EarthLink SPARK Development Kit

Available Information:

• Introduction
• Potential Applications
• Developer Kit Information
• Early Access Availability and Pricing
• Hardware Specifications
• AVL In-vehicle Protocol (API)
• Application Server API
• Order Now

SPARK - Simple Plug-and-play Automotive Research Kit

The EarthLink AVL platform supports an open architecture model. As important as what the core AVL system provides is what it does not provide, representing opportunities for partners and independent developers. Such opportunities include multimedia infotainment, routing/navigation, information access, and m-commerce.

Linux based open platform!

The EarthLink AVL platform gives developers the ability to develop and load their own custom or proprietary features directly onto the AVL device. The AVL also implements an open IP-based protocol to allow external devices to connect via direct serial, PPP, or Ethernet to obtain access to AVL functions, including GPS location data, vehicle input/output signals, and wireless Internet messaging.

The AVL development platform also includes a middleware Application Server interface supporting HTTP and XML protocols enabling various back-end applications, including vertical market applications, such as:

• Fleet Management
• Shipment tracking
• Remote diagnostics
• Automated dispatch
• Additional safety, emergency services
• Routing
• Commerce

The SPARK Early Access AVL Development Kit is a complete turn-key automotive telematics development solution that can be operated out of the box. The kit includes the AVL in-vehicle unit, 12-channel GPS receiver with antenna, documentation, software, and all cables necessary for immediate installation and use.

The kit also includes a password-protected web site for each AVL unit. This web site represents a sample reference application that is built using the SPARK Developer Kit itself. The reference application is an easy-to-use World Wide Web-based application that allows users to track and locate their AVL units, view their real-time position on a map, view location history logs, and access other location and telemetry information. It also provides minimal real-time live traffic notifications for selected regions via cell phone, pager, PDA, or email. Unlike traditional tracking systems, there is no need to invest large amounts of capital in radio equipment, server, or network infrastructure. Due to the SPARK open-architecture, all that is required to connect to the reference tracking and monitoring application is a web browser and an Internet connection.

The EarthLink SPARK Early Access program is designed to allow developers to easily test, evaluate, and develop new automotive applications with the EarthLink AVL telematics platform.

On-board applications are developed in C using standard GCC cross-compilers under x86/Linux.

Off-board applications may be developed using any available development tools for the specific off-board platform, e.g. Palm, Windows, QNX, Linux, etc. Off-board applications communicate and integrate with the AVL device using IP protocols (or a direct serial protocol for non IP-enabled platforms). Off-board devices can connect via serial, PPP, or Ethernet.