Mastering Geotab
★ Geotab Products · Asset Tracker
The original GO Anywhere is Geotab's smallest and lightest asset tracker, running on sealed AA lithium cells. Many fleets already have them in service, so here is what the device does and how it differs from the newer models.
The original GO Anywhere is a compact, sealed tracker that reports the last known location of powered and unpowered assets into MyGeotab. It runs on three AA lithium iron disulfide cells totaling 14 Wh, and Geotab estimates three to five years of life depending on how often it is set to report. The cells are not removable, so the device is treated as a unit at the end of its battery life.
At 111 mm long and under 167 grams, it is noticeably smaller than the two later trackers in the family, which matters on assets with limited flat mounting area. Geotab now lists it beside the GO Anywhere Plus and GO Anywhere 2 as a separate model. For many fleets, the practical question is less about buying new units and more about understanding the ones already bolted to their equipment.
Small equipment that cannot take a larger unit. Compact trailers, light towers and attachments with little room for a mount are where the smaller footprint helps.
Landscaping and grounds crews. Open utility trailers carrying mowers spend nights in yards and days at properties. A sealed tracker with IP68 and IP69K ratings handles rain and washdowns.
Fleets with an installed base. Companies that deployed GO Anywhere units years ago often need to know battery status across the fleet, and which units to replace with a newer model as they reach end of life.
Seasonal assets. Equipment that sits for months, such as snow plows or event trailers, can run on a slow ping rate to conserve battery and still answer the question of where it is parked.
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Battery | Three AA lithium iron disulfide cells, 14 Wh total, non-removable |
| Estimated life | 3 to 5 years depending on use |
| Cellular | LTE CAT-M1 (TB1-LTM), nano SIM |
| GNSS | Multi-constellation, single-band antenna, about 2.0 m CEP |
| Time to first fix | About 2 s hot or aided; 35 s or more cold |
| Accelerometer | 3-axis, ±8 g, up to 100 Hz |
| Ingress rating | IP68 and IP69K |
| Dimensions | 111 x 71 x 29.5 mm |
| Weight | 166.7 g (0.37 lb) |
| Housing | Two-piece polycarbonate, UL 94 V-0 |
| Operating temperature | -40 °C to +60 °C |
| Compliance | FCC, ISED, PTCRB, CE, RCM, NDAA, TAA |
Activation on the original GO Anywhere works differently from the newer trackers. There is no button to press; a magnetic strip on the unit holds it dormant. After adding the device in MyGeotab, take it outdoors and pull the strip off, and the LED begins flashing. Activation takes roughly three to five minutes, and the unit should be left untouched while the green light flashes. Solid green means success. Solid red usually means the device is outside its -40 to +60 °C range or cannot reach the cell network, so check those and retry by holding the strip back on for five seconds before removing it again. Mount with screws or magnets where the unit has open sky and little metal around it, we get permission before drilling into a customer's asset, and validate the install through Geotab's installation tool.
The original GO Anywhere fits fleets already running it, and assets where the smaller, lighter body is the deciding factor. It remains a straightforward way to keep last-known locations on unpowered equipment.
A fleet buying trackers for the first time should compare it with the GO Anywhere 2, which Geotab rates for up to ten years on a larger battery, or the GO Anywhere Plus, which adds wired power, engine hours and Bluetooth tag reading. Assets that run hot, above +60 °C, are better matched to the newer models with wider temperature ranges.
No. Geotab lists the cells as non-removable and asks that spent units be disposed of properly. When the battery is done, the tracker is replaced.
Activation needs both cell signal and a GPS fix, and Geotab's instructions say to go outside before removing the strip. Trying it indoors works against both, so do the activation outside with open sky.
The device reports a battery health indicator to MyGeotab. Reviewing it across the fleet lets replacements be scheduled in batches instead of discovered one at a time.
API Signal can supply new GO Anywhere units or swap spent ones, and our technicians do the mounting and activation on site at your yard while the equipment stays parked. Ring 803-513-1009 or fill in Get a Quote to book it.
Sources: Geotab Support: GO Anywhere overview, Geotab Support: GO Anywhere quick start guide. GEOTAB is a registered trademark of Geotab Inc. API Signal is an independent installer and is not Geotab.
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