Zilogic Systems BlackKite User manual

BlackKite, Vehicle Tracking System
User Manual
1.4.0, May 2016

BlackKite, Vehicle Tracking System User Manual Rev. 1.4.0
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.5 India License. To
view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.5/in/ or send a letter
to Creative Commons, 171 Second Street, Suite 300, San Francisco, California, 94105, USA.

BlackKite, Vehicle Tracking System User Manual Rev. 1.4.0
Zilogic Systems Page iii
Table of Contents
1. Introduction .......................................................................................................................... 1
1.1. Product Overview ....................................................................................................... 1
1.2. Device Highlights ........................................................................................................ 1
1.3. Applications ................................................................................................................ 2
1.4. Specification ............................................................................................................... 2
1.5. Inside the Box ............................................................................................................ 2
2. Device Characteristics ............................................................................................................ 4
2.1. Handling & Safety ....................................................................................................... 4
2.2. LED Indications ........................................................................................................... 4
2.3. Mechanical ................................................................................................................. 5
2.4. Electrical ..................................................................................................................... 5
2.5. Environmental ............................................................................................................ 6
3. Device Configurator ............................................................................................................... 7
3.1. Overview .................................................................................................................... 7
3.2. Installation .................................................................................................................. 7
3.3. BlackKite Configurator Features .................................................................................. 7
3.4. User Interface ............................................................................................................. 8
3.5. Configurator Operations ............................................................................................. 8
4. Device Features ................................................................................................................... 13
4.1. User Authorization .................................................................................................... 13
4.2. Vehicle Parameter Selection ...................................................................................... 14
4.3. Location Tracking ...................................................................................................... 15
4.4. IO Monitoring and Control ........................................................................................ 17
4.5. Alerts ........................................................................................................................ 20
5. Quick Start .......................................................................................................................... 26
5.1. Initial Device Setup ................................................................................................... 26
5.2. Vehicle Installation .................................................................................................... 28
6. Interfaces ............................................................................................................................ 29
6.1. Connector Layout ..................................................................................................... 29
6.2. Connecting Ignition ................................................................................................... 29
6.3. Connecting a Switch ................................................................................................. 30
6.4. Connecting a Relay ................................................................................................... 30
6.5. Connecting a Resistive Fuel Level Sensor .................................................................. 30
6.6. Connecting an SOS Button ....................................................................................... 31
7. Commands .......................................................................................................................... 32
7.1. Device Info Commands ............................................................................................. 32
7.2. Device Management Commands .............................................................................. 32
7.3. SOS Commands ........................................................................................................ 33
7.4. Location and IO Commands ..................................................................................... 33
7.5. Configuration Commands ......................................................................................... 34
8. Firmware Upgrade ............................................................................................................... 40
9. Server Protocol .................................................................................................................... 42
9.1. Message Format ....................................................................................................... 42
9.2. HEAD Message ......................................................................................................... 42
9.3. MAIN Message .......................................................................................................... 43
9.4. ALERT Message ......................................................................................................... 43
9.5. Vehicle Information .................................................................................................. 43
9.6. Sample Packets ......................................................................................................... 48
9.7. Archive ..................................................................................................................... 49
A. Document Revision ............................................................................................................. 50
B. Warranty ............................................................................................................................. 51

BlackKite, Vehicle Tracking System User Manual Rev. 1.4.0
Zilogic Systems Page iv
B.1. LIMITED HARDWARE WARRANTY ............................................................................... 51
B.2. EXCLUSIONS ............................................................................................................. 51
B.3. HARDWARE RETURN PROCEDURES ........................................................................... 51
B.4. HARDWARE REPLACEMENT PROCEDURES ................................................................. 52
B.5. ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES ................................................................................. 52
B.6. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY .......................................................................................... 52

BlackKite, Vehicle Tracking System User Manual Rev. 1.4.0
Zilogic Systems Page 1
Chapter1.Introduction
1.1.Product Overview
BlackKite-Fleet, is a cellular telemetry device, which collects location information of a vehicle, via
GPS and transmits the data to a remote server via GPRS. The device also features multiple inputs
and outputs to monitor and manage the in-vehicle parameters such as ignition state, fuel level, etc.
The device is highly configurable, which provides flexibility and convenience to the system integra-
tors and vehicle owners, to take complete control of their fleet.
1.2.Device Highlights
1.2.1.Interfaces
• Dual band GSM/GPRS for connectivity
• High accuracy GPS for location sensing
• Status LEDs useful for device installation and troubleshooting
• Digital inputs to remotely monitor in-vehicle status like door lock, oil level indication and fair
meter
• Digital outputs to remotely control in-vehicle appliances like AC, vehicle audio and infotain-
ment systems
• Analog inputs to monitor parameters like fuel level, vehicle load, and temperature
• Dedicated SOS & ignition inputs with device generated SMS alerts
• Built-in battery for failsafe operation (~4 Hours)
• Serial interface to connect external sensors or devices
1.2.2.Features
• On-line & On-demand tracking via GPRS & SMS
• Configurable data transmission interval, starting from 30 Sec,
• Highly configurable TAG based parameter selection to reduce GPRS traffic
• Configurable Device generated SMS alerts for IO state change
• Configurable Over Speed alert with SMS alerts
• Internal FLASH memory to store 24 hours of data during GPRS outage
• Two level authentication for remote device access (admin & manager)
• Faster GPS lock, with Assisted GPS.
1.2.3.Tamper-proof Design
• Built-in antennas
• SMS alerts on device disconnection
• No external power button and reset button
• No external SIM slot access
1.2.4.Robust Design
• Wider power supply, with surge stopper and load dump protection till 110V
• Surge protected and isolated digital inputs and outputs

BlackKite, Vehicle Tracking System User Manual Rev. 1.4.0
Zilogic Systems Page 2
• Wear-leveled internal Flash data storage
• Watchdog to recover from transient field issues
• System monitor to recover from transient SIM and GPRS network issues
• GPS wander reduction using MEMS sensors
• Fast GPS fix, even in low signal conditions
1.3.Applications
Track & Trace Access real-time location and route history of the vehicle.
Geo-fencing Create virtual geographical fencing for fleets and get alerts when
vehicle enters and exits the boundary.
Vehicle Utilization Monitor and analyze vehicle running and idle states.
Speed Monitoring Monitor vehicle speed and get alerts when vehicle exceeds speed
limits
Fuel Monitoring Monitor and analyze vehicle fuel usage and pilferage
Emergency alerts Communicate location information on emergency situation
1.4.Specification
1.4.1.GPS
• GPS engine: 48 Channels SiRF star IV
• Positioning Accuracy: < 2.5m CEP
• Sensitivity: -163dBm Tracking -160dBm Navigation
• TTFF: < 1s when hot and < 35s from cold (outdoors)
• Antenna: Internal, with high gain
1.4.2.GPRS
• Frequency band: 900/1800 MHz
• GPRS Class 10, Mobile station Class B
• R&TTE & CE compliant
• Sensitivity: -108dBm @ 900 MHz -107dBm @ 1800Hz
• Antenna: Internal
1.4.3.External Interfaces
• 3x digital input, optically isolated
• 3x open collector digital output with short circuit protection.
• 2x analog input ranging
• 1x SOS button interface
• 1x ignition input
• 1x serial interface for external sensor or serial device
• 1x USB port for configuration
1.5.Inside the Box
The BlackKite-Fleet Standard Kit contains the following items that is necessary for vehicle installa-
tion.

BlackKite, Vehicle Tracking System User Manual Rev. 1.4.0
Zilogic Systems Page 3
• BlackKite-Fleet unit
• Battery
• Wire harness
• Quick Start Guide
The BlackKite-Fleet Starter Kit, contains the following items that is necessary for device configura-
tion.
• BlackKite-Fleet Unit
• Battery
• Wire harness
• 12V Power adapter
• Configuration cable
• Quick Start Guide
• CD-ROM
– User Manual
– Configuration Software
• IO Simulator (Optional)

BlackKite, Vehicle Tracking System User Manual Rev. 1.4.0
Zilogic Systems Page 4
Chapter2.Device Characteristics
2.1.Handling & Safety
Note
The device should be installed or debugged only by trained professionals.
Note
Do not open the device when connected in vehicle battery.
Note
Use only the supplied USB cable for configuration.
Warning
The devices produce interference that may affect other devices which are
placed nearby.
Warning
The device is susceptible to water and humidity.
Warning
Any installation and/or handling during a lightning storm is prohibited.
2.2.LED Indications
INT PWR LED ON indicates operating from internal battery
EXT PWR LED ON indicates operating from external battery
GSM LED Fast blinking (Period 1s) Not registered with network Slow blinking (Period
3s) Registered with network ON indicates a call is active
GPS LED Flashing every second indicates GPS fix. Off indicates no GPS fix.
Server LED On indicates device is connected with server. Off indicates device is not
connected with server.

BlackKite, Vehicle Tracking System User Manual Rev. 1.4.0
Zilogic Systems Page 5
2.3.Mechanical
L
W
H1
H2
H = H1+ H2
Table2.1.Dimensions
Dimension Measurement (mm)
Length (L) 137
Width (W) 72
Height (H) 25
2.4.Electrical
Parameter Min Typ Max Unit
Supply Voltage 9 12 36 V
Average Supply Current
30 sec Transmission Period (at 12V supply) - 250 - mA
15 min Transmission Period (at 12V supply) - 110 - mA
Battery Backup Time

BlackKite, Vehicle Tracking System User Manual Rev. 1.4.0
Zilogic Systems Page 6
Parameter Min Typ Max Unit
30 sec Transmission Period (at 12V supply) - 4 - Hours
15 min Transmission Period (at 12V supply) - 4 - Hours
Charging Current (at 12V supply) 100 - - mA
Digital Output (Open Collector)
Sink Current (at 12V supply) 100 - - mA
Digital Input & Ignition
Active Voltage 6 12 36 V
Analog Input
Input Voltage - - 36 V
2.5.Environmental
• Operating temperature: 0 to +55°C

BlackKite, Vehicle Tracking System User Manual Rev. 1.4.0
Zilogic Systems Page 7
Chapter3.Device Configurator
3.1.Overview
BlackKite devices can be configured from PC, using BlackKite Configurator software. To configure
the device, it has to be connected to the PC through the USB cable.
The BlackKite Starter Kit (needs to be purchased separately) has the required accessories like soft-
ware CD-ROM and USB cable, to configure the device. Refer section Section1.5, “Inside the Box”
for starter kit contents.
The following sections describe the installation and usage of the BlackKite configurator.
3.2.Installation
The following software needs to be installed for configuring the BlackKite device.
• BlackKite Configurator
• USB Serial Driver
3.2.1.BlackKite Configurator
The Windows installer for the software is included in the CD-ROM.
The Configurator requires
• Java Runtime Environment 7 (Need to be downloaded from Oracle Site)
• It supports Windows 8, Windows 7 and Windows Vista (Windows XP not supported)
3.2.2.USB Serial Driver
The host system communicates to the BlackKite device through the USB-Serial interface. The dri-
vers for USB-Serial driver for Windows is included in the CD-ROM.
Refer the README.txt in the CD-ROM, for the installation procedure.
3.3.BlackKite Configurator Features
BlackKite Configurator supports following features
• Configuring the device parameters through UI.
• Importing and exporting the configuration to the device.
• Loading and storing the configurations to a file for offline sharing.
• Debugging the device using its command & log interface.

BlackKite, Vehicle Tracking System User Manual Rev. 1.4.0
Zilogic Systems Page 8
Figure3.1.Configurator Operations
3.4.User Interface
The Configurator groups the device parameters, in separate UI screens, allowing the users to easily
navigate through and configure the related parameters.
The user interface has the following elements
Operations Menu which is located at the top of the window, and has options to
choose the device operations like importing, exporting of config-
uration.
Connection Panel which is below the Operations Menu, and shows the device con-
nectivity information.
Configuration Menu which is on left side of the window, and allows to switch between
the different configurations screens.
Screens which is the main area in the app, and shows device parameters
and has provision to configure the device parameters.
Status bar which is at the bottom of the window, and shows Configurator’s
status and error messages.
3.5.Configurator Operations
3.5.1.Connecting To The Device
The device has to be connected to, before any other operation can be performed.
• Press the Connect button in the Connection Panel and the configurator lists the available serial
devices
• Select the BlackKite device from the list and press OK
Figure3.2.Connecting to Device

BlackKite, Vehicle Tracking System User Manual Rev. 1.4.0
Zilogic Systems Page 9
Figure3.3.Selecting Device
On successful connect, the device IMEI is displayed, and the Connect button becomes a Disconnect
button.
Figure3.4.Connection Status
The device need to be disconnected through Disconnect button before it has been unplugged from
the PC. This ensures that the configurations are properly updated to the device.
3.5.1.1.Importing Configuration From The Device
The existing device configuration can be read from device to the in-memory configuration, either
by selecting Menu > Device > Import or by using shortcut key Ctrl + I.
This import operation allows to view the current device configuration, then analyze and update the
new configuration from the UI.
Figure3.5.Import from Device
3.5.2.Editing the Configuration
The device parameters can be configured in the UI screens by navigating through the relevant
screens and selecting individual fields manually.

BlackKite, Vehicle Tracking System User Manual Rev. 1.4.0
Zilogic Systems Page 10
Figure3.6.UI Screens in BlackKite Configurator
The various configuration screens are described below.
Server Configurations for GPRS and server parameters.
Authentication Configurations for authorized phone numbers and their privi-
leges.
Vehicle Parameters Configurations for vehicle parameters that can be sent to server.
Alerts Configurations for alert notifications to be sent through SMS and
GPRS.
FOTA Configurations for firmware upgrade over the air.
3.5.2.1.Exporting Configuration To The Device
The configurations currently available in the in-memory configuration, can be updated to the device
either by selecting Menu > Device > Export or by using shortcut key Ctrl + E.
Figure3.7.Export to device

BlackKite, Vehicle Tracking System User Manual Rev. 1.4.0
Zilogic Systems Page 11
Caution
Suddenly disconnecting the device from PC may lead to a partial configura-
tion of the device. An pop up error would be thrown on sudden disconnec-
tion.
3.5.2.2.Managing Configuration in Files
Even without connecting the device to the Configurator, user can edit the in-memory configuration.
This is called as offline configuration. These configurations can be stored in a file and later can be
loaded to the UI, whenever required.
The offline configuration can be used for the following purposes
• Share common configuration across different computers.
• Archive and reuse default configuration for similar devices.
3.5.2.3.Loading Configuration From A File
The configuration from a file can be loaded either by selecting Menu > File > Load or by using shortcut
key Ctrl + L.
Figure3.8.Load Configuration From File
Figure3.9.Load Status
3.5.2.4.Saving Configuration To A File
The in-memory configuration can be stored to a file either by selecting Menu > File > Save or by
using shortcut key Ctrl S. The Configurator prompts with a file chooser which allows the user to
select the file name and the path.
If any of the required parameters is not configured or misconfigured, the Configurator highlights
that in red color.
Figure3.10.Save

BlackKite, Vehicle Tracking System User Manual Rev. 1.4.0
Zilogic Systems Page 12
Figure3.11.Save the Configuration to File
Figure3.12.Error on Saving Misconfigured Data

BlackKite, Vehicle Tracking System User Manual Rev. 1.4.0
Zilogic Systems Page 13
Chapter4.Device Features
4.1.User Authorization
BlackKite-Fleet can be configured and accessed through SMS, only by authorized users. A user’s
mobile no. has to be added to the device Access Control List, to become an authorized user. The
user can be configured as either a manager or an administrator. The device will respond to the
request received from authorized users, in accordance to their privilege level.
The managers have the below privileges:
• Set / Reset digital outputs
• Receive device generated alerts
• Request location and IO status
The administrators, in addition to manager rights, have the below privileges:
• Device configuration & control
• Receive device generated emergency notification alerts
Let’s consider an example scenario in which there is one administrator with mobile no.
"[phone]" and one manager with mobile no. "[phone]", their numbers can be
added through Configurator GUI or through commands as shown below.
4.1.1.Configuration through GUI

BlackKite, Vehicle Tracking System User Manual Rev. 1.4.0
Zilogic Systems Page 14
1. Click Authentication button on the Configuration menu.
2. Type [phone] in the text box No:1 under Authorized Numbers and select the Access
Privilege as Admin.
3. Type [phone] in the text box No:2 and select the Access Privilege as Manager.
4. Click Connect button on the Connection panel to recognize the BlackKite device.
5. Click Export button in the Device menu for the changes to take effect.
4.1.2.Configuration through Commands
The command sequence is provided below:
1. Send ADD SMSACL +919444118448,1,0,0 to add the administrator.
2. Send ADD SMSACL +919123456789,0,0,0 to add the manager.
3. Send SAVE for the changes to take effect.
4.2.Vehicle Parameter Selection
BlackKite-Fleet is capable of sending various vehicle parameters like location, speed and IO status
to the server, periodically. Each parameter is identified by a tag. Tags for Location, Time and Vehi-
cle Status are not configurable. Tags for IMEI, Speed and Direction, Altitude, Digital Input, Digital
Output, Analog Input 1, Analog Input 2 are configurable. User can select the required tags using
the MAINPACK configuration. This will greatly help the user to reduce the GPRS usage.
Let’s consider an example scenario in which,
1. The user would like to enable transmission of location, time, vehicle status, and digital input.
2. The user would like to disable transmission of digital output.
The configuration can be done through the Configurator GUI or through commands as shown be-
low.

BlackKite, Vehicle Tracking System User Manual Rev. 1.4.0
Zilogic Systems Page 15
4.2.1.Configuration through GUI
1. Click Vehicle Parameters button on the Configuration menu.
2. Select the Digital Input checkbox under Parameters Selection to enable transmission of digital
input status.
3. Deselect the Digital Output checkbox to disable transmission of digital output status.
4.2.2.Configuration through Commands
Each tag is identified by a name, when configuring though commands. The name for each tag is
listed in the table Table7.1, “Tag Name Definitions”.
The command sequence for adding the required tags is provided below:
1. Send ADD MAINPACK LOC , to add the location information
2. Send ADD MAINPACK TIME , to add the date and time information
3. Send ADD MAINPACK STATUS , to add the vehicle status information
4. Send ADD MAINPACK DIN , to add the digital input information
5. Send DEL MAINPACK DOUT , to remove the digital output information
6. Send SAVE, for the changes to take effect.
4.3.Location Tracking
BlackKite-Fleet’s location tracking feature will enable the user to locate and track their vehicle
through web or mobile. The device acquires the location, using the built-in GPS and makes it avail-
able to the user either via GPRS or SMS.

BlackKite, Vehicle Tracking System User Manual Rev. 1.4.0
Zilogic Systems Page 16
4.3.1.On-line via GPRS
When GPRS transmission is enabled, the BlackKite-Fleet acquires and transmits the location infor-
mation continuously to the configured remote server. The transmission period can be configured
between 30 seconds to 2 hours.
The device can auto adjust the transmission frequency, to optimize the GPRS usage, based on
the vehicle state. The vehicle state could be either idle or moving. The state of the vehicle will be
identified using the vehicle ignition. The transmission interval can be configured for each state.
Refer Section6.2, “Connecting Ignition” for connecting vehicle ignition to the device.
Let’s consider an example scenario, in which the APN name is www, the APN username and pass-
word is empty, the server hostname is track.myfleet.com. The port no. is 8081. The transmis-
sion period required is 15 minutes when idle and 30 seconds when moving. The configuration can
be done through the Configurator GUI or through commands as shown below.
4.3.2.Configuration through GUI
1. Click the Server button on the Configuration menu
2. Type WWW in the APN text box.
3. Type track.myfleet.com in the Server text box.
4. Type 8081 in the Port text box.
5. Click the Vehicle Parameters button on the Configuration menu.
6. Type 900 in the Vehicle Idle and 30 in the Vehicle Moving text box under Transmission Interval.