TKSTAR TK905

TKSTAR TK905 4G GPS Tracker User Manual

Model: TK905 | Brand: TKSTAR

1. Introduction

The TKSTAR TK905 is a 4G GPS Tracker designed for real-time location monitoring of vehicles and assets. It operates on both 4G LTE and 2G GSM/GPRS networks, providing reliable tracking capabilities worldwide. Equipped with a built-in GPS module and communication module, it can pinpoint locations using GPS satellites and LBS (Location Based Service). Users can remotely monitor the device via SMS, a dedicated mobile application, or a web tracking platform.

A key feature of the TK905 is its built-in 5000mAh Li-ion battery, offering extended standby and working times. Its strong magnetic base allows for easy and secure installation on various metal surfaces without the need for complex wiring. The device also includes multiple alarm functions and different working modes to optimize performance and battery life.

TKSTAR TK905 4G GPS Tracker with mobile app interface and magnetic feature

Figure 1: TKSTAR TK905 4G GPS Tracker with mobile app interface and magnetic feature.

Important Network Compatibility Note:

The TK905 is available in 2G and 4G versions. The 4G TK905 supports both 4G and 2G networks, while the 2G TK905 is compatible only with 2G networks. In countries where 2G networks have been phased out (e.g., USA, Australia, New Zealand, Korea, Japan, Canada, Singapore, China Taiwan), it is essential to use the 4G version or a 3G compatible version if available. For other countries, either version may be suitable depending on local network availability.

Network compatibility information for 2G and 4G TK905 models

Figure 2: Network compatibility information for 2G and 4G TK905 models.

2. Specifications

FeatureSpecification
Dimensions90mm x 72mm x 22mm (3.5" x 2.8" x 0.8")
Weight168g
Network4G LTE Cat-M1/NB2 & 2G GSM/GPRS
2G GSM Frequency850/900/1800/1900MHz
4G LTE FrequencyB1/B2/B3/B4/B5/B8/B12/B13/B18/B19/B20/B26/B28/B66
GPS ChipsetMTK high sensitivity chip / u-blox UBX-G7020
GPS Sensitivity-159dBm / -165dBm
GPS Accuracy5-10m
Positioning WaysGPS + LBS
BatteryChargeable 3.7V 5000mAh Li-ion battery
Working TimeAround 7-10 days
Standby TimeUp to 60 days (TK905) / 90 days (TK905B)
Charging InputDC 5V 1.0A
Operating Voltage4.5V-5.5V DC
Operating Temperature-20℃ to +70℃
Waterproof RatingIP65 (Splash resistant, do not submerge)
Special FeaturesBuilt-in 5 powerful magnets, Voice Monitor, Lifetime Free Tracking Platform
CertificationCE, RoHS
TKSTAR TK905 GPS Tracker with dimensions 90x72x22mm

Figure 3: TKSTAR TK905 GPS Tracker dimensions.

3. Package Contents

Upon opening the package, you should find the following items:

  • 1 x TKSTAR TK905 GPS Tracker Device
  • 1 x USB Charging Cable
  • 1 x User Manual
  • 1 x Storage Pouch
  • 1 x Set of SIM Card Adapters (Normal, Micro, Nano)

Video 1: Unboxing the TKSTAR GPS Tracker, showing the device, manual, USB cable, and SIM adapters.

Contents of the TKSTAR TK905 package including tracker, manual, USB cable, and SIM adapters

Figure 4: Package contents of the TKSTAR TK905 GPS Tracker.

4. Setup Guide

4.1. SIM Card Installation

  1. Open the rubber cover on the side of the device to access the SIM card slot.
  2. Insert a compatible SIM card (chip facing up) into the slot. The device will automatically power on.
  3. Ensure the indicator light turns on, signifying successful SIM card insertion.

Important SIM Card Requirements:

  • The SIM card must have caller ID display function enabled.
  • Internet data traffic must be enabled.
  • The PIN code must be unlocked.
  • The SIM card must have sufficient balance.
  • The call transfer function must be turned off.
Close-up of the SIM card slot and USB port on the TKSTAR TK905 GPS Tracker

Figure 5: SIM card slot and USB port on the TK905.

4.2. Turning On the Device

The device automatically starts when the SIM card is correctly inserted. The indicator light will confirm its status.

4.3. APN Configuration for Online Tracking

To enable online tracking via the web platform or mobile app, you need to configure the APN (Access Point Name) settings. The APN information is specific to your SIM card carrier. You can find this information by checking your SIM card carrier's website or by inserting the SIM card into a mobile phone to find its APN settings.

Follow these steps to set the APN:

  1. Activate GPRS: Send the SMS command gprs123456 to the tracker's SIM card number.
  2. Set APN: Send the following SMS commands, replacing 'content' with your carrier's APN details. Note that there should be a small blank space after '123456' in each command.
    • apn123456 content (e.g., apn123456 web.vodafone.de)
    • apnuser123456 content (if your APN requires a username, e.g., apnuser123456 vodafone. If not needed, you can omit this command or leave 'content' blank.)
    • apnpasswd123456 content (if your APN requires a password, e.g., apnpasswd123456 vodafone. If not needed, you can omit this command or leave 'content' blank.)

5. Operation

5.1. SMS Tracking

You can track the device's location by calling the SIM card phone number in the tracker or by sending an SMS command.

  • Call Tracking: Call the SIM card number in the tracker. The device will reply with a Google Maps link showing its current position.
  • SMS Command Tracking: Send the SMS command G123456# to the tracker's SIM card number. The device will reply with a Google Maps link and additional information.
SMS reply example with Google Maps link for GPS tracking

Figure 6: SMS reply example for GPS tracking.

SMS reply examples showing GPS and LBS tracking information

Figure 7: SMS reply examples showing GPS and LBS tracking information.

5.2. Admin Number Setting

After setting an admin number, all SMS operations to the device will only be accepted from this number. This enhances security and control.

  • Set Admin Number: Send admin123456 [your mobile phone number] to the tracker. The tracker will reply with admin ok.
  • Cancel Admin Number: Send noadmin123456 to the tracker. The tracker will reply with noadmin ok.
SMS command example for setting an admin number

Figure 8: SMS command example for setting an admin number.

5.3. Over-speed Alarm

This alarm functions only in continuous positioning mode. When the device's speed exceeds a preset limit, it will send an alert to the admin number.

  • Set Over-speed Alarm: Send speed123456 [speed limit] (e.g., speed123456 070 for 70 km/h). The tracker will reply with speed ok.
  • Cancel Over-speed Alarm: Send nospeed123456 to the tracker. The tracker will reply with nospeed ok.
  • If the speed limit is exceeded, the tracker will send "speed alarm!" to the admin number every 5 minutes.
SMS command example for setting an overspeed alarm

Figure 9: SMS command example for setting an overspeed alarm.

Illustration of overspeed alarm with a car and speedometer icon

Figure 10: Overspeed Alarm illustration.

5.4. Shake Alarm

This function triggers an alarm if the device detects vibration after being stationary for a period.

  • Set Shake Alarm: Send shock123456 to the tracker. The tracker will reply with shock ok.
  • Cancel Shake Alarm: Send noshock123456 to the tracker. The tracker will reply with noshock ok.
  • Note: The tracker must remain stationary for 5 minutes for this function to activate. Once activated, if the unit is shocked, it will send an SMS "sensor alarm!" to the admin number.
SMS command example for setting a shake alarm

Figure 11: SMS command example for setting a shake alarm.

Illustration of vibration alarm with a person looking at a phone and a car accident

Figure 12: Vibration Alarm illustration.

5.5. Device Working Mode Setting

The device offers different working modes to manage power consumption.

  • Sleep by Time Mode:
    Command: sleep123456 time. Reply: sleep time ok.
    In this mode, the tracker works for 5 minutes after being woken up, then returns to sleep. GPS is shut off, and GSM operates in low consumption mode. SMS commands or incoming calls can wake up the tracker.
  • Sleep by Shock Sensor Mode (Factory Setting):
    Command: sleep123456 shock. Reply: sleep shock ok.
    If no shock is detected for 5 minutes, the tracker enters "sleep by shock" mode. GPS is shut off, and GSM operates in low consumption mode. Vibration, SMS commands, or incoming calls can wake up the tracker.
SMS command example for setting sleep by shock mode

Figure 13: SMS command example for setting sleep by shock mode.

5.6. Terminal (Local) Time Setting

You can adjust the device's time zone.

  • Command: timezone123456 [local time zone]. Reply: time ok.
    Examples: timezone123456 +1, timezone123456 -1, timezone123456 0.
SMS command example for setting the time zone

Figure 14: SMS command example for setting the time zone.

5.7. Reset Hardware

To perform a hardware reset on the device:

  • Command: begin123456. Reply: begin ok.
SMS command example for resetting hardware

Figure 15: SMS command example for resetting hardware.

5.8. Online Tracking (Web Platform & Mobile App)

The TK905 offers lifetime free access to its web tracking platform and mobile application.

  • Web Tracking Platform:
    Website: www.mytkstar.net
    Select "Log in by IMEI" on the bottom of the screen. Enter the IMEI number (found on the back of the device) and the default password 123456.
  • Mobile App Tracking:
    Search for "TKSTAR GPS" in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, or scan the QR code provided in the manual to install the application. Log in using the device's IMEI/ID and the default password 123456.
Screenshot of the TKSTAR web tracking platform login page

Figure 16: TKSTAR web tracking platform login page.

Screenshot of the TKSTAR mobile application login screen

Figure 17: TKSTAR mobile application login screen.

5.9. Voice Monitoring

The device supports remote voice monitoring.

  • Send the SMS command Monitor123456 to the tracker. The device will reply with Monitor Ok and enter monitoring mode.
  • Once in monitoring mode, call the SIM card number in the device. It will automatically answer, allowing you to listen to the surrounding audio.
Illustration of voice monitoring feature in a car interior

Figure 18: Voice monitoring feature in a car interior.

5.10. Geo-fence

Set up a virtual safety zone to receive alerts when the device enters or exits a defined area.

  • Configure geo-fence settings via the web tracking platform or mobile application.
  • The unit will send alarm information to the app and web server when it crosses the defined boundary.
Geo-fence diagram showing a car entering and exiting a defined virtual zone in a city

Figure 19: Geo-fence diagram with city background.

5.11. Historical Route Playback

Review past travel routes of the device.

  • The web server saves up to six months of history data, which can be downloaded in XLS format.
  • The mobile application allows you to query historical routes for up to 180 days.
Diagram showing historical route playback on a map with a mobile phone interface

Figure 20: Historical Route Playback interface.

5.12. Low Battery Alarm

The tracker will send an alarm notification to the admin number when the battery voltage drops below 3.5V.

Battery life diagram showing 5000mAh capacity, 60 days standby, 7-10 days working time, and low battery SMS notification

Figure 21: Battery life and low battery alert information.

6. Maintenance

6.1. Charging the Battery

The TK905 is equipped with a 3.7V 5000mAh rechargeable Li-ion battery. Use the provided USB charging cable and a DC 5V 1.0A power adapter (not included) to charge the device. A full charge typically provides 7-10 days of working time or up to 60 days of standby time, depending on the configured working mode.

6.2. Waterproofing

The device has an IP65 waterproof rating, meaning it is protected against dust ingress and low-pressure water jets from any direction. It can resist splashes but should not be submerged in water. Ensure the rubber cover for the SIM card slot and USB port is securely closed to maintain its water resistance.

IP67 Dust and Waterproof feature illustration with a car driving in rain

Figure 22: IP65 Dust and Waterproof feature illustration.

7. Troubleshooting

ProblemInstructions/Solutions
Device fails to turn onCheck if the battery is charged.
No GSM/WCDMA signal
  • Ensure the SIM card is installed correctly.
  • Verify the SIM card is compatible with GSM/WCDMA networks.
  • Confirm the SIM card's PIN code is unlocked.
  • Ensure no call diversion is active on the SIM card.
No GPS signalMove the device to an area with a clear, open view of the sky to receive GPS signals normally.
No reply to SMS commandCheck if the SMS command password is correct and the format is accurate.
No reply to calling / No alarm messageVerify that the authorized / admin number is correctly set up.
Entered wrong admin number, need to resetYou can reset the GPS tracker device by logging into your account on the web platform.
Device appears inactive in app despite chargeThe device might be in a sleep mode. Try calling the SIM card number or sending an SMS command to wake it up.

8. User Tips

  • SIM Card Management: Always ensure your SIM card has an active plan with data and SMS capabilities, and sufficient balance, especially if relying on SMS commands for tracking.
  • Optimize Battery Life: Utilize the 'Sleep by Time' or 'Sleep by Shock Sensor' modes to significantly extend battery life, especially when the device is not in constant motion.
  • Secure Mounting: While the device has strong magnets, for critical applications or in environments with significant vibration, consider using additional securing methods to prevent accidental detachment.
  • Free Tracking: The online tracking platform (www.mytkstar.net) and mobile application are free to use for life.
  • APN Settings: If you encounter issues with online tracking, double-check your APN settings with your SIM card provider. Incorrect APN is a common cause of connectivity problems.

9. Warranty and Support

9.1. Warranty

The TKSTAR TK905 GPS Tracker comes with a one-year warranty from the date of purchase. This warranty covers manufacturing defects and malfunctions under normal use. Please retain your proof of purchase for warranty claims.

9.2. Technical Support

For any technical issues, questions regarding setup, or assistance with the tracking platform/app, please contact the seller or manufacturer's customer support. Refer to the contact information provided at the point of purchase or on the official TKSTAR website.

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