The Gimbal Series 21 Proximity Beacon (the 'Beacon') is a small, battery-powered device that transmits a Bluetooth™ Smart / low-energy (BLE) signal that can be detected by other devices (e.g., smartphones or other devices capable of receiving the signal). This signal enables identifying the Beacon as well as other telemetry information to the receiving device (e.g., battery level and
temperature).
The Beacon works by periodically waking up, transmitting this signal via short-range radio (Bluetooth
Smart/LE) and then returning to a low-power state. The Beacon has no user interface (UI), cellular or
GPS capabilities. The Beacon's identity is encoded within the signal it transmits and includes a
sub-segment device type.
WARNING - CHOKING HAZARD: Small parts. Not for children under 3
years of age. This product comes with AA alkaline batteries.
CAUTION: Do not connect improperly, charge or dispose of in fire.
Battery may explore or leak.
If the battery leaks:
General | Dimensions (L x W x H) |
3.4 in x 3.0 in x 1.0 in (86 mm x 77 mm x 25 mm) |
---|---|---|
Weight | 6oz (170g) including batteries | |
Color / Enclosure | White; opens by depressing both tabs simultaneously | |
Temperature Sensor | Can sense temperatures from -4° F to 140° F (-20° C to 60° C) with an accuracy from +/- 3.6° - 7.7° F (2° - 4° C) depending on temperature; temperature is sensed/transmitted every 30 seconds; app requires use of the Gimbal SDK in order to receive temperature data | |
Antenna | Omni-directional (default) or Directional; Software selectable | |
Buttons / LED | Internal power switch; External Power/Battery Status Button with LED Feedback | |
Terms / Warranty / Pricing |
Terms https://manager.gimbal.beacon-supply-agreement/ Warranty https://manager.gimbal.beacon-warranty/ Pricing https://store.gimbal.com/ |
|
Transmission | Beacon Transmission Type | Bluetooth® Smart (AKA Bluetooth 4.0 Low Energy); 2.4GHz Channels 37 (2402MHz), 38 (2426 MHz), and 39 (2480 MHz); non-connectable advertisements. Compatible with iBeacon™ technology and Eddystone™ (may require configuration update and automatic firmware update). Note: These advertising channels are allocated in different parts of the 2.4GHz spectrum and are designed to coexist with 802.11 / Wi-Fi |
Transmission Interval | Configurable via Gimbal Manager/Gimbal Beacon Manager App | |
Transmission Power | Configurable via Gimbal Manager/Gimbal Beacon Manager App from -23dBm (Low) up to 0dBm (Full Power) | |
Transmission | Typically up to ~160 ft (~50 meters) though can often be seen at further distances in ideal, clear line-of-sight conditions at full transmit power | |
Mounting Options | Double-Sided Adhesive Tape | 3M 4496W Tape: 2.5 in x 1.5 in (included); Manufacturer recommends a clean, dry and well unified bonding surface for optimum adhesion and notes that the ideal application temperature range is 70°° F to 100° F (21° C to 38° C) - initial application at temperatures below 50° F (10° C) is not recommended |
Physical Security Screw | 1 4-40 5/16" 1/16" hex screw included inside back housing; Difficult to open the device when installed | |
Battery | Battery Type | 4 - AA Alkaline (pre-installed, ready to activate); user replaceable |
Battery Operating Temperature | Varta/powerone: -4° F to 130° F (-20° C to 54° C) | |
Battery Disposal | http://www.varta-microbattery.com/applications/mb_data/documents/material_safety_data_sheets/MSDS_03_Primary_Alkaline_Cylindrical_Series_p_en.pdf | |
Battery Data Sheet | http://www.varta-microbattery.com/applications/mb_data/documents/data_sheets/DS4106.pdf | |
Battery Life | Typical battery life of 18 months transmitting every 100ms running 24 hours/day | |
Battery Level Measurement | Measured when the Beacon is first powered and every 6 hours thereafter; app requires use of the Gimbal SDK in order to receive battery level data from the Beacon | |
Environmental | Operational Temperature | -40° F to 140° F (-40° C to 60° C) (Note: lower and upper temperature ranges may be limited by battery type; see above) |
Humidity Survival | 95% RH non-condensing | |
Compliance Statement | RoHS/REACH Compliant | |
Certifications and Safety | Countries Supported | Please visit https://manager.gimbal.com/supported-countries/ for the list of countries supported by Gimbal |
Safety | General Safety Requirements: UL 60950-1; Canada, Identical to UL 60950: CAN/CSA-22.2 No. 60950-1 European Norm (Per IEC 60950-1 2nd Ed): EN 60950-1 The Beacon is not FDA certified. Any use by customer in an environment requiring such certification is at customer’s risk and Customer is responsible for any liability resulting from such use. |
Each Series 21 Beacon comes with double-sided adhesive tape that can be used for mounting purposes. Other mounting accessories are not included. It's advisable to leave your Beacon in its box and powered off until ready to use. When ready to use, remove your Beacon from its unit box and its protective bubble wrap sleeve.
Your Beacon is now associated with your Gimbal Developer Account and ready for use. Repeat step 4 to activate additional Beacons on your account.
Note: If you've ordered Series 21 Beacons in bulk, we can provide you with a shipping manifest that allows for bulk activation of your Beacons in Gimbal Manager. Contact Gimbal Support through Gimbal Manager on the web for further details.
After removing your Beacon from its unit box and sleeve, open the Beacon by pressing the two latches on opposite sides of the Beacon simultaneously with one hand while holding the front part of the Beacon with the other hand. Once you've opened your Beacon, flip the small power switch located between the two sets of batteries from the 'Off' position to the 'On' position.
Once you’ve powered on your Beacon, you’ll notice a green light flashing on the exterior of the Beacon for approximately 10 seconds. This lets you know that the Beacon is functioning normally. Once the Beacon finishes its startup cycle, the light will turn solid to indicate battery status for 3 seconds (green indicates good; red indicates that batteries need to be replaced) before the light turns off and the Beacon enters its normal transmission state.
Close the Beacon by latching the front and back housing together until it clicks and your Beacon is ready to use.
Note: An optional physical security screw is provided which when installed, makes it difficult to open the Beacon. It can be found mounted on the inside of the Beacon’s bottom housing in a smaller holder. To use, carefully remove the screw from its holder, close the Beacon, and insert the screw in the holder found in one of the Beacon’s closure tabs using a 1/16" hex screwdriver until snug.
To check whether your Series 21 Beacon is operating normally, simply press the button on the front of the Beacon.
To see your Beacon from a mobile application, download the Gimbal Beacon Manager application from the App StoreSM on an iOS® device and login using the same Gimbal Developer Account (and organization, if configured) which you have used to activate your Beacon. Once logged in, you will see all of your Beacons that are powered on and near your device under the My Beacons tab.
Gimbal Series 21 Beacons are designed to never need configuration when used in conjunction with the Gimbal SDK as integrated into your mobile application. In fact, more than 95% of our Beacons that have been deployed as of this writing have never been reconfigured. However, should you want to adjust certain settings, you may do so.
Note: presently, an iPhone® 4S or newer is required for this step. Formal support for iPad® and other operating systems may be available in the future.
Note: At this point, you have assigned a configuration to your Beacon in Gimbal Manager on the web but you still need to apply the configuration to your Beacon.
Once your Beacon shows a different ‘Assigned Configuration’ vs. its ‘Applied Configuration’ in Gimbal Manager on the web, you’re ready to apply the configuration to your Beacon.
Note: If you wish to reconfigure a Beacon that is powered on, you may do so by simply holding the exterior button for 3 seconds until you see the light start to flash slowly.
The Beacon is easy to install and comes with adouble-sided adhesive tape that is designed to adhere to most clean, even surfaces. To install:
Figure 1: Bottom housing with the double-sided tape applied
Figure 2: Installed bottom housing
Figure 3: Top housing installed
CAUTION: When the Beacon is closed, the top and bottom housings are NOT flush. An example of a properly closed Beacon is shown in Figure 4 below. This is designed so that in the case of an uneven surface, the Beacon can still be opened properly to replace batteries when it becomes necessary
Figure 4: Properly closed Beacon is NOT flush
DO NOT apply excessive pressure while closing the Beacon or after it has been installed as doing so can damage the Beacon
The Beacon has four (4) AA alkaline batteries that will typically power the Beacon for approximately 18 months but depends on configuration and environment. To test the batteries, make sure the Beacon is powered on and press the external button. If it lights ‘Green’, the batteries are good. If it lights ‘Red’, the batteries need to be replaced. Alternately, you can see the latest battery status for you Beacon within you Gimbal Manager account.
To replace the batteries:
Note: It’s important when replacing the batteries to only use new, matched batteries of the same type. Using mixed batteries may cause problems with the Beacon.
For troubleshooting tips and Frequently Asked Questions, please visit https://manager.gimbal.com/, login with your Gimbal Developer Account and click on ‘Support’.
Additional specifications are available online in the Gimbal store at https://store.gimbal.com/
Status Light Modes
Light Color / Button State | Status Indicated | Notes |
---|---|---|
No Light (before button press) | None | The status light's default state is off. |
No Light (after button press) | Beacon is not powered / not functioning properly. | Either the internal power switch is set to off, batteries are not installed, or installed batteries need to be replaced. |
Slow Flashing Green Light (no button press) | Beacon is powering on and in configuration mode (lasts ~10 seconds) | When initially powered on, the green light flashes slowly. You can optionally connect to the Beacon in this state using the Gimbal Beacon Manager application to configure the Beacon. |
Fast Flashing Green Light (before button press) | Beacon has been connected to by Gimbal Beacon Manager app (lasts for as long as the connection is established) | While connected, the light will continue to fast flash green. Once you disconnect with the Gimbal Beacon Manager application, it will automatically return to its normal operational state. |
Solid Green Light (before button press) | Beacon has good batteries and is working properly (lasts for ~3 seconds) | Either the Beacon has just finished powering on or has just finished being configured. |
Solid Green Light (after button press) | Beacon has good batteries, is powered on, and working properly (lasts for ~3 seconds) | Pushing the button gives you a quick status anytime you want to know whether your Beacon is on and working properly. |
Long Button Press (longer than 3 seconds) | None. Works in any light state as long as the Beacon is powered on. | This allows you to reboot the Beacon without opening the Beacon and switching the power off/on. It is useful for re-entering configuration mode when the Beacon is closed. |
Amber or Red Light (after button press) | Batteries are low and need to be replaced. | The amber and red lights look visually similar. If you see an indication other than a green light, it’s time to replace the Beacon’s batteries. |
Scientific research on wireless devices and radio frequency ("RF") energy has been conducted worldwide for many years, and continues. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) set policies and procedures for wireless devices. The FDA issued a website publication on health issues related to usage of cell phones where it states, "The scientific community at large believes that the weight of the scientific evidence does not show an association between exposure to RF from cell phones and adverse health outcomes." Still, the scientific community does recommend conducting additional research to address gaps in knowledge. That research is being conducted around the world, and the FDA continues to monitor developments in this field. You can access the FDA website at http://www.fda.gov (under "C" in the subject index, select Cell Phones > Research). You can also contact the FDA toll free at (888) 463-6332 or (888) INFO-FDA. The FCC issued its own website publication stating that "there is no scientific evidence that proves that wireless telephone usage can lead to cancer or other problems, including headaches, dizziness, or memory loss." The publication is available at https://www.fcc.gov/engineering-technology/electromagnetic-compatibility-division/radio-frequency-safety/faq/rf-safety or through the FCC at (888) 225 5322 or (888) CALL-FCC. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) states that concerns about the potential health effects of using cellular phones - "and specifically the suggestion that using a cell phone may increase a person's risk of developing brain cancer - are not supported by a growing body of research on the subject." You can access NCI's review of the research via this cancer.gov article.
If you are concerned about RF, there are several simple steps you can take to minimize your RF exposure. You can minimize usage of the device near the body. You can also place more distance between your body and the source of the RF, as the exposure level drops off dramatically with distance. Wireless devices marketed in the United States are required to meet safety requirements regardless of whether they are used against the head or against the body.
For further information, see the following additional resources:
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
10903 New Hampshire Avenue
Silver Spring, MD 20993
1-888-INFO-FDA (1-888-463-6332)
http://www.fda.gov
Federal Communications Commission
445 12th Street SW
Washington, DC 20554
http://www.fcc.gov
American National Standards Institute
1899 L Street NW, 11th Floor
Washington D.C., 20036
1-202-293-8020
http://www.ansi.org
The Gimbal Series 21 Proximity Beacon has been approved for operation in United States of America by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
The Gimbal Series 21 Proximity Beacon has been tested to the limits for a Class B digital device, according
to Part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference in a residential installation. The Beacon uses and radiates radio frequency energy and if not
installed and used according to instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications or be
interfered with. There is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular
installation.
If the Beacon does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined
switching the Beacon's power switch to the ‘off' position, try to correct the interference by taking one or
more of the following actions:
If the Beacon is being interfered with try to correct the interference by taking the following actions:
The FCC ID for the Gimbal Series 21 Proximity Beacon (model 900-0000-000) is R6CGS21.
CAUTION: The Beacon should not be used in airplanes, hospitals, or locations where cellular telephones and other electronic devices are prohibited.
The Gimbal Series 21 Proximity Beacon has been approved for operation in Canada by Industry Canada (IC).
This device complies with Industry Canada license-exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
Le présent appareil est conforme aux CNR d'Industrie Canada applicables aux appareils radio exempts de
licence. L'exploitation est autorisée aux deux conditions suivantes: (1) l'appareil ne doit pas produire de
brouillage, et (2) l'utilisateur de l'appareil doit accepter tout brouillage radioélectrique subi, même si
le brouillage est susceptible d'en compromettre le fonctionnement.
The Industry Canada certification number for the Gimbal Series 21 Proximity Beacon (model 900-0000-000) is 10756A-GS21.
The Gimbal Series 21 Proximity Beacon has been approved for operation in the European Union and other countries which require the CE Mark.
Output power: 0.76 mW @ 2400-2480.0 MHz
Gimbal, Inc. hereby declares that this product is in compliance with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of Directive 1999/5/EC and to all applicable EU directive requirements. The complete declaration of conformity can be found at: http://docs.gimbal.com/manuals/s21_CE_conformity.pdf. This device complies with ICNIRP exposure levels.
The Notified Body Opinion Number (NBO) for the Gimbal Series 21 Proximity Beacon (model 900-0000-000) is AN15C10735-2 (Notified Body Nr: 0984).
The Gimbal Series 21 Proximity Beacon has been approved for operation in Australia and New Zealand by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) and the Radio Spectrum Management (RSM) business unit of the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), New Zealand.
Display of the RCM mark above indicate Gimbal Series 21 Beacon (model 900-0000-000) is in compliance with all applicable Radio Spectrum Management (RSM), Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) regulatory arrangements—telecommunications, radio communications, EMC and EME—and with applicable state
and territory electrical equipment safety requirements.
For the Gimbal Series 21 Proximity Beacon (model 900-0000-000), the ACMA supplier code number is N30375, the RCM supplier number is E304 and the Responsible Supplier registration number is E178.
The Gimbal Series 21 Proximity Beacon has been approved for operation in Brazil by ANATEL. The ANATEL certification number for the Gimbal Series 21 Proximity Beacon, Model 900-0000-000 is 00089592 and the Homologation Code is 1258-15-2340.
"Este equipamento opera em caráter secundário, isto é, não tem direito a proteção contra interferência prejudicial, mesmo de estações do mesmo tipo, e não pode causar interferência a sistemas operando em caráter primário."
The Gimbal Series 21 Proximity Beacon has received a type approval Certification from the Government of India, Ministry of Communications & IT, Department of Telecommunications.
The ETA number for the Gimbal Series 21 Proximity Beacon (model 900-0000-000) is NER-ETA/1276.
The Gimbal Series 21 Proximity Beacon has been approved for operation in Japan by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC).
The MIC Type certification number for the Gimbal Series 21 Proximity Beacon (model 900-0000-000) is 007-AC0274.
The Gimbal Series 21 Proximity Beacon has been certified for operation in Korea under Clause 2, Article 58-2 of the Radio Waves Act by the Korea National Radio Research Agency. The certification number for the Gimbal Series 21 Proximity Beacon (model 900-0000-000) is MSIP-CRM-213-900-0000-000.
The Gimbal Series 21 Proximity Beacon has been approved for operation in Mexico by both the Instituto Federal de Telecomunicaciones (IFETEL) and the Normalización y Certificación Electrónicica, S.C. (NYCE).
The IFETEL Certificado de Homologación number for the Gimbal Series 21 Proximity Beacon (model 900-0000-000) is RCPGI9015-0471 and the NYCE certificate number is NYCE/CT/0295/15/TS.
La operación de este equipo está sujeta a las siguientes dos condiciones:
The Gimbal Series 21 Proximity Beacon has been approved for operation in South Africa by the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA).
The ICASA Radio Equipment Type Approval Number for the Gimbal Series 21 Proximity Beacon (model 900-0000-000) is TA-2014/2518.
The Gimbal Series 21 Proximity Beacon has been approved for operation in Taiwan by the National Communication Commission (NCC).
The NCC Type Certification number for the Gimbal Proximity Beacon (model 900-0000-000) is CCAJ15LP0460T1.
NCC Warning Statement:
低功率電波輻性電機管理辦法
第十二條經型式認證合格之低功率射頻電機,非經許可,公司、商號或使
用者均不得擅自變更頻率、加大功率或變更原設計之特性及功能。
第十四條低功率射頻電機之使用不得影響飛航安全及干擾合法通信;經發
現有干擾現象時,應立即停用,並改善至無干擾時方得繼續使用。
前項合法通信,指依電信規定作業之無線電信。低功率射頻電機須忍受合法通信
或工業、科學及醫療用電波輻射性電機設備之干擾。
在5.25G ~5.35G頻帶內操作之無線資訊傳輸設備僅適於室內使用
The Gimbal Series 21 Proximity Beacon has been approved for operation in Guatemala by the Superintendencia De Telecomunicaciones (SIT). The SIT Radio Equipment Type Approval Number for the Gimbal Series 21 Proximity Beacon (model 900-0000-000) is SIT-DH-035-2016.
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Gimbal is a trademark of Gimbal, Inc., registered in the United States and other countries. iPhone and iPad are registered trademarks of Apple Inc. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc. iOS is a registered trademark of Cisco. The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth® SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Gimbal, Inc. is under license. Other product and brand names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners. Compliance with the Gimbal, Inc. Device Supply Agreement and Gimbal Developer Agreement are required for Beacon use.