Trip Logbook - iBeacon Support
When using Trip Logbook on an Apple iPhone, we recommend using an iBeacon. Covered on this page:
Why is an iBeacon recommended?
What is an iBeacon?
How do I use an iBeacon with Trip Logbook?
iBeacon Power Supply
Buying an iBeacon
Why is an iBeacon recommended?
The simple answer to this question is: You probably want your trips to be started, ended, and logged automatically at exactly the right time. That is, when you start and stop your vehicle.
If you associate an iBeacon with your vehicle in the Trip Logbook App, Trip Logbook becomes vehicle aware.
iBeacons are relatively inexpensive. They also do not require physical installation.
If you take this one step further and use a USB powered iBeacon, that can be plugged into an ignition powered power port, you’ll have an exceptional trip logging system. To learn more, please read on.
Important Note:
We have designed Trip Logbook with flexibility in mind. If you do not want to use an iBeacon please do not worry.
You can use one of the other Trip Logbook Logging Modes. For example, Auto Logging (Places Only) requires no iBeacon or Vehicle Connection.
You also have the option of using one of two other supported vehicle connection methods (provided your vehicle support one of these).
With these alternate options, your places will be used to start and end your trips.
If you change your mind and decide to acquire an iBeacon at a later stage, you can do so knowing that Trip Logbook is ready when you are.
If you need any help, please contact us using the App Feedback option on the Trip Logbook App main menu.
What is an iBeacon?
Apple created a Proximity Beacon (iBeacon) specification which details the requirements and recommendations for the design of Bluetooth Low Energy proximity beacons that are compatible with Apple devices. Manufacturers create these small hardware devices based on this specification. When powered on, these devices emit a signal. Once you have associated your vehicle with an iBeacon Connection in the Trip Logbook App, you simply leave the iBeacon in your vehicle. Trip Logbook will "listen" for this signal and automatically start a trip when your phone is in range.
How do I use an iBeacon with Trip Logbook?
The iBeacon can be configured using the documentation on the beacon manufacturer's website. This is quick and simple, provided you read their instructions carefully. The manufacturer will also direct you to their recommended beacon configuration App and provide the associated Apple App Store download link. The application connects to your purchased iBeacon and allows you to view or change the current settings. The three configured values on the iBeacon that are of importance are the UUID (32 characters, each character can be a number from 0-9 or a letter from A to F), Major Value(any number from 0 through 65535) and Minor Value(any number from 0 through 65535).
These three values must be retrieved from the iBeacon (using it’s associated application) and then entered under your Vehicle setup in the Trip Logbook App.
You can use multiple iBeacons (one for each of your vehicles), it is important to note that the combination of the UUID, Major Value and Minor Value make every iBeacon unique.
For example, you can make the UUID different for each iBeacon and leave the Major and Minor values the same. Or the UUID and Major values can be the same for all iBeacons while the Minor value is different for each one. Any variation is acceptable provided the combination of these three values is different for every vehicle.
Placement of the iBeacon is important. An iBeacon's signal does not travel well through certain materials, such as metal, water or the human body. Ensure that your iBeacon has a reasonably clear path to where you would usually place your phone while you drive.
iBeacon Power Supply
Beacons can be externally powered or self-powered.
Externally powered (or USB) beacons can be plugged into a vehicle's USB port. If your vehicle does not have a USB port, consider using a USB car charger. You simply plug these into your vehicle's cigarette lighter or auxiliary power outlet. We recommend using vehicle power ports that are powered only when the vehicle ignition is switched ON. This will ensure that trips will be started at exactly the right time. When you turn off your vehicle ignition, the beacon should also turn off and the active trip will be ended. In Trip Logbook, when linking this type of iBeacon to your vehicle, set the iBeacon Power setting to "Ignition-Powered".
Externally powered beacons can be plugged into a vehicle power outlet that is powered independently of the ignition. An example of this is vehicle USB ports that powers on when you unlock the vehicle. If you do not want trips to start (when the vehicle is unlocked) while retrieving something from your vehicle, select "Other" under the iBeacon Power section when adding your beacon information to Trip Logbook. This will ensure a trip is only started when you leave a place AND the beacon is still detected.
Self-Powered beacons are fitted with a battery and may have an on/off switch. This means that the beacon can potentially be on all the time unless it is manually switched off. The main drawback with using these self-powered beacons, is that you must manually turn the beacon on and off. If you do not want to do this or if your beacon is not equipped with an on/off button, select "Other" under the iBeacon Power section when adding your beacon information to Trip Logbook. This will ensure a trip is only started when you leave a place AND the beacon is still detected.
Tip: Consider this scenario - You have a battery powered iBeacon and you want your trips to be started when the beacon is detected. In this case, use "Ignition-Powered" as the iBeacon Power setting. Trips will now be started immediately when you enter your vehicle, and the iBeacon is detected. Trip Logbook will start tracking immediately, even if you are still within your place boundary. When you simply walk past the vehicle or open a door to retrieve something, a trip will also be started. Trip Logbook will take care of this false start by discarding the started trip as you move away from the vehicle. The notification sounds may be annoying when you have these set to DISTINCT. To take care of this, set your “Auto Logging Notification Sounds” to Default under Main menu >> Preferences. When you receive the Trip Started notification, the sound will now be brief and subtle.
If you're still uncertain which Trip Logbook iBeacon Power setting you should use, try "Ignition-Powered" for a few days, then switch to "Other". These settings can be altered any time.
Buying an iBeacon
We have tested the TripLogbook App with the two iBeacons below.
Trip Logbook should work with other iBeacon compliant devices. There are many iBeacons available from different suppliers. Evaluate the product and supplier reviews before making a purchase.
RadBeacon USB
We use the RadBeacon ourselves. This device requires no battery. You can plug it into any available USB port. If you do not have a USB port in your vehicle, you can buy a low profile USB charger that plugs into your vehicle cigarette lighter socket. It is best to use a USB port that loses power when you turn your vehicle's ignition off.
The RadBeacon can be purchased at the following links:
Bluecharm Beacon
This beacon is battery powered. The battery can be replaced. It is equipped with a button that turns the beacon on and off. The main drawback is that you have to manually turn the beacon on and off.
The Bluecharm Beacon can be purchased at the following links:
DISCLAIMER: It is important that you read your vehicle's user manual and/or contact the vehicle manufacturer to determine which devices can safely be plugged into your vehicle's USB or auxiliary power ports. We do not take responsibility for any damage whatsoever resulting from plugging any device into the available ports or power outlets on your vehicle.
We have no affiliation with the iBeacon manufacturers, suppliers or retailers. Ensure that you are informed before making your purchasing decisions and buy from reputable suppliers. We do not recommend or endorse any device. You select, buy and use these devices at your own risk.