We now have the Minew MSP01 passive infra-red (PIR) beacon in stock.
The PIR detects movement. This beacon also senses acceleration (of the beacon), temperature and humidity.
New Passive infra-red (PIR) Beacon
Minew MBS01 Pallet Beacon in Stock
We recently started stocking the Minew MBS01 Pallet Beacon.
This beacon is waterproof to IP65, shockproof to IK08 and is small and light. It provides up to 40 months battery life depending on settings.
Minew has a video highlighting this beacon’s main features:
Advantages of Real Time Location Systems (RTLS)
RTLS systems are used to track the location of objects or people, tagged with Bluetooth beacons, in real time. Some of the advantages of using a RTLS include:
- Improved efficiency: RTLS systems allow organisations to track the location of assets or personnel in real time, which can help improve the efficiency of operations. For example, a RTLS system can be used to track the location of equipment in a warehouse, allowing workers to quickly locate and retrieve items when needed.
- Enhanced safety: RTLS systems can also be used to improve safety in a variety of settings. For example, a RTLS system could be used to track the location of workers in a construction site, allowing supervisors to quickly respond to any safety incidents.
- Increased visibility: RTLS systems provide organisations with real-time visibility into the location of assets or personnel, which can help with decision making and resource allocation. For example, a RTLS system can be used to track the location of vehicles on a site, allowing managers to optimise routes and reduce fuel consumption.
- Improved asset utilisation: RTLS systems can help organisations to better utilise their assets, by providing real-time information about their location and availability. For example, a RTLS system could be used to track the location of equipment in a hospital, allowing better matching of demand with supply.
Overall, the main advantage of using a RTLS system is that it provides organisations with real-time information about the location of assets or personnel, which can help them to improve efficiency, enhance safety, and better utilise their resources.
New MBM03 Road Stud Beacon
We have the Minew MBM03 road stud beacon in stock.
The road stud is waterproof to IP68 and shock proof to IK10. It has a very large battery for a long battery life of up to 10 years depending on settings. While it is suitable for vehicle parking, checking in, positioning and tracking it’s also suitable for non-vehicle use where a rugged beacon with a large battery is required.
Minew have a promotional video highlighting the salient features:
While a lorry can roll over the stud, for the longest life it’s recommended the stud not be subjected to continual or repeated pressure.
New KKM Bracelet Beacons in Stock
We have two new wearable beacons in stock:
The W52 also includes a lanyard holder and lanyard so that it can be work around the neck.
The W59 is a fitness style-beacon that’s waterproof to IP67 and is rechargeable.
Both have buttons that can be used for on/off or button triggered advertising.
New KKM Waterproof Beacons in Stock
We have four new KKM waterproof Bluetooth beacons in stock.
The K8 is different in that it has tags for screw fixing. It also has an on/off button at the side that can also be used for triggering.
The K3 is one of our most waterproof beacons with an IP68 rating. The silicon case allows pressing of an internal button that can be used for button triggered broadcast.
The K5 has a hidden on/off button inside the case and is waterproof to IP67.
The K3 and K8 and K5 also have an accelerometer that can be used for advertising x, y z or to set up motion triggered broadcast.
FSC-BP108 Wearable Beacon Updated
The FSC-BP108 has been updated so that the battery is now replaceable.
Previously, the waterproofing was such that the beacon had to be ultrasonically sealed. A clever new twisting design allows the battery to be replaced while remaining waterproof.
Most coin cell beacons use either a CR2032 or CR2477 battery. CR2477 tend to be too large for keyfob beacons while CR2032 only last of the order of a year, depending on settings. This beacon uses an intermediate size battery, the CR3032 that more than doubles the battery life of CR2032 while keeping the size small and weight low. This beacon also uses the newer Dialog DA14531 that offers a battery life up to 6 years, depending on settings.
W7 Security Beacon
We have the new W7 security beacon in stock, suitable for use in places such as hospitals and prisons. It’s fitted with a security screwdriver and advertises an alert if the wristband is removed or cut off.
The W7 advertises iBeacon and Eddystone as well as acceleration (x y z) and body temperature. It’s waterproof to IP67 and is rechargeable via magnetic USB cable. The battery lasts up to a year on one charge, depending on settings.
Background Bluetooth Scanning on Android
There was a time when it was very easy to scan for beacons in background on Android. You just set up a service using the standard Bluetooth APIs. Over the years, Google has crippled the ability to perform reliable background processing to the point where it’s nearly as bad as on iOS. David Young says:
“Today, Android Services are often more trouble than they are worth”
David has an answer to the problem in the form of using Android BroadcastReceivers and threads. He explains the problem and solution on his blog. David also has a useful Github app demonstrating the technique.
Long Range Bluetooth Sensor Beacon
We now have the Meeblue M52-PA in stock.
This Bluetooth beacon is similar to the M52-SA Plus with the addition of a much longer range of up to 180m.
This is achieved using an additional SKY 66111-11, a low-power, low energy range extender. This provides up to +13dBm while remaining Bluetooth Class 1 compliant.