The Tractive Base Station functions as an independent, mini Wi-Fi network specifically for Tractive’s Power Saving Zone feature. This is ideal for creating a Power Saving Zone in areas without Wi-Fi access, or where your existing Wi-Fi router is incompatible with the feature. You might already have a Power Saving Zone set up with your existing Wi-Fi, but you may find using the Base Station offers enhanced reliability and fewer interruptions.
If you already have a Power Saving Zone set up, click here.
If you have an existing Power Saving Zone configured with your Wi-Fi and wish to switch to using a Base Station instead, you’ll need to remove your existing Power Saving Zone before proceeding to the Step-By-Step Guide. Here's how:
- Tap Profile on the bottom navigation bar.
- Choose Tracker.
- Click Edit next to Power Saving Zones.
- Select the Power Saving Zone you wish to remove.
- Tap the trash can icon located in the top right-hand corner.
- To confirm the removal of the Power Saving Zone, you can either connect your tracker to its charger or go for a brief walk around the block while carrying the tracker.
Once the Power Saving Zone is removed, continue to the Step-By-Step Guide to set up your Base Station.
The Base Station does not require an initial Wi-Fi connection to function, nor does it serve as a Wi-Fi extender. It is a self-sufficient unit that, once plugged in, emits a signal enabling the creation of a Power Saving Zone around it.
What exactly is a Power Saving Zone? With a Power Saving Zone, you can significantly extend the battery life of your tracker by connecting it to a trusted Wi-Fi network, such as your home or work Wi-Fi, or to the network created by the Tractive Base Station.
Step-By-Step Guide
To start saving battery life with your Tractive Base Station, there are two very easy steps, 1) setting up the device 2) setting up your Power Saving Zone in the Tractive GPS app.
1) How to set up your Base Station:
- Choose a safe area where your pet spends a lot of time. (ie your home or your workplace) This must be indoors where the device can’t get wet.
- Attach the antenna to the device
- Plug the device into a power source using any USB-C charger.* Once plugged in, all 3 LEDs will light up, indicating that the device is on and at the maximum range.
- The indicator system of the device uses LEDs to display range levels: one LED signifies the lowest range, two LEDs indicate medium range, and three LEDs represent the highest range.
- The button on the device allows you to control the range of the signal depending on how large the area you want to cover is.
- You’re now ready to set up your Power Saving Zone.
*Just as a Wi-Fi router needs to be plugged in at all times to function, The Tractive Base Station also requires continuous connection to a power source. This continuous power connection is necessary for your tracker to use the device's network as a Power Saving Zone.
2) How to set up your Power Saving Zone in the app:
- Open your Tractive GPS app and tap Profile on the bottom bar
- Select the Tracker tab
- Tap Power Saving Zones
- The app will start searching for available networks and you’ll now see your Base Station with its own unique number (Tractive_XXXX). This is its SSID, which you can also find on the bottom of the device itself. Tap on it to initiate the connection.
- The pin will show you the current location of your tracker as the suggested location of the Power Saving Zone. You can move this pin should the location not be exactly correct.
- Give the new Power Saving Zone a name.
- Save the Power Saving Zone.
Your tracker will now recognize that Wi-Fi network as a Power Saving Zone and go into Power Saving Mode as soon as it enters this area.
FAQs
What is the expected range?
The range of the Base Station is similar to that of a typical Wi-Fi router, meaning it can vary based on environmental factors and setup location. To enhance its reach, it's important to place the Base Station in a central location in your home or office, avoiding barriers like thick walls and large metal objects that can diminish the signal. Other electronic devices can also interfere with the signal, reducing the effective range.
For tailored coverage, the Base Station features three adjustable settings that allow you to modify its range to cover the desired area, providing flexibility and optimal performance. By strategically positioning the Base Station and adjusting settings as needed, you can ensure it operates efficiently and meets your needs.
Can the Base Station be used for other purposes?
The Base Station can be used exclusively with your Tractive GPS tracker to create a Power Saving Zone. It will not be able to connect to the internet so cannot be used in place of a normal Wi-Fi router.