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Installing a Digital Matter Remora GPS

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

Overview

The Digital Matter Remora is a compact, rugged GPS tracker designed primarily for short-range, low-power asset tracking and geofencing alerts. It is particularly suitable for assets such as trailers, containers, equipment, and returnable assets where battery life and discrete mounting are priorities.

Remora traditionally leverages BLE and cellular or LPWAN communication modes (depending on the exact hardware SKU) for location and sensor telemetry. Its design emphasizes long battery life (often multi-year) and flexible placement.

Manufacturer product references:
Remora Product Page

Digital Matter Support Portal (search for Remora once on site)

What’s in the Box

Before installing, confirm the kit includes:

  • Digital Matter Remora main tracking device

  • Mounting bracket or fixings (varies by vendor)

  • Quick Start Guide with IMEI/serial label

  • Sealed battery compartment

  • Sometimes optional external antenna or sensor ports (region dependent)

Verify all components before beginning installation.

Tools and Materials

Prepare the following:

Tools

  • Screwdriver set

  • Cable ties

  • Drill (if permanent mounts are used)

  • Multimeter (optional, for verifying signals or power if applicable)

Materials

  • Outdoor rated screws

  • Industrial adhesive pads (optional)

  • Split loom for cable protection (if sensors are used)

  • Mounting tape

Safety and Pre-Installation Considerations

Before installing the Remora:

  • Confirm the asset surface is structurally suitable for mounting.

  • Avoid locations exposed to extreme heat (e.g., exhaust paths) or moisture without protection.

  • Consider sensor cable paths for BLE or other external sensors that may interface with the Remora.

  • Ensure any cabling and cable routing avoids pinching and excessive vibration.

Physical Installation

1. Choose Mount Location

Select an installation position that provides:

  • Clear line of sight for GNSS reception

  • Minimal RF interference (avoid deep metal enclosures if possible)

  • Easy accessibility for future battery replacement

Typical mounting points include:

  • Side or rear wall of an enclosed asset

  • Inside a weather-sealed compartment with access to sky

  • On a support bracket or structural frame

Avoid:

  • Inside sealed metal containers without external antenna provision

  • On surfaces experiencing direct heat (engine bays)

2. Mount the Remora

A. Screw Mounting (Recommended)

  1. Use the Remora’s mounting flanges as a template.

  2. Mark drill points on the surface.

  3. Drill pilot holes if required.

  4. Secure the Remora with outdoor-rated screws.

  5. Ensure it is held firmly and does not vibrate loosely.

Best practice:

  • Use rubber or vibration-dampening washers

  • Orient the device so that GNSS/antenna sections have clear upward exposure

 

B. Industrial Adhesive Mounting (Optional)

  1. Choose a strong, outdoor-rated adhesive mounting pad.

  2. Clean the mount surface thoroughly.

  3. Apply the pad to the rear of the Remora device.

  4. Press firmly against the mounting location.

  5. Allow the adhesive to cure per manufacturer instructions.

Adhesive mounting is suitable for temporary or non-critical installations and should be avoided in high-vibration conditions.

3. Optional Sensor Connections

Depending on your tenant’s build and device SKU:

  • External BLE sensors (e.g., temperature, humidity)

  • LoRa or other auxiliary radios

Route sensor cabling cleanly through pass-throughs or grommets and secure with split loom or cable ties to prevent chafing.

Seal any holes or penetrations with UV-resistant grommets or sealant as appropriate.

4. Battery Installation

Remora typically uses 2 x D Cell Lithium Thionyl Chloride (LTC) batteries for power:

  1. Open the battery access compartment per the manufacturer’s instructions.

  2. Insert the recommended battery type with correct polarity.

  3. Close and seal the compartment to maintain weather protection.

Only use batteries that meet the manufacturer’s specifications to avoid damage or reduced performance.

5. Power-Up and Initial Network Registration

Once installed:

  1. Allow the device to self-initiate once battery power is present.

  2. LEDs (where present) may indicate status for:

    • Network registration

    • GNSS fix

    • Sensor read state

These LED behaviours and timing can vary by hardware model. Consult Digital Matter’s support documentation for LED behaviour definitions.

6. Locate the Remora 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 D Cell Lithium Thionyl Chloride (LTC) batteries are used in the device.

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