Introduction to LoRaWAN Asset Tracking Using the Helium Network
Using the tracker
As previously detailed, the tracker is now connected to the Helium network and can be used anywhere with Helium coverage using the same US915 LoRaWAN channel plan in the US and Canada. Simple and practical use cases for this type of tracker would be to track personal items and assets like cars, trucks, boats, motorcycles, backpacks, golf carts, bikes, tools, or anything else that might move around. The small size and notification button allow the device to be used for tracking pets, employees, and family members.
As detailed, it is easy to add a simple Action in TagoIO to trigger an email or text message on button press events. Test local Helium network coverage by taking the tracker on daily commutes. Pressing the button will trigger an immediate transmission to allow more specific testing of coverage from frequented locations like home, work, school, bus stops, delivery stops, or the local park. By default the device will send frequent updates when in motion and every two hours when stationary. These default settings can be modified with downlink commands. Please refer to the device manufacturer’s documentation for downlinks and supported commands.
As covered in the previous modules, it’s easy to add new Hotspots to any outdoor areas that may not have existing Helium coverage or add coverage inside large buildings.
As with any mobile device, there will inevitably be times when a tracker travels through areas without Helium network coverage. The device will continue to operate property as it transitions between areas with and without network coverage. Once back in coverage range, the device will send messages to the TagoIO application dashboard again. This allows the device to be used to track people and assets that may move between multiple distant locations even if there is not continuous Helium network coverage on the journey between the sites. For example, the tracker could be used to determine which workers and assets are at a job site for known remote construction zones.