TraceME FAQ

KCS TraceME FAQ V1.17 ©2005 KCS BV

Table of Contents

GSM/SMS/GPRS........................................................................................ 6

What’s the difference between GSM, SMS and GPRS?.................................. 6 How do I know that GPRS works in my country?......................................... 6 Can I use the TraceME when there’s no GPRS available in my area? .............. 6 I don't want to use GPRS. Can I use SMS?................................................. 6 My area has no GSM network coverage. Can I use satellite communication?... 6 How much data will TraceME send? .......................................................... 6 What equipment do I need for different GSM frequencies? ........................... 6 What frequencies are being used in my country? ........................................ 7 What frequency band is favourable, 900 or 1800/1900 MHz? ....................... 7 Do I need a SIM card? ............................................................................ 7 What PIN code has to be configured?........................................................ 7 Do I need a permit for GSM/GPRS? .......................................................... 7 Can I use an antenna that covers both GSM/GPRS and GPS?........................ 7 What kind of SIM card is needed for TraceME ? .......................................... 7

GPS ........................................................................................................ 8

What is GPS?......................................................................................... 8 Do I need to purchase a GPS receiver for TraceME? .................................... 8 What kind of antenna do I need for GPS? .................................................. 8 Is a GPS antenna included with TraceME?.................................................. 8 How accurate is GPS? ............................................................................. 8 Do I need a permit for using GPS?............................................................ 8 Do I need a subscription for GPS? ............................................................ 8 What are the limitations for the use of GPS? .............................................. 8 Can I get NMEA data from the internal GPS for an external device?............... 8 Does TraceME support DGPS?.................................................................. 8 Can I get zipcode and distance information out of TraceME?......................... 9 How often does TraceME send its data?................................................... 10 Where does TraceME send its data? ........................................................ 10 How do I connect to/store data in a MySQL database?............................... 10 Must the server or database be located in the same country as TraceME? .... 10 What's in the database?........................................................................ 10 How can I reach TraceME? .................................................................... 10 Can I configure TraceME remotely?......................................................... 10 Is the data always real-time?................................................................. 10 When can I expect data coming in from TraceME after power on? ............... 10

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FIRMWARE............................................................................................. 11What is firmware? ................................................................................ 11 Why would I want to update the firmware?.............................................. 11 How can I update the firmware?............................................................. 11 How can I check what firmware is in the TraceME? ................................... 11 Will my settings be present in TraceME after a firmware update? ................ 11 How long does it take to update the firmware?......................................... 11 What happens when firmware data is incomplete or corrupt? ..................... 11

I/O CONNECTIONS.................................................................................. 12

What is I/O?........................................................................................ 12 What can be connected to TraceME? ....................................................... 12 What type of I/O connectors is used on TraceME?..................................... 12 What’s the pin out for the I/O? .............................................................. 12 How many serial ports are available on TraceME? ..................................... 12 What's the accuracy of the analogue inputs?............................................ 12 Can I monitor the vehicle’s battery voltage? ............................................ 12 Are the I/O connections protected?......................................................... 12 Do you have any examples for I/O connections?....................................... 12 Does the temperature sensor have to be connected externally? .................. 12 Does the motion detector have to be connected externally? ....................... 12 I accidentally switched GPS and GSM antennas, what's happened? ............. 13 Can TraceME detect the vehicle's ignition status?...................................... 13 Can I connect a PIR sensor to TraceME to detect human movement?........... 13 How is the camera connected to TraceME?............................................... 14 What's the maximum distance between TraceME and the camera? .............. 14 What picture quality can I expect?.......................................................... 14 Can I get streaming video out of TraceME? .............................................. 14 How much data can I expect when TraceME sends a picture? ..................... 14 Can I mount the camera in a taxi?.......................................................... 14 Can TraceME send a picture on request or on a regular bases? ................... 14 Can TraceME handle more than one camera? ........................................... 14 Can I connect my own camera to TraceME? ............................................. 14 Can I connect another video source to TraceME? ...................................... 14

POWER.................................................................................................. 15

What's the power consumption of TraceME?............................................. 15 Can a solar panel be connected to TraceME? ............................................ 15 How can I connect a solar panel and battery? .......................................... 15 How long can TraceME operate on a single battery charge?........................ 15

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MISCELLANEOUS .................................................................................... 16What kind of software is included in the evaluation kit? ............................. 16 Can I connect to TraceME via Wifi or Bluetooth? ....................................... 16 Can the TraceME unit transmit data via a two-way radio? .......................... 16 Once I have my evaluation kit, what else do I need to get started? ............. 16 How can I save on communication costs? ................................................ 16 What specific knowledge do I need for TraceME? ...................................... 16 Can TraceME be tampered with? ............................................................ 16 Is there a TraceME distributor in my country? .......................................... 16 How do I switch on TraceME? ................................................................ 16 What's the meaning of the front LEDs?.................................................... 16 Can TraceME be installed in a rough environment? ................................... 16 Can I use TraceME just for observational purposes? .................................. 17 Can I connect TraceME to a mobile device/PDA/PocketPC? ......................... 17 Does TraceME contain a battery?............................................................ 17 What kind of battery is suitable for TraceME?........................................... 17 How long will TraceME retain data after power-down? ............................... 17 Is TraceME CE marked? ........................................................................ 17 Is it possible to remotely immobilize a vehicle with TraceME? ..................... 17 How can I update the user configuration?................................................ 18 Is there a monthly fee involved for using TraceME?................................... 18

APPLICATION EXAMPLES.......................................................................... 19

Example 1: Courier Service ................................................................... 19 Example 2: Taxi Company..................................................................... 19 Example 3: Truck................................................................................. 19 Example 4: Trailer ............................................................................... 19

TELECOM PROVIDERS (THE NETHERLANDS) ............................................... 20

Costs ................................................................................................. 20 POSITION INFORMATION ......................................................................... 21

How often does TraceME send its position? .............................................. 21 Can TraceME change the interval setting during idle time? ......................... 21 Can TraceME send a warning during overspeed of a vehicle? ...................... 21

SUPPORT AND WARRANTY ....................................................................... 22

Where can I get support?...................................................................... 22 What's the policy for defective units? ...................................................... 22

DEVELOPERS.......................................................................................... 22

What operating system does TraceME use?.............................................. 22 Is an SDK available for TraceME? ........................................................... 22 What's the size of the data string?.......................................................... 22 What's the format of the data string?...................................................... 22

CONTACT INFO....................................................................................... 23

TraceME Website ................................................................................. 23 Email KCS........................................................................................... 23 Fax KCS ............................................................................................. 23

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DISCLAIMER .......................................................................................... 23

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GSM/SMS/GPRS What’s the difference between GSM, SMS and GPRS? - GSM is circuit switched. If the TraceME unit sends data via GSM, a channel is reserved (just like for voice communication) and data is transmitted. You’re charged for the time the channel is reserved. - SMS is a short message that’s send via the GSM network and can contain about 140 characters. For large amounts of data or for messages with short time-intervals this is usually not the best option to choose for speed and financial reasons. - GPRS is ‘always on’ and packet switched. Data is sliced into packets and transmitted through the GSM network. This is faster and cheaper because network capacity is used more effectively. You’re charged for the amount of data that’s being transported, not for the time that the unit is online. How do I know that GPRS works in my country? Check your local provider. When GPRS is available, it’s usually offered as an extra service, which may require a subscription. We’ve compiled a short list with telecom providers in The Netherlands, to help you get started. Can I use the TraceME when there’s no GPRS available in my area? In area’s where there’s no GPRS coverage, data can be transmitted by SMS. It’s also possible to let the TraceME store events in memory, which will be transmitted as soon as GPRS coverage is available. I don't want to use GPRS. Can I use SMS? Yes, for applications that send data only at user request e.g. when a vehicle is lost, it can be more cost effective to choose for SMS. My area has no GSM network coverage. Can I use satellite communication? TraceME is designed for use on a GSM/GPRS network and will not communicate with a satellite network. If there's no GSM coverage, there's no way to communicate. We are working on satellite and Wifi solutions, but a release date is not available at the moment. How much data will TraceME send? This strongly depends on the interval that’s configured. In most situations less than 2 MB/month is transmitted. However, if pictures are being sent, the amount of data will also increase. What equipment do I need for different GSM frequencies? The TraceME unit is available in two versions: 900/1800 MHz and 900/1800/1900 MHz. GSM-antennas are usually dual band (900/1800 MHz), or triband (900/1800/1900). Make sure you choose - The right frequency band for the TraceME - And the right antenna for your region.

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What frequencies are being used in my country? Check your local service provider. What frequency band is favourable, 900 or 1800/1900 MHz? Base stations in 1800/1900 MHz networks usually cover a smaller area than 900 MHz base stations. So more of these stations are needed to have the same coverage. This has the advantage that overall network capacity will increase. In some countries, 900 MHz networks provide better transmission quality. Do I need a SIM card? Yes, the TraceME has a built-in SIM card reader and you need a SIM card with GPRS subscription to be able to communicate on a GSM/GPRS network. What PIN code has to be configured? Do not use a PIN code, or use "0000". Do I need a permit for GSM/GPRS? No, the GSM/GPRS transceiver in TraceME has been certified and does not require a permit. Can I use an antenna that covers both GSM/GPRS and GPS? Yes, the use of combined antennas is possible. What kind of SIM card is needed for TraceME ? Basically, there are two types of SIM cards or Smart cards. TraceME uses the small SIM card, this one is usually a part of the 'big' SIM card and can be 'pushed out'.

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GPS What is GPS? GPS is the Global Positioning System of the U. S. Department of Defence (DOD) and consists of 24 satellites, which orbit the earth. A GPS receiver can compute location, velocity and time from the signals that are transmitted by the satellites. The TraceME contains a very sensitive receiver that tracks up to 12 satellites simultaneously. Do I need to purchase a GPS receiver for TraceME? No, TraceME has a built-in GPS receiver. What kind of antenna do I need for GPS? GPS antennas come in many different sorts and sizes. For use on a vehicle, an antenna can be mounted e.g. in the interior, close to the windshield. Just keep in mind that the antenna has to have a good view at the sky and must not be obstructed by metal objects or materials that contain metal particles. Basically there are two different GPS-antennas: active antennas, which have a built-in amplifier and need power. Passive antennas don’t have an amplifier and use no power. For the TraceME, a passive antenna is sufficient and often even advisable to make sure that the sensitive GPS-receiver is not blocked by very strong signals. Is a GPS antenna included with TraceME? A GPS and GSM antenna are supplied with every TraceME unit. The evaluation kit (EVAL01) comes with one (1) GSM antenna and two (2) different GPS antennas. How accurate is GPS? This depends strongly on the number and position of available satellites. If the receiver has a clear view at the sky, position accuracy is about 5 meters. When the view is blocked by e.g. large buildings or trees, accuracy will degrade. Do I need a permit for using GPS? No, there's no permit required. Do I need a subscription for GPS? No, the use of GPS is free of charge. What are the limitations for the use of GPS? Any GPS-receiver needs to have a clear view at the sky. If this is not possible, e.g. in a parking garage, position accuracy will degrade or the receiver may not be able to produce a position-fix at all. Can I get NMEA data from the internal GPS for an external device? Yes, a serial port can be configured in a way that NMEA data is available. Does TraceME support DGPS? No, not at this moment.

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Can I get zipcode and distance information out of TraceME? To keep the amount of transmitted data at a minimum, TraceME provides no such data. If you need this, it should be processed by your own (server) application.

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DATA TRANSMISSION How often does TraceME send its data? Data consists mainly of location information and the I/O status. The interval, at which data transmission takes place, is user configurable. It's possible to set the interval at e.g. 5 minutes. Every application has to be looked at carefully to specify the right parameters. Where does TraceME send its data? All data is transmitted to an IP-address. You can configure TraceME in a way that it will route its data to your own PC (e.g. DSL or cable), but a hosted-server is recommended. Data is stored in a database and can be retrieved with your own developed application or with a web-based service that's offered by KCS. How do I connect to/store data in a MySQL database? Information can be found here: http://www.qontrol-vision.com/cgpsinfo.php Must the server or database be located in the same country as TraceME? No, TraceME sends its data to a pre-defined IP-address. Whether the server is located in your country or 10,000 miles away, makes no difference. What's in the database? Time and date, latitude, longitude, speed, direction, altitude, battery voltage and I/O values. How can I reach TraceME? When a unit is offline, there are two ways to get in contact with it: - Wait for the unit to go online, when it does, you can exchange data - Call the unit, it will not be answered but instead the unit will initiate a GPRS-connection to you or send an SMS. Can I configure TraceME remotely? Yes, when you send an SMS with a config-file, the configuration will be changed. Is the data always real-time? It usually is, but when there's no network coverage the units will collect the data and transmit it when network coverage is restored. This means that you don't miss any events. Up to 8000 positions can be stored in the internal memory. When can I expect data coming in from TraceME after power on? It will take approx. 4 minutes, when good GPS/GPRS signals are available.

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FIRMWARE What is firmware? Firmware is software that’s developed especially for TraceME hardware. It controls all processes that take place in TraceME. Why would I want to update the firmware? When you want TraceME to perform other functions, which may become available in the future. How can I update the firmware? New firmware is transmitted to TraceME via GPRS/GSM. When all data is received, TraceME will flash the new firmware in memory and reset itself. It's also possible to flash the firmware with a cable connected to a PC. How can I check what firmware is in the TraceME? On start-up and at regular intervals, TraceME transmits the firmware version. Will my settings be present in TraceME after a firmware update? No, a firmware update will completely erase your settings and logs (if any were present). How long does it take to update the firmware? Assuming there’s a good GPRS-signal, it will take less than one minute to update. After all data has been sent, TraceME will be fully functional within 3 minutes. What happens when firmware data is incomplete or corrupt? Incorrect firmware will not pass the validity-check and will be discarded. No update will take place.

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I/O CONNECTIONS What is I/O? Input/Output. TraceME (model STE01) is capable of monitoring and controlling many inputs and outputs. Most of them are user configurable. What can be connected to TraceME? - Devices producing signals that are within TraceME’s limits (see specifications) can be connected. E.g. door contacts, seat switches, pushbuttons, analogue signals that are used in thermometers, pressure meters, etc. - Devices, which can be controlled by TraceME, e.g. LED’s or relays. - Devices with a serial interface (RS232) - OneWire® devices - SPI devices What type of I/O connectors is used on TraceME? Power, solar panel and battery: Molex 43045-0412 External I/O: Molex 43045-2412 What’s the pin out for the I/O? Please check TraceME’s External Connection datasheet. How many serial ports are available on TraceME? TraceME has 4 (partly multiplexed) serial ports. What's the accuracy of the analogue inputs? The A/D converters are 10 bits, with a maximum input voltage of 2.56 V. Can I monitor the vehicle’s battery voltage? Yes, TraceME’s data string already contains the battery voltage. No extra I/O hardware is required. Are the I/O connections protected? External connections are protected against high-voltage or short-circuit. Some I/O connections are optically isolated for optimum safety. Do you have any examples for I/O connections? They will be made available soon on our website. Does the temperature sensor have to be connected externally? No, it's an internal component. It measures the inner temperature of the unit and does not use an external I/O port. Does the motion detector have to be connected externally? No, it's an internal component, available as an option and intended for use with solar panels. It does not occupy an external I/O port. The sensitivity is adjustable in the configuration.

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I accidentally switched GPS and GSM antennas, what's happened? Both the GPS and GSM connectors are SMA type, so you have to pay attention when connecting the antennas. It is possible to damage an antenna if you connect it to the wrong connector! In practice however, you'll notice that TraceME will not be able to get a position fix and probably have trouble communicating with the GSM network. Change the antennas back to their right position as soon as possible! Can TraceME detect the vehicle's ignition status? The ignition wire could be connected to an input, so TraceME will detect the status. Another easy way (but a little less reliable) to detect this, is by looking at the vehicle's voltage, which is measured by TraceME internally. If there's a sudden rise or drop in voltage, the engine is running or stopped. Can I connect a PIR sensor to TraceME to detect human movement? A common PIR sensor (Passive Infra Red), as used in burglar alarms can be connected and used as a trigger e.g. for taking photos. Most of these sensors have 'normally closed' contacts, so use the appropriate setting in the Settings Program.

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CAMERA How is the camera connected to TraceME? The camera is connected to the external I/O. See the specs for more details. What's the maximum distance between TraceME and the camera? Distance is limited to 5 meters, depending on cable quality. What picture quality can I expect? The camera has a maximum resolution of 640 x 480 (VGA). See our website for examples in many different applications. Can I get streaming video out of TraceME? No, the camera is not intended for streaming video, as this would generate more data than the GPRS connection can handle. How much data can I expect when TraceME sends a picture? A picture is between 5-60 KB. The amount of compression used by the JPG engine depends on the kind of picture that it has to process. A picture with a lot of detail will be larger (in terms of bytes) than a picture with e.g. a lot of dark or bright areas. Can I mount the camera in a taxi? The camera is very small, so mounting it in the interior of a vehicle is possible. In most countries it is allowed to have camera surveillance when it is clearly stated on the outside of the vehicle. Check your local regulations for details. Can TraceME send a picture on request or on a regular bases? TraceME can be configured to send a picture on request or at a specific interval. Can TraceME handle more than one camera? For now only one camera. Can I connect my own camera to TraceME? No, the firmware in TraceME is developed for the specified camera only. Connecting another camera may result in no or poor pictures. Can I connect another video source to TraceME? No, it's not possible to connect any other analogue/digital video sources.

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POWER What's the power consumption of TraceME? Current [mA] Power [W] Low power mode (GPS + GPRS off) ~ 1 mA ~ 0,014 Standby (GPS + GPRS on) ~ 10 mA ~ 0,140 Transmitting ~ 1A peak ~ 14W All values measured @13,8V Can a solar panel be connected to TraceME? TraceME can be configured to use very little power. When a solar panel is used, you should also connect a battery to eliminate problems with peak-currents and continue collecting and transmitting data during night time. TraceME handles the charging process of the battery. How can I connect a solar panel and battery? The solar panel and battery are connected separately to TraceME. How long can TraceME operate on a single battery charge? If you'd use a 12V, 2 Ah battery and the right configuration parameters, TraceME should be able to operate for about 14 days. This is however very dependant on several parameters like battery condition and temperature, network coverage, etc.

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MISCELLANEOUS What kind of software is included in the evaluation kit? Take a look at our website for more information. With the purchase of the evaluation kit, you will have access to a page on our server on which you can see the position of your unit and more detailed information. A GPS simulator program is available for download for using 3rd party map applications like Mappoint or Route 66. Can I connect to TraceME via Wifi or Bluetooth? At this moment TraceME has no Wifi or Bluetooth capabilities. Can the TraceME unit transmit data via a two-way radio? The TraceME contains a GPRS module and is not intended to be used with other means of communication. Once I have my evaluation kit, what else do I need to get started? The kit contains a TraceME unit (STE01), a wall adapter (100 – 240V~, international sockets), GSM/GPS antennas, a camera and cabling. The only thing else you need is a SIM card. Check your local provider. How can I save on communication costs? Choose the right interval for your application. A short interval means a lot of data. What specific knowledge do I need for TraceME? - General knowledge of GPS and GSM/SMS/GPRS - Knowledge of internet (browsers) - Experience with electrical circuits and installation procedures in vehicles Can TraceME be tampered with? For a tracing/tracking device like TraceME, it's of key importance to install the unit and antennas in a very secure way. Most of the time, GSM and GPS antennas can be installed invisibly, making it more difficult to tamper the installation. Is there a TraceME distributor in my country? Check the website for more info. How do I switch on TraceME? TraceME is switched on as soon as it receives power. The configuration parameters are responsible for the transmission interval. What's the meaning of the front LEDs? Please refer to the Installation Manual, provided with every TraceME Evaluation kit. Can TraceME be installed in a rough environment? The aluminum housing of TraceME is designed for in-vehicle use. If you want to use it in a humid or aggressive environment, you have to make sure that the right housing is being used.

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Can I use TraceME just for observational purposes? TraceME is configurable in such a way, that no navigational data is being transmitted. You could e.g. transmit a picture every 2 hours, or poll it for a picture when you want. Can I connect TraceME to a mobile device/PDA/PocketPC? A device with a serial port can be connected physically. The data that's being exchanged between TraceME and your device is dependable on the configuration and firmware in TraceME and the application that runs on your mobile device. Contact KCS for more info. Does TraceME contain a battery? No, TraceME must be powered by an external power source. If a battery is used, it has to be mounted externally. Keep in mind that batteries usually have to be vented properly for safety reasons. What kind of battery is suitable for TraceME? Use a battery with a voltage between 6 and 32 Volts. Choose the right capacity and environmental specs for your application. How long will TraceME retain data after power-down? Firmware, configuration parameters and position/IO data is stored in flash-memory, so a power-loss will not result in major data-loss. It is however possible that the last position and I/O data string is corrupted or not present in memory. Is TraceME CE marked? Yes, TraceME is CE certified and marked. A declaration of conformity is available on request. Is it possible to remotely immobilize a vehicle with TraceME? You can remotely switch an output on TraceME's I/O port, so if you'd connect this to the right circuit you should be able to immobilize the vehicle.

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How can I update the user configuration? You could integrate it in your own application, or use our configuration tool.

Is there a monthly fee involved for using TraceME? KCS does not charge you for using TraceME. A GSM/GPRS subscription is needed, check your local provider(s) for information on GSM/GPRS-rates. If you want a hosted server, there's a monthly or yearly fee.

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APPLICATION EXAMPLES Example 1: Courier Service A courier vehicle delivers from Monday thru Friday, from 8:00 to 17:00 Position interval 10 minutes Distance interval - Interval when idle 1 hour Data usage / month 1 MB

Assuming vehicle is moving 90% of the time on weekdays Example 2: Taxi Company A taxi company wants to know the location of its taxis Position interval 2 minutes Distance interval - Interval when idle 15 minutes Data usage / month 8 MB

Assuming vehicle is moving 70% of the time Example 3: Truck Truck position must be known to plan more efficiently Position interval 30 minutes Distance interval - Interval when idle 2 hours Data usage / month less than 1 MB

Assuming vehicle is moving 80% of the time Example 4: Trailer Location of rental-trailer must be known Position interval - Distance interval 5 kilometres Interval when idle 4 hours Data usage / month 1 MB

assuming trailer has moved 7500 km

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TELECOM PROVIDERS (THE NETHERLANDS) Costs This list was compiled in March 2005, check the provider of your choice for current rates. KPN VODAFONE ORANGE T-MOBILE Telfort Subscription Data

Connect M2M

1) Orange World

Data Connect

GPRS Data Only Sim

€ / Month 5,95 6,- 5,- 8,- € / MB 2) 3,- 2,- 3,- MB included 0 2 1 1 1) 2)

Contact Vodafone for info Contact KPN for info

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POSITION INFORMATION How often does TraceME send its position? This is user configurable, e.g. once every minute or once a day. It's also possible to get a position on request. When you call TraceME, it sends you the information. Because the call is not answered, it will not be charged. Can TraceME change the interval setting during idle time? Yes, this is user configurable. Can TraceME send a warning during overspeed of a vehicle? Yes, this is user configurable.

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SUPPORT AND WARRANTY Where can I get support? KCS provides support for its customers by email. Mail your questions to: support@kcs-trade.com What's the policy for defective units? Units that have become defective due to production failures, will be repaired or replaced by KCS for a period of 12 months. Please see the delivery conditions on our website for details. DEVELOPERS What operating system does TraceME use? TraceME does not use a general platform, like Windows Mobile or Linux. The firmware for TraceME is optimized for speed and stability to ensure real-time operation. Using an operating system would generate a lot of overhead. How do I start developing applications Is an SDK available for TraceME? For server-applications, an SDK is available. It explains the use of scripts to retrieve data from TraceME. Contact KCS for details. What's the size of the data string? A data string consists of about 500 bytes. 100 bytes are needed to transfer TraceME's data, the rest is overhead caused by most GPRS networks. What's the format of the data string? The data string is encrypted and compressed, if you want further details on the format for writing your own application, contact KCS BV.

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CONTACT INFO TraceME Website www.traceme.tv Email KCS Sales: kcs@kcs.tv Technical support: support@kcs.tv Warranty and repairs: rma@kcs.tv Fax KCS Fax: +31 (0)20 5248130 DISCLAIMER KCS BV reserves the right to make changes without further notice to any products herein to improve reliability, function or design. KCS BV does not assume any liability arising out of the application or use of any product or circuit described herein; neither does it convey any license under its patent rights, nor the rights of others.

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