The Motive Beacon is a compact, Bluetooth-based tracking device designed to provide last-seen location information for smaller equipment, tools, and assets. It uses Motive's diverse network of listening devices. It offers enhanced visibility for items that are often hard to track.
Overview
- Location data: Motive Beacon provides last-seen location data for tools, containers, and small or lower-cost equipment.
- Asset recovery & security: The Motive Beacon can help recover stolen assets when detected via the Motive Mesh Network.
- Improved asset tracking and prevention of misrouting: It enables the discovery and recovery of assets that are on the wrong vehicle.
Beacon FAQs
Hardware, Battery & Installation
Does Motive Beacon use GPS or cellular tracking?
No. Motive Beacon relies exclusively on Bluetooth technology to communicate. It does not have built-in GPS or cellular capabilities. Instead, it is detected by devices on the Motive Mesh Network.
How long does the Motive Beacon battery last?
The battery life is approximately four years. Please note that significant temperature variations (extreme heat or cold) may cause mild fluctuations in overall battery life.
Can I replace the battery when it dies?
Yes, the battery is designed to be easily replaced. It uses a standard CR2477 battery, which is affordable and widely available at major retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and most hardware stores. You do not need to replace the entire Beacon unit when the battery runs out.
How do I install the Motive Beacon?
Follow this article for the installation of Motive Beacon.
Is Motive Beacon waterproof and weatherproof?
The device is rated IP67, meaning it is waterproof and dustproof, making it suitable for mounting on the exterior of trailers or equipment exposed to the elements.
The Motive Mesh Network & Detection Frequency
Where can I view my Motive Beacon’s location?
You can view Beacon locations alongside your other assets within the Motive Fleet Dashboard and the Motive Fleet App.
How often will my Beacon update its location (ping frequency)?
The frequency of location updates depends on the Beacon's movement and what devices are nearby:
- Beacons traveling with a vehicle equipped with the Motive Vehicle Gateway can achieve pings as frequently as 1 per minute.
- Beacons not travelling with a Motive Vehicle Gateway will experience varying update frequency based on the Beacon’s location relative to devices on the Motive Mesh Network. More populated areas, and major roadways, will produce more frequent pings.
How does the Motive Mesh Network detect Beacons?
The Motive Mesh Network consists of Motive hardware (like Vehicle Gateways) and multiple mobile apps (Fleet App and Driver App). When a listening device on the network detects a Motive Beacon, it securely reports its own location to the cloud. The system then associates that location as the approximate location of the Beacon.
How far away does a Beacon have to be to be detected?
Range depends mainly on the environment:
- Clear Line of Sight: The Beacon can be detected from over 200 feet away.
- Obstructed View: Heavy walls, equipment, or other environmental obstacles will limit the range. In these scenarios, 50 to 100 feet is a realistic detection range.
Can devices from other Motive customers help locate my Beacon?
Yes. The Motive Mesh Network comprises millions of listening devices, and this number is constantly growing. Privacy is strictly maintained. Just as other companies can’t see your devices or their locations, you will not see theirs. You will know that your Beacon has been detected, along with its location and the time of detection.
How long does it take to locate my Beacon?
Assuming the Beacon is within range of an actively listening device on the Motive Mesh Network, the detection and location update should occur within one minute.
Privacy & Asset Visibility
Can I see which specific device detected my Beacon?
It depends on who owns the detecting device:
- Fleet’s own devices: Yes. Motive allows you to see which of your own vehicles detected the Beacon. This is highly useful for logistics, helping you confirm which assets are traveling with which vehicle and allowing you to reroute assets that are traveling with the wrong vehicle.
- External devices: No. To protect privacy, Motive does not expose the names or identifiers of devices outside your organization. You will simply see the location and time of the detection.
Mobile App Configuration
How do I enable Bluetooth detection in the Fleet App?
- Open the Fleet App.
- Navigate to More > Settings > Bluetooth.
- Enable Bluetooth Listening.
| Note: The Fleet App listens while in the foreground. It will continue to listen in the background for a period of time, but your phone’s operating system will eventually suspend background listening to optimize battery life. Bring the app back to the foreground to resume listening. |
How do I enable listening in the Driver App?
Listening in the Driver App is currently available to a limited set of users.
- Requirements: Listening occurs only in the foreground and requires both Bluetooth and location permissions to be granted.
- Limitations: Listening does not occur if the app is in the background or if the necessary permissions have not been enabled.
Vehicle Gateway Behavior
Do Motive Vehicle Gateways detect Beacons when the vehicle is off?
It depends on the vehicle type and the Vehicle Gateway's power mode:
- Heavy-duty vehicles: The Vehicle Gateway remains in full power mode and continues to listen for Beacons even when the vehicle is off.
- Light-duty vehicles: The Vehicle Gateway typically remains in full power mode for approximately 45 minutes after the vehicle is turned off. After this period, it enters low power mode and stops listening to preserve the vehicle's battery.
Share this with others