Autoseeker - AT-16 Protocol
This page outlines the public protocol context for using the Autoseeker AT-16 OBD GPS tracker with Plaspy. It focuses on how the device communicates with the Plaspy platform in general, the connection options you will encounter when integrating the AT-16, and practical considerations for deployment and troubleshooting. This document does not provide private or sensitive implementation details, but it does explain the publicly known communication facts that matter for integration.
The AT-16 is a plug and play OBD tracker that delivers real time location and vehicle telemetry. Plaspy uses shared connection settings across supported devices and automatically detects the tracker protocol when the device reports to the Plaspy endpoint. Exact protocol behavior and available features can vary by firmware version, hardware revision, and manufacturer implementation, so final verification against device specific documentation and firmware release notes is recommended.
Protocol Overview
In general terms, the AT-16 communication protocol governs how the device identifies itself, reports GPS positions, and sends vehicle telemetry and event notifications to a remote server. When used with Plaspy, the protocol enables reliable delivery of location points, ignition and tamper events, and routine status updates so those events can be rendered and processed by the Plaspy platform.
- Defines the set of telemetry and event types the device will report to Plaspy, including location, ignition state, and alarms
- Provides a mechanism for the device to identify itself so Plaspy can associate incoming messages with an account and device record
- Enables periodic tracking reports and on demand event notifications for real time monitoring and historical playback
- Carries sufficient metadata to allow Plaspy to surface meaningful alerts and to record event timestamps and basic diagnostics
- Works over standard network transports so the device can deliver messages to Plaspy from vehicles in the field
How Plaspy Detects the Protocol
Plaspy receives device messages on a shared endpoint and uses built in detection to recognize common tracker reporting behaviors. In most deployments you will not need to manually select a protocol inside Plaspy if the AT-16 is properly configured to report to the Plaspy server.
- Plaspy server domain is d.plaspy.com and can be used as the reporting host
- Plaspy server IP is 54.85.159.138 which is an alternate endpoint that devices can report to
- The port is 8888 and Plaspy uses the same port for all supported devices
- Plaspy automatically detects the tracker protocol once messages arrive at the endpoint
- Typical workflow is to configure the device to report to the Plaspy endpoint and confirm messages appear in the Plaspy account rather than manually choosing a protocol
Transport and Connection Context
Connection choices determine how the AT-16 delivers its protocol messages to Plaspy. The device may support multiple transport methods; selecting the correct transport and server address is the first step to getting reliable data into Plaspy.
- The device may be configured using UDP or TCP on port 8888 depending on device support and your preferred network behavior
- Devices may point to d.plaspy.com or 54.85.159.138 as the reporting host
- All devices in Plaspy use the same port which simplifies server addressing across different models
- Network reliability, operator APN settings, and mobile coverage will influence whether TCP or UDP is preferable in your deployment
- Confirm that the device APN and reporting host are set correctly so messages reach the Plaspy endpoint
Protocol Compatibility Notes
- Firmware revisions can change what fields or event types a device reports even for the same AT-16 model
- Hardware revisions and regional variants may have differences in supported transports or available alarms
- Manufacturer configured defaults for reporting interval, event triggers, and transport may differ from Plaspy defaults
- Choosing TCP versus UDP can affect delivery guarantees and behavior under intermittent connectivity
- Always validate that the device is sending messages to d.plaspy.com or 54.85.159.138 on port 8888 when troubleshooting connectivity
- Confirm feature expectations like remote voice monitoring or unplug notifications against the device firmware documentation
Why Protocol Understanding Matters
Understanding the communication protocol used by the AT-16 helps ensure a smooth setup, quicker troubleshooting, and reliable long term operation with Plaspy. Knowing what types of messages the device will send and how it connects to the platform reduces ambiguity during deployment and helps you interpret device behavior in the field.
- Streamlines initial setup by clarifying required reporting host and transport settings
- Helps isolate connectivity issues by separating network problems from device or firmware behavior
- Improves alert tuning and rule creation in Plaspy by aligning expected events with device capabilities
- Supports informed firmware management practices to retain compatibility with Plaspy features
- Enables better planning for fleet scale deployments where transport and reporting interval choices impact data volumes
Why Use Plaspy with This Protocol
The AT-16 paired with Plaspy provides a practical solution for organizations that need continuous visibility into vehicle location and basic vehicle telemetry without complex installation. Its OBD plug and play form factor helps speed deployments for rental fleets, taxis, and corporate vehicles while Plaspy centralizes the location stream, event notifications, and historical data for operational oversight.
If you want to learn more about how Plaspy works with compatible devices like the Autoseeker AT-16, visit https://www.plaspy.com. Protocol support and device behavior can change as manufacturers release firmware updates and new hardware revisions, so please verify the latest device specific details on the manufacturer site https://autoseekergps.com/ before finalizing any large scale deployment.
Tracker Communication
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