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Trakz User Documentation

Tom Butcher
  • Updated

Trakz User Documentation

Contents

Mobile App

Get the app

The free Trakz app is available for iOS and Android mobile devices and can be downloaded from one of these locations

  • the Apple App store for iOS devices such as iPhones
  • The Google Play store for Android devices

Download the free Trakz app from one of the above locations and install on your device.

Getting started

Registration

Before you can use the collar you must create an account with Trakz so that you can connect with the collar. To create an account open the app click Register or Sign in with Facebook to create an account.

Once your account has been created you will be guided through the process of setting up your collar

Signing in if already registered

If you have already registered an account with Trakz click Or if you have already registered login here or Sign in with Facebook.

Forgotten your password?

If you registered with an email address and password and have forgotten your password click the Forgotten Password link on the sign in page and enter the email address you registered with. You will receive an email with instructions on how to reset your password.

Terms and conditions

During registration you will be asked to accept the terms and conditions. You can view a summary of the terms or download the full terms and conditions.

Setting up your collar

Before you can use your collar with the app you must first connect the collar to your account. If your phone has bluetooth 4.0 enabled you will be able to scan for nearby collars. If you do not have a bluetooth 4.0 compatible device you can still connect your collar by entering the collar id manually.

To connect your collar click Connect a collar when on the Start Connect page

Connect using bluetooth

For Trakz to be able to use bluetooth to connect to your collar you must allow the app to use bluetooth if prompted and switch on bluetooth on the device.

With bluetooth switched on the app will start scanning for nearby collars automatically. When a collar has been successfully found it will appear under Available collars. Click on your collar to connect it.

Once your collar has been successfully connected you will be guided through the process of adding a pet.

If you experience problems connecting your collar see Connection troubleshooting

Manual connection

Should bluetooth connection fail or be unavailable you can click Enter Manually to type in the 16 character collar id that was included in the packaging. Once entered click Connect collar

Troubleshooting collar connection

If you are experiencing problems connecting to your collar with bluetooth try the following -

  • Ensure bluetooth is switched on on your device
  • Ensure your collar is charged up, try plugging it in
  • Move the collar and device closer together

Skipping collar connection

You can skip the collar connection step and connect a collar to your pet at a later time from the dashboard. To skip collar connection click Skip this step and you will be guided through the process of Adding a pet.

Your pets

Adding a pet

After the connect collar step you will be guided through adding a pet, you can add a photo at this stage or choose to add at a later time from the dashboard.

Can I have more than 1 pet?

Trakz can keep track of all your pets and you can easily switch between pets from the dashboard. To add another pet to Trakz choose Add collar from the menu and follow the steps for Setting up your collar and Adding a pet

Editing your pet's details

You can edit your pet's details by selecting the Edit {Pet's name} details option from the menu.

Adding a photo of my pet

You can add a photo of your pet at any time and update the photo as often as you like. To add a photo click the camera icon while adding a pet, editing pet details or from the pet dashboard by opening the menu.

You can use your devices camera to take a photo or choose a photo from your device camera roll. When you've selected or taken the photo you want to use you can zoom and pan to crop the image to fit how the image will be displayed in the app.

Removing a pet from the app

If you are the pet owner you can delete a pet from Trakz. If you were added as a family member or finder for a pet you can remove the pet from your account.

Can I put my collar on another pet?

The Safe Zone

What is a safe zone?

Trakz uses a safe zone to alert you if your pet leaves an designated area. You decide where and what size of safe zone to set for each pet and can update this at any time. You can decide whether you wish to receive notifications when a pet leaves the safe zone.

Setting a safe zone

Once you have added a pet you will be guided through the process of setting up a safe zone. To select the area on the map to place your safe zone tap on the map to center the safe zone and adjust the slider to set the radius of the safe zone. You can set a safe zone with a radius of between 20 and 100 meters. The default is 30 meters.

Updating a safe zone

To change a safe zone at any time select Safe zone from the menu and follow the steps in Setting a safe zone to update the safe zone for your pet.

Viewing the safe zone on the dashboard

You can toggle the visibility of the safe zone on the dashboard map by tapping the Safe Zone button.

Notifications for safe zone

When your pet leaves the safe zone Trakz will send a notification to your device. Whether you have the app open or not you can click on the notification to see the latest location of your pet and then take action if you think your pet is lost.

Your pet dashboard will always show you when your pet is outside the safe zone and when your pet returns to the safe zone Trakz will send you another notification.

You can choose whether or not you wish to recieve safe-zone notifications for each pet individually by choosing the Notification Settings option from the menu. See Your notifications

Troubleshooting safe zone

  • How do I place a safe zone on the map? On the Safe Zone page drag and pinch to zoom until you find the place you would like to place the safe zone. Tap the map to drop the safe zone in place. Now you can drag the safe zone around to get in in position and adjust the radius to the right size. When your are happy click Set safe zone

  • I get the message Set safe zone failed when I try to set a safe zone If you are getting a Set safe zone failed message there may be problems connecting with our servers. Please try again later

  • My pet has left the safe zone but I have not received a notification If your pet has left the safe zone but you did not receive a notification check that you have notifications enabled for safe zone exit notifications. It can take a short while for a notification to appear on your device but they usually appear within 30 seconds. Check your device connection is online, notifications require a phone signal to work properly. Click refresh on the dashboard map to pull the latest data, you should see a safe zone status message appear if your pet has left the safe zone.

Pet Dashboard

Dashboard Overview

The pet dashboard is where you keep track of your pets recent whereabouts and activity. Each pet has their own dashboard and you can easily switch between them.

On the dashboard you can see

  • Your pets last known location and when they were at that location
  • The current safe zone
  • The current battery level of your collar
  • A summary of your pets activity for today
  • If your pet is outside the safe zone
  • If your pet is lost

Map controls

  • Navigate around the map by dragging and pinching to zoom.
  • The refresh icon will pull the latest data from the server.
  • The center icon will center the map on your pet's last known location

Today's activity

The activity today section of the dashboard gives a summary of your pets activity today showing

  • Number of walks
  • Distance in miles
  • Total time active

Clicking on any of these will take you to the activity history page where you can browse through the history for each of these activity types, see Tracking your pet's activity.

Dashboard in lost mode

When your pet is lost the dashboard will transform to show you more detailed information to help you find your lost pet. You can see more of the map and you will see your current location to help you in tracking your lost pet. Trakz will update with the pets locations more frequently and you will see a trail of the most recent locations on the dashboard helping you track your pets movements.

Finder community dashboard

If you are part of a pet's finder community you will see a simplified version of the dashboard with the ability to mark a pet as lost. When you mark a pet lost you will be shown the lost dashboard to help you join the search.

Dashboard troubleshooting

  • I have just added my collar and cannot see a location for my pet When you first add your collar to the app it may take a short while for the first location to come through. During this time there will not be a pet location marker on the dashboard. Keep checking back and refreshing the page and you will soon see a location for your pet.

  • I am in lost mode but do not see my current location on the map If your device is having problems getting your current location we will not be able to show your location on the map. In lost mode the map will refresh automatically at a rate in line with your collar, if your device has established a GPS position for yourself it will appear.

The menu

The menu is where you can access more functionality of the app, such as reporting pet lost or found status, editing account details, adding a new collar and so on.

Where is the menu?

When you are at the dashboard page of the app. You should be able to see a menu icon at the top left corner. Pressing on the menu icon, then the menu will be slide open from the left of the screen.

Reporting a pet lost or found

This menu item appears at the top of the menu.

If you are concerned that your pet has lost, you could report this to the people who are associated with this pet. When you pressed on this menu item, a popup will be displayed. You'll see the details of what impact this action will have, then you can either confirm or cancel this action.

When you have found a lost pet, you could also use the menu item to report this to the people who are associated with this pet. You won't see a confirmation popup this time.

Edit pet details

If you want to change your pet's details. Be sure you are on the correct pet's dashboard then select Edit {Pet's name}'s details from the menu.

You can change the details in the list below:

  • Species
  • Name
  • Age
  • Gender
  • Breed
  • Weight
  • Photo

Safe zone

To change a safe zone at any time select Safe zone from the menu and follow the steps in Setting a safe zone to update the safe zone for your pet.

Collar configuration

To change your collar configuration for different modes, select Collar Configuration from the menu and follow the steps in collar advanced settings.

Add Collar

To add a collar and a pet, select Add Collar from the menu, then follow the steps in Setting up your collar and Adding a pet.

User settings

To change you account details, select User Settings from the menu.

Then you can change the list of details below:

  • First name
  • Last name
  • Email address
  • Country
  • Telephone
  • Password (If you don't want to change this, just leave the New password and Confirm new password fields empty)

Notification settings

If you want to change your notifications, select the Notification Settings from the menu.

Pet's People

If you want to see the people who are associated with your pet, select Pet's People from the menu.

Support and FAQs

If you have any questions or encounter any problems, select the Support and FAQs from the menu, then you might find the right answers.

Sign out

You can sign out the app by selecting Sign Out from the menu.

Tracking your pet's activity

If you want to view the history of pet's activity, select an activity from today's activities on dashboard.

Walks

  • In walks history page, it shows the following data of each day from now to the past:

    • Total number of walks
    • A map with a start location of each walk
    • Total distance of each walk
    • Start time of each walk
    • Total time of each walk

  • Select a walk from history, you will see a detailed walk summary.

    • A plot of the walk path
    • Date of the walk
    • Start time
    • Total time
    • Total distance

Outings

  • In outings history page, it shows the following data:
    • A heatmap with a start date selector and an end date selector

Distance

  • In distance history page, it shows the following data of each day from now to the past:
    • Total distance
    • Total distance and time in night (00:00 - 05:59)
    • Total distance and time in morning (06:00 - 11:59)
    • Total distance and time in afternoon (12:00 - 17:59)
    • Total distance and time in evening (18:00 - 23:59)

Active time

  • In activity history page, it shows the following data of each day from now to the past:
    • Total time
    • Activities are classified by levels (low, medium, high) and distributed over 24 hours.

Lost mode

What happens when I report my pet lost?

  • A confirmation will display. By confirming this, you will:
    • Increase location update frequency
    • Set the collar to update based on the lost configuration defined
    • Notify people who are associated with the lost pet
    • Display the lost mode dashboard

What happens when I report my pet found?

  • The app will:
    • Revert the collar to update based on the normal configuration defined
    • Notify people who are associated with the found pet
    • Display the normal dashboard

Notifications for lost mode

When a pet is reported as lost, all the people who are associated with this pet will receive a notification. Then all these people will see the same lost dashboard as the main user sees.

Pet's People

Adding family members

As a main user, you can share your pet with your family members, so that they can see the pet activities and know the pet's location as well.

Growing your finder community

As a main user, you can share your pet with finders, so that they can help to find your pet when the pet is lost.

What can different users see/do?

  • Family members

    • Privilege is the same as the main user
    • Deleting the pet will only remove the pet on the family members device, other members with access to the pet will still be able to track/view the pet.

  • Finders

    • Cannot see normal dashboard, but can see lost dashboard
    • Only has lost/found notification
    • Cannot edit pet details
    • Cannot edit safe zone
    • Cannot change collar configuration
    • Cannot share the pet to others
    • Deleting the pet will only remove the pet on the finders device, other members with access to the pet will still be able to track/view the pet.

Collar advanced settings

This section allows you to fine tune the settings the Trakz collar uses to collect and send data. The following settings are available to change.

  • gps_poll_timeout_minutes

    How often the GPS module is polled for a position, in minutes

    • Default: 2
    • Min: 1
    • Max: 255

  • gps_new_entry_timeout_milliseconds

    Time between taking subsequent GPS readings

    • Default: 150000
    • Min: 1
    • Max: 65535

  • gps_active_poll_interval_minutes

    How often we take GPS readings while in active mode

    • Default: 1
    • Min: 1
    • Max: 255

  • gps_idle_poll_interval_minutes

    How often we take GPS readings while in idle mode

    • Default: 60
    • Min: 1
    • Max: 255

  • gsm_active_udpate_period_minutes

    How often the collar sends data to the server in active mode

    • Default: 30
    • Min: 1
    • Max: 65535

  • gsm_idle_udpate_period_minutes

    How often the collar sends data to the server in idle mode

    • Default: 240
    • Min: 1
    • Max: 65535

  • gsm_min_update_period_minutes

    Controls the minimum time between updates to the server

    • Default: 5
    • Min: 1
    • Max: 255

  • gsm_update_activity_duration_minutes

    Controls the time of gsm sends when during an activity (walk)

    • Default: 10
    • Min: 1
    • Max: 255

  • gps_min_position_accuracy

    Controls the degree of accuracy accepted by the collar before taking a reading

    • Default: 15
    • Min: 1
    • Max: 255

The settings can be restored by clicking and confirming the Restore default values button on the collar configuration screen.

Your notifications

There are a number of notifications the Trakz app sends as default. These can be enabled or disabled as required in the notification settings screen. These settings are set up per collar.

Safe zone exit

If the collar determines your pet has left the defined safe zone a notification will be sent to all mobile apps associated with the collar.

Pet reported lost

If a pet has been reported "Lost" a notification will be sent to all mobile apps associated with the collar.

Pet reported found

If a pet has been reported "Found" a notification will be sent to all mobile apps associated with the collar.

Battery low

If the collar battery level falls below 10% a notification will be sent to all mobile apps associated with the collar.

Editing your details

If you require to change your account information (name, email address, update your password etc.) you can do so by completing the form in the "User Settings" screen.

To update your password you have to enter and confirm a new password.

Getting help

The Support and FAQs section will in most cases provide you the information you need if any problems arise. There is Troubleshooting guide, FAQs and further support contact functionality located in here. You will also be able to review the Terms and Conditions of Trakz.

Updating the app

There will be occasions when new features, improvements and bug fixes will be released by Trakz. These updates will be available through the App Store and Google play store to update as normal.

Forgotten password

If you forget your password or are locked out of your account, simply use the "Forgotten Password" link on the "Sign In" page of the app.

Collar

Setting up the collar for the first time

Once received, the collar should be placed on charge. For more information on how to charge your collar see Charging the collar

While on charge, we recommend always charging the collar to 100%, the collar can be connected to the Trakz app as detailed in Setting up your collar

What's my collar id?

The collar ID is the unique identifer of each collar, it is used to display information for each individual pet the collar is associated with.

You will find your collar ID by 2 means:

  • Bluetooth: Look for devices in near proximity, the collars appear as 1PC_PT/[COLLAR ID]
  • In the packaging {DETAILS REQUIRED}

Putting the collar on my pet

{DETAILS REQUIRED}

Battery life and power

The collar battery life varies depending on what configuration settings you choose suitable for your pet. The factory configuration should be adequate for most domestic animals however we understand no two pets are alike. By tweaking the settings described in Collar advanced settings you can increase or decrease the battery life.

Checking the charge of my collar

The collar has two methods of battery indication. The primary means should be the push button on the collar itself {DETAILS REQUIRED}. The collar will also transmit its battery level to the app every check in. This will be displayed on the Pet Dashboard.

Charging the collar

The collar is charged via the micro USB port along the edge of the device.

Can I use my collar abroad?

Yes. Trakz currently supports GSM data transmission in the following countries:

  • Albania
  • Australia
  • Austria
  • Belarus
  • Belgium
  • Bosnia & Herzegovina
  • Bulgaria
  • Canada
  • China
  • Croatia
  • Cyprus
  • Czech Republic
  • Denmark
  • Dominica
  • Estonia
  • Finland
  • France
  • French Guiana
  • Germany
  • Gibraltar
  • Greece
  • Holy See (Vatican City State)
  • Hong Kong
  • Hungary
  • Iceland
  • Ireland
  • Isreal
  • Italy
  • Japan
  • Jersey
  • Korea, Republic of
  • Latvia
  • Liechtenstein
  • Lithuania
  • Luxembourg
  • Macedonia, Republic of
  • Malta
  • Mexico
  • Moldova, Republic of
  • Montenegro
  • Netherlands
  • New Zealand
  • Norway
  • Poland
  • Portugal
  • Réunion
  • Romania
  • Russian Federation
  • Singapore
  • Slovakia
  • Slovenia
  • South Africa
  • Spain
  • Sweeden
  • Switzerland
  • Taiwan
  • Turkey
  • Ukraine
  • United Kingdom
  • United States

What activities does the collar track?

The collar tracks the following metrics for your pet:

  • GPS position
  • Activity Level
  • Time spent active

Using these three metrics we can display data for the pets walks (dogs) or outings (cats) as well as how active they have been across the day/week/month etc.

Updating the firmware on my collar

The collar will receive updates automatically from our servers, there is no need for you to do anything. Collar updates are only performed when the collar is in charging mode (plugged into USB). The updates only take a few seconds to complete.

Trakz Collar general info and specifications

Sensors

Size and weight

Environmental conditions

Getting help

Troubleshooting

Return policy and warranty

Regulatory and Safety notices

Important Safety Instructions

Built-in battery precautions

Disposal and Recycling Information

Care and cleaning tips

Replacing a collar

Website

  • Browser requirements

FAQs

What does Trakz do?

Trakz keeps track of your pet's activity and location. It can tell you where your pet has been, when it's been active and how much exercise it's getting. It can compare your pet's behaviour to other animals of similar age and breed to help you ensure your pet is healthy and happy. And if your pet gets lost, Trakz can help you find it.

How does Trakz work?

Trakz uses a sensor called an accelerometer to sense your pet's activity – whether it's walking around, playing, or just sleeping. When your pet is out and about, it uses GPS satellite signals to pinpoint its location. When there's something to report, it sends its data back to our secure servers through the mobile phone network.

How long does the battery last?

Trakz is smart, and saves power by only doing things when it needs to. It will run happily for about 5 days on a full charge. If you choose to have less frequent updates, the battery will last longer. If the battery gets low, it will automatically start updating less often to save power and last longer.

How does it fit on my pet?

Trakz is a long thin flexible device. It comes with a stretchy zip-up sleeve you can attach to your pet's existing collar or harness. When Trakz needs charging, you just unzip the sleeve and pop the device in or out – there's no need to take the collar off.

How big is it?

When laid flat, Trakz is 18cm long, 2cm wide and less than 1cm thick, and weighs 35g.

Will it fit my pet?

Thanks to its flexible design, Trakz can fit any neck size from 15cm circumference upwards. That covers most sizes of cats and dogs. We offer sleeves in different sizes to fit a range of collar widths. Check out our sizing guide to make sure you get the best fit.

How do I charge it?

Unzip the sleeve and pop the device out – there's no need to take the collar off. Then you can recharge Trakz from any USB charger, or a USB port on your computer. It has a MicroUSB socket like all Android phones.

Will it work with my phone?

Trakz works with all the latest iOS and Android phones, plus the web version is mobile optimized. This means any phone with a web browser can run the Trakz app. The Trakz app is available as a free download from the App Store and Google Play.

Are there any monthly fees?

Trakz is standalone and subscription free for the first year. There is a small subscription for the SIM card after the first year.

Is Trakz waterproof?

Yes - Trakz is rated IPX7 which means it is suitable for short periods under water (dips in a pond, splashing in the sea etc.) up to 1m depth. For prolonged immersion or washing, Trakz should be removed temporarily.

Is Trakz safe?

Absolutely – as pet owners ourselves we know what an important part of your family our cats and dogs are. We would never put them at risk. Trakz has been rigorously tested and is CE marked to show that it conforms to stringent international safety standards covering product safety, electrical and battery safety, radio emissions, harmful materials and many other considerations.

What if I have more than one pet?

You can give each pet its own Trakz device and follow them all through our app. Trakz handles multiple pets and multiple users seamlessly, so the whole family (furry or not) can join in the fun.

What if more than one person looks after a pet?

You can share a pet with as many people as you need to. Each member of the family can see what your pet has been getting up to and can track them if they go missing. You can even see if your kids have really taken the dog for a long walk or are just sat on a park bench round the corner texting their mates.

Is Trakz easy to use?

Yes – Trakz has been tested on real pet owners and perfected over two years. Data is automatically sent from the collar to our secure servers and to your mobile phone so you’ll always have access to your pet’s data, wherever and whenever you want it.

I’m excited to try one, will my order arrive quickly?

Yes - We aim to send Trakz out the same working day by Royal Mail 1st Class post. These usually arrive the next day.

Is Trakz made in Britain?

Yes - Trakz is manufactured in the United Kingdom and carries the Made in Britain mark of quality.

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