How to Make the HomeStation Mobile - petTracer 2.0
Note: This article is for devices with serial numbers above 20000. If you have devices with serial numbers below 20000, please click here
If your cat is out of the HomeStation's signal range or you suspect he is inside a building or in a location with poor GPS reception, you need to make the HomeStation mobile.
You will need the following:
- The HomeStation including USB cable
- The petTracer app on a smart phone with mobile data
- A charged power bank
Adding your phone's hotspot to the HomeStation:
Setting up the mobile HomeStation:
To make the HomeStation mobile please carry out the below steps in strict order.
1. Unplug the HomeStation from the mains
2. Activate your phone's hotspot and ensure you have activated Maximise Compatibility (iPhone) or you have selected the 2.4 GHz band (Android)
3. Plug the HomeStation into your power bank. You should now see on your phone that there is a device connected to the hotspot:
- On an iPhone the clock in the top left-hand corner of the screen turns green
- On an Android phone the HomeStation is displayed under "Connected devices" with a name in the format of: "ESP _ ******".
- Ensure that the blue LED on the HomeStation flashes once every 20-30 seconds
Note: Some iPhones have an automatic hotspot time-out feature. Please make sure you plug the HomeStation into the power bank within 90 seconds of activating your hotspot.
IMPORTANT: If at any point the HomeStation gives a quick double flash it means that it has lost the connection to the hotspot. Please do the following:
- Unplug the HomeStation from the power bank
- Re-activate the hotspot from your phone
- Re-connect the HomeStation to the power bank
- Refresh the app
You now have a mobile HomeStation and can start searching for your cat or lost collar.
Once you have made the HomeStation mobile, go into the app select Fast Mode: Tracking Modes
Start your search at the last GPS position or walk around the edges of your cat's territory. This article explains how to select GPS positions from the last month or two to give you a good idea of how big your cat's territory is: Tracking History
Open the Find Nearby screen of your app where you will see the radio signal strength indicator.
If you have more than one HomeStation, please select the HomeStation you will be using for the search.
Wait until the timer has counted down to zero. If a signal from the collar is received, the arrow will change its position on the scale. If no signal is received, the strength will remain at 0%
IMPORTANT: Do not change your position before the timer counts down to zero. The timer indicates when a new potential signal from the collar will be received.
If there is radio contact to the collar, check the Map for any new GPS positions telling you where your cat or the collar is. Make your way to the location in question.
Go back to Find Nearby screen and check the strength of the radio signal as needed. The closer to 100%, the closer you are to your cat or collar. Use the radio signal like a radar to hone in on the exact location.
Good to know 💡: If you need help locating your cat or a lost collar, please get in touch with our support team right away - they will be happy to assist. The battery running out makes this a time-sensitive matter, so do not delay.
How to Switch on the Beeper (for devices with serial numbers over 20000 only)