Introducing the Barra Fusion Cat 1bis EUK

The Barra Fusion Cat 1bis EUK (Product code Barra-Fusion-EUK) is Digital Matter's ultra-rugged and compact Indoor/Outdoor battery-powered asset tracker. 

Key Features:

• Location via True GNSS (Multiple constellations: GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou and QZSS), Wi-Fi Access Point MAC Address Scanning, and Cell Tower location scanning for indoor/outdoor asset management. 
• Deploy-once battery life with up to 10+ years on only 2 x AA user-replaceable batteries.
• Cloud-based location solving (versus on-device) for substantial power savings.
• Tracks assets when they’re on the move and enters sleep mode when stationary to save power.
• ‘Battery Low’ and ‘Battery Critical’ alerts.
• Magnetic activation and tamper detection.
• Weatherproof and ultra-rugged IP68 and IK07 rated housing.
• KPN Global Roaming Chip SIM
• LTE-M / NB-IoT Connectivity.
   

The Barra Fusion is supplied standard with a screw together housing, but there are alternative housings available to suit other requirements/applications. 

Barra-HOUSING-SNAP  Small form factor, clip together housing. IP68 rated.     Supports quick provisioning and deployment at scale

Barra Fusion Key Info and Resources

Key Technical Specifications

• 2.2-3.6V input voltage range - LiFeS2 batteries recommended, do not use LTC batteries
• KPN Global Roaming Chip SIM
• LTE-M/NB-IoT modem 

Full Technical Specifications

Find full technical specs on the product page on our website: https://www.digitalmatter.com/devices/barra-fusion-cat-1bis
 

High Resolution Images

Download high resolution images for the Barra Fusion here: High Res Images

Device Manager Documentation

Devices parameters and firmware are configured via our Device Manager interface. Make sure to check out the resources here. In particular Device Manager - Getting Started.

Technical Support and Advice

Digital Matter partners should Contact Support for any product issues or enquiries.
 

Device Warranty

The Barra Fusion is backed by a 2 year manufacturer's warranty. See Digital Matter Warranty Returns Policy for details.

Initial Provisioning

This guide is intended to assist new users in getting a Barra Fusion online for the first time. Once you have some experience with the device, this process may change slightly.

e.g you may wish to queue firmware and parameter updates before inserting a SIM and batteries - so that the device picks up new settings once it gets online.
 

In the Box

You will get a compact box containing the Barra Fusion + standard housing. The 8 housing screws will be in a small packet inside the housing.
 

Provisioning Process

Connect to a Tracking Platform

While this is not specifically required to 'fire up' a device, it is generally helpful to do this step first as it will mean if all goes according to plan, we'll simply see our device appear online in this platform. 

Telematics Guru users can follow the guide here Creating Assets in Telematics Guru
 

1. Provision on Tracking Platform

While this is not specifically required to 'fire up' a device, it is generally helpful to do this step first as it will mean if all goes according to plan, we'll simply see our device appear online in this platform. 

Telematics Guru users can follow the guide here Creating Assets in Telematics Guru

2. Remove Magnet

In order for the device to come online: the magnet at the back of the device needs to be removed. By default, this magnet is used for activation mode for the device, and thus if the hall sensor in the device detects the presence of a magnet: the device will not come online. 

Note: the magnet can be used for tamper detection, which is configurable on OEM under the System Parameters for the Barra Fusion.

3. Supported Countries and Network Selection

The Barra Fusion EUK can only connect to LTE-M and NB-IoT networks and is pre-configured with a KPN Chip SIM. The default settings will facilitate device connectivity.
 

4. Insert Batteries 

Key Requirements:

1. 2.2-3.6V Input Voltage Range (use 1.5V cells)
2. LiFeS2 batteries are recommended for optimum performances, specifically Energizer Ultimate Lithium. These batteries    
   
   1. Have good temperature tolerance (-20° -> +60°C operating range)
   2. Low rate of self discharge - so long shelf and service life.
   3. Readily available at supermarkets or hardware stores, and are user replaceable.
3. Alkaline batteries can be used - they are often easy to find cheaply and easily off the shelf. However note:
   1. Lower cost Alkaline batteries often have very high self-discharge rates, and will be partly discharged already just from sitting on the shelf at the store
   2. Alkaline batteries often don't have the same temperate tolerance as LiFeS2 option
   3. We have found some Alkaline battery types prone to early, unexpected failure (i.e. halfway through their expected capacity
   4. There are exceptions to the above however - high quality Alkaline batteries do exist! Just be careful in your selection    
       

If in doubt, speak to our support team. 

Insert the batteries, following the markings on the battery holder indicating the polarity. The springs are the negative terminals. 

5. Getting Online

Once the batteries are inserted, the internal LED will come on and flash. The device will do the following:

1. Connect to the server: If the SIM card works, the device will connect to the OEM Server and attempt to download any firmware and parameter updates then fetch fresh GPS-aiding data.
    
2. Get a GPS Fix: The device will attempt to get a GPS fix. You can speed this up by moving to an area with good GPS signal.
   
   
   1. If it is unable to get a GPS fix, it will attempt a Wi-Fi scan.
       
   2. If needed, upon uploading, the device will scan for cell towers, and send the Wi-Fi/cell tower scan to the Location Engine for resolution.
       
3. Reconnect to the server: The device will attempt to connect again to upload the result of the GPS Fix.
    

If the device does not complete these steps within 10 minutes, it will go to sleep and try again on the next heartbeat or the next trip start.

The Installer Page

Some users/installers may not have access to our end tracking platform, so the installer page can be used. It allows for a quick device check without giving away any sensitive information. It's also a handy tool for those with Device Manager/TG access.

Locate the serial number on the barcode of the device. Go to devicemanager.digitalmatter.com/installer and search for the serial number to confirm that it has:

1. Connected
2. Committed
3. Got a GPS Fix

Now that you have some experience with the device, this process may change slightly. You may wish to queue firmware and parameter updates before inserting a SIM and batteries - so that the device picks up new settings once it gets online.

Troubleshooting

In the rare event that the device does not connect, commit, or get a location. Troubleshooting steps are detailed below.

Sealing the Device

The Barra Edge has an IP68 and IK07 rated housing. The device must be sealed carefully to achieve the IP68 rating.

It is difficult to provide an exact torque figure with which to tighten screws. This is because upon first sealing the device, the screws cut threads into the nylon glass housing. So on the first assembly, the screws may be quite stiff. If the housing is opened and then resealed, the torque required for resealing will be lower than that of the first assembly.

The key goal we are trying to achieve in sealing is firm, even pressure on the silicone seal - as this is what keeps the device water-tight and dust-proof. 

To achieve this:

1. Ensure that the clear silicon seal is in good condition, is lying flat, and is not fouled by any plastic debris or other material.
2. Close the housing, and gently squeeze it shut. Foam on the lid will compress against the batteries, holding them firmly in place.
3. Tighten the 8 screws to uniform tightness - such that there is an even gap at all points along the interface between the base and lid.
   1. The screw heads are Posi-Pan head. As such a Posidriv bit should be used. A Phillips screwdriver can strip the threads.
   2. The screws are a thermoplastic screw: 2.5mm x 8mm (BN82428). If you are after a stainless steel variant, the product code to source is BN82429.
   3. It is a good idea to use a screwdriver with a torque limiting clutch, start with the screwdriver on the lowest setting, and gradually increase the torque until there is a small gap between the base and lid (no need to over-tighten as you risk cracking the housing)
   4. The final torque when finished will be around 0.7Nm most of the time. (Value is a guide only)
       

Mounting and Installation

The Barra Fusion can be mounted onto an asset to be tracked using screws, bolts, cable ties, magnets, or industrial adhesives. 

When choosing a mounting point, you have two competing goals

• To minimise the chances of the device being accidentally crushed, dislodged or discovered by a thief
• To maximise the GNSS and mobile reception and provide adequate ventilation.

Key mounting notes:

• Avoid installing the box completely enclosed in a metal box
• Avoid installing in a location that will result in elevated temperatures. For instance, mounting the device in direct sunlight on the dash of an non-ventilated cabin may cook the batteries, leading to abnormally short service life. 
• Try to orient the GNSS antenna towards the sky where possible (screw heads facing down)

Maximising GPS Reception

Since the Barra Fusion is a battery-powered device, reception is critical to its performance.

The Barra Fusion has several key features that allow it to get a GPS fix in difficult, low-signal environments:

• High-quality GPS receivers 
   
• Low Noise Amplifiers
   
• GPS Aiding Data

This allows the device to get a fix where others wouldn't. However, in reduced signal, the device will work harder (use more battery) to get a fix which results in reduced battery life.

The best possible mounting location for optimal GPS reception gives a clear, 180-degree view of the sky and is free from obstructions. This is not to say the Barra Fusion must be mounted here, in fact, many are installed in difficult locations such as the undersides of trailers, and underneath car seats.

It is important to note that the Manta Fusion also has the ability to resolve its location via Wi-Fi (similar to our Edge devices). Therefore, even if the device has poor GPS signal, in urban environments, it will likely be able to accurately resolve its position using nearby access points.
 

Test GPS Signal Strength

Turn on GPS Debug logging and check the signal strengths. See GPS Troubleshooting.

If you are installing a device in a covert location within a vehicle and the vehicle is otherwise completely out in the open, this is the 'best' reception the device is ever likely to see. If at this point the GPS signal received is fairly low in strength, then the device might fail to get fixes in more 'difficult' locations like when the vehicle is parked near tall buildings. 

Simply check whether or not you could get a fix and the reduced strength might go unnoticed.