This article describes the key device features and status indicators available in the TraX platform. These features help you understand where the device is installed, the health of the monitored wheel end, the operational status of the device itself, and relevant firmware information. Each feature includes a description of possible states and, where applicable, recommended corrective actions.
Features are grouped into four categories:
- Installation location – Indicates where the device is physically mounted on the vehicle.
- Wheel end health – Provides insight into the condition of the monitored asset (the wheel end).
- Device operational status – Reflects the device’s functional status, independent of wheel end condition.
- Firmware information – Include features that do not clearly fall into any of the categories above.
Installation parameters
Installation location specify where the device is physically mounted on the vehicle.
Position
Position identifies the wheel-end location of the device, determined relative to the driver’s forward-facing direction.
| State | Description | Recommended Action |
|---|---|---|
| Not Positioned | Position not set. | Commission the device using the TraX mobile app. |
| Left | Left wheel | |
| Right | Right wheel |
Axle
Axle describe on which axle the device is mounted. Axle numbering begins at the front of the vehicle.
| State | Description | Recommended Action |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | Not positioned | Commission the device using the TraX mobile app. |
| 1,2,3 ... | Axle number. |
Wheel end health
The Wheel end health provide insights into the condition of the monitored asset (i.e.the wheel end).
Wheel end failure
The Wheel end failure feature analyzes vibration data to assess the condition and health of the wheel end.
High vibration levels in wheel ends may result from various causes, including bearing damage, brake or tire issues, and environmental factors. In addition to bearing damage, the system can also help identify other defects in the wheel end and on different types of axles.
| State | Description | Recommended Action |
|---|---|---|
| No Data | Indicates that the device has not yet collected enough information to determine whether a wheel end failure is present. This is common for newly installed devices. | No action is required. Allow the device a few more days to gather sufficient data. |
| No Failure | ||
| Failure | Wheel End failure detected. | Inspect the vehicle (see below) |
Temperature
The minimum temperature establishes a baseline for normal operating conditions and is useful for identifying anomalies when temperatures exceed expected levels.
Elevated temperatures in the wheel end can similarly arise from bearing damage, brake or tire problems, prolonged braking, or ambient conditions. If the device records an excessively high temperature, it could damage the electronics. When the temperature exceeds 105°C (221°F), the device will continue measuring and transmitting data, but accuracy cannot be guaranteed.
Similarly, the minimum operating temperature is -40°C. Although the device does not need to be replaced at this temperature, the accuracy of the temperature sensor cannot be guaranteed.
Additional information about the device´s temperature capabilities are available in the Temperature Monitoring article.
| Property | Description | Recommended Action |
|---|---|---|
| Current Temperature | Last recorded temperature. | |
| Minimum Temperature | Minimum recorded temperature from the last product reset. | |
| Maximum Temperature | Maximum recorded temperature from the last product reset. | If the temperature exceeds 105°C (221°F), it´s recommended to replace the device. |
Device operational status
This section covers features that indicate the device’s own operational status. These features reflect the device’s ability to function properly and do not pertain to the condition of the asset (wheel end) it is monitoring.
Battery level
The product has an estimated lifespan of five years, though actual longevity may vary based on driving patterns and environmental conditions.
| State | Description | Recommended Action |
|---|---|---|
| Extreme Low | The device is expected to operate for about one more months from the state change to "Extreme Low". | Replace the device. |
| Low | The device is expected to operate for about three more months. | Replace the device. |
| OK | ||
| No Data |
Wheel end monitoring
The Wheel end monitoring feature provides visibility into the device’s operational status and overall functional integrity.
At any given time, the system reports a single state, even if multiple conditions are detected simultaneously. When this occurs, states are prioritized and reported according to the following order:
- Wheel end monitoring failure
- Reversed position
- Piezo failure
The highest-priority detected condition is the one that will be communicated.
| State | Description | Recommended Action |
|---|---|---|
| No Failure | The device is operating normally. | |
| Piezo Failure | Refers to a malfunction in the piezoelectric sensor, which is used to measure the vibrations. | Replace the device. |
| Wheel End Monitoring Failure | Indicates a hardware malfunction. | Replace the device. |
| Reversed Position | The device is mounted improperly, such as being installed upside down. | Reinstall the device in the correct orientation. |
Temperature sensor failure
| State | Description | Recommended Action |
|---|---|---|
| No Failure | The device is operating normally. | |
| Failure | Refers to a malfunction in the temperature sensor. | Replace the device. |
Firmware information
Firmware version
| Property | Description | Recommended Action |
|---|---|---|
| Firmware version | Indicates the firmware version currently installed on the device. | If the device is running outdated firmware, connect to it using the TraX mobile app to initiate the firmware upgrade. |
⚠ Important – Limitation of Liability
SKF accepts no liability if an alarm is triggered without corresponding wheel-end damage, or if an alarm is not triggered — or is delayed — despite damage having occurred.