Spytec Atlas GPS Tracker: Battery Life Guide

Applies to: the Hapn mobile app and the web app at app.gethapn.com.

Contents

• Battery Life by Reporting Mode
• Checking Your Tracker's Battery Status
• Factors Affecting Battery Life
• Tips for Maximizing Battery Life
• Extended Battery Options
• Frequently Asked Questions

Battery Life by Reporting Mode

The Spytec Atlas features an integrated rechargeable battery that provides different operating times based on your selected reporting mode. The table below shows expected battery life for each mode:

Note: These estimates are based on approximately 2 hours of movement per day. Your tracker comes set to Normal mode by default, which provides reliable tracking with strong battery life.

Checking Your Tracker's Battery Status

Viewing Battery Percentage

You can monitor your tracker's battery level in two ways:

1. On the tracker's card: tap the tracker on the Live screen (mobile app) or select it on the Live Map (web). The battery percentage is shown on its card, and Est. Remaining gives a rough idea of how long it will last.
2. In the asset list: each battery tracker's card in the list shows a Battery reading.

Enabling Extended Battery Monitoring

If you're using an extended battery case (60-Day or 90-Day), you need to enable external battery monitoring to see both battery percentages:

1. Access Tracker Settings:
   • Open the tracker's settings: on the mobile app, tap the tracker on the Live screen, then Settings on its card; on the web, select the tracker on the Live Map, then Settings.
   • Open Advanced Settings → Hardware Settings.
2. Enable External Battery Display:
   • Find the toggle for "Connected to external battery"
   • Turn this setting ON
   • Save your changes
3. View Both Battery Levels:
   • Once enabled, you'll see both:
     • External battery percentage (from your extended case)
     • Internal battery percentage (from the Atlas itself)

Important: The external battery powers your tracker first. When it reaches 0%, the Atlas automatically switches to its internal battery.

Setting Up Low Battery Alerts

To receive notifications when your battery is running low:

1. Open alert rules: on the web, go to Alerts & Issues → Manage alerts → Create alert rule; on the mobile app, tap Issues → the gear icon (Alert rules) → Create
2. Choose the Low Battery alert
3. Set your preferred threshold (recommended: 20%)
4. Choose how you want to be notified (email, SMS, or app notification)

Factors Affecting Battery Life

Several conditions can impact your tracker's battery performance:

1. Operating Hours

Longer periods of movement drain the battery faster. A tracker in motion for 10 hours will use more battery than one moving for 2 hours.

2. Temperature Extremes

• Operating range: -4°F to 131°F (-20°C to 55°C)
• Optimal range: 32°F to 95°F (0°C to 35°C)
• Extreme temperatures outside the operating range can significantly reduce battery life

3. GPS Signal Strength

Poor GPS signal causes the tracker to continuously search for satellites, draining the battery. To maintain good GPS signal:

• Avoid enclosed metal spaces
• Ensure clear view of the sky
• Check tracker placement regularly

4. Cellular Signal Strength

Weak cellular coverage forces the tracker to work harder to maintain connection. During signal loss:

• The tracker stores location data
• Battery drains faster while searching for signal
• Data uploads in bulk when connection resumes

Tips for Maximizing Battery Life

1. Choose the appropriate reporting mode for your tracking needs
2. Maintain optimal placement for good GPS and cellular signals
3. Operate within recommended temperature ranges when possible
4. Monitor battery levels regularly through the Hapn app
5. Charge completely before extended deployments

Extended Battery Options

For longer tracking periods, consider these extended battery cases:

60-Day Case

• Battery capacity: 4,400 mAh (2 batteries)
• Extends life by: ~3x standard Atlas
• Best for: Short to medium tracking needs

90-Day Case

• Battery capacity: 17,600 mAh (8 batteries)
• Extends life by: ~12x standard Atlas
• Best for: Long-term tracking and extended deployment

Both cases are weatherproof and include magnetic mounting options for vehicle installation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does it take to fully charge the Spytec Atlas? A: Approximately 4-6 hours for a complete charge using the provided charging cable.

Q: Can I use the tracker while it's charging? A: Yes, the Atlas continues to track while connected to power, though it's best to let it charge fully before mobile use.

Q: How can I tell if my tracker is charging? A: The red LED light will flash while charging and remain solid when fully charged.

Q: Why is my battery draining faster than expected? A: Check your reporting mode settings, ensure good cellular coverage, and verify the tracker placement for optimal GPS signal.

Q: What happens when the battery reaches 0%? A: The tracker will shut down and stop reporting until recharged. You'll receive a low battery alert before this happens if you've set one up.

Q: Can I replace the battery myself? A: No, the battery is not user-replaceable. For battery replacement, contact customer support.

Q: Do the extended battery cases affect tracking accuracy? A: No, the cases only provide additional power. Tracking accuracy remains the same.

Q: I have an extended battery case but don't see the external battery percentage. How do I fix this? A: You need to enable external battery monitoring in your tracker settings. Open the tracker's Settings, go to Advanced Settings → Hardware Settings and turn Connected to external battery on, then save.

Q: Why do I see two different battery percentages? A: If you have an extended battery case enabled, you'll see both the external battery case percentage and the internal Atlas battery percentage. The external battery powers the device first.

Q: What happens when the external battery reaches 0%? A: The Atlas automatically switches to its internal battery and continues operating. You'll then see updates from the internal battery percentage.

Q: What's the default reporting mode for the Spytec Atlas? A: The Atlas comes set to Normal mode by default, which updates every 60 seconds when moving and provides a good balance of tracking frequency and battery life.