ZenTRACK Barra Installation Guide

Digital Matter Barra Battery‑Powered Asset Tracker

Written By Support Team

1. Purpose and Scope

This guide covers the physical installation of the ZenTRACK Barra on an asset, including hardware overview and critical installation considerations to ensure optimal performance.

2. Hardware Overview

  • Device Type: Digital Matter Barra battery‑powered asset tracker (Barra Core / Barra Edge / Barra GPS variants).

  • Capabilities:

    • GNSS tracking (varies by variant).

    • Wi‑Fi and cell tower location (indoor/outdoor positioning).

    • Magnetic activation and tamper detection.

    • Long battery life (deploy‑once design).

    • Movement detection and accelerometer data.

3. Installation Prerequisites

Materials required:

  • ZenTRACK Barra device

  • Compatible SIM card (if not already provisioned).

  • 2 x AA batteries (user‑replaceable; Lithium Iron Disulfide recommended).

  • Posidriv screwdriver (for device housing screws).

  • Mounting equipment: Screws, bolts, cable ties, or industrial adhesive.

  • Access to DM Installer Page to verify real-time device status.

4. Installation Procedure

Installation Considerations

When selecting an installation location, follow these critical rules:

  1. Avoid Signal Shielding: Do not mount the device fully enclosed inside a metal box; metal blocks GNSS and cellular signals.

  2. Temperature Control: Avoid locations subject to extreme heat (e.g., direct sunlight in unventilated areas) to preserve battery chemistry.

  3. Orientation: To maximize GNSS reception, orient the device so the top of the housing has a clear view of the sky.

    • Note: On many Barra models, it is recommended to have the screws facing downward if the asset allows.

Steps:

  1. Location Selection: Choose a stable mounting location that balances concealment with signal reception.

  2. Device Preparation (if required):

    • Open the housing using the Posidriv screwdriver.

    • Insert the SIM card into the designated slot.

    • Insert the 2 x AA batteries, ensuring correct polarity.

    • Reseal the housing firmly to maintain the IP rating.

  3. Physical Mounting: Use screws, bolts, cable ties, or adhesive to securely attach the device to the asset. Ensure it cannot vibrate loose.

  4. Verification: Check the DM Installer Page using the device asset number (serial) to ensure the device is reporting and has acquired a GPS fix.

  5. Documentation: Complete any required post‑installation documentation (Asset ID to Serial mapping).

Note: For configurations such as magnetic tamper detection or specific activation modes, ensure parameters are provisioned in the OEM server prior to final mounting.

Battery Level Configuration (Required for Battery Reporting)

To enable Device Battery Level reporting for Digital Matter devices, ZenduOne must be configured with specific device identifiers and model information.

Required Configuration

When creating or editing a Digital Matter Asset, ensure the following fields are correctly populated:

1. Model

Select the correct Digital Matter model according to the device model number:

  • Oyster → 87

  • Oyster BLE → 102

  • Barra → 110

  • Yabby → 97

*Add only the number in the form field.

2. IMEI

  • Must be entered in the IMEI field.

  • This value is found on the device sticker.

3. Serial Number

  • Must be entered in the Serial Number field.

  • This value is also found on the device sticker.

Important Notes

  • All three fields (Model, IMEI, and Serial Number) are mandatory for battery level retrieval.

  • If any of these fields are missing or incorrect, ZenduOne will not be able to display the device battery level.

  • Battery data is sourced directly from Digital Matter APIs and depends on accurate device identification.