Explaining | Dead Reckoning | Teltonika

Added: 2026-05-12

[00:00:00]GPS signal disappears more often than most people realize. Tunnels, underground parkings, city centers.

[00:00:08]Every time satellites disappear, the vehicle's position is lost. But what if you have to continue tracking? With Tonica, it's possible. My name is Vitalius. I am product owner at Tonica.

[00:00:20]And in this video, I'll show you how our trackers with that recording can keep up tracking accurately even without the GPS. Here I have two devices featuring the Dragon FTC887 and FTC97.

[00:00:37]Keep in mind that devices with seven or higher numbers at the end of their name usually include this feature. So how does it work? When the GPS signal is lost, trackers with dead reckoning use accelerometer and gyroscope data to measure speed and rotation in real time.

[00:00:54]This data allows to keep calculating the vehicle's position, ensuring tracking continues until the GPS signal is restored. Here's an example. On the left, we see map where the vehicle's track disappears as it enters underground parking. On the right, we see the power of the draconing. The route remains visible and precise even without GPS. Now, I will show you how to configure a device with that reoning feature. But before we continue, I'd like to remind you to subscribe to our YouTube channel so you never miss our new uploads. We will use FTC 927 as an example. Please note that configuration process may differ for other device. So always make sure to visit our Telotonica wiki page. First open the TCT application next to the FTC 927. Click configure. Then open the system tab.

[00:01:51]Under ignition add D one and under movement sources add D one and remove accelerometer.

[00:01:59]Then go to output input tab. Select universal. Turn on dead reconing status.

[00:02:05]Turn on alignment straight alignment and click save to the device. The dead reckoning feature is now configured automatically.

[00:02:13]So no changes are required in this section.

[00:02:18]Let's move on to the device installation. There are two main requirements for device mounting in the car. First, it should be mounted in a way to ensure maximum visibility of the sky. It will have the best Genesis track accuracy. Second, the tracker should be fast and very tightly to the car chases.

[00:02:37]This ensures precise measuring of acceleration and orientation. Good examples of where to mount a device include in the vehicle's trunk, inside the engine bay, and above the glove box.

[00:02:58]Once you have ensured the Genesis antenna is facing upward, check that nothing is blocking the signal. Metal surfaces, heated windows, thick panels, and wiring can all interface with reception. Here are examples of incorrect installations that should be avoided. If the device is not installed correctly, it may fail to align to provide inaccurate position data. For detailed device installation instructions, visit our wiki page or watch our tutorials on our YouTube channel. Now, let's talk about the alignment. It is important because the tracker's accelerometer and gyroscope axis must align with the vehicle's axis.

[00:03:40]So, the feature could perform well.

[00:03:42]While you are driving, the device automatically performs the alignment. It usually takes a few minutes provided a few conditions are met. Drive at speed between 10 and 100 km per hour in an open sky area, not in the tunnels.

[00:03:58]perform a few accelerations and braking maneuvers and make several left and right turns. You can monitor the alignment progress using three parameters. Turning alignment, straight alignment, and the most important, the draconing status. When alignment is complete, the first two parameters will reach a value of 100 and the third parameter will change to three. After the initial alignment, any future corrective ones will be completed even faster. Please note that if you only drive on highways, the alignment might not occur. So, city style driving is highly recommended.

[00:04:39]After these steps, you can test and evaluate for yourself all the benefits that the draconing technology offers. I want to highlight that trackers with dead reconing will provide track data in tunnels as well as a more precise virtual autoometer. It also becomes easier to identify potential fraud events and continue tracking even if a GPS jammer is used. Thieves often use jammers to disable tracking signals and move vehicles into garages or enclosed areas. With that reckoning, tracking can continue. While tracking accuracy may decrease over time, the available data can still provide valuable clues to help locate the stolen vehicle. The same thing applies to speed violation reports. Let us take a simple example.

[00:05:28]Imagine a vehicle entering a tunnel where the speed limit is 60 km/h.

[00:05:33]Without that reckoning, the tracking data may shift to a nearby road with a lower speed limit, resulting in a false speed violation report. With more precise tracking data, you can reduce false reporting in your tracking system and provide more reliable information to your customers. For example, in geoence reports. Here is why this matters.

[00:05:56]Imagine a parcel terminal located in an underground parking area with a geoence.

[00:06:02]If a courier vehicle is equipped with our tracker, the fleet manager can be confident that the terminal was actually visited even when the Genesis signal is unavailable. Finally, it makes tracking more transparent for fleet owner companies, providing a better understanding of where the vehicle actually was. There are many other situations where the draconing technology makes a difference. To test it and evaluate the value for your business, please contact our Totonica sales managers. Thank you for watching.

[00:06:34]Now you are ready to try the new feature yourself. See you next time.