
111111oil
It is to reset the fuel consumption value of CANBUS data. The command works only when the
OBD module is not in sleep mode
Read & clear error code
******ERR：
& ******ERR
111111ERR：
111111ERR：it is use to read the error code. (with ：at the end of the command)
111111ERR it is to clear the error code . (without ：at the end of the command)
Adjust harsh brake &
acceleration threshold
******USP:X
******DSP:X
111111USP:30
111111DSP:70
X: is the speed(km/h), value range: 0~100 Km/h
If the change of car speed is larger than X between 2 seconds, it will be triggered as harsh
brake or harsh acceleration.
******USP:X : to set the threshold of harsh acceleration
******DSP:X : to set the threshold of harsh brake

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III. The Setting for GPRS Connection
The GPRS setting is necessary for using the following 2 functions:
(1) Check the car’s real physical address by send 111111ADD
(2) Online tracking service by web-based tracking platform
SMS format:
111111WWW:IPN:X;COM:X;APN:apn,user,password;RPT:X;SLP:X; RUN:X;
CAN:X;
IDN: The tracker’s ID, it is the last 14 digits of IMEI which can't be
changed.
IPN: The IP address or domain name of the GPRS server
COM: The communication port for the GPRS server
APN: The Access Point Name for the GSM SIM card.
RPT: The interval for the uploading GPRS packet (Unit: sec.)
SLP: The interval for uploading GPRS packet when Engine is OFF. (unit:
sec.);
RUN: GPRS connection setting. 0=close, 1=TCP.
CAN: The interval for uploading CANBUS data.
Example, if server is: www.topten-track.com, TCP port is 8500, APN is
web.gprs,mtnnigeria.net, apn user:web, apn password: web, time interval is 60
seconds when car is running & 300 seconds when car is parked, CANBUS data
interval is 60 seconds, then the command is:
111111WWW:IPN:www.topten-track.com;COM:8500;APN:web.gprs.mtnnigeria.
net,web,web;RPT:60;SLP:300;RUN:1;CAN:30;
User can send one or more options at the same SMS commands, such as:
111111WWW:IPN:X;COM:X;
This is to set the server’s address and port separately.
Example: 111111WWW:IPN:www.topten-track.com;COM:8500;
111111WWW:APN:X;
The tracker can automatically detect most of the APNs of GSM operator in
the world. But for some operator SIM card, you need to set it manually. Please

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use “,” to separate the APN, APN username & APN password.
Example: 111111WWW：APN：web.gprs.mtnnigeria.net,web,web;
111111WWW:RPT:X;
This is to set the upload time interval. The unit is second, the minimum
value is 10 seconds. The default setting is 20.
Example: 111111WWW:RPT:20;SLP:300；(Upload time interval: Engine ON:
20s, Engine OFF:300seconds)
111111WWW:RUN:X;
X=0; is to close down the GPRS;
X=1; is to open the GPRS via TCP
E.g.: 111111WWW：RUN：1；(Open the TCP connection)
111111WWW
You can send 111111WWW to check the GPRS settings.
Default GPRS Setting
The initiated GPRS setting is:
IPN: www.topten-track.com , COM:8500
APN:(auto detection) RPT: 20 seconds
SLP:180 RUN:1
IV. Transmission of CAN-BUS Data
The CAN-BUS data includes 3 types as followings:
Real-time vehicle data
Driving behavior data
Error Code
These data can be sent to tracking platform remotely via GPRS network or
sent via blue-tooth locally. The real-time vehicle data & driving behavior data
can be transmitted automatically on basis of the time interval, while the Error
code can only be sent out after it gets the request command. If the OBD module

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is in sleep mode, it will not upload the CAN-BUS data any more.
(1) Real-time vehicle data
1. Battery voltage (V)
2.Engine speed (RPM)
3. Running Speed (Km/h)
4. Throttle opening
width (TPS %)
5. Engine load (%)
6. Coolant temperature
(℃)
7. Instantaneous fuel
Consumption (L/100km)
8.Average fuel consumption
(L/100km)
9. Driving range (Km)
10. Total mileage (km)
11. Single fuel consumption
volume (L)
12. Total fuel consumption
volume (L)
13. Current Error code
numbers
14. Harsh acceleration No.
(times)
15. Harsh brake No.
(times)
(2) Driving behavior data
1.Total ignition no. (times)
2.Total driving time (h)
3. Total idling time (h)
4. Average hot start time (s)
5. Average speed (km/h)
6. History highest speed
(km/h)
7. History highest rotation
(rpm)
8. Total Harsh acceleration No.
(times)
9. Total Harsh brake No.
(times)
(3) Error code of the vehicle
The request command should be sent to the device firstly, then it will send
out the error code if it has. User can judge the malfunction type according to the
code.
V . Specifications
Working voltage:
+10.0 ~+60VDC
Power Consumption:
Standby current:12mA
Working current: 35mA;
Deep sleep mode current: <4mA;
Inside Backup battery:
Rechargeable 3.7V 230mAh Li-ion battery
Size of the main unit:
52*38*26 (mm)
Weight of the main unit:
55g
Working temperature:
-20 ~ 85℃
Humidity:
0 ~ 95%
GSM frequencies:
Quad-band: 850MHz/900MHz/1800MHz/1900MHz

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GPS chip:
U-blox 7 chipset
Receiving ways
56 channels
Working frequencies
1575.42Mhz C/A（GPS）
Receiving sensibility
-162dBm
Positioning accuracy
≤10m (wide-open area)
Speed accuracy
≤0.2M/S (wide-open area)
Positioning mode
Auto 2D/3D
Hot start
1 sec., average
Warm start
2 sec., average
Cold start
40 sec., average
VI. Alarm Types
Vibration Alarm
In arming status, if the vehicle is vibrated, it will send out the alarm.
Power Failure Alarm
At any time, ff the car battery is cut off, it will send out the alarm.
Engine ON Alarm
In arming status, if the vehicle engine is ON, it will send out alarm SMS and
call the preset phone.
Movement Alarm
In arming status, the movement alert is enabled automatically. Once the car
moves away from the parking point for the preset distance, it will send out
the alarm..
Over-speed Alarm
At any time, if the vehicle runs over the speed limitation, it will send out the
alarm.

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VII.Installation
The View of the unit's panel
Installation Steps:
(1) Please read the manual carefully before installation. Please prepare a valid
GSM SIM card with Caller ID Display & GPRS function;
(2) Please use the small PIN to push out the SIM card slot, and put the SIM
card inside the slot then put it back to the unit;
(3) Please turn on the switch of the internal backup battery;

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VIII. FAQs & Troubleshooting
FAQ
Troubleshooting
I call the tracker, it does not ring
(1) The GSM SIM card has no credit;
(2) The SIM card is protected by PIN code;
(3) Check the power supply, if 2 LEDs flash;
(4) The SIM card is placed correctly in the slot;
I call the tracker, it rings, but it
doesn’t response with SMS
(1)The user password is wrong, please use the
correct password or reset the password to test;
(2) Low power, please use outside power supply to
power on the unit to test
I can not get the alarm message
(1) The SIM card inside the device has no credit;
(2) The Alert-received mobile number is not
programmed correctly, or the SMS command is not
in correct format;
(3) The mailbox of the user’s mobile is full;
I can not get the correct GPS
coordinates or the location is
wrong
(1) Please make sure there is no metal obstacles
above the tracker. Please place the side with GPS
antenna upside to the sky;
(2) Please check it at broad place;
(3) Please check if the GPS LED flash once every
3 seconds; place the tracker to other place, so as
to make sure that it can receive the GPS siganl well
(4) In cloudy condition, it is a little hard to get the
GPS signal, and the GPS coordinate might have
some errors.
Tracker fails to connect to
server by GPRS
(1) The SIM card must be activated with GPRS
function;
(2) Do the correct setting for GPRS connection
IX.Maintenance
When the car is inside buildings, cave, tunnel, or very close to tall buildings,
the GPS/ GSM signal may not work well and the system may fail to work at
that moment.
Please check the balance of the tracker’s SIM card periodically.
The backup battery. The backup battery can only work for a certain time.
For some vehicles, when the engine is turned off, there is no power on the
OBD rot, in case of it, the unit can only use internal battery work for a while.