RockFLEET GSM Advanced Features and Activity Sense

Overview

Activity Sense lets your RockFLEET GSM switch automatically between two tracking rates: a standard rate when nothing is happening, and a faster burst rate when activity is detected. You choose what counts as "activity" — movement or vibration, speed, external power, or a combination.

Activity Sense is configured using the iOS app TP Connect, which connects to the device over Bluetooth. When the selected activity is detected, the unit uses the Burst Mode tracking settings. When the activity is not detected, it uses the standard tracking frequency setting.

This article explains what each Activity Sense mode does, when to use it, how to set it up in TP Connect, and what to check if it doesn't behave as expected.

Our recommendation: We find the Activity Sense features very helpful. We set our standard tracking settings as our slow/sleep rate and our burst tracking settings as our fast/awake rate. That way you get detailed tracking while the asset is active and save battery and airtime while it's idle.

Key concepts: standard tracking vs burst mode

Activity Sense simply chooses which of two tracking profiles the unit uses at any moment. Understanding the two profiles makes the modes easy to set up.

Setting (in TP Connect)	What it does	Typical role with Activity Sense
Tracking › Status on/off	Turns automatic position reporting on or off. Must be on for Activity Sense to do anything.	Always on
Tracking › Frequency (standard rate)	How often the unit gets a GPS fix and transmits it, from Continuous to once every 12 hours.	Slow / sleep rate, used when no activity is detected
Burst Fix Period	How often the unit takes a GPS fix and stores it while in burst mode.	Fast / awake rate (e.g. a fix every 30 seconds)
Burst Transmit Period	How often the unit sends the stored batch of fixes.	e.g. transmit every 2 minutes
ActivitySense Status	Turns Activity Sense on and selects the mode (trigger).	Bump, SOG, Bump + SOG or Power
Activity Sense Threshold	Sensitivity of the accelerometer to bumps and vibration.	Bump-based modes only

How burst mode works

Burst mode collects many GPS fixes for detailed tracking, then sends them together as a batch to keep airtime costs down. For example, the device can take a fix every 30 seconds and transmit them every 2 minutes.

In TracPlus, each burst transmission appears as a normal position report with breadcrumbs attached. The breadcrumbs are the batch of burst GPS fixes collected since the last transmission.

You can use burst mode on its own as your standard tracking setting, or combine it with Activity Sense so it only switches on when activity is detected.

Satellite and cellular rates (RockFLEET GSM)

RockFLEET GSM can send reports over cellular when coverage is available and Iridium satellite when it isn't. On current firmware, the device configuration holds separate standard and burst rates for each network. This means you can, for example, track faster over cellular (where data is cheaper) and more slowly over satellite.

Note: The exact menu labels for the cellular and Iridium rates can vary by firmware version. If you're unsure which values your unit is using, contact TracPlus Support and we can check the latest configuration report from your device.

Activity Sense modes

There are 4 specific Activity Sense modes that can be used. They cannot be used together in conjunction with each other — you pick one mode per device.

Mode	What triggers burst mode	What returns it to standard tracking	GPS behaviour	Battery impact	Uses Threshold?
Bump	Bumps or vibration detected by the accelerometer	Unit is stationary, no bumping or vibration	On only for scheduled fixes	Low	Yes
SOG	Speed over 6 mph (4 knots / 11 km/h)	Speed below 2.5 mph (2 knots / 3.7 km/h)	Permanently on	High	No
Bump + SOG	Bumping, vibration or speed	Speed below 4 mph and bumping has stopped	Turned on when activity detected	Low–medium	Yes
Power	External power detected	External power off	On only for scheduled fixes	Low (runs from external power while in burst)	No

Bump

Bump uses the accelerometer to detect bumps or vibration, and activates burst mode while the unit is being bumped. Once the unit is stationary and no bumping or vibration is detected, it reverts back to its standard tracking settings.

How sensitive the unit is to bumps is controlled by the Threshold setting (see the next section).

SOG (Speed Over Ground)

SOG turns the GPS chip on all the time, and activates burst mode when speed over ground is over 6 mph (4 knots or 11 km/h). It switches back to your standard tracking settings when speed drops below 2.5 mph (2 knots or 3.7 km/h).

The gap between the "on" and "off" speeds stops the unit flicking in and out of burst mode when travelling slowly.

Warning: SOG uses a lot of battery because the GPS chip is permanently powered. It is best suited to installations with permanent external power.

Bump + SOG

Bump + SOG is a mixture of Bump and SOG. When the unit detects bumping, vibration or speed, it turns on GPS and begins transmitting positions using the burst mode settings.

It remains in burst mode until both of these are true: SOG has gone below 4 mph, and the bumping has stopped. It then reverts to your standard tracking settings.

Because GPS is only switched on once activity is detected, this mode uses far less power than SOG on its own, while still keeping burst mode running during smooth travel.

Power

In Power mode the unit uses the external power status to switch between standard tracking and burst tracking.

External power detected → the unit transmits position messages using the burst mode settings.
External power off → the unit uses the standard tracking settings, running on its internal battery.

This makes Power mode an easy way to track "ignition on" activity without relying on movement.

The Threshold setting

The Threshold setting is used for the Bump Activity Sense (and the bump part of Bump + SOG). It has no relevance to Power and SOG modes.

Threshold controls how sensitive the device is to being bumped around — in other words, how much movement it needs before it decides it is "active".

Recommended range: the manufacturer recommends a setting somewhere between 20 and 30 for a good result.
Starting point: we have found that 24 is a good start and works for most situations.

Tuning the Threshold

What you see	Likely cause	What to try
Unit goes into burst mode while parked (e.g. from wind, nearby machinery, a boat on a mooring)	Threshold too sensitive	Make the device less sensitive in small steps, then re-test
Unit stays on standard rate while the asset is clearly moving	Threshold not sensitive enough, or the unit is mounted on something that absorbs vibration	Make the device more sensitive in small steps; check the mounting is firm
Unit drops out of burst mode during smooth travel	Not enough vibration once cruising	Consider Bump + SOG instead of Bump

Tip: Change the Threshold by a few points at a time and test with a real trip before changing it again. Mounting position matters — a unit fixed firmly to the vehicle structure detects movement more consistently than one in a loose bag or glovebox.

Reviewer note: Confirm whether a higher Threshold value means more or less sensitive on current firmware, and add it here so customers know which way to adjust.

Examples of use

Bump

Bump is good for walkers, and for something which is continuously bumpy, such as a 4x4 car. It also suits farm vehicles, quad bikes, trailers and equipment that only vibrates when in use.

SOG

SOG is good all the time, but uses a lot of power as it has to have GPS on all the time. It is good for permanently powered installations, such as a vessel or vehicle wired to a constant power supply.

Bump + SOG

Bump + SOG gives optimum power usage when the vehicle (plane or whatever) is initially bumpy on tarmac to activate it, but then in cruise is smooth — so it needs the SOG mode to keep burst going. Typical uses are light aircraft, helicopters, and boats that are bumpy at the dock but smooth when underway.

Power

Power is good when the unit is connected to the car ignition, avionics master or vessel batteries, for example. It will transmit in burst mode when the car, aircraft or vessel is powered up and "on", and drop to the standard rate when it is switched off.

Choosing a mode

Your situation	Suggested mode
Portable or walking use, running on battery	Bump
Vehicle on rough roads or off-road (4x4, quad, tractor)	Bump
Aircraft or vessel that runs smoothly once moving	Bump + SOG
Unit wired to ignition, avionics master or a switched supply	Power
Unit on permanent (always-on) external power and you want speed-based switching	SOG

Example configuration

This is an illustrative starting point only — adjust the rates to suit your operation and airtime plan.

Setting	Example value
Tracking status	On
Standard tracking frequency (sleep / slow rate)	e.g. every 60 minutes
Burst fix period (awake / fast rate)	e.g. every 30 seconds
Burst transmit period	e.g. every 2 minutes
ActivitySense status	Bump (or the mode chosen above)
Activity Sense threshold	24 (Bump-based modes only)

With these settings, a parked asset checks in once an hour, then switches to detailed 30-second breadcrumbs, sent every 2 minutes, as soon as activity is detected.

How to set up Activity Sense in TP Connect (iOS)

Before you start

An iPhone or iPad with the TP Connect app installed.
Bluetooth turned on in your iOS Settings.
The RockFLEET connected to external power — RockFLEET always has Bluetooth on while it is attached to external power.
The device PIN (the default is 1234).
Your phone close to the unit. Only one TP Connect user can be connected to a device at a time.

Steps

Open TP Connect and tap Start on the Discover Devices screen.
Select your device from the list. Devices are shown by serial number, so check you have the right one if several are in range. Next time, the app reconnects to the last device automatically.
Enter the PIN and tap Unlock. If you have several units nearby, use Request Beep to confirm which one you're connected to.
Tap Configure Device. Any change you make here takes effect straight away.
Under Tracking, make sure Status is On, then set Frequency to your standard (slow/sleep) rate.
Open Tracking – Advanced and set:
1. Burst Fix Period — how often fixes are taken in burst mode.
2. Burst Transmit Period — how often the batch of fixes is sent.
3. ActivitySense Status — turn it on and select Bump, SOG, Bump + SOG or Power. (Some app versions label SOG as GPS.)
4. Activity Sense Threshold — for Bump-based modes, start at 24 (recommended range 20–30).
Disconnect from the device when you're finished so others can connect if needed.

Check it's working

Leave the asset idle and confirm in TracPlus that reports arrive at your standard rate.
Trigger the activity — drive off, start moving, or switch on the ignition/master.
Confirm that reports arrive at your burst transmit rate, each with breadcrumbs at the burst fix interval.
Stop the activity and confirm the unit returns to the standard rate.

Important: We recommend you do not change configuration settings unless you are confident you know what you are doing, or have contacted TracPlus Support for assistance. Incorrect settings can increase airtime costs or reduce battery life.

Battery, airtime and coverage considerations

Battery: GPS is the biggest power draw. SOG keeps GPS on permanently, so avoid it on battery-only installs. Bump, Bump + SOG and Power only use GPS when needed.
Airtime: Burst mode batches many fixes into one transmission, which is cheaper than sending each fix separately. However, a faster burst transmit period still means more transmissions, so balance detail against cost.
Satellite vs cellular: On RockFLEET GSM, reports go over cellular when coverage is available and fall back to Iridium satellite when it isn't. Cellular is generally the cheaper network for high-frequency tracking.
View of the sky: Satellite and GPS performance is best with a clear view of the sky. Units work with a partial view (window sills, glareshields, dashboards), but transmissions may be slower or queued.
Power mode and battery: When external power is removed, the unit runs on its internal battery at the standard rate. Make sure the standard rate is slow enough for the battery to last between uses.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Likely cause	What to check
Unit never goes into burst mode	Activity Sense is off, tracking is off, or the wrong mode is selected	In TP Connect, confirm Tracking Status is On and ActivitySense Status shows the mode you expect
Burst mode never triggers in Bump mode	Threshold not sensitive enough, or unit loosely mounted	Adjust the Threshold in small steps; mount the unit firmly
Unit is in burst mode while parked	Threshold too sensitive (wind, engine vibration, moored vessel)	Make the Threshold less sensitive, or switch to Power mode
Burst stops mid-flight or mid-passage	Bump mode used on an asset that runs smoothly at cruise	Switch to Bump + SOG
Battery draining quickly	SOG mode on battery power, or burst rates set very fast	Use Bump, Bump + SOG or Power; slow down the standard rate
Power mode always in burst	Unit is on a permanent (unswitched) supply	Wire to a switched supply (ignition or master), or use another mode
Power mode never in burst	No external power reaching the unit	Check wiring, fuse and connector; confirm the external power icon in TP Connect
Can't connect in TP Connect	Bluetooth off, unit not on external power, or another user connected	Turn Bluetooth on, connect external power, and ask other users to disconnect
Reports only arriving over satellite	Cellular coverage, SIM or configuration issue	See our LTE connectivity troubleshooting guide, or contact Support

If something isn't working correctly, power down the device, wait until the green light has stopped flashing, then switch it on again. Make sure the unit is fully charged.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use more than one Activity Sense mode at once? No. The four modes cannot be used together. Bump + SOG is the built-in way to combine movement and speed.

Does the Threshold affect SOG or Power mode? No. Threshold only applies to bump detection (Bump, and the bump part of Bump + SOG).

What happens if I turn Activity Sense off? The unit uses your standard tracking frequency all the time.

Can I use burst mode without Activity Sense? Yes. You can use burst settings as your standard tracking, so the unit always collects and batches fixes.

Will my settings change take effect immediately? Yes. Changes made in Configure Device take effect straight away.

Is there an Android version of TP Connect? This article covers the iOS app. Contact Support for the current setup options on Android.

Can Activity Sense settings be changed remotely? TP Connect configures the device over Bluetooth, so you need to be near the unit. Contact Support if you need to update a large fleet.

Related resources

Contact support

Any questions? Contact us via support@tracplus.com or call +64 (9) 887 4189.

To help us help you faster, please have ready:

Your name and contact number
The device serial number (see the serial number label)
The Activity Sense mode and tracking rates you have set
What you expected to happen, and what actually happened
Anything you have already tried