Device Questions

Are TraX devices compatible with all trucks? How to determine if the sensor is compatible with a certain brand and model?

The TraX device is designed in a way that allows its installation on the majority of trucks, trailers, buses, and other vehicles. There are three different sizes of TraX devices, allowing you to find a suitable sensor for the specific vehicle. The type of the TraX sensor that needs to be used is determined by the size of the wheel studs of the vehicle.

Do I need additional equipment except TraX device to capture information?

There are two different options for TraX device use. The first option is the standalone use of TraX devices. Such use doesn’t require anything than the devices themselves, all the information from the device will be communicated using LED on the sensor itself.

The second option is using the device together with a telematics provider. This option allows usage of the full potential of the devices and to receive and analyze the information received from the devices.

What information can be provided by TraX devices?

Information that can be provided by the devices depends on the use of the device. The main information provided by the sensor includes the temperature of the wheel end and information about the bearing failures.

Is the battery rechargeable?

No, the battery is not rechargeable to limit TraX cost (rechargeable battery, recharging circuitry) and recharging operation in the application as well.

What is the battery lifetime?

The forecasted battery lifetime is estimated to be up to 5 years, with an internal diagnostic function to monitor the battery status. Battery lifetime depends on the driving conditions of the use of the sensor.

What to do with decommissioned sensors/sensors with drained batteries/sensors with failures/damaged sensors?

Decommissioned sensors with good batteries can be used on different axles/vehicles. Sensors that detected bearing failure should be reset using the mobile application and they can be used again on the same wheel. Sensors with drained batteries, WEM failures, temperature sensor failures, or damaged sensors should be returned to SKF. Please contact SKF support for more information.

What is the range of sensor BLE broadcasting?

The max RF output power of the TraX sensor varies from -4.68 to -3.42 dBm at ambient temperature, which corresponds to 25 celsius. Distance depends on the type of vehicle and the type of load. Big amounts of liquids or other dense substances can interfere with the sensor signal.

What is the format of the data format transmitted by the sensor?
Data about wheel end status send in encoded format using BLE advertising frames.

What is the sensor data packet loss rate?

This can be determined by the TSPs checking the frame counter information received from the sensor. The TraX sensor has been designed optimizing the frequency of emission while saving the battery lifetime.

An increase of temperature can quickly become critical. In that case, the broadcasting will be more frequent to better follow the evolution. Vibration alerts are not as urgent to deal with so, the frequency of broadcasting will remain every 30min. An acceptable data packet loss is up to 5%.