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Installing a Digital Matter Barra GPS

Install, configure, and verify the Digital Matter Barra GPS tracker for long-term, rugged asset tracking and comprehensive telemetry reporting.

Overview

The Digital Matter Barra is a long-lifetime, rugged asset tracker designed for heavy-duty, industrial, and remote equipment deployments. It delivers accurate GNSS positioning and BLE/LoRa (device-dependent) connectivity, configurable reporting behaviour, and optional sensor integrations — suitable for trailers, containers, generators, and other assets without permanent power sources.

Barra’s key capabilities typically include:

  • Highly efficient LPWAN communication (LoRa or LTE depending on SKU)

  • GNSS tracking with configurable upload profiles

  • Extreme battery life (multi-year operation on replaceable cells)

  • Designed for outdoor, industrial environments

Official product information and technical details can be found here:

Digital Matter Barra Product Page
Support & Resources (LoRa/LTE Cellular) (search for “Barra” once on site)

What’s in the Box

A typical Barra kit includes:

  • Barra main module

  • Mounting bracket or flanges (may vary by vendor)

  • Battery compartment with user-replaceable cells

  • Quick start guide with IMEI/serial printed

  • Weatherproof enclosure (IP-rated)

Verify all items upon receipt before starting installation.

Tools and Materials

Prepare the following before installation:

Tools

  • Screwdriver set

  • Cable ties

  • Drill + appropriate bits (if permanent mounts)

  • Multimeter (optional, for verifying installation)

Mounting Materials

  • Outdoor-rated screws/anchors

  • Adhesive mounting tape (industrial grade, optional)

  • Conduit/split loom for sensor cables (if used)

  • Sealants / grommets (for wall penetrations)

Safety and Pre-Installation Considerations

Before installing the device:

  • Confirm the mounting surface is structurally sound and free from vibration stress points.

  • Avoid areas subject to extreme heat sources such as exhaust paths or engine bays.

  • Ensure any sensor cables to be connected remain protected from chafing and environmental exposure.

  • If the unit is to be installed using batteries alone, ensure the correct cells and orientation per manufacturer specifications.

Physical Installation

1. Choose a Mounting Location

Select a location that maximises GNSS reception and minimises RF interference:

  • Outside cabin or equipment body with clear sky exposure

  • Behind a non-metal enclosure wall (if mounted behind panels)

  • Elevated surfaces where possible

Avoid:

  • Deep metal enclosures without external antenna planning

  • Locations near heavy electrical noise sources

  • Areas with direct ambient heat loads

2. Mount the Barra Module

Depending on your installation environment, use one of the following methods:

A. Screw Mounting (Recommended)

  1. Mark drill points using the Barra’s mounting holes as a template.

  2. Drill pilot holes into the surface.

  3. Secure the unit with outdoor-rated screws.

  4. Ensure the unit is firmly anchored and vibration doesn’t loosen attachments.

Best practice:

  • Use rubber washers under the device to dampen vibrations.

  • Orient the unit so the top/antenna area has a clear sky view.

 

B. Industrial Adhesive Pads

  1. Choose a high-strength, outdoor-rated adhesive pad.

  2. Ensure the surface is clean and dry.

  3. Apply the pad to the rear of the unit.

  4. Press firmly onto the mount surface and allow recommended cure time.

Note: Adhesive mounting is suitable for non-critical or non-permanent installations, and minimal vibration environments.

4. Battery Installation

Barra typically uses user-replaceable battery cells to maximise life:

  1. Open battery access door per manufacturer instructions.

  2. Insert the correct cell type and orient cells with indicated polarity.

  3. Close and seal the compartment correctly to maintain IP rating.

Important: Only use Lithium AA Battery Cells to avoid performance issues or damage.

2. Locate the Barra GPS Device in Perspio

Follow the steps:

  • Open Perspio Asset Inspector.

  • Locate the Device on the list or enter the IMEI/serial number exactly as printed on the device label.

  • Confirm that the device reports recent data (locations, events and activity).

Verifying Data and Behaviour

Location Accuracy

View the asset’s location on the map:

  • Confirm that location updates reflect physical movement when the asset is relocated.

  • Check that refresh times comply with configured intervals.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

Device Not Reporting in Perspio

  • Check that the correct tenant and user permissions are active.

  • Confirm the location network compatibility.

  • Verify that the batteries are installed correctly and are fresh.

Poor GPS Fix or Missing Reports

  • Relocate the device to a position with better sky visibility.

  • Avoid obstructions such as deep compartments or metal enclosures.

Unacceptable Battery Life

  • Ensure only Lithium AA Battery Cells are used in the device.

  • Ensure that temperature extremes are not present at the installation site.