The device is added to your account when it arrives at your location, but it will not begin sending data until it is activated, in order to avoid battery usage during shipping or storage.
To set up the device and start collecting data from your asset, follow the steps below to install, register, and activate the Trackunit Spot device. Model-specific details such as screw type, torque and mounting dimensions are in the installation guide included in the box, which you can also find at trackunit.com/library
Step 1: Installing Spot
Each Spot will come with a user guide in the box that details how to install the device.
It can be mounted to almost anything with a simple, one-minute installation - being especially designed to connect larger non-powered assets, such as trailers, portable welders, etc.
It can also be used on any other type of asset, even heavy or powered assets, for quick tracking.
Mounting Options:
Vertical installation:
Mount upright with the antenna facing the sky
The LED is at the opposite end from the antenna and should be on the bottom
Horizontal installation:
Mount with the antenna facing the sky
The LED will be on the left side when mounted correctly
Mounting surface and fixings:
Mount the Spot device on a flat, rigid surface. An uneven or curved surface can twist the housing when the screws are tightened, which may affect the weather seal.
Attach the device through the two mounting holes using the screws supplied in the box, tightened to the torque specified in the installation guide. Do not over-tighten.
If you are replacing a Spot of a different model, do not reuse the existing mounting holes as hole spacing differs between models. Drill new holes according to the installation guide for the new device.
For optimal performance, avoid mounting the Spot device near large metal objects or electrical wiring, as this may interfere with signal strength.
Installing the Spot device inside metal enclosures (e.g. electrical cabinets) can create a "Faraday cage" effect, negatively impacting cellular, GPS/GNSS, and battery performance.
If concealment for anti-theft purposes is needed, ensure at least partial exposure to open air to maintain connectivity.
Leave the activation sticker in place while mounting. You will remove it in Step 3.
Step 2: Registering the Spot device against an asset
Before activating the Spot device, you have the opportunity to register the Spot device against an asset and add or update the asset's metadata. You can do this in:
Trackunit Manager: here's how to add or edit specification data
The Trackunit Go app: locate the asset and update its metadata directly on your phone.
The Trackunit Fit app: a guided install flow that also lets you set the device's transmission interval on site. The Trackunit Fit app is supported for Spot S300 only.
Step 3: Activating Spot
Activate the device by removing the sticker from the front and exposing the LED to direct light.
Spot will send its first message within a few minutes. The transmission cycle will continue based on the settings you configure in Trackunit Manager
Once active, the LED indicator on the front of the Spot will flash green (it can take up to 3 seconds for the LED indicator to start flashing). Depending on the model, the LED may continue to blink a pattern for a few minutes to indicate cellular and GNSS status — the installation guide for your device describes the blinking patterns and what they mean.
Your Spot device is now installed and active.
Spot devices are optimized for long-lasting battery performance, but actual performance depends on both usage and environmental conditions.
Learn how to monitor, manage, and replace the Spot battery in this step-by-step guide
💡 Tip: For diagrams and detailed installation instructions, refer to the installation guide included with the device or find it at trackunit.com/library
💡 Tip:
Need more help?
Click on the Messenger icon in the lower-left corner to get in touch with Customer Support.