The Barra GPS tracker (product code TRA-4BI-003) is an ultra-rugged and compact battery-powered GPS tracker. It features precise location tracking with a very long battery life of up to 8 years when tracking one position per day in optimal reception conditions.
Specifications
Cellular module | LTE-M (Cat-M1) |
SIM size | Internal Nano 4FF SIM |
Location accuracy | Horizontal ~ 1.5m CEP |
Battery performance | Once-a-day location updates for ~ 8 years |
User-replaceable batteries | 2 x AA batterijen Lithium (LiFeS2) |
Dimensions | 149 x 51 x 21 mm (5.9 x 2 x 0.8 in) |
IP/IK rating | Ultra-rugged and waterproof IP68 and IK07-rated housing |
Operating temperature | -30°C to +60°C |
Cellular & GPS antenna | Internal antennas |
Activation | Quick activation using magnetic contact |
Anti-theft protection | Tamper detection |
Mounting diagram
Precautions and safety instructions
ESD
The Barra GPS tracker is an electrostatically sensitive device and can be damaged by electrostatic discharge (ESD). Always take antistatic precautions, such as a grounded wrist strap, when working on the circuit board or SIM card. Always avoid direct contact with sensitive components such as GPS and GSM antennas. ESD damage is not covered by the supplier's or manufacturer's warranty.
IP68
When assembling the Barra GPS tracker, always ensure the seal is correctly positioned, free of dirt, and fully intact. Use only the supplied screws and ensure all screws are tightened evenly and to the same torque. Water damage is not covered by the manufacturer's warranty.
Batteries
Use only the recommended batteries. LiFeS2 batteries are recommended for optimal performance, especially Energizer Ultimate Lithium batteries. When replacing batteries, observe the ESG and IP instructions as shown above. Battery performance is also affected by reception strength and ambient temperature. Calculus only provides guidelines for battery life under optimal conditions and cannot be held responsible for any variations in performance.
Product details
Package contents
Count | Component | Description |
|---|---|---|
1 | Barra GPS tracker | 149 × 51 × 21 mm |
8 | Case screws | Type: 2.5mm x 8mm Pozi-Pan |
2 | AA-batteries | 2,2V – 3,6V range |
1 | Industrial SIM | Activated industrial SIM card |
Attention!
The Barra GPS tracker is always shipped assembled to customers, with a SIM card and batteries already installed.
Activation and installation
To activate the Barra GPS tracker, the magnet on the back of the device must be removed. By default, this magnet is used for the device's activation mode, so if the Hall sensor in the device detects the presence of a magnet, the device will not come online.
Barra GPS tracker with magnet installed
When you receive your device, the magnet will be located under the yellow tape.
Barra GPS tracker with magnet removed
To get your Barra GPS tracker online, you'll need to remove the magnet.
When activated, the Barra GPS tracker will connect to the online platform and update itself with a pre-programmed configuration. Using the gateways page in the Calculus platform, you can search for the serial number stated on the GPS tracker.
Attention!
Once you have installed the tracker, this serial number is no longer visible. Always keep a log to keep track of which serial number is mounted on which machine. An additional help label is provided in the packaging and on the packaging itself.
Managing the Barra GPS tracker
In the portal’s Gateways page, you can search for the tracker by entering the serial number in the search bar.
You can see whether a device is connected online by looking at the activity indicator in the portal. A green indicator means the device is online; a gray or red indicator means the device is not online.
Attention!
Please note that this may take a few minutes after the magnet is removed and the device is activated.
When you then click on the tracker and navigate to Current Activity, you can check whether the tracker is sending data and when the data was sent.
After activating the tracker, it will be updated with the correct configuration for your application. This will take a maximum of 5 minutes. Make sure you do not reinsert the activation magnet into the device during this time. The update includes, among other things, the disassembly detection functionality.
Tamper detection
The Barra GPS tracker comes standard with tamper detection. After activating the device, it will update itself with the appropriate features, including tamper detection. This feature also uses the previously removed magnet to activate the device; however, after the update, the magnet's function will change to tamper detection.
When installing the device, the magnet can be glued or otherwise attached to the asset. The Barra GPS tracker is then installed over the magnet (the magnet fits into the recess in the housing). When the Barra GPS tracker is removed from the device, it will immediately detect the magnet's absence and send an alert to the online portal, notifying you as the user.
Installation
The Barra GPS tracker can be mounted to the object to be tracked using screws, bolts, cable ties, magnets, or industrial adhesives.
When choosing a mounting point, there are two important aspects to consider:
Minimize the risk of the GPS tracker being accidentally damaged, becoming detached, or easily detected in the event of theft.
Maximize GPS and mobile reception and ensure adequate ventilation and open space around the GPS tracker.
Key installation tips:
Avoid installing the GPS tracker in fully enclosed metal enclosures.
Do not install the device in a location with high temperatures. For example, mounting the device in direct sunlight on the dashboard of an unventilated cabin can cause the batteries to overheat, resulting in an abnormally short battery life.
Always install the GPS tracker in a workshop location with good signal strength for data reception. Inside a hall, the signal strength can be significantly reduced by, for example, insulated roof panels. After installation in a potentially low-signal environment, check the signal strength reported in the portal data.
If possible, try to point the GPS antenna skyward (screw heads facing downward).
The Barra GPS tracker has several internal features that allow it to maintain GPS reception in challenging environments with poor signal strength. However, in poor signal strength, the device will work harder (consuming more battery) to connect, resulting in shorter battery life.
Since the Barra GPS tracker is battery-powered, good reception is crucial for its performance. The best possible mounting location for optimal GPS reception offers a clear 180-degree view of the sky and is free of obstructions. This doesn't mean the Barra GPS tracker should be mounted here; in fact, many are installed in difficult locations such as the underside of trailers and under car seats, but this will impact battery performance.
Usage
Standard configuration
The Barra GPS tracker is delivered pre-configured to the customer. This allows for a simple activation process for our customers and allows for rapid deployment.
Calculus uses two standard configurations, distinguishing between moving and stationary assets. Adaptive tracking, which transmits a GPS position when the acceleration sensor is triggered, is disabled for moving assets (e.g., cranes, aerial work platforms) to optimize battery life. It is available for stationary assets such as generators, light poles, etc.
The standard configuration of the Barra GPS tracker depends on the selection made in the order form.
Available configurations
Function | S-CFG-001 (Time based tracking) | S-CFG-002 (Movement based tracking) |
|---|---|---|
Magnetic activation | Yes | Yes |
Battery life monitoring | Yes | Yes |
Sleep mode | Yes | Yes |
Adaptive tracking | No | Yes, determine location on movement |
GPS location on map | 4 locations per day | Location when moved |
Tamper detection | Yes | Yes |
Notification overview | Yes | Yes |
Hint!
For a different custom configuration, please contact your sales representative. The Calculus development team will then discuss the feasibility of an alternative configuration with you.
Accessing the online portal
The Calculus online portal can be accessed at https://portal.calculus.group/. New users will receive an email invitation to create an account. Existing users can access the portal using their existing login details.
For new users, please consult the Calculus online Quickstart Guide, which provides more information on creating an account, a tour of the portal, and answers to other questions.
Asset Type template
In the online portal, the Barra GPS tracker is automatically linked to the standardized Calculus asset type. This means that as soon as the device is activated, data is automatically visualized in a template dashboard. Notifications are also automatically generated for notifications regarding tampering or low battery voltage. Linking to a Calculus asset type template is free, allowing our customers to easily activate the device and have it operational quickly.
For a customized asset type, please contact your representative. The Calculus development team will then discuss the feasibility of a different asset type with you.
Troubleshooting
You can determine the operational status of a Barra GPS tracker by looking at the activity indicator in the portal. A green indicator means the device is online; a red indicator means the device is not online.
Poor data network and/or GPS reception
The Barra GPS tracker has two separate internal antennas: one for data transmission and the other for GPS reception. Both antennas can remain offline, but it's also possible to have GPS but no other data transmission, or vice versa. Reception always depends on the geographic location, mounting location, and orientation of the device on/in the asset, and whether the asset is in the open air or not.
If a GPS tracker doesn't come online, check if it works in another location where you're certain there's good reception without any obstructions.
Depleted batteries
New GPS trackers are equipped with new batteries. If a GPS tracker goes offline for a certain period of time after activation, this could be due to depleted batteries. Energy consumption depends on natural voltage degradation, battery lifespan, external influences such as high or low temperatures, device transmission frequency, data network reception strength, and GPS network.
The batteries in the Barra GPS tracker are easily replaced with two new AA batteries. LiFeS2 batteries are recommended for optimal performance, especially Energizer Ultimate Lithium batteries.
SIM card
In rare cases, the cause of an offline GPS tracker may be due to poor SIM card contact due to corrosion. To minimize this error, Calculus uses only industrial gold-plated SIM cards. Removing and reinserting the SIM card can resolve this issue. Never touch the SIM card's contacts to prevent future contact problems!
Signal strength
To check the signal strength of a GPS tracker, go to the Calculus platform and click Assets in the navigation menu. Here, find the GPS tracker for which you want to check the signal strength. In the Edit Asset panel, go to the Current Activity tab and search for analog_data|gsm_signal.dbm.
The signal strength is displayed on a scale of 0 to 31 where:
0 = no signal
1 tot 10 = weak signal
11 tot 20 = good signal
21 tot 31 = strong signal
99 = unknown or unavailable
Additional help!
If the above points were not helpful, you can contact the service department via the helpdesk: https://www.calculus.group/en/helpdesk