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The Ultimate Guide to Aplicom Protocol Tracking Devices
For over 25 years, the Finnish company Aplicom has been a leader in high-end telematics, providing robust solutions for fleet management and industrial IoT in over 50 countries. Many of their legacy and current devices communicate via the Aplicom D Protocol, often utilizing Port 5049 for server integration.
Overview of the Aplicom A-Series
The A-Series is known for its versatility and was designed for demanding telematics applications. While some models like the A9 PRO have been discontinued in favor of the newer 4G LTE T-Series, they remain widely used in existing fleets due to their reliability and Java-programmability.
Product Comparison Table
| Model | Connectivity | Key Features | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| A9 / A9 PRO | 2G / 3G / 4G LTE | Compact, internal/external antennas, 3D accelerometer. | General vehicle tracking and driver behavior. |
| A11 / A11 LTE | 2G / 3G / 4G LTE / BLE | Bluetooth LE 5.0, global roaming, OTA updates. | Advanced asset management with wireless sensors. |
| A1 Max | 3G / GPRS | FMS/CAN support, digital tachograph, iButton ID. | Heavy trucks and professional logistics. |
| A1 Trax | GSM / GPRS | GPS/GLONASS, mileage reports, event control. | Handy asset and fleet tracking. |
| A1 M2M | GPRS | Extensive interfaces, SMS remote monitoring. | Industrial M2M and remote telemetry. |
| A5 GLX | GPS / GLONASS | Engine data integration, durable build. | Accurate positioning for working machines. |
| C-Series | GPRS / WLAN | Modular architecture, aluminum housing, C/Java programmable. | Customized vehicle computers for large trucks. |
| Q-Series (T-Series) | 4G LTE Cat-M / 5G Ready | Silver Cloud management, IP-enclosed, entry-level. | Cost-efficient, straightforward tracking. |
Technical Integration: Protocol and Ports
Most Aplicom devices, including the Aplicom A1 Max and A1 Trax, are compatible with major software platforms. Key technical points include:
- Port 5049: The standard port used for the Aplicom D Protocol.
- Event-Based: The protocol consists of binary message packets (snapshots) triggered by specific events like ignition or distance.
- Customization: Users can develop custom logic using the [Aplicom SDK](https://www.aplicom.com/versatile-aplicom-a-series/software-development-kit/) or the A-Series SW Configurator.
Specific Configuration Templates
.acf or .xml files) or via SMS commands.1. Basic Server Connectivity (GPRS/LTE)
- APN Name:
internet(or your M2M provider’s APN) - Server IP/Host:
your-tracking-platform.com - Port:
5049(Default for Aplicom D-Protocol) - Protocol Type:
TCP(Recommended for reliability) - Login/Password: (Leave blank unless required by APN)
- APN Name:
2. Standard Fleet Tracking Template (Logic)
| Trigger Event | Condition | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Ignition ON | Status Change | Send Snapshot (Event 1) |
| Moving | Every 60 seconds | Send Snapshot (Event 2) |
| Cornering | Heading Change > 30° | Send Snapshot (Event 3) |
| Ignition OFF | Status Change | Send Snapshot (Event 4) |
| Heartbeat | Every 1 hour (Stationary) | Send Health Check (Event 5) |
3. A11 LTE & Q-Series: Bluetooth (BLE) Template
- BLE Mode:
Enabled - Scan Interval:
10 seconds - Sensor Filtering:
Whitelist by MAC address - Data Mapping: Map BLE “Manufacturer Data” to Aplicom D-Protocol “Free Data” fields.
- BLE Mode:
4. A1 Max / C-Series: FMS & CAN-bus Template
- CAN Interface:
Enabled (High-Speed 250kbps) - Protocol:
FMS / J1939 - Captured Parameters:
- Fuel Level (Liters/Percentage)
- Total Fuel Consumption
- Engine Coolant Temperature
- Tachograph Driver ID (if connected to D8 pin)
- CAN Interface:
SMS Configuration Examples
APSET:internet,,,,,yourserver.com,5049,TCP;STATUS?;RESET;
Conclusion
Whether you are using the rugged A9 PRO for machinery or the A11 LTE for global fleet roaming, Aplicom provides a stable, future-proof platform. For new deployments, consider the newer T-Series which offers integrated cloud management via Silver Cloud.
