Introducing the Oyster3 Global

The Oyster3 Global is Digital Matter's long-life and ultra-rugged battery-powered GPS device for global asset tracking applications.

Key Features:

• Track Anywhere – Cellular 4G Cat 1bis with 2G fallback enables seamless global asset tracking and management
• Deploy-Once Battery Life – 8+ years on 3 x AA user-replaceable batteries with ‘battery low’ and ‘battery critical’ alerts
• Adaptive Tracking Technology – Tracks assets when they’re on the move and enters sleep mode when stationary to conserve energy
• Tracks assets when they’re on the move and enters sleep mode when stationary to save power
• Ultra-Rugged – Waterproof and rugged IP68 Housing

Oyster3 Global Key Info and Resources

Key Technical Specifications

• 4 - 16V input voltage range
  • LiFeS2 batteries recommended
  • LTC not batteries supported
• 4G Cat 1bis with 2G fallback modem
• Nano 4FF SIM card

Full Technical Specifications:

Find full technical specs on the product page on our website

https://www.digitalmatter.com/devices/oyster3-global/tech-specs/

High Resolution Images

Download high resolution images for the Oyster3 Global here: High Res Images

OEM Server Documentation

Devices parameters and firmware are configured via our OEM Server interface. Make sure to check out the resources here. In particular OEM Server - Getting Started

Technical Support and Advice

Digital Matter partners should Contact Support for any product issues or enquiries.

Device Warranty

The Oyster3 Global is backed by a 2 year manufacturer's warranty. See Digital Matter Warranty Returns Policy for details.

Initial Provisioning

This guide is intended to assist new users in getting an Oyster3 Global online for the first time. Once you have some experience with the device, this process may change slightly.

e.g you may wish to queue firmware and parameter updates before inserting a SIM and batteries - so that the device picks up new settings once it gets online.

In the Box

You will get a compact box containing the Oyster3 Global + standard housing. The 6 housing screws will be in a small packet inside the housing.

Provisioning Process

1. Provision on Tracking Platform

While this is not specifically required to 'fire up' a device, it is generally helpful to do this step first as it will mean if all goes according to plan, we'll simply see our device appear online in this platform. 

Telematics Guru users can follow the guide here Creating Assets in Telematics Guru

2. Insert SIM Card

The Oyster3 Global uses a Nano (4FF) SIM Card. 

The device operates on 4G Cat 1bis  & 2G networks, and as such requires a specific SIM card from these networks. 

Locate the silver SIM holder on the PCB. There is an image on the silkscreen which shows the SIM orientation

Slide the SIM into the holder with the keyed corner first and the SIM contacts orientated down to the main board. The image below shows the position of the SIM holder for an Oyster3 Global.

3. Insert Batteries 

Key Requirements:

1. 4 - 16V Input Voltage Range (use 1.5V or 3.7V cells)
2. LiFeS2 batteries are recommended for optimum performances, specifically Energizer Ultimate Lithium. These batteries     
   
   1. Have good temperature tolerance (-20° -> +60°C operating range)
   2. Low rate of self discharge - so long shelf and service life.
   3. Readily available at supermarkets or hardware stores, and are user replaceable.
3. For harsh environments, LTC batteries can be used.

If in doubt, speak to our support team. 

Insert the batteries, following the markings on the battery holder indicating the polarity. The springs are the negative terminals. 

4. Getting Online

Once the batteries are inserted, the internal LED will come on and flash. The device will do the following:

1. Connect to the server: If the SIM card works the device will connect to the OEM Server and attempt to download any firmware and parameter updates then fetch fresh GPS aiding data.
2. Get a GPS Fix: The device will attempt to get a GPS fix. You can speed this up by moving to an area with good GPS signal.
3. Reconnect to the server: The device will attempt to connect again to upload the result of the GPS Fix.

If the device does not complete these steps in 10 minutes, it will go to sleep and try again on the next heartbeat or the next trip start.

The OEM Installer Page

Some users/installers may not have access to our end tracking platform, so the OEM Installer page can be used. It allows for a quick device check without giving away any sensitive information. It's also a handy tool for those with OEM/TG access

Go to www.oemserver.com/installer and search for the serial number to confirm that it has

1. Connected
2. Committed
3. Obtain a position

Troubleshooting

In the rare event the device does not connect, commit, or get a position. Troubleshooting steps are detailed below.

Sealing the Device

The Oyster3 Global has an IP68 and IK07 rated housing. The device must be sealed carefully to achieve the IP68 rating.

It is difficult to provide an exact torque figure with which to tighten screws. This is because upon first sealing the device, the screws cut threads into the nylon glass housing. So on the first assembly, the screws may be quite stiff. If the housing is opened and then resealed, the torque required for resealing will be lower than that of the first assembly.

The key goal we are trying to achieve in sealing is firm, even pressure on the silicone seal - as this is what keeps the device water-tight and dust-proof. 

To achieve this:

1. Ensure that the clear silicon seal is in good condition, is lying flat, and is not fouled by any plastic debris or other material.
2. Close the housing, and gently squeeze it shut. Foam on the lid will compress against the batteries, holding them firmly in place.
3. Tighten the 6 screws to uniform tightness - such that there is an even gap at all points along the interface between the base and lid.
   1. It is a good idea to use a screwdriver with a torque limiting clutch, start with the screwdriver on the lowest setting, and gradually increase the torque until there is a small gap between the base and lid (no need to overtighten as you risk cracking the housing)
   2. The final torque when finished will be around 0.7Nm most of the time. (Value is a guide only)

Mounting and Installation

The Oyster3 Global can be mounted onto an asset to be tracked using screws, bolts, cable ties, magnets, or industrial adhesives. 

When choosing a mounting point, you have two competing goals

• To minimize the chances of the device being accidentally crushed, dislodged or discovered by a thief
• To maximize the GNSS and mobile reception and provide adequate ventilation.

Key mounting notes:

• Avoid installing the box completely enclosed in a metal box
• Avoid installing in a location that will result in elevated temperatures. For instance, mounting the device in direct sunlight on the dash of an non-ventilated cabin may cook the batteries, leading to abnormally short service life. 
• Try to orient the GNSS antenna towards the sky where possible (screw heads facing down)
  • The best possible mounting location for optimal GPS reception is one that gives a clear, 180 degree view of the sky and free from obstructions.
• If installing in a potentially low signal environment, check the signal strengths reported in device data

Default Tracking Parameters

By default, the Oyster3 Global is setup for GPS Movement Based tracking. The following default settings apply:

Update Rate:

• Out of Trip (stationary): 12 hour heartbeats. This is a position and an upload every 12 hours.
• In Trip (on the move):
  • Upload on movement detection.
  • GPS point every 2 minutes.
  • Upload every 30 minutes.
  • End a trip after 5 minutes of no accelerometer movement.
  • Upload on movement end.

The defaults provide a good starting point but it is important to monitor and tweak your settings to ensure the battery life is acceptable. Contact support if you require assistance. 

Change the Update Rate

These parameters can be changed, as the device has various configurable tracking modes in order to best fit the use case. 

Changing the Update Rate - [Oyster3]

Applies to: Oyster3-4G, Oyster3-4G-Bluetooth, Oyster3-2G

The Oyster3 has different configurable tracking modes to best fit a variety of applications.

Additionally, if an asset is stolen, the unit can be put into Recovery Mode, where the unit will live-track with an increased update rate for a configured time period, to aid in asset recovery. 

The below recordings show how to quickly and easily configure the Oyster3's update rate. 

When adjusting the update rate, we must consider:

1. The Application
2. Battery Life
3. Data Usage

Default Parameters

Update Rate:

• 12 Hour Heartbeats when stationary
• 2 min GPS fixes recorded during a trip
• Upload every 30 min during a trip

GPS Mode setting not available on Oyster3-Global.

Trip Start/End Parameters:

1. 250m of movement from stationary position required to begin a trip (small movements won't start a trip)
2. Trip ends after 5 min of no movement, or if we lose GPS for 5 min.

 

 

Set Device to Periodic Tracking - 2 x Daily Heartbeat

We simply need to set the Tracking Mode to Periodic Tracking. Default heartbeat is already 2 x Daily. When Periodic Tracking is enabled the In Trip Upload and Logging parameters no longer apply.  
Click image to expand

GPS Mode setting not available on Oyster3-Global.

 

 

Set Device to Scheduled uploads (i.e. 9am and 3pm daily)

See Scheduled Uploads - Oyster3

 

 

Set Device to Jostle Trips (Accelerometer Mode)

Same steps as Periodic tracking, but select Jostle Trips from the dropdown

GPS Mode setting not available on Oyster3-Global.

 

 

Change Upload Rate to 5 min GPS fixes, 15 min Uploads

GPS Mode setting not available on Oyster3-Global.