Features of the GSM module for the Starline A93 car alarm and instructions for do-it-yourself installation and configuration

02/26/2022 1,760 Alarms

Author: Victor

GSM module for S tarline

A93 allows you to track the car’s coordinates, control sensors, and also start the engine from a distance.
Before using the device, the user must pair it with the alarm control unit. Subsequent configuration of the Starline A93 GSM module on the car is carried out by sending messages or calling to the SIM card installed in the unit.

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Functionality of the GSM module

Overview of the main functions of the car GPS module for the Starline A93 signaling system:

1. A device with a dialog code can determine the coordinates of a vehicle during operation. For this, GSM cellular stations or GLONASS and GPS satellites can be used. Depending on the retrofitting of the security complex, the accuracy of determining coordinates may vary.
2. Sending data about the location of the car, as well as the security status to the owner’s phone. The user can configure the operation of the module so that the device sends signals when the security system is activated.
3. The ability to control additional equipment in the car using auxiliary alarm channels.
4. Automatic engine start. The device may allow this function if the contact circuit on the starter is correctly connected.
5. Control the sensitivity parameters of the shock or tilt sensor. If necessary, the user can disable both controllers.
6. Enabling and disabling the Anti-Robbery mode. When activated, the vehicle's engine is blocked in the event of a violent seizure. The motor locks after 30-60 seconds, this is done for user safety. During this time, the attacker must leave the crime scene, but he will not leave it far.
7. Notifying the user by sending an SMS message or calling.
8. The ability to control the GSM signal level, the voltage parameter in the vehicle’s electrical network, as well as the software version. The consumer can also request the balance on the SIM card installed in the module.

Photo of GSM module for Starline A93

Video: features and capabilities of the GSM module

The Gizma channel in its video spoke in detail about the functions and technical characteristics, as well as how the GSM module for Starline alarms works.

pros

In accordance with the reviews, the following advantages of the module can be highlighted:

1. The notification mechanism can be configured regardless of the type of SIM card the device operates with. If necessary, the car owner will be able to find out the coordinates of the location of the vehicle while in another region or country.
2. Possibility of connecting the device to work in autonomous mode without synchronization with the anti-theft system. In some block models, it is possible to connect modules to limit switches installed on the hood or doors. Separate configuration of program outputs is possible.
3. If a heating device is installed in the car, then the module can be used as a remote control. To configure this option, the unit must initially be connected to the W-Bus.
4. The small dimensions of the device allow for hidden installation of the module. If an attacker manages to find the control unit of the security complex and disable it, the module will still transmit coordinates to the phone.
5. The device can operate without loss of quality in any temperature conditions. Even in severe frost down to -40 degrees, the module quickly transmits coordinates if high-quality communication with the satellite is established.
6. All Starline modules have an energy saving function. This helps prevent possible discharge of the vehicle battery while the device is operating.
7. If additional equipment is connected to the anti-theft system, the user can control it. It is important that all devices work synchronized with the security system.

Advantages and disadvantages

Description of the advantages of the built-in GSM module:

1. Availability of a detailed service manual, which describes the step-by-step sequence of actions for installation and connection. The device package includes a diagram with which the module will be connected.
2. The A93 alarm unit has several modes of alerting the car owner. If the SMS message with the text does not reach the recipient, you can make a call.
3. The module for Starline is small in size. The compactness of the device allows for hidden installation, as a result of which the unit will be protected from an intruder.
4. Reliable vehicle protection when used autonomously, separately from the alarm system. The control unit is equipped with special outputs for connecting triggers for doors, hood, luggage compartment, handbrake, etc. Each of the connectors can be configured separately. When one of the limit switches is triggered, information about this is sent to the user’s phone.
5. Possibility of controlling the engine pre-heater. To implement this task, a separate additional channel is used. If the car is equipped with a heating device, the module must be connected to the W-Bus interface in advance.
6. Thermal resistance of the block. GSM modules for Starline are produced taking into account the temperature conditions of the northern and southern regions of Russia. As a result, normal operation of the unit is possible in the range from -40 to +85 degrees.
7. Availability of energy saving mode. When connected directly to the battery, you don’t have to worry about battery drain. Using the module will not affect the power supply capacity.

It is important to know

The main disadvantage of the GSM block for the Starline A93 alarm is the cost. Today on the market you can find many models of security systems that have the ability to autostart and monitor coordinates.

Characteristics

The Starline 93 module is a small-sized expansion board equipped with a GSM modem, a navigation element and an additional slot for a SIM card. There are no antennas for receiving signals. To operate, the GPS/GLONASS navigation communication unit is equipped with an external antenna that allows it to connect with satellites.

Technical parameters of the GSM-GPS block for Starline alarms:

• supported communication standards - 900, 1800 and 1900 MHz;
• supply voltage - 9-18 V;
• permissible operating temperature - -50...+85°С.

How to install a GSM module for Starline A93?

Before installing and connecting the module, the user must disarm the vehicle. Installation actions will be carried out with the alarm control unit.

The DIY installation process is discussed using the example of a Mitsubishi Lancer:

1. The decorative lining in the car interior is removed, in particular, we are talking about the lining on the center console. The user must gain access to the microprocessor alarm unit, and it is usually located behind the instrument panel. If the car owner does not know where the module is located, its potential installation location should be checked with the installers. In Lancer cars, the user must remove the heating system deflectors, as well as the radio.
2. Then the instrument cluster is dismantled. In Lancer cars, to perform this task you need to remove the heater deflector. The block with the INFO button and other connectors are disconnected from the instrument cluster. Then the panel is dismantled and put aside.
3. After gaining access to the control unit, the device must be removed. For this purpose, all connectors with wires are disconnected from the microprocessor module.
4. Then the control unit is disassembled. Using a Phillips screwdriver, unscrew the bolts securing parts of its body. After disassembly, the main board is removed from the block.
5. The GSM module is installed on your own in a special groove located in the diagram. It is impossible to make mistakes when performing this task, since all installation elements are marked on the board.
6. Then a working SIM card, included in the delivery kit, is installed into the module. It must first be activated. You should also disable password entry on the card when activating the module.
7. After this, the block is assembled in the reverse order. The board is inserted into the module, then the housing parts are connected. It is necessary to tighten the bolts that secure them.
8. The microprocessor alarm module is installed in place behind the instrument panel. It is necessary to fix the block as much as possible so that it is not affected by vibrations during movement. The module is connected to the connectors, but during installation it is necessary to provide access to the service button. Using this control element, you can configure the unit, as well as reset all operating parameters.

Gaining access to your personal SIM card account

Even though the SIM card does not legally belong to us:

But I want to have some kind of control over her condition. At the beginning of the year, the Starline SIM cards of the mobile operator Megafon suddenly “had a glitch” and subscribers began to be charged 10 rubles instead of 3 rubles. To anticipate such cases, it is quite convenient to monitor the balance through the itemization of expenses:

To receive a password from your personal account, you will have to send a ticket to Starline technical support with a request to provide the password. This is done on this page:

Click on “ Request a password for your personal account for the SIM card included in the package .” The contact form will open:

Fill in according to the sample. If an account is not found at your Email address, you will be asked to register in the same form below. We enter all the data and create a ticket. After some time, a Starline employee will respond to the request:

And a letter with account data will be sent to your email. We go to the personal account of our operator and check the data. If everything is successful, then do not forget that the password is temporary and needs to be changed immediately (MTS offers to set a new password immediately after successful login). As a result, we get control over “our” SIM card:

By the way, on the topic of differences from simple SIM cards. Among the connected services you can see the following interesting items:

Services typical of IOT/M2M tariffs for telematics are connected on a free basis: Unlimited M2M, Preferential M2M roaming, Preferential M2M roaming - SMS and VGP. Privileged subscriber.

And thanks to the transaction history, you can calculate the consumption of Internet traffic as an alarm, in case someone decides to change the tariff and is interested in the required quota:

During the day there were 21 Internet sessions totaling: 48+49+46+60+60+48+54+54+62+49+73+50+48+56+60+44+52+55+56+58+55 = 1137 kilobytes . So how much traffic is needed for StarLine signaling? The monthly consumption is unlikely to exceed 50 megabytes .

User manual

The programming procedure is performed as follows:

1. A search is performed for the button to enter the service mode. If you did not install the security system yourself, then you need to contact the installers for this. The button is usually located under the instrument panel.
2. The key is pressed 7 times when the ignition is turned off in the car.
3. The key in the lock is turned to the “ACC” position. After this, the alarm control unit will begin searching for all additionally installed devices. If the module is successfully identified, it is bound to the microprocessor. If the programming process is successful, a satellite icon will appear on the key fob display.

Setting up autorun

The following commands can be used to configure remote engine start:

1. 0067+1#N. N in this case indicates the frequency of starting the power unit, and the sign 1 corresponds to one hour. If you want to set up an automatic start every 2 or 4 hours, instead of 1, enter the numbers 2 and 4, respectively.
2. 0067+1#0 - disable engine autostart mode.
3. 0067+2#t—setting up automatic start based on temperature readings. Instead of the t value, a number in the range from -1 to -30 is indicated.
4. 0067+2#0. This command allows you to disable the remote start function of the power unit based on temperature readings.

Table: system control commands

List of messages for managing and configuring the Starline A93 GSM module:

Registration on Starline-online

To manage the security system using a computer, you need to register an account on the Starline website:

1. Login to the web service. In the window that opens, click on the “Account Registration” button.
2. A form appears in which the user enters personal data. This refers to the email address and password for authorization. If the car owner knows the number of the SIM card installed in the module, you must check the corresponding box.
3. The “Done” key is pressed. After this, you will receive an email containing a link that you need to follow. This will lead to opening an account on the Starline website.
4. In the new window, press the “Add module” button. After this, the web resource will begin the process of registering a new block. In this window you should specify the module type.
5. The device name and its name are entered. The user must also indicate his mobile phone number and send a message with the text 00581 from it. After this, he should receive a password, which must be entered in the appropriate field on the website. Click the “Continue” button.

SMS control

SMS control is carried out by sending messages to the car number. The list of commands can be found in the instructions. The main ones have similar names with voice control. But there are additional command names.

SMS control commands

It is important to note that SMS control has somewhat greater capabilities. For example, the owner can start or stop the pre-heater, activate the “PANIC” mode, request data on the balance, GSM status, and enable “Anti-robbery”. Also, only via SMS the authorization code is reset.

In addition to the basic commands, the system provides information algorithms, as well as settings. These include requesting a list of registered devices, a password, information about signal quality, and others.

Also, the car owner can remotely record and delete main phone numbers, request passwords for them and make other changes to the operation of the security system.

The use of the Starline HSM module provides vehicle owners with fairly flexible options for monitoring their property.

Video: how to use the mobile application

The “CrossoveR 159” channel in its video talked about how to use the Starline GSM module using a program for a mobile device.

Do you have any questions? Specialists and readers of the AUTODVIG website will help you ask a question

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Minuses

Disadvantages typical for these devices:

1. High price. For this price, a car owner can purchase a full-fledged security system with two-way communication and automatic engine start.
2. In practice, errors may appear in the operation of devices that the modules do not report. To get rid of this problem, you will have to reflash the unit. Not everyone can cope with such a task on their own.
3. Mobile device software may distort battery voltage readings. Data may be underestimated or overestimated. According to users, this problem is related to the application.