The BT-821C Bluetooth GNSS receiver is a compact, high-performance positioning device designed to extend accurate satellite location to smartphones, tablets, laptops, and other Bluetooth-enabled hosts. As a Plaspy compatible positioning source, the BT-821C delivers reliable GNSS data streams that improve real-time tracking and location quality for mapping, fleet management dashboards, and field telemetry applications.
The BT-821C combines a MediaTek (MTK) high-performance chipset, a built-in high-gain antenna, and support for standard NMEA-0183 and RTCM protocols to provide fast Time-To-First-Fix (TTFF) and robust low-signal performance. With up to 24 hours of continuous operation on its rechargeable lithium-ion battery and clear LED status indicators for satellite lock, battery and Bluetooth connection, this receiver is suited for extended mobile use in navigation, GIS collection, and Plaspy-enabled tracking workflows.
Key Highlights
- Plaspy compatible external GNSS source — pairs via Bluetooth to provide accurate location for apps and gateways using Plaspy for real-time tracking.
- High-sensitivity MTK chipset — supports up to 210 PRN channels with 66 search channels and 22 simultaneous tracking channels for fast TTFF and improved low-signal reception.
- Standard protocol support — outputs NMEA-0183 sentences (GGA, GSA, GSV, RMC) and accepts RTCM corrections for improved positioning accuracy where available.
- Long battery life — rechargeable lithium-ion battery provides up to 24 hours of continuous operation for full-day fieldwork without recharge.
- Built-in antenna and compact form factor — simple, portable solution for augmenting device-integrated GNSS on tablets and phones.
- Visual status LEDs — satellite (green), battery (red/amber), and Bluetooth (blue) indicators simplify setup and monitoring in the field.
- SBAS and regional augmentation — supports WAAS, EGNOS, GAGAN, MSAS and QZSS to enhance accuracy in supported regions.
How It Works with Plaspy
The BT-821C integrates with Plaspy-enabled hosts by streaming standard GNSS sentences and correction data over Bluetooth. When paired to a Plaspy-capable device or gateway, the receiver becomes the primary source of positioning, enabling real-time tracking, improved telemetry, and higher-quality location data for Plaspy dashboards and alerts.
- Real-time location and telemetry updates via NMEA sentences (GGA, GSA, GSV, RMC) delivered over Bluetooth.
- RTCM support enables use of differential corrections to reduce position error where network corrections are available.
- SBAS and QZSS compatibility for regional accuracy improvements used by Plaspy mapping and geofencing.
- Bluetooth pairing simplifies integration without additional wiring — ideal for mobile devices and temporary installations.
- Provides reliable position feed that complements vehicle telemetry, fuel monitoring and immobilizer workflows when combined with Plaspy-connected telematics hardware.
Technical Overview
| Model | BT-821C |
|---|---|
| Chipset | MediaTek (MTK) high-performance GNSS chipset |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth wireless interface for pairing with mobile devices and gateways |
| Bands | Not applicable (GNSS receiver, not cellular) |
| Power & Battery | Rechargeable lithium-ion battery; up to 24 hours continuous operation |
| Interfaces | Bluetooth (GNSS data output). No wired ignition/immobilizer inputs specified |
| GNSS | Supports up to 210 PRN channels, 66 search channels, 22 simultaneous tracking channels; SBAS (WAAS, EGNOS, GAGAN, MSAS) and QZSS support; NMEA-0183 (GGA, GSA, GSV, RMC); RTCM |
| Bluetooth | Wireless pairing to smartphones, tablets, laptops and Bluetooth-enabled gateways for streaming GNSS data |
| Remote Management | Not specified (firmware management or FOTA not described) |
| Form Factor | Compact portable GNSS receiver with built-in antenna and LED status indicators |
| Indicators | LEDs for satellite positioning (green), battery status (red/amber), Bluetooth connection (blue) |
Use Cases
- Outdoor navigation and personal GPS enhancement: provide more accurate location for smartphones and tablets when native GNSS is insufficient.
- GIS and mapping fieldwork: reliable position feed for survey apps, data collection, and offline mapping on Plaspy-enabled devices.
- Fleet management augmentation: supply higher-precision location data to Plaspy platforms for improved vehicle tracking and route verification when used alongside vehicle telematics units.
- Portable telemetry and field instrumentation: act as a standalone GNSS source for mobile telemetry systems and temporary installations.
- Mobile development and testing: a convenient Bluetooth GNSS source for app developers and testers who need consistent satellite data across devices.
Why Choose This Tracker with Plaspy
Pairing the BT-821C with Plaspy brings a practical path to better location data without rewiring or replacing existing devices. Its high-sensitivity MTK chipset, SBAS/QZSS support, and RTCM compatibility make it a robust external GNSS option for real-time tracking and fleet management scenarios that need reliable positioning. The long battery life and compact design keep operations mobile and simple, while Bluetooth connectivity enables fast setup with Plaspy-compatible hosts.
For organizations using Plaspy for telemetry, real-time tracking, anti-theft workflows, fuel monitoring dashboards, or immobilizer control tied to accurate geofencing, the BT-821C supplies the positioning layer that enhances detection accuracy and reduces false alerts. Because it outputs standard NMEA and RTCM data, the BT-821C integrates smoothly into Plaspy environments and complements existing telematics and Bluetooth sensors to deliver dependable location insights in the field.
Set Up BT-821C
To set the tracker send the following commands by SMS messages, Format used by Plaspy qGHz3JNHpAR5mnULkkqFBa
- Setup the tracker
GSS,{{imei}},3,0,D1={{apn}},D2={{apnu}},D3={{apnp}},E0=54.85.159.138,E1=8888,A1=1*{{checksum}}!
Reboot the device GSC,{{imei}},3,0,LH*{{checksumreeboot}}!
