Activate tracking device
This is the correct way to activate Derek devices. Follow the instructions and show them to your colleagues.
In this article:
Activate devices with embedded batteries
All T-series tracking devices from Derek are inactive from production and need to be activated before use.
​
The following steps will activate your device. However, we recommend logging on to The Derek Data Portal to edit the basic settings on your device such as the transmission schedule before completing the tasks.
​
See more in our Quick start guide.
​
Activation of devices with embedded batteries is done by performing the following tasks:
​
-
Place a magnet on the label to the left of ‘Activate with magnet’.
-
Hold it there until the LED begins to flash continuously.
-
Keep it in the same place for 5-8 seconds before you release it. The LED should continue to flash for some time.
​
Your device is now active and will send its first transmission to the server.
​
Its next transmission will be made according to the schedule that is configured on the Derek Data Portal.
Important to keep in mind
Until you activate your device, it will not track or transmit any data to the Derek Data Portal and servers.
​
It may take up to 15 minutes for new devices to stop blinking and for data to appear online.
​
If your device was already active, this process would have forced a transmission.
​
We recommend completing the activation process in a location with a good network connection with the label facing up towards an open view of the sky.
Activate devices with replaceable batteries
The Derek T1 version features replaceable batteries.
​
You device comes with batteries pre-installed, but you will have to remove the attached slip placed to make sure devices do not use battery before you remove it.
​
Therefore, to activate the device and make it send its first transmission, simply pull out the slip from your device.
​
The LED on the device will blink a few moments as it connects to the server.
​
If the LED does not blink, try the following:
​
-
Place a magnet on the label to the left of ‘Activate with magnet’.
-
Hold it there until the LED begins to flash continuously.
-
Keep it in the same place for 5-8 seconds before you release it. The LED should continue to flash for some time.
Important to keep in mind
Until you activate your device, it will not track or transmit any data to the Derek Data Portal and servers.
​
It may take a little while for new devices to stop blinking and for data to appear online.
​
When replacing the batteries, the device will also send a transmission as the first thing when batteries are inserted.
How to force a transmission
Forcing a transmission is done by repeating the process that activates the tracking device; that means applying a magnet in case of the embedded devices, or taking out batteries and putting them back in as is done with T1 versions.
​
This will force the device to transmit immediately outside its normal transmission schedule.
​
This is very handy in a couple of scenarios:
​
-
If you are editing the configuration of your device online, and want your changes applied immediately.
-
If you need the device from the data immediately and do not wish to wait until the next scheduled transmission.
-
If you are connecting a new external tag to the device. This process normally requires three transmissions to complete.
-
If you are experiencing irregularities with the device or its normal transmission schedule.
Important to keep in mind
We recommend completing this process in a location with a good network connection with the label facing up towards an open view of the sky.
​
Forcing a transmission is one of the processes that require the most battery power. Use it sparingly.