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SinoTrack - ST-901AL Protocol

This page covers the public protocol context for using the SinoTrack ST-901AL with Plaspy. The ST-901AL is a wired 4G LTE GPS tracker designed for professional vehicle installs. It reports location via GPRS and SMS, offers an ACC input for ignition telemetry, and supports remote relay control for immobilization. This document explains how those standard reporting methods and configuration options map to Plaspy without exposing private implementation details.

Plaspy uses shared connection settings across supported devices and automatically detects the tracker protocol when the device is pointed at the Plaspy ingestion endpoint. Exact protocol behavior can vary by firmware version, hardware revision, and manufacturer implementation, so installers should treat this page as a high level integration guide and refer to device documentation for firmware specific commands and settings.

Protocol Overview​

The ST-901AL communicates telemetry and alarm events to a server using standard GPRS and SMS reporting channels. The device exposes configurable APN and server settings so it can send data to third party platforms like Plaspy. Understanding this public protocol context helps installers configure the device to deliver usable position, ignition, and alarm data to Plaspy for monitoring and reporting.

  • The device sends periodic location and event updates over mobile data and can fall back to SMS when data is unavailable.
  • Configurable APN and server IP or domain allow targeting a third party ingestion endpoint for live reporting.
  • Ignition state from the ACC input and alarm events are included in the telemetry the tracker reports to the server.
  • Remote relay control is supported through device commands and enables immobilizer workflows when paired with Plaspy actions.
  • SMS configuration commands provide an alternative setup path when field installers need to change APN or server settings without direct serial access.

How Plaspy Detects the Protocol​

Plaspy accepts incoming tracker traffic on a shared ingestion endpoint and automatically detects the tracker protocol to route messages to the correct parsers. When the ST-901AL is configured to report to Plaspy, the platform uses its detection mechanisms so users normally do not need to pick a protocol manually inside Plaspy.

  • Point the ST-901AL to the Plaspy server domain d.plaspy.com or the Plaspy server IP 54.85.159.138 to deliver data.
  • Plaspy listens on port 8888 for supported trackers and uses the same port for all devices.
  • Plaspy automatically detects the tracker protocol when it receives data at the shared port, simplifying onboarding.
  • If a tracker is properly configured to report to Plaspy, no manual protocol selection is typically required in the Plaspy interface.
  • Use device SMS configuration commands where available to re-point server and APN settings if network access is not yet configured.

Transport and Connection Context​

The ST-901AL supports reporting over mobile data and SMS and can be directed to use either UDP or TCP for GPRS reporting depending on device support and configuration. When integrating with Plaspy, installers should configure the device transport and server target to match Plaspy’s connection settings so telemetry arrives reliably.

  • The device may be configured to use UDP or TCP on port 8888 depending on the model firmware and installer choice.
  • Devices can be pointed to the Plaspy server domain d.plaspy.com or the Plaspy server IP 54.85.159.138 as the reporting endpoint.
  • Plaspy uses port 8888 across all supported devices so a single port simplifies firewall and NAT configuration.
  • SMS remains a practical fallback for APN and server configuration in the field or as a backup reporting channel.
  • Verify mobile operator APN settings on the SIM installed in the device to ensure GPRS connectivity to the chosen server.

Protocol Compatibility Notes​

  • Firmware revisions can change which messages the device sends and which configuration commands are available, so check the device firmware level before deployment.
  • Hardware revisions and model variants sometimes alter supported network bands or transport options; confirm model specifics for each unit.
  • The choice between UDP and TCP reporting affects behavior under intermittent networks; select the transport that best fits your coverage and reliability needs.
  • Manufacturer portals and the device manual may document default server targets; update server settings to Plaspy when deploying to the platform.
  • SMS command sets provide a robust way to reconfigure devices in the field but may vary slightly by firmware.
  • Always validate a sample device reporting to Plaspy in a controlled test before rolling out large fleets to production.

Why Protocol Understanding Matters​

Understanding how the ST-901AL reports data and how Plaspy receives it improves setup speed, reduces integration errors, and helps troubleshoot connectivity issues during deployment.

  • Proper APN and server configuration ensure the tracker can reach the Plaspy ingestion endpoint and deliver real time updates.
  • Knowing which transport to use TCP or UDP on port 8888 helps optimize reliability for your network environment.
  • Awareness of firmware dependent behavior reduces surprises when event types or command options differ between units.
  • Understanding SMS fallback and configuration commands allows rapid field updates without disassembly.
  • Clear expectations about ignition and alarm reporting enable accurate reports and alerting inside Plaspy.

Why Use Plaspy with This Protocol​

Using the SinoTrack ST-901AL with Plaspy provides organizations with consistent vehicle visibility, ignition aware telemetry, and support for immobilizer workflows while retaining control over SIM and APN settings. The ST-901AL’s support for configurable server targets and standard GPRS and SMS reporting makes it straightforward to integrate with Plaspy, enabling fleet managers to collect location, alarm, and engine status data for operational oversight.

For more information about Plaspy and compatible device configurations visit https://www.plaspy.com. For the most current device specific protocol details, firmware behavior, and configuration commands refer to the manufacturer documentation at https://www.sinotrackgps.com/ which may be updated over time.

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