FAQs - Barra GPS
Written by Matthew Clark-Massera
Updated at April 29th, 2024
How long will the batteries last on my Barra GPS
The short answer: Up to 8 years at 1 daily update. Around 2 - 6 years generally with other configurations and applications.
The long (more accurate) answer: It depends on many things, see here for details along with a battery life calculator.
How do I change the update rate?
See: How to change the Update Rate. The Oyster 3 has 3 tracking modes, discussed here - Tracking Modes
The tracking modes are:
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Standard GPS movement-based tracking: The update rate is increased when on the move (according to the GPS - i.e. we're covering distance)
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Jostle Mode (accelerometer): Movement-based tracking, the update rate is increased when accelerometer activity is detected - even if we are sitting in one spot vibrating.
- Periodic Tracking: For example, update twice daily, etc.
What are the default settings?
See Default Tracking Parameters - Barra GPS
By default, the device is set up for trip tracking. The following default settings apply:
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Out of Trip: 12-hour heartbeats. This is a GPS point and an upload every 12 hours.
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In Trip:
- Start trip threshold of 250m
- Upload on trip start.
- GPS points every 2 minutes
- Upload every 30 minutes.
- End a trip after 5 minutes of no movement.
- Upload on trip end.
I have just powered my device on and it has connected but doesn't have a GPS Fix?
It is most likely that the device simply failed its first fix attempt (it will attempt one on start-up) - if it fails, it will go back to sleep until the next scheduled upload.
On default settings, this means not for 12 hours, unless you move over 250m from your position (to start a trip). So to attempt another, move to a location with good GPS reception, remove the batteries for 30 secs, and reinsert.
This reboots the device and means it will start up and attempt another fix and upload.
For further troubleshooting steps see:
How long will the batteries last in recovery mode?
Here is how the device operates while in recovery mode.
With fresh batteries in and the device on the move, the batteries should last about 1-2 weeks in recovery mode.