Device Modes

The Barra Recovery can operate in one of two primary Device Modes: Standby or Tracking, giving operators control over how the device behaves depending on operational needs.
 

Standby Mode

Standby mode is the default low-power state of the Barra Recovery, designed for long-term, covert deployment. In this mode, the device conserves energy by keeping the modem offline except during scheduled check-ins or triggered events. GNSS and Wi-Fi are only activated when required, such as for location acquisition at trip end, tamper, or recovery events, ensuring efficient power use and extended battery life on just two AA lithium batteries.

By default, the device checks in every 24 hours while stationary and every 30 minutes when moving, using cell tower IDs for efficient, low-energy positioning. When movement ceases, the device continues to report but at a reduced frequency, every 2 hours, until returning to full standby after 4 hours of inactivity. The Event Location Acquisition Strategy is set to GNSS with Wi-Fi fallback, ensuring location accuracy at trip end or during emergency events.

Standby mode introduces two new asynchronous features: On-Demand Tracking (ODT) and Beacon mode, which can be remotely activated when an asset needs to be located or recovered. ODT temporarily increases reporting frequency for live tracking, while Beacon Mode activates the beacon for close-range, last-metre recovery.

Together, these capabilities make Standby Mode ideal for maintaining visibility of high-value assets while maximising battery life, with the flexibility to enable real-time recovery features instantly when required.

In Standby Mode, the Barra Recovery allows you to define the communication transport through the Event Location Acquisition Strategy, which determines how the device obtains position data at trip end or during defined events such as High-G detection.

Recovery Mode

Not to be confused with On-Demand Tracking or Beacon Mode, features unique to the Barra Recovery, Digital Matter devices also include a separate capability known as Recovery Mode, which is available across most battery-powered devices. 

This mode uses a set of default, configurable parameters to balance responsiveness and power efficiency during asset recovery. GPS Fix Timeout sets the maximum wait time for a GPS fix, and Upload Timeout limits how long a recovery upload may run before it is aborted. Heartbeat Upload Period controls how often the device checks in while stationary, while the In-Trip Logging Period defines the interval between GPS fixes during movement. Trip End Time determines how long the device must remain still before a trip ends. Use the GPS Detector to conserve power by cutting GPS attempts early when no signal is present. The Location Acquisition Method determines how the device obtains its position, via GPS, Wi-Fi, or hybrid options such as GPS with Wi-Fi fallback, allowing operators to prioritise accuracy, indoor performance, or battery life as needed. Together, these settings form a flexible, recovery-ready baseline suitable for varied operational requirements.
 

Tracking Mode

When switched to Tracking Mode, the Barra Recovery transitions into an active state, increasing reporting frequency and enabling live tracking while the asset is on the move. In this mode, the device performs frequent location updates and maintains higher network availability for near real-time visibility. The asynchronous Beacon feature can also be activated to assist with precise, last-metre recovery when required.

Optimised for Recovery Scenarios

Operators can switch between Standby and Tracking modes as needed. Keeping devices in Standby mode for extended, low-power operation, then activating Tracking when real-time updates are required to meet operational needs. This flexibility provides both long-term endurance and immediate responsiveness within a single, recovery-ready solution.
 

What's Next?

Read more about the Barra Recovery:

• Getting Started with the Barra Recovery 
   
• Initial Provisioning and Installation of the Barra Recovery 
   
• Barra Recovery Debug Logs 
   

The following documents are withheld for security purposes. Contact your Digital Matter representative for further information. 

• Barra Recovery Asynchronous Message Commands 
   
• How to use a transceiver for last-metre device recovery
   
• Complete downloadable user guide