Loci Device Management

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BETA Feature

This feature is currently in BETA. Use it at your own risk.

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Warning

Please read carefully to avoid damaging the device:

• Do not turn off the Loci during Device Management operations.
• Do not close the Admin App or move it to the background.
• Stay within 3 meters during Device Management operations.

Device Management

To access device management, select the menu button in the upper left corner:

Then, click Device Management:

You will see an overview of all detected Locis. These must be assigned to your organization, so ensure you add a newly received box to your account.

The Loci IDs (e.g., Loci 268440959) are the same as those used for the API. The ID color indicates the BLE signal strength: green is best, orange is middle, red is worst. Firmware updates cannot start if the signal is red.

The line AP (0 / 7 / 30) describes the type (AP), the ranging channel (0), the control channel (7), and the total number of available channels (30).

Firmware Update via BLE

Firmware updates on the Loci device are performed wirelessly over Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). This method is simple and cable-free but requires careful handling to avoid corrupting the device.

How the Firmware Update Works

1. Bring your iOS device close to the Loci. BLE has a limited range, so close proximity is required.

2. Go to the Device Management view.

3. Locis with an available update will display Update available. If the connection is weak, move closer to the Loci.

   

4. Select the Locis you want to update, click the button in the upper right corner, and select Update Firmware.

   

5. The Loci will enter update mode and receive the new firmware in data packets. A maximum of four Locis will update simultaneously, while others remain In queue.

   

6. After the transfer completes, the device will restart automatically.

Important Notes and Risks

• Keep devices close: Increasing the distance can weaken the BLE link, slowing down or interrupting the update. This can break the device.

• Connection loss during update: If the BLE connection drops mid-transfer, the firmware may become incomplete, leaving the Loci unusable.

• Battery levels: Ensure your mobile device and the Loci have sufficient battery. If they shut down during transmission, the update may fail. Connect to a power supply if unsure.

• System breakage risk: Updating firmware carries a small risk of bricking the device if interrupted. Only update when necessary and avoid moving devices during the procedure.

• Firmware update failed: If the update fails, restart the Loci and try again.

  

If an update fails and the device no longer starts normally, contact support for recovery instructions.

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Ensure all Locis have the same firmware version to communicate effectively.

UWB Channel Configuration (Control & Ranging)

The Loci device uses Ultra-Wideband (UWB) communication for precise ranging. Two different logical channels are involved:

• Control Channel: Used for configuration, coordination, routing, and management communication.
• Ranging Channel: Used for distance measurements.

These channels must not use the same UWB channel number, as this would cause interference and unreliable ranging performance.

Channel changes are performed via BLE, allowing you to reconfigure the UWB settings even if the UWB performance is degraded.

Why Change Channels?

Different environments affect UWB performance differently. Key factors include:

• Center frequency: Determines how well the signal penetrates obstacles.
• Bandwidth: Influences precision and robustness.
• Regulatory constraints: Some regions may restrict specific bands.
• Interference: Other UWB or RF systems may operate nearby.

Choosing an optimal pair of control and ranging channels helps maintain stability.

How the Channel Update Works

1. Bring your iOS device close to the Loci. BLE has a limited range, so close proximity is required.

2. Go to the Device Management view.

3. Select the Locis you want to change. Ensure all Locis in your environment have the same channel configuration to communicate effectively.

   

4. Click the icon in the upper-right corner to select Change Ranging Config or Change Control Config.

   

5. You will see a list of presets and an advanced configuration option to enter any valid channel number.

   

6. After selecting a preset, the configuration will be applied. Use the same preset for both Control and Ranging configurations.

Environment-Based Recommendations

These recommendations are based on real-world testing and experiences with different environments. Be aware that different channels might be necessary in specific environments.

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Ensure all Locis have the same channel configuration to communicate effectively.

Device Type Configuration

The Loci hardware is flexible: although every unit is physically the same, software defines its role in your environment.

Why Different Device Types Exist

Each type plays a specific part in the overall positioning system. You can read the full device type definitions in the official docs here.

How to Change the Device Type

Device type changes are performed via BLE while the device is nearby, similar to firmware and channel configuration.

1. Bring your iOS device close to the Loci. BLE has a limited range, so close proximity is required.

2. Go to the Device Management view.

3. Select the Locis you want to change. Ensure all Locis in your environment have the same channel configuration to communicate effectively.

4. Click the icon in the upper-right corner to select Change Type.

   

5. Choose the new device type.

   

6. Verify the change has been applied successfully.

Important Considerations

• Only one AP Lead per environment: After switching a device to AP Lead, ensure no other Loci holds that type.
• Interference with UWB network: Changing a device type can affect how the environment behaves. Always re-validate connectivity and performance afterward.
• BLE Stability: Like firmware updates, losing BLE mid-configuration may leave the device in an inconsistent state. Always keep the device within 2–3 meters during the change.