FALCOM DISCO-B4-GLONASS Hardware Manual
THIS DOCUMENT IS AVAILABLE AT HTTP://WWW.FALCOM.DE/
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DISCO-B4-GLONASS
Hardware manual
Version: 1.0.3; Modified: Tuesday 14 May 2013
DISCO-B4-GLONASS HARDWARE MANUAL VERSION 1.0.3
Table of contents
1 INTRODUCTION.................................................................................5
1.1 General......................................................................................................................5
1.2 Circuit concept.........................................................................................................6
1.3 Related documents..................................................................................................7
2 SECURITY.......................................................................................8
2.1 General information.................................................................................................8
2.2 Exposure to RF energy............................................................................................8
2.3 Driving.......................................................................................................................8
2.4 Electronic devices....................................................................................................9
2.5 Vehicle electronic equipment.................................................................................9
2.6 Medical electronic equipment.................................................................................9
2.7 Aircraft.......................................................................................................................9
2.8 Children.....................................................................................................................9
2.9 Blasting areas...........................................................................................................9
2.10 Potentially explosive atmospheres......................................................................9
3 SAFETY STANDARDS.......................................................................10
4 TECHNICAL DATA...........................................................................11
4.1 Product features.....................................................................................................11
4.1.1 Power consumption............................................................................................12
4.1.2 Operating temperatures......................................................................................13
4.1.3 GSM/GPRS engine features..............................................................................14
4.1.4 Navigation features.............................................................................................15
4.2 NMEA data message..............................................................................................16
5 DISCO-B4-GLONASS APPLICATION INTERFACE..............................17
5.1 Power supply..........................................................................................................17
5.1.1 Power supply pins (1 and 2) on the 8-pin connector..........................................17
5.1.2 Automatic shutdown...........................................................................................17
5.1.3 Power saving......................................................................................................18
5.2 Determining the External Equipment Type.........................................................18
6 HARDWARE INTERFACES..................................................................19
6.1 8pin connector, pin assignments.........................................................................20
6.1.1 8-pin connector pinout........................................................................................20
6.1.2 Special pin description (Pins 4, 5, 6)..................................................................21
6.1.2.1 How to use them as analog inputs......................................................................................... 21
6.1.2.2 How to use these pins as digital Inputs (Pin 4, 5, 6)..............................................................23
6.1.2.3 How to use these pins as digital outputs (Pin 4, 5, 6)............................................................24
6.1.2.4 How to use IGN pin(pin 3)......................................................................................................25
6.1.2.5 Serial communication signals (RxA and TxA)........................................................................ 26
6.1.3 4pin row connector.............................................................................................26
6.2 Insert the SIM card holder inside the device.......................................................27
6.2.1 How to enter the SIM card PIN:..........................................................................29
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DISCO-B4-GLONASS HARDWARE MANUAL VERSION 1.0.3
6.3 Mounting.................................................................................................................29
6.4 Audio jacks.............................................................................................................30
6.4.1.1 Audio Interface ..................................................................................................................... 31
7 HOUSING.....................................................................................32
8 APPENDIX....................................................................................33
8.1 Schematics.............................................................................................................33
8.1.1 Installation guidance for 8-pin connector............................................................33
8.2 Setting up DISCO-B4-GLONASS-EVALKIT..........................................................34
8.3 What should be considered when using the DISCO-B4-GLONASS device.....35
Version history:
This table provides a summary of the document revisions.
Version
Author Changes Modified
1.0.3 F. Beqiri - Added "Hint:" - An annual replacement of the O'ring rubber recommended.
- Added chapter 6.2.1 - Procedure for greasing the O-ring.
14/05/2013
1.0.2 F. Beqiri - Added the part number of 8pin connector (Neltron 5560A-08) - Counter part (Neltron 5560T-08)
- Added the part number of 4pin connector (Neltron 5561A-04) - Counter part (Neltron 5560A-04)
- Updated chapter 8.1.1
04/09/2012
1.0.1 F. Beqiri - Changed device name from FOX-LT-IP-GLONASS to DISCO-B4-GLONASS 17/10/2011
1.0.0 F. Beqiri - Initial version. 31/03/2011
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DISCO-B4-GLONASS HARDWARE MANUAL VERSION 1.0.3
Cautions
Information furnished herein by FALCOM is believed to be accurate and reliable. However, no
responsibility is assumed for its use. Please, read carefully the safety precautions.
If you have any technical questions regarding this document or the product described in it, please
contact your vendor.
General information about FALCOM and its range of products are available at the following Internet
address: http://www.falcom.de/
Trademarks
Some mentioned products are registered trademarks of their respective companies.
Copyright
This document is copyrighted by FALCOM WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS GmbH with all rights reserved. No
part of this documentation may be produced in any form without the prior written permission of FALCOM
WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS GmbH.
FALCOM WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS GmbH.
No patent liability is assumed with respect to the use of the information contained herein.
Note
Specifications and information given in this document are subject to change by FALCOM without
notice.
This confidential document is a property of FALCOM and may not be copied or circulated without previous permission.
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DISCO-B4-GLONASS HARDWARE MANUAL VERSION 1.0.3
1 INTRODUCTION
This product manual is only addressed to qualified personnel which are well skilled in
electronical/electrical installation and not addressed to private consumers / end users. The
installation, implementing or setting into operation of the product can only be performed by
qualified personnel.
The status of the product described in the data sheet may have changed since publication of the
data sheet and therefore information in this data sheet on product status may be outdated. The
latest information of the product is available on the download area of the FALCOM website.
1.1 General
FALCOM is providing all kinds of GPS and telematics products as required by the market today.
DISCO-B4-GLONASS unit is a new vehicle tracking system combining GPS and GLONASS positioning
systems with a higher level of reliability for complete telematics functionality. It is a free
configurable smart tracking device which can be fully adapted to user requirements. Using a QuadBand GSM/GPRS technology for two way worldwide communication, the ability to work with
global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) - GPS and GLONASS, a high-capacity Li-Polymer
rechargeable backup-battery, and housed in a weatherproof plastic case, the device is suitable for
a wide range of mixed indoor/outdoor applications in the AVL, fleet management, Asset tracking,
vehicle security and recovery and transit sectors. The device has a protection class IP69K, which
allows mounting of the device permanently on the roof of the vehicles, including buses, trucks,
trains, vessels and other assets. The DISCO-B4-GLONASS device comprises an embedded
configurable software that provides even greater performance and flexibility for its users and
system integrators to develop high-performance applications that allow vehicle tracking via SMS
and over the Internet. The configuration of the DISCO-B4-GLONASS can be done via local serial link
or remotely via SMS or over the Internet. The tracking functionality of the embedded mobile client
application is combined with a variety of alert messaging capabilities. The configurable alert
messages may contain current position, device status and the state of the inputs/outputs lines. In
addition to that two predefined digital inputs are detecting ignition line status and main power (car
battery) failure, so you may handle these events and use as notification.
The embedded software can be controlled by word like “PFAL” commands needed for executing
particular actions, reading or setting particular configurations. These commands are valid for all
kinds of operation channels including Serial, SMS, CSD, TCP and SMTP.
DISCO-B4-GLONASS provides Geofence features for territory management, route verification,
prohibited locations, parking area and more, with exception reporting to a wide variety of events
such as arrivals, departures, deliveries, pick-ups, illegal entries, unauthorized movement, etc.
DISCO-B4-GLONASS contains a data-logger (history feature) that enables you to archive unique
vehicle locations in sequence for up to 45 days for later analysis and evaluation (for example,
archive interval up to 20 sec.).
The physical interface to the device application is made through an integrated 8pin connector. It is
required for controlling the device, receiving GPS location data, transferring data and providing
automotive power supply lines. This connector provides 1 serial interface giving you maximum
flexibility for local use. A separate 4pin double row connector (containing RX, TX, GND and VOUT) is
for connecting a MFD device and two separate audio jacks for directly connecting an active speaker
and a microphone.
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DISCO-B4-GLONASS HARDWARE MANUAL VERSION 1.0.3
DISCO-B4-GLONASS is a device that can be configured and integrated onto any asset platform, including:
- Trailers,
- Trucks,
- Delivery vans,
- Ships,
- Trains,
- Rail cars,
- as well as other industrial monitoring solutions.
and it can be used in a variety of applications, including:
• Real time online tracking,
• Asset Tracking,
• Fleet management / monitoring,
• Security / emergency services,
• Real time satellite navigation,
• Territory management,
• Personalized drivers logbook,
• Route verification,
• Trip management / distance calculations,
• Theft protection,
• Toll collection,
• Pay as you drive.
1.2 Circuit concept
DISCO-B4-GLONASS architecture consists of the following major components (a block diagram is
available below):
HARDWARE ARCHITECTURE:
High-performance Quad-Band GSM/GPRS core,
Combined GPS/GALILEO ready/GLONASS/SBAS receiver for precise positioning,
ARM7TDMI Processor controlling all functions of the system,
Internal GSM antenna,
Internal GPS/GLONASS antenna.
ADDITIONAL OPTIONS TO DISCO-B4-GLONASS
3D motion sensor,
Rechargeable Li-Polymer battery (see Ordering Guide).
CAN-BUS interface
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DISCO-B4-GLONASS HARDWARE MANUAL VERSION 1.0.3
PHYSICAL INTERFACES:
8pin double row connector
Power supply lines,
3 x Multi-line I/Os,
1 x Ignition,
RS232 port (Rx, Tx, GND),
Audio jacks for voice call (1 x Microphone; 1 x Speaker),
Figure 1: DISCO-B4-GLONASS block diagram
1.3 Related documents
Some other PDF documents such as FCC approval, application notes, Certificate of Conformity
R&TTE etc. are also available on the Web at: http://www.falcom.de/ in the published download
area. In addition to this document, the following files comprise the full set of FALCOM DISCO-B4-
GLONASS product manuals:
NR PDF file name Description
[1] AVL_PFAL_Configuration_Command_Set.pdf Contains the description of the internal firmware and the supported
Configuration Command Set for the FALCOM STEPPIII, FOX/-LT/-EN/-IN,
DISCO and BOLERO-LT.
[2] AppNotes_Transform_history_data.pdf Contains information of how to transform history data that is being
transmitted from a FALCOM AVL device via TCP connection.
[3] AppNote_Remote_update.pdf Contains information of how to upgrade FALCOM AVL devices to a new
firmware revision remotely via TCP (server based application).
[4] STEPPIII_FOX_BOLERO_LT_Software_Update.pdf Contains information how to upgrade a FALCOM AVL device to a new
firmware version locally via serial port.
[5] AppNotesRemoteUpdateWithWorkbench.pdf Contains information how to upgrade a FALCOM AVL devices to a new
firmware version remotely via TCP.
These PDF files are viewable and printable from Adobe Reader. If you do not have the Adobe Reader installed, you can
download it from http://www.adobe.com.
This confidential document is a property of FALCOM and may not be copied or circulated without previous permission.
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DISCO-B4-GLONASS HARDWARE MANUAL VERSION 1.0.3
2 SECURITY
IMPORTANT FOR THE EFFICIENT AND SAFE OPERATION OF YOUR GSM-MODEM, READ THIS
INFORMATION BEFORE USE!
Your cellular engine DISCO-B4-GLONASS is one of the most exciting and innovative electronic
products ever developed. With it you can stay in contact with your office, your home, emergency
services and others, wherever service is provided.
This chapter contains important information for the safe and reliable use of the DISCO-B4-
GLONASS device. Please read this chapter carefully before starting to use the cellular engine
DISCO-B4-GLONASS.
2.1 General information
Your DISCO-B4-GLONASS device utilizes the GSM/GPS standard for cellular technology. GSM is a
newer radio frequency („RF“) technology than the current FM technology that has been used for
radio communications for decades. The GSM standard has been established for use in the
European community and elsewhere. Your DISCO-B4-GLONASS is actually a low power radio
transmitter and receiver. It sends out and receives radio frequency energy. When you use your
modem, the cellular system handling your calls controls both the radio frequency and the power
level of your cellular modem.
SIM cards are needed for the use of the acquired devices, which are not included in the scope of
delivery of the device. The SIM cards can be acquired e.g. by specific providers. Additional costs can
result from the use of the SIM cards which are to be borne by the purchaser (client) of the devices.
The seller does not cover the extra costs for the use of the devices. The seller gives no
recommendation for the use of specific SIM cards and is not liable for the fact that the devices are
usable with all available SIM cards. The seller is also not liable for any other costs that are needed
for the application of the customer in connection with this device.
2.2 Exposure to RF energy
There has been some public concern about possible health effects when using GSM modems.
Although research on health effects from RF energy has focused for many years on the current RF
technology, scientists have begun research regarding newer radio technologies, such as GSM. After
existing research had been reviewed, and after compliance to all applicable safety standards had
been tested, it has been concluded that the product is fit for use.
If you are concerned about exposure to RF energy, there are things you can do to minimize
exposure. Obviously, limiting the duration of your calls will reduce your exposure to RF energy. In
addition, you can reduce RF exposure by operating your cellular modem efficiently by following the
guidelines below.
2.3 Driving
Check the laws and regulations on the use of cellular devices in the area where you drive. Always
obey them. Also, when using your DISCO-B4-GLONASS while driving, please pay full attention to
driving, pull off the road and park before making or answering a call if driving conditions so require.
When applications are prepared for mobile use, they should fulfil road-safety instructions of the
current law!
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DISCO-B4-GLONASS HARDWARE MANUAL VERSION 1.0.3
2.4 Electronic devices
Most electronic equipment, for example in hospitals and motor vehicles is shielded from RF
energy. However, RF energy may affect some malfunctioning or improperly shielded electronic
equipment.
2.5 Vehicle electronic equipment
Check your vehicle manufacturer’s representative to determine if any on board electronic
equipment is adequately shielded from RF energy.
2.6 Medical electronic equipment
Consult the manufacturer of any personal medical devices (such as pacemakers, hearing aids, etc.)
to determine if they are adequately shielded from external RF energy.
Turn your DISCO-B4-GLONASS device OFF in health care facilities when any regulations posted in
the area instruct you to do so. Hospitals or health care facilities may be using RF monitoring
equipment.
2.7 Aircraft
Turn your DISCO-B4-GLONASS OFF before boarding any aircraft. Use it on the ground only with
crew permission. Do not use it in the air. To prevent possible interference with aircraft systems,
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations require you to have permission from a crewmember to use your modem while the plane is on the ground. To prevent interference with cellular
systems, local RF regulations prohibit using your modem whilst airborne.
2.8 Children
Do not allow children to play with your DISCO-B4-GLONASS device. It is not a toy. Children could
hurt themselves or others (by poking themselves or others in the eye with the antenna, for
example). Children could damage the modem or make calls that increase your modem bills.
2.9 Blasting areas
To avoid interfering with blasting operations, turn your device OFF when in a “blasting area” or in
areas posted: „turn off two-way radio“. Construction crew often uses remote control RF devices to
set off explosives.
2.10 Potentially explosive atmospheres
Turn your DISCO-B4-GLONASS device OFF when in any area with a potentially explosive
atmosphere. It is rare, but your modems or their accessories could generate sparks. Sparks in such
areas could cause an explosion or fire resulting in bodily injury or even death. Areas with a
potentially explosive atmosphere are often, but not always, clearly marked. They include fuelling
areas such as petrol stations; below decks on boats; fuel or chemical transfer or storage facilities;
and areas where the air contains chemicals or particles, such as grain, dust or metal powders. Do
not transport or store flammable gas, liquid or explosives, in the compartment of your vehicle,
which contains your modem or accessories.
Before using your modem in a vehicle powered by liquefied petroleum gas (such as propane or
butane) ensure that the vehicle complies with the relevant fire and safety regulations of the
country in which the vehicle is to be used.
This confidential document is a property of FALCOM and may not be copied or circulated without previous permission.
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DISCO-B4-GLONASS HARDWARE MANUAL VERSION 1.0.3
3 SAFETY STANDARDS
Your GSM/GPRS/GPS device complies with all applicable RF safety standards.
DISCO-B4-GLONASS meets the safety standards for RF receivers and the standards and
recommendations for the protection of public exposure to RF electromagnetic energy established
by government bodies and professional organizations, such as directives of the European
Community, Directorate General V in matters of radio frequency electromagnetic energy.
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DISCO-B4-GLONASS HARDWARE MANUAL VERSION 1.0.3
4 TECHNICAL DATA
4.1 Product features
Supply voltage range:
➢ Operating power supply voltage range of +10.8 V to +32.0 V,
suitable for direct connection to an automotive +12V or +24V DC
power source (car battery).
Power saving:
➢ 7 different energy-saving modes - programmable with PFAL
commands. Refer to the chapter 5.1.3, "Power saving" for a brief
overview.
Operating temperature range:
➢ - 40°C to + 85°C (see chapter 4.1.2 for more details)
Physical characteristics:
➢ Size: Ø 187.2 ± 0.1 mm; ↕ 47.2 ± 0.1 mm
➢ Weight (without options): ca. 468 gr.
Physical Interfaces:
➢ 8-pin single row connector (Neltron 5560A-08):
✔ 3 x I/Os multi functional (each pin has dual functions as analog or
digital - software configurable. Each digital pin can operate either
as an input or output - depending on the external user-circuit),
✔ 1 x Ignition (software controlled feature),
✔ 1 x Power supply (software controlled feature)
✔ 1 x Serial port (Rx, Tx), Baud rate is controlled by firmware
4800...115200 bps (default=57600 bps), 8 data bits, no parity, 1
stop bit, no flow control,
➢ 4-pin single row connector (Neltron 5561A-04):
✔ 1 x Power (output voltage for external devices such as MFD1)
✔ 1 x Serial port (Rx, Tx 3.3V levels), Baud rate is controlled by
firmware 4800...115200 bps (default=57600 bps), 8 data bits, no
parity, 1 stop bit, no flow control,
➢ Audio jacks:
✔ 1 x Microphone (2.5mm jack),
✔ 1 x Speaker (3.5mm jack),
➢ Internal SIM Card holder (supports 1.8/3 V SIM cards) - SIM card
should be inserted by skilled personnel.
Housing:
➢ PA6 Plastic.
➢ Protection class: IP69K
This confidential document is a property of FALCOM and may not be copied or circulated without previous permission.
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