The Griffin Air is a long-life ultra-rugged battery powered GPS and WiFi device for global asset tracking applications.

Key Features:

• Global Connectivity - Connect almost anywhere in the world with a cellular network with 4G Cat 1bis and 2G fallback
• 2G Migration Plan - Operates on current 2G networks with a migration path to 4G when / if 2G networks are shut down
• Bluetooth® Gateway – Report on Bluetooth Tags and Sensors to enable wireless Condition Monitoring, Tagged Asset Management, and more
• Indoor/Outdoor Asset Tracking – Onboard GNSS, Wi-Fi AP MAC Address Scanning, and Cell Tower location for indoor/outdoor asset management
• Certified for Air Cargo – Track cargo everywhere, with airline certified smart sensing capabilities to avoid transmissions while being transported in a plane.
• Cloud-based location solving – Cloud-based location solving for substantial power savings when using Wi-Fi and Cell Tower scanning
• Deploy-Once Battery Life – 8+ years on 3 x AA user-replaceable batteries with ‘battery low’ and ‘battery critical’ alerts
• Adaptive Tracking Technology - Tracks assets when they’re on the move and enters sleep mode when stationary to conserve energy
• Ultra-Rugged – Waterproof and rugged IP67 Housing

Griffin Air Key Info and Resources

Key Technical Specifications

• 3-5.5V input voltage range
  • LiFeS2 batteries recommended

• 4G Cat 1bis with 2G fallback modem
• Internal Nano 4FF SIM

Device Manager Documentation

Device 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.

For default tracking parameters check out this article.

For more information on how to configure Bluetooth Scanning see Bluetooth Scanning.

Initial Provisioning

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

For example, 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.

Provisioning Process

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. 

2. Insert SIM Card

The Griffin Air uses a Nano (4FF) SIM Card. The device operates on 4G Cat 1bis & 2G networks, and as such requires a specific SIM card from these networks. 

Locate the silver SIM holder on the PCB. There is an image on the silkscreen which shows the SIM orientation, slide the SIM into the holder with the keyed corner first and the SIM contacts orientated down to the main board.

3. Insert Batteries 

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

4. 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.
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 in 10 minutes, it will go to sleep and try again on the next heartbeat or the next trip start.

 Mounting and Installation

The Griffin Air 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 minimize the chances of the device being accidentally crushed, dislodged or discovered by a thief
• To maximize 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)
  • The best possible mounting location for optimal GPS reception is one that gives a clear, 180 degree view of the sky and free from obstructions.
• If installing in a potentially low signal environment, check the signal strengths reported in device data

Default Tracking Parameters

By default, the Griffin Air is setup for GPS Movement Based tracking. The following default settings apply:

Update Rate:

• Out of Trip (stationary): 12 hour heartbeats. This is a position and an upload every 12 hours.
• In Trip (on the move):
  • Upload on movement detection.
  • GPS point every 2 minutes.
  • Upload every 30 minutes.
  • End a trip after 5 minutes of no accelerometer movement.
  • Upload on movement end.

The defaults provide a good starting point but it is important to monitor and tweak your settings to ensure the battery life is acceptable. Contact support if you require assistance. 

Special Tracking Parameters

The System Parameters that are specific to the Griffin Air are the following:

• Barometer
• Ground Mode (Adv)
• Location Preferences (Adv)
• Geolocation (Adv)

These parameters can be changed, as the device has various configurable Barometer and Ground modes in order to best fit the use case. See the articles below for instructions.

Configuring the On-Board Barometer

Configuring Ground Mode

Location Mechanism - Griffin Air