Getting Started with your GL300

A step-by-step guide for activating your new tracker and navigating the platform. The recommended web browser for activating your device and using the platform is Google Chrome. 

Quick Links: 

• Activate Your Tracker
• Tracker Basics
• Tracker LEDs
• Tracker SOS Button
• Charging Your GL300
• Placing Your GL300

Activate your tracker

The first step to take with any Hapn GL300 is to make sure it is activated. This ensures the tracker SIM is active, and the device can communicate with our platform. A detailed guide to activation is located here. This process must be followed before getting going with the GL300.

Tracker Basics

Let’s take a look at the GL 300’s physical IO. On the face, we have three LEDs and a large button.

On the right side of the device, we have the covered charging port and the screwed down SIM card tray. On the top we have the power button, it is a deeply recessed button, and can be hard to see. The left side is clean with no IO.

The LEDs

The top LED is the GPS LED, which is blue and indicates the current GPS connection status. The LED will flash when connecting to the GPS network and then remain solid when connected. It will repeat this process whenever it is reacquiring a GPS signal. When the LED goes dark, it means the device is either powered off or in standby mode. The light will turn back on when the tracker connects or is moved.

Below that, we have the Power LED, abbreviated to PWR and colored red. During normal usage, the LED will be dark. It will briefly turn on when powering the device on and off. When charging the tracker, the LED will flash, then turn solid red when the battery is fully charged.

The green cellular LED, abbreviated CEL, is the bottom one. This indicates the status of the device's cellular connection, used to transmit data to the Hapn platform. During normal operation, the LED will flash once every 3 seconds, indicating a good connection. A rapid flash, occurring once per second, indicates that the device is actively trying to connect to the network. If this continues for a long period of time, you may need to reposition the tracker to a location with a stronger cellular signal. If the LED is off, the device is either powered off or in standby mode.

The SOS Button

The button on the face of the tracker is the SOS button. This button allows anyone in possession of the tracker to press it and send an alert to the Hapn platform. This feature can be useful in various scenarios, and is especially valuable if a physical interaction with the tracker is required.

The default use will send an alert, if enabled, to the platform after a short press. The device will also vibrate when the “vibrate on press” tracker setting is enabled.

SIM Card Tray

On the right side of the tracker, we have the SIM card tray. This has two small screws on either side for removal, although this should not be needed. Our devices use smart SIMs that allow for use with multiple carriers without requiring a SIM swap. Even if you travel internationally and want to use the GL 300, a SIM swap is not necessary. This can be done in the applications via the tracker settings. In the very rare case that anything needs to be done with the SIM card, an agent will advise exactly what to do. In 99.99% of cases, the SIM can and should be ignored.

USB-C Charging Port

Just below the SIM card tray is the covered charging port. Open the cover via the notch at the bottom, and then plug the USB-C cable into the port for charging. Replace the cover after charging to ensure the connection stays in top shape.

To charge the device, simply connect the included USB-C cable and leave it until the red power LED turns solid. This may take up to 4–6 hours, after that, you are ready to go.

Power Button

Along the top edge of the tracker is the power button. It is an oval shape with the "Power" logo on it. This button is deceptively non-tactile. A firm press for 3 seconds will power the device on and off. When powered on, all the face LEDs will light up, indicating that the device is powered on.

That is it for the physical lights and buttons on the device. Let’s now dig in to how we can use our active, charged and powered GL 300.

Place your tracker

Determining where to place the tracker is highly dependent on how the GL 300 is being used. For equipment and vehicles, a magnetic case is the ideal way to position the tracker. It is easy to install and provides the best environment for optimal operation.

There are a few key considerations when deciding when and where to place the GL300. First is access to “open sky”. With GPS devices, open sky does not refer to a literal thing; it simply means that the tracker should be able to send its signal out without obstruction. Obstacles such as metal or very thick concrete can block the signal. Therefore, locations like the trunk of a car or inside a building are not ideal places to use the GL 300.

Materials such as plastic, wood, or fiberglass (among others) allow the signal to pass through easily and will not cause any issues for the GL 300. Plastic cases are excellent for installation, and the signal also passes through glass with ease. Therefore, inside a car or the cab of a piece of equipment will work perfectly as well.

Using a magnetic case to attach the tracker to a vehicle or piece of equipment is advised. This is a simple way to ensure the tracker is in a good location.

Following these guidelines will ensure that the tracker can connect to the GPS satellite network effortlessly.

The second crucial aspect of tracker placement is the ability to connect to the cellular network. This allows the tracker to send the collected data back to the Hapn servers, similar to how a cell phone operates. In locations with no cell connection on your phone, the tracker will also struggle. One key difference with how the GL 300 operates compared to your phone is that our super SIMs in the device will automatically connect to whichever cell provider has the best connection in the area. This ensures you are not limited to one provider, which is excellent if a specific one has issues in your area.

Learn more about how to place devices.

 Start using the Hapn apps

Once the tracker is charged and placed, it's time to start using the apps. Our guide for getting started with the apps, RIGHT HERE, is a great place to find the information you need. That article will guide you through downloading the mobile app, creating boundaries, making sure your alerts are set up and more.