Which Devices Support Digital & Analog BLE Tag Mapping?

How to Set Up BLE Tag Digital & Analog Mapping with Continuous Scanning

Use this guide to configure BLE tags or sensors so their mapped analog and digital values update while the device is continuously scanning.

This setup is intended for applications where you want more responsive BLE sensor monitoring during relevant operating periods, such as trips or other active tracking windows. 

Before You Start

Before configuring BLE tag mapping, make sure that:

• your device supports BLE continuous scanning and BLE tag mapping
• your device firmware and Bluetooth® firmware are both updated to the latest versions available.
• your target tag or sensor is supported
• the tag can already be detected correctly by the device
   

Tips: 

• If this is your first time setting up BLE mapping, enable turning on Data Capture and Debug Logging for one day so you can quickly confirm whether the mapping is working.
• Before enabling analog or digital mapping, create Tag List logs first. This helps confirm that the device is detecting the tag correctly before you add mapping instructions.
• During testing, set TagList/Analog Log Period to a short frequency, i.e. three minutes. After testing, change it to a value that suits your application.
   

Choose the Right Setup Method

There are three ways to configure continuous BLE tag mapping.

• By Tag Manufacturer
  Use this option when you want the device to work with supported tags from a selected manufacturer.
   
• By Tag Manufacturer and Tag Type
  Use this option when you want to narrow scanning to a specific supported tag family or model.
   
• By Specific Tag
  Use this option when you want to map a known BLE tag or sensor using its MAC address.

Steps for Analog Mapping (Continuous) by Tag Manufacturer 

1. Navigate to the Edit System Parameters window and enable the BLE Continuous Tag Scanning tab.
    
2. Change Enable Scanning to Yes
    
3. Change Log Taglist to No
    
4. Change Analog Mapping to Yes
    
5. Change TagList/Analog Log Period (minutes) from 60 to 3 (purely for testing, you should set this to whatever best suits your application afterwards)
    
6. Change Upload on TagList or Analog Mapping to Yes
    
7. Change the first available Other Tag Type dropdown to the Tag Manufacturer of choice.
    
8. Save the settings and send them to the device.
    
9. Test the configuration and review the resulting logs.
    

Note: This is the quickest setup method when any compatible tag from the selected manufacturer may be present.

Steps for Analog Mapping (Continuous) by Tag Manufacturer and Tag Type

In addition to steps 1 - 10 above, perform the following to enable continuous scanning for a specified Tag Manufacturer and Type:

1. In Edit System Parameters, add the BLE Generic Protocol Tags(Adv) tab.

2. From the dropdown Generic Protocol Tag Type 1, set the tag type, which is listed by manufacturer and then type. An extensive library of BLE Tags exists.

3. Repeat step two if adding additional tag types.

4. If Custom* Tag type has been selected from the Generic Protocol Tag Type dropdown list, ensure the Custom Tag Type instructions are completed at the bottom of the modal. 

*If Custom, please contact Digital Matter support for assistance in creating the custom instructions to automatically integrate your new tag type.

Note: Use this method when you want tighter control over which supported tags are accepted.
 

Steps for Analog Mapping (Continuous) by Specific Tag

In addition to the initial Steps (1 -10) for Analog Mapping (Continuous) by Tag Manufacturer, complete the following details of the specific BLE tag to be monitored.

1. In Edit System Parameters, from the Add Advanced Parameters, select the BLE Tag Analog & Digital Mapping 1(Adv).

2. Complete the MAC Address with the BLE device MAC id.

3. If applicable, select the Digital Input assignment to map tag data to. Uses successive digitals if mapping more than one value, and be sure to add a Digital Input Monitor(Adv) tab.

4. Assign the Mapping instructions, taking note of the assigned number for the analogs and digitals used in brackets (a_d_)

5. To complete monitoring the tag or sensor, add a Digital Input Monitor. In Edit System Parameters, from the Add Advanced Parameters, select the Digital Input Monitor 1(Adv)

6. Update the Digital Input to align with the Digital Input set in the BLE Tag Analog & Digital Mapping tab.

7. Additional Tags or Sensors may be added by repeating the steps.
 

Note: Use this method when you need deterministic monitoring for a known tag or sensor.

Verify the Setup

After configuration:

1. Place the tag or sensor within range of the device.
    
2. Trigger a normal operating condition, such as movement, a trip, or another expected logging event.
    
3. Confirm that the tag is being detected.
    
4. Confirm that the mapped analog or digital values are updating as expected.
    
5. Review device logs during the test period to verify correct behaviour.

Once testing is complete, change the TagList/Analog Log Period from the temporary test value to a value that matches your operational requirements.

• Longer intervals reduce data usage and power consumption.
• Shorter intervals provide more frequent updates and finer reporting detail.

Troubleshooting

The tag is not being detected

• Confirm BLE scanning is enabled.
• Confirm the tag is supported.
• Confirm the tag is powered and in range.
• Create Tag List logs first to verify basic detection.

The tag is detected, but no mapped values appear

• Recheck the mapping instructions.
• Confirm the correct analog and digital indices are being used.
• Confirm the digital input monitor has been added where required.

There are too many logs or too much data usage

• Increase the TagList/Analog Log Period after testing.
• Restrict scanning and monitoring to the periods that matter for the application.

The setup behaviour is unclear

• Re-enable Data Capture and Debug Logging temporarily and review the logs in detail.