In situations where Locators are placed in areas with weak GPS satellite signals, particularly indoors, we can enhance zone position reporting by installing Beacon devices. These devices help improving accuracy in environments where GPS performance is limited.
Locators will display the Equipment position on the Map based on Beacons' position. To do so, Locators need to scan and detect Beacons' Bluetooth signal.
Bluetooth signal, positioning, Locators, Beacons
Q: What Beacon is reported by the Locator?
A: If the Locator cannot detect any GPS signal it will scan for Bluetooth signals from Beacons nearby. Then, it will try to report the Beacon from which it receives the best signal. In case of interferences, caused by physical obstacles like walls or other Bluetooth or Wi-Fi signals, it may happen that the Beacon reported by the Locator is not actually the nearest Beacon.
The position reported by the Locator will be indicated in the system as a BLE position, instead of a GPS position. The accuracy of the position reported with this method is improved.
Q: How often does a Locator search for Beacons' signal?
A: The Locator does search for GPS and/or Bluetooth signals after a short period (few seconds) of not moving anymore. It also scans periodically for Beacons' signal every 24 hours when the Locator is in stationary mode (not having moved).
Q: Does the Locator receive the Beacons' signal?
A: If there is a Beacon that has never been reported by a Locator, and you have deep doubts about the health of that Beacon, please first check if it has been properly installed and powered-on (see answers to questions below).
You may also contact RecovR Support and we will be happy to clarify any doubt.
Q: Why the Locator doesn't display any nearby Beacon?
A: Most probably, the Locator is receiving a good GPS signal, thus, it won't try to scan for Beacon's signals, and GPS position will be reported and displayed in the system.
When there is no GPS signal, the Locator will try to scan for Beacons' signal. Sometimes, it may occur that it doesn't detect right away the Beacons' signal, in that case, there is a retry mechanism in place. The Locator will keep trying to detect Beacons' signal few seconds after it is not moving anymore and periodically every 24 hours while in stationary mode (not having moved).
Beacons Battery Replacement
Q: How do I verify the battery level of a Beacon?
A: The battery level of the Beacons is part of the details table under the Beacons menu.
Q: How do I change the battery of a Beacon?
A: A "low battery" situation will only happen after several months or even years of usage of a Beacon. In this situation a battery replacement would be necessary.
To replace the Beacon's battery, open the Beacon by rotating the lid counter-clockwise.
Remove the "white soft" protection and carefully push the battery out.
Replace the battery by a new battery of the same model - it should be the CR2477 model. Please verify carefully to not harm yourself nor the device while manipulating the Beacon.
Do not use any sharp material or tools to operate with batteries that could damage them.
Once the battery is replaced, set the "white soft" protection back on. Press the "push button" and hold it for 3 seconds to power-on the Beacon. Ensure that the blue LED is lighting up continuously for 5 seconds.
A blinking blue LED means that the Beacon is powering off.
Finally close the Beacon by rotating the lid clockwise to protect it from dust and humidity.