What Is BLE Asset Tracking
BLE Asset Tracking helps you track larger attachments that do not support traditional GPS devices, such as buckets, forks, and trench boxes.
Using Bluetooth Low Energy beacons and the FleetWatcher Mobile App, these attachments report their location when a mobile device running the app comes within range.
How BLE Asset Tracking Works (High Level)
At a high level, BLE Asset Tracking follows this flow:
Set up attachment records in FleetWatcher
Assign a BLE beacon to each attachment
Install the beacon housing on the attachment
Confirm the beacon is active using the FleetWatcher Mobile App
View attachment locations on the map or in reports
GS-105 Beacon Overview
Description
The GS-105 ships with three components:
White plastic beacon
Metal housing
Grey plastic cap
Common Use Cases
Buckets
Trench boxes
Forks
Heavy steel attachments
GS-105 Installation
Suggested Tools and Materials
Welding equipment
PPE appropriate for welding
Step by Step Installation
Step 1: Select the attachment
Choose a steel attachment suitable for tracking.
Step 2: Confirm housing is empty
Ensure the white beacon and grey cap are not inside the metal housing.
Step 3: Weld the metal housing
Weld the empty metal housing securely to the attachment.
Step 4: Allow to cool
Let the metal housing cool completely before installing any plastic components.
Step 5: Insert the beacon
Insert the white plastic beacon into the metal housing.
Step 6: Secure the cap
Screw the grey plastic cap onto the housing until fully seated.
Step 7: Final inspection
Confirm the housing is secure and the cap is tight.
Critical Safety Callout
DO NOT weld with the beacon or cap installed
Welding with plastic components installed will cause permanent damage.
Best Practice Callouts
Protect the cap
The grey plastic cap must remain intact for proper signal transmission.
Choose a protected mounting location
Avoid areas that experience repeated impacts or abrasion.
Do not over-enclose
Do not add additional metal coverings beyond the provided housing.
Required Setup Before Discovery
Before a GS-105 beacon can be discovered by the FleetWatcher Mobile App, all of the following must be completed:
A Custom Equipment Type must exist for the attachment
The attachment must be added in Add/Edit Equipment
The beacon must be assigned to the attachment under Assign Device to Equipment
The beacon must be installed and secured
Callout: Installation alone is not enough
The beacon must be coupled to an attachment record before it can report.
Confirming the Beacon Is Active
Open the FleetWatcher Mobile App
Tap Devices, then BLE Asset Diagnostics
Allow Bluetooth permissions if prompted
Leave the app open during scanning
Assigned beacons within range will report their location.
Battery Replacement and Power Control GS-105
Beacon Design
The GS-105 (white beacon, metal housing, grey cap) is round and accesses the battery from the center of the beacon.
Battery Type
CR2477
Battery Replacement Steps
Unscrew the beacon from the center to open the casing.
Remove and replace the battery as needed.
Screw the beacon back together until fully secured.
Power On and Off
To turn the beacon off, press and hold the button near the battery until the light blinks.
To turn the beacon on, press and hold the same button until the light blinks again.
Note
Most users will not need to power beacons off during normal operation.