Getting Started with the Manta GPS CATMNB
Manta form-factor with quality GPS and Cat-M1 + NB-IoT
Written by Jake Tannenbaum
Updated at September 25th, 2025
Table of Contents
The Manta GPS CATMNB
The Manta GPS CatMNB is a tough, low-profile, asset locator with Digital Matter quality and accuracy in its Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) package. It is ideal for external mounting on containers, generators, trailers, and concealment anywhere ferrous metals won't obstruct its view of the sky.
Click here to see detailed specifications.
What's in the Box?
The Manta GPS CatMNB comes with
- A packet of screws - to secure the housing
- A sticker-affixed magnet for activation and tamper-proofing
- A spare serial sticker - just in case
Provisioning your Manta GPS CATMNB
- Choose a SIM Card Provider
- Install a Nano (4FF) SIM Card
- Install the batteries
- Integration
Installing a Manta GPS CATMNB
Installing a Manta GPS CATMNB follows the same process as installing a Barra device.
Features
Tracking Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Basic Tracking | These parameters determine the tracking mode and tracking intervals. |
| Upload Timeouts (Adv) | Select a registration strategy and specify the duration the device will attempt to upload data before timing out. |
| GPS Movement trips | These parameters only apply in GPS Movement tracking mode |
| Scheduled Uploads | Ensure the time zone is setup in the 'Time Zone and Daylight Savings' tab |
| Inactivity Monitoring/Timer | Inactive is defined as not being in a trip |
| Accelerometer Setting (Adv) | Wakeup Threshold and Wakeup Count determine what level of activity will wake the device before it begins checking against other filtering before deciding if a trip should start. |
| GPS settings (Adv) | Accuracy requirements for getting a fix |
Enabling Features
| Time Zone and Daylight Savings | Configure specific datetime settings to assist with scheduled uploads. |
| After Hours | Assign working times by days of the week and activate auto-recovery mode. |
| Recovery Mode | Recovery mode can be used to help recover a stolen asset. |
| High - G Detection | Monitor and log events when a device experiences significant G-force |
| Tip Detection and Rotation Counting | Identifies tipping events, and record the number of rotations about the chosen axis |
| Magnet Sensor (Adv) | The Hall Effect Sensor can be used for Activation Mode or Tamper Detection |
Frequently Asked Questions
Aside from the form factor, are there any other differences between the Oyster3 4G GPS and the Manta GPS CATMNB?
Yes, the main difference between the two devices is the ability for the Manta GPS CATMNB to use an on-board hall-effect sensor to detect the presence of a magnet. This can be used to instantly activate the device after it has been provisioned and shipped to a deployment site, as well as to indicate that the device has been removed from an asset by glueing the magnet to the asset independently of the Manta GPS CATMNB such that uninstallation would separate them.
Troubleshooting
In the rare event the device does not connect, commit, or get a position. Troubleshooting steps are detailed below.
Device does not connect
- Check the LED is flashing, if the LED is not flashing, either:
- The device is in activation mode - and the magnet is still inserted, meaning it remains dormant - remove the magnet and try again!
- The device has not properly reset. Remove batteries for 20 seconds, and reinsert.
- The batteries inserted are dead. Test with a battery tester to check, or try a fresh set
- The device may have an issue, in which case contact DM for RMA information
- Confirm your SIM card is active
- It is worth trying a SIM card from another connected DM device if possible (as that SIM is proven working)
- Try a fresh set of batteries (they may have enough power to flash the LED but not enough to upload data)
- If it is your first time using a new type of SIM or network, you may need to apply certain network settings with a DMLink Cable.
Device does not commit
Typically, this is due to the device not yet being configured on the end server. Make sure this has been done.
See Since Committed/Since Connected and Troubleshooting for troubleshooting steps.
Device is not getting a GPS fix
If after leaving the device for 5-10 minutes to attempt to get a GPS fix (the very first one can take a short while)
- Take the device outdoors, with a clear view of the sky.
- Remove batteries for 20 seconds, and reinsert. This restarts the device and it will immediately attempt to get a fix. Since you have moved locations now, the device should get better GPS signal and should get a fix.
- Failing this, the device may have an issue with the GPS. See GPS Troubleshooting, or contact DM Support.
