Adding a GPS Tracking device

Adding a GPS Tracking device

WarningYour GPS tracker needs the correct settings to show online on our platform

Before you begin, make sure you have:

  1. SIM card APN settings

  2. Device make, model, and identifier (usually the IMEI)

  3. SMS commands to configure the device for our platform

  4. A powered-on device placed outside with a clear view of the sky

  5. An active SIM card with credit or a data bundle

Info
When tracking devices communicate with our servers, we use the device identifier to recognise it, if the device idenitifer is not recognised in our database, we discard the data.
Please ensure your device is added so we can accept the data.

Overview

There are two parts to this process:

1. Platform Setup – Add the device to the platform

2. GPS Tracker Configuration – configure it yourself with an SMS, or get the platform to send an SMS (OTA)

Notes
Terminology
Devices: We call GPS Trackers "Devices" (these are physical pieces of hardware)
Assets: This is where the GPS Tracker lives, (car, pet, person etc)


GPS Tracker Configuration

When using the Add Asset Wizard in the platform, we might be able to configure it for you by sending an SMS to the tracker, this is known as OTA, or you can configure it yourself manually

Here is a comparision is these 2 methods 

1. Manual Configuration (Recommended for first time use)

You set up the device yourself using:

  • SMS commands

  • The manufacturer’s PC configuration tool (if available)

✅ Highest success rate
✅ Ideal for first-time users
✅ Immediate feedback via SMS replies (success or error)

2. Over-the-Air (OTA) Configuration

Our platform attempts to send SMS commands directly to the GPS tracker.

⚠️ Lower success rate due to factors beyond our control, such as:

  • No GSM signal on the tracker

  • Tracker password changed (our commands rejected)

  • Device only accepts commands from specific numbers

  • Custom firmware needing different commands

  • M2M SIMs blocking external SMS (use SIM provider's platform instead)

  • SIM card has SMS disabled

Important Tips

  • Manual setup is strongly recommended, especially for new users.

  • If using a high-end device, ask us for the correct configuration file for the PC tool. Provide the manufacturer and model.

  • Always check for and update to the latest firmware, as older versions may contain bugs. Confirm with the manufacturer how to check and upgrade the firmware.

 

Guide to using the Add Asset Wizard

Click on ADMIN

 

Click on Add Asset Wizard button

 

 

Select client  and the device Hardware Type then click next 

 

Enter the IMEI number of your GPS tracker.
Select the device model (use the search feature, or contact support if it’s not listed).

InfoNote:

In rare cases (e.g. some SINOTRACK models), the device may report data using a different identifier instead of the IMEI.
– Check the tracker’s label or packaging for other possible device IDs.
– Some devices with custom firmware may also report using a different ID.

However, in 99% of cases, the IMEI number is the correct identifier to use.


  

 Enter the sim card phone number (if it has one)



Enter a device name, choose the asset icon, upload asset photo and choose which groups this vehicle should show under, Then Click Next 



If available add the extra details for the device,simcard and vehicle  (optional). then click finish




If you have not previously configured the Gps Tracker, this screen will show NOT CONNECTED in red, and tell you the port and domain to point the Gps Tracker too
(We recommend NOT to use IP address as this falls outside of our disaster recovery plan)

If you are unsure if the Gps Tracker has the correct config, press the refresh button to check if the Gps Tracker has connected

 

If you have previously configured the Gps Tracker, and its connected to the system, you will see a green message saying CONNECTED

 

Next goto the map page.



If your Gps Tracker has NOT reported, it will show as GPS coordinates 0,0 which is off the west coast of africa, and will say NOT CONNECTED in asset menu


Some common mistakes when trying to get a device online

1. The Gps Tracker is indoors and cannot get a GPS lock, please make sure the device has a clear view of sky for 30 mins

2. The APN settings for the sim card to send data are incorrect - check with sim provider and try the settings in a smart phone and see if you can connect to internet (turn off wifi)

3. The sim card does not have credit/data bundle (try in a phone to see if it has internet, and switch off wifi)

4. Commands were entered incorrectly

5. Cheaper chinese Gps Trackers may have the same model numbers as different hardware using a different protocol, so sms command message are not recognised as they are not for this device (you might also be using the wrong port)

6. Wrong IMEI entered on our platform or the Gps Tracker reports with a different device ID

7. Faulty hardware - please point to manufacturer to confirm its working on their platform

8. M2M sim cards can only accept messages from the provider platform

9. Gps Tracker is not reporting in UTC time zone or are sending data with a time stamp far in the future.

10. Sim card is not capable of receiving SMS messages

 

If you have tried all the above and your Gps Tracker isn't reporting, dont get too disheartened, lots of first time users struggle with this area, particularly with cheaper chinese hardware with poor documentation

So please get in touch and we'll help you get going.

 

 

 

 


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