Kippy GPS and Activity Monitor User Manual

Kippy GPS and Activity Monitor

Product Information

GPS and Activity Monitor for Cats

The Kippy CAT is a GPS and activity monitor designed specifically for cats. It allows pet owners to track their cat’s location and monitor their activity levels.

First Charge

Before using the Kippy CAT, it is recommended to fully charge the device. Connect the device to the provided charger with the USB port. The LED indicator on the device will turn green once it is fully charged.

Device Activation

To activate the Kippy CAT, you need to download the free Kippy app from the App Store (for iPhone and iPad) or Google Play (for Android smartphones or tablets). Alternatively, you can log in online at https://webapp.kippy.eu/en/login using other smartphones, tablets, or computers.

After installing the app or accessing the web app, register your device by logging in or creating a new account. Follow the steps provided to connect your device to your account. The device will be activated within one hour of subscription to the package. Enter all the information about your pet to enhance your user experience.

GPS Signal

The Kippy CAT relies on GPS signal for accurate tracking. It is recommended to use the device in open spaces to establish an accurate position. In enclosed spaces or areas surrounded by buildings or trees, the GPS signal may not be able to establish an accurate position. Kippy CAT is equipped with A-GPS (assisted GPS) technology to ensure faster tracking. The first time you establish an accurate position, it may take a few minutes. Subsequent tracking will be faster. Please note that weather conditions, battery level, and signal coverage can affect the acquisition time.

In densely urbanized areas, the position may be less accurate compared to open spaces. The time to receive your pet’s location on the app depends on the transmission time and the GPS signal tracking time, which can range from a few seconds to a few minutes.

Product Usage Instructions

First Charge

1. Connect the Kippy CAT device to the provided charger using the USB port.
2. Ensure that the LED indicator on the device turns green, indicating a full charge.

Device Activation

To activate the Kippy CAT device:

1. Download the Kippy app from the App Store (for iPhone and iPad) or Google Play (for Android smartphones or tablets). Alternatively, log in online at https://webapp.kippy.eu/en/login using other devices.
2. Register or log in with your username and password.
3. Follow the provided steps to connect your device to your account.
4. The device will be activated within one hour of subscription to the package.
5. Enter all the necessary information about your pet for a better user experience.

GPS Signal

• To ensure accurate tracking, use the Kippy CAT device in open spaces. Avoid enclosed spaces or areas surrounded by buildings or trees.
• The first time you use the device, it may take a few minutes to establish an accurate position. Subsequent tracking will be faster.
• Note that weather conditions, battery level, and signal coverage can affect the acquisition time for GPS tracking.

Firmware Updating

Kippy updates its firmware through the Kippy app. Ensure that the device is connected to the internet and follow the instructions provided in the app to update the firmware.

Turning On/Off and Flashing:

The Kippy CAT device remains constantly on after disconnecting it from the charger. To turn on the device if it has been turned off, simply connect it to the charger for at least 10 seconds and then remove it. There is no physical button on the device for turning it on or off.

For further information, maintenance, safety guidelines, or customer service, refer to the complete user manual.

Hello! We welcome you and your pet to the Kippy CAT world.

Before starting your Kippy CAT, read this user manual carefully: it will help you use your device in the best and most efficient way.

CONTENTS OF THE PACKAGE

• A. Kippy CAT
• B. Customized charger with USB port
• C. Quick Start Guide
• D. Terms and Conditions; Safety
• E. Kippy ID Code (on the back of the device)

FIRST CHARGE

Plug your Kippy CAT into the supplied charging cradle, making sure that the pins contact correctly. Connect the USB cable to a transformer (a minimum 2.0A is recommended) and plug it into a wall outlet. It is also recommended to keep the device charging in a place with telephone coverage (LTE Cat-M) to facilitate any updates and synchronization. When charging, the LED will have a red light up until it is halfway charged (<50%) and then an orange light beyond that (>50%). The battery is fully charged when the LED light is green (>90%).

ATTENTION: The first time, leave Kippy CAT on charge for at least 2 hours using a power socket. From then on, 1-2 hours will be enough (subject to conditions).

DEVICE ACTIVATION

DOWNLOAD THE APP OR ACCESS ONLINE

• To use your Kippy CAT download the free Kippy app for iPhone and iPad from the App Store and for Android™ Smartphones or Tablets from Google Play and register your device.

ATTENTION: Check the online store for minimum system requirements.

For other Smartphones, Tablets and Computers, log in online at: https://webapp.kippy.eu/en/login

REGISTRATION OR ASSOCIATION

• Open the Kippy app or the WebApp at https://webapp.kippy.eu/en/login
• Log in or Register with your username and password and follow the steps to connect your device to your account.
• The device will be activated within one hour of subscription to the package.
• Enter all the information about your pet to improve your user experience.

FIRST START-UP

Before unplugging your device from the charger check that the LED has turned green.
Once removed from charging, the device will connect automatically and will already be switched on.

WARNING: When you switch on your Kippy CAT for the first time or after a long period of time it may take a few minutes before it is ready for use. To speed up this process use the device in an open space with a clear view of the sky.
WARNING: To send data to the App, Kippy CAT needs to be in an area with telephone coverage (LTE Cat-M). When there is a lack of coverage, the device is not able to communicate position and activity data. When it returns to an area with coverage it will synchronize again.
ATTENTION: The battery level on the app refers to the moment of the last updating.

GPS SIGNAL

• Kippy CAT should be used in open spaces.
• In enclosed spaces or when surrounded by buildings or trees the GPS signal is generally not able to establish an accurate position. To ensure faster GPS tracking, Kippy CAT is equipped with A-GPS (assisted GPS) technology.
• Establishing an accurate position for the first time, may take up to a few minutes, the next time will be faster.
• Weather conditions, battery level and signal coverage will affect the acquisition time.

CAUTION: It is important to know that in densely urbanized areas the position may be more inaccurate than in open spaces. The time to receive your pet’s location on your app is the sum of the transmission time and the GPS signal tracking time, ranging from a few seconds to a few minutes.

LOCALISATION WITHOUT GPS

Kippy CAT uses different methods to locate your pet even without a GPS signal:

• Telephone cell triangulation: wherever there is a telephone network, Kippy CAT can locate an imprecise area where the device is located;
• Triangulation of Wi-Fi cells: can locate the Kippy CAT within a 10 – 50 meter radius;
• Bluetooth localization: when it is close to you, Kippy CAT uses the position of your smartphone to show you where the device is.

FIRMWARE UPDATING

Kippy updates its firmware through the Kippy App:

• It checks to see if a newer firmware version is available
• If a newer firmware version is available, there will be a notification pop-up on the App
• Click on “Update Now” to download and install the new firmware to improve performance
• During the update the LED will be blue.
• At the end of the update the light will return to the colour which indicates its level of the charge.

ATTENTION: DO NOT DISCONNECT THE DEVICE FROM LOADING DURING THIS PHASE. Disconnecting the device while it is updating may prevent it from working properly.

TURNING ON/OFF AND FLASHING

After disconnecting from the charger, the Kippy CAT remains constantly on. To turn on the Kippy CAT if it has been turned off, simply connect it to the charger for at least 10 seconds and then remove it. There is no physical button on the device.

TO SHUTDOWN KIPPY CAT (Only via APP)

• Go to the MENU section;
• Click on the device that you would like to turn off;
• Click on the “SHUTDOWN” button to turn off Kippy CAT.
• Once the shutdown is initiated, the Kippy CAT will flash red once, indicating that it has been successfully turned off.

90% charge
Solid red LED (if connected to the charger)| Battery with a charge lower than 50%
Blue LED| Update in progress (Do not disconnect)

ATTACHING TO THE COLLAR

Kippy CAT comes with the collar. Simply put the collar on for your four-leg friend and adjust the length if needed for a comfortable fit. To ensure safety and prevent accidental hanging or collar strangulation, our collar incorporates a “release system” feature. This feature allows for easy breakaway when subjected to sudden force. The collar is designed with different weight thresholds on each end. The end with the “release system” icon, which is recommended to open in case of an emergency, is set to release at 6KG, while the other side is set at 8KG.

BATTERY LIFE

The average battery life of the Kippy CAT can range from 1 to up to 12 days, depending on various factors. The primary factor that drains the battery is the activation of the cellular antenna via 2G/4G-LTE. The average battery life is influenced by the following factors:

Surrounding Environment:

• Cellular coverage: Less coverage results in higher battery consumption.
• GPS coverage: Limited coverage leads to increased battery consumption.
• Weather conditions: Cloudy or extreme temperatures can result in higher battery consumption.

Settings:

• Default settings: A shorter update interval and GPS usage can lead to higher battery consumption.
• Energy Saving Mode: Enabling this feature with a strong WiFi signal helps conserve battery life.
• Tour Recording: Using this feature may cause higher battery consumption.

Battery-Intensive Functions

• Live Tracking: This function demands the most battery power and should be limited to essential use. A fully charged Kippy device can support up to 2 hours of continuous usage of this function alone before requiring a recharge, without utilizing other functions.
• Blinking Light and Sound Recall: A fully charged Kippy device can support up to 2 hours of continuous usage of either of these functions alone before requiring a recharge, without utilizing other functions.

To maximize battery life, consider the following tips:

• Decrease the update frequency to 24 hours in the Pet Profile settings.
• Disable GPS during automatic updates (except during Live Tracking).
• Interrupt Live Tracking when it is no longer needed.

FUNCTIONALITY POSITION

UPDATE

Kippy CAT connects automatically to update battery, location and task data based on the time set in settings. You can change the refresh rate via the pet profile. The higher the frequency, the more battery will be consumed. It is also possible to choose whether to receive a GPS location with each connection (higher battery consumption) or simply an approximate location via LBS or Wi- Fi (lower battery consumption). If your smartphone has Bluetooth enabled and is close to your Kippy CAT, you will be able to see updates in real time and stay up to date.

N.B.: In default update rate (2 hour interval for GPS connection) without the Energy Saving Mode enabled, a fully charged Kippy device can last up to 4 days before needing a recharge, without utilizing other functions.

LIVE TRACKING

• You can activate Live Tracking by clicking on the button in the App.
• The device will connect as quickly as possible and send location updates using the best available technology.
• During Live Tracking, Kippy CAT will communicate its position to the app every 3 seconds.
• If it is not turned off manually, Live Tracking will remain active for 5 minutes after closing (or putting it in the background) the App.

FAQ: I tried the Live-Tracking in different areas, but the button doesn’t turn green. Why?

• Kippy CAT is normally active also in low field areas and roams on all the main operators, but it may be in an area outside telephone network coverage.
• The GPS signal is too weak or absent. You are in a partially covered area (city canyons, thick bush) or in a totally closed space. Kippy CAT will update every minute using the triangulation of phone cells as well as Wi-Fi if available. The app will display a circle within which your pet can be found.
• Kippy CAT is off. In this case, it will not display the LBS position either. It may be switched off because it has run out of battery.

N.B. Live Tracking is a battery-intensive function. A fully charged Kippy device can support up to 2 hours of continuous usage of this function alone before needing a recharge, without utilizing other functions.

COMPASS TRACKING

• Compass tracking is only available when Live Tracking is active: a button will be visible on the map.
• With the help of a compass, you will be able to see the direction in which your pet is moving and its position in respect to yours without using maps.
• When your pet is less than 30m away, the compass will disappear to give way to a notice that saying that Kippy CAT has been reached.

FAQ: The compass does not move or is inaccurate.

• Check that your smartphone is equipped with a magnetometer. Apple devices are definitely equipped with a magnetometer as well as medium and high-end Android devices.

FAQ: The compass reacts very little losing its position

• The accuracy and sensitivity of the needle depends on the quality of the magnetometer installed on your smartphone. To optimize the magnetometer you should calibrate it by drawing 8 in the air with your smartphone.

GEOFENCE

This function allows you to set virtual boundaries around your pet. When your pet leaves the virtual fence, your smartphone will warn you. You can save multiple Geofence areas and only activate those you need.

TO CREATE AREAS:

• Go to the MENU section and click on GEOFENCES;
• Click on the (+) button;
• Move the map to the area where you want to create the area;
• Click on the pen button;
• Change the area by pressing for 1 second on the black dots and drag them;
• Rename the area so that you can recognize it;
• Click on the button to save it.

You can edit or delete areas you have already created.

N.B. It is not possible to create a fence with a diameter less than 30 m.
N.B. The corners of the hexagonal area must be at least 90 degrees.

TO ACTIVATE GEOFENCE:

• Go to the POSITION section;
• Expand the top drop-down menu to display the different features;
• Click on the “Geofence” button;
• Select the area you want to activate;
• The area will be displayed and activation will begin;
• When active the button will be green.

Kippy CAT will check the position of the device, and when it is outside of the area, will send a notification to your smartphone activating Live Tracking.

N.B. The device must be inside the Geofence area and in an open space for it to be activated.
N.B. Kippy CAT must be in an area with telephone coverage to be activated so as to be able to send a notification in case it leaves the Geofence area.

FAQ: I have followed all the instructions, but I didn’t receive the exit warning. Why?

Usually, all notifications are delivered within 5 minutes after leaving the area. If this doesn’t happen, check that:

• The reception on your smartphone is enabled.
• You have set up the geofence correctly and the button is green, and hence active.
• that your pet has not left the boundary or has returned before its movement was detected.

FAQ: I receive the warning after a few minutes that my pet has left the Geofence.

In order to avoid false alarms, Kippy checks that your pet has left the Geofence several times before confirming it and sounding the alarm. This procedure takes from 3 to 5 minutes.

FAQ: Is there warning a sound?

• Yes, but it depends on the settings on your phone.

ENERGY SAVING MODE

This function allows you to create a safe area where there is coverage of Wi- Fi cells, such as at home or in the office. When the device stays in that area and the Energy Saving Mode is active you will save battery power. When the animal leaves this area you will be notified on your smartphone.

TO SETUP THE ENERGY SAVING MODE:

• Go to the menu;
• Click on the “Energy Saving Mode” button;
• Click on the (+) button;
• Make sure your phone is connected to WiFi;
• Rename the area so that you can recognize it;
• Click on the button to save it.

N.B. The following functionalities are limited while the device is found within the home wifi zone: Live Tracking, Virtual Leash, Geofence.

Energy Saving Mode is a low-power function. A fully charged Kippy device can support up to 15 days of continuous usage without requiring a recharge, without utilizing other functions.

VIRTUAL LEASH

• Activate virtual leash when you’re in the open: the virtual leash alerts you with an audible and vibratory notification if your pet gets too far away from you.
• The distance can vary from a few meters up to about 40 meters, depending on the conditions and obstacles present.

TO ACTIVATE THE VIRTUAL LEASH:

• Make sure you have Bluetooth enabled on your smartphone;
• Go to the POSITION section;
• Expand the drop-down menu at the top to display the different functions;
• Click on the “Virtual leash” button to activate it.

Your smartphone will vibrate when Kippy CAT is no longer near your smartphone.

N.B. To activate the virtual leash you need to have Bluetooth enabled on your smartphone.
N.B. It is not possible to activate the virtual leash if Kippy CAT is not close to your smartphone.
N.B. The presence of obstacles such as walls or bushes can significantly alter the maximum radius.

BLINKING LIGHT AND SOUND RECALL

BLINKING LIGHT

This feature allows you to easily locate Kippy CAT when you are in low light conditions. When the “Blinking Light” is on, the Kippy CAT LED will flash a very bright white light every second.

TO ACTIVATE THE FLASHING LIGHT:

• Go to the POSITION section;
• Expand the top drop-down menu to display the different functions;
• Click on the “Blinking light” button;
• Select the duration of the LED, up to a maximum of 24 hours;
• When the Blinking Light is on, there will be a green icon underneath the pet image.

N.B. Blinking Light is a battery-intensive function. A fully charged Kippy device can support up to 12 hours of continuous usage of this function alone before needing a recharge, without utilizing other functions.

SOUND RECALL

This feature allows you to easily locate Kippy CAT in aid of sound. When the “Sound Recall” is on, the Kippy CAT will make sound.

TO ACTIVATE THE SOUND RECALL:

• Go to the POSITION section;
• Expand the top drop-down menu to display the different functions;
• Click on the “Sound Recall” button;
• Select the sound duration and press “activate”;
• The sound will be activated in a few seconds.

N.B. Sound Recall is a battery-intensive function. A fully charged Kippy device can support up to 12 hours of continuous usage of this function alone before needing a recharge, without utilizing other functions.

HISTORY

• With the “History” function you will be able to see the recorded positions of your Kippy CAT in the last 2 months. The LBS and Wi-Fi triangulations are represented by transparent green circles within which you pet has certainly been.
• The display of the locations can be with a trail or by single points.
• Display with a trail: consolidates GPS points close together in time into a trail. The trail is defined by two letters that mark its start and its end.
• Display by single points: the GPS points are displayed and numbered in chronological order. By clicking on each pin you will be able to see the date and time when your pet was located.

ATTENTION: In case of too many points (hundreds) some smartphones may NOT be able to process the pins: the display will then be blocked. You can still see the complete history on the web app https://webapp.kippy.eu/en/login.

ACTIVITY TRACKING FUNCTIONALITY

RECOGNITION OF ACTIVITIES

Kippy CAT, if switched on and worn by your pet, will detect its physical activity through a proprietary algorithm developed in collaboration with the Faculty of Veterinary Sciences at the University of Milan.
The algorithm is constantly being updated and optimized to achieve greater accuracy for over 400 breeds of animals.

N.B. In order for the activity to work properly, it is important that the pet profile is filled in correctly with all the required information and that your pet wears Kippy CAT as long as possible.

HEALTH RATE

• Using the latest-generation 6-axis gyroscope and accelerometer, Kippy collects activity data to assess the overall health of your pet. In collaboration with the Veterinary Medicine department of the University of Milan, Kippy has developed the Health Rate. This rate compares your pet’s activities with the recommended range of activity levels, providing an indication of their general health on a scale from 0 to 100.The system initially employs a default algorithm but continually learns from your pet’s unique characteristics to develop a custom algorithm tailored specifically to them.
• You can change the activity level of your four-legged friend through the App in the section “Edit profile”; here you can define the attitude of your pet, which will then change the amount of daily activity required by your pet.
• Additionally, the Health Score is complemented by the Highlights section, which highlights noteworthy abnormal behaviors such as high stress levels or feeding patterns that deviate from the average.

DETAILS OF ACTIVITIES

• Every day, you can monitor whether your four-legged friend has reached their personalised activity target, which is necessary to maintain their physical and psychological wellbeing.In the Activity section you can check the total activity through a ticker.
• You can also compare the daily data of each activity with the average of pets similar to yours on the basis of breed and habits.
• In the “Similar pets” section you can look at your pet’s performance compared with that of similar pets, according to weight, age and breed. In the “Time division” section you can see all activities done by your four-legged companion.
• Activities are divided between hours of the day and hours of hours of the night.

FUNCTIONALITY OF COMMUNITY

In the Vita area you will find personalized messages about your pet. The more you use your Kippy CAT, the more personalised the content will be.
In this section you can view different types of messages:

• Curiosity messages and advice, which have been developed with the help of veterinary researchers from the University of Milan to help you keep your pet healthy.
• Goal messages, which are sent to help you make your four-legged friend reach his weekly activity goal.
• Status messages, which are customized based on your pet’s personal data and activity.
• Vita also allows you to share the stories of your four-leg friend and see other’s stories sharing their favorite moment with their pets.

You can also create a personalized profile for yourself and your four-legged friend, allowing you to post stories about the memorable moments in your life that you would love to share with the Kippy community.

ELECTRONIC EMISSIONS

Kippy CAT complies with RE-D and does not harm your pet’s health.

Kippy CAT is a device with a technology comparable to that of a cell phone. However, its emissions are usually lower because:

1. The significant moments of transmission to the network only concern the live tracking mode;
2. It is never in audio reception, which is the moment of highest emission;
3. In certain uses the emissions are close to zero.

MAINTENANCE

THE BATTERY AND ITS USE

The Kippy CAT device is powered by a rechargeable lithium-polymer battery. To prevent malfunctioning or damage, follow these instructions on the use of rechargeable batteries:

1. Do not remove or replace the original battery
2. Do not expose the device to heat sources in order to avoid irreparable damage to the battery and to the circuits.
3. Do not damage the device or the battery in order to avoid irreparable damage to the battery and to the circuits.

DISPOSAL

• Batteries pollute. If you want to dispose of your Kippy CAT, follow the local provisions and ask your city council.

TEMPERATURE

• When charging, you should not expose Kippy CAT to temperatures lower than 0°C or higher than 45°C.
• During normal operation, do not expose Kippy CAT to temperatures lower than -10° or higher than 45°C. Exposing Kippy CAT to excessively hot or cold temperatures could compromise the battery’s efficiency or cause the deformation of components.

SAFETY

ELECTROMAGNETIC COMPATIBILITY

• The magnetic fields nearby Kippy CAT may cause disturbances to the transmission of data and should be avoided to prevent malfunction or damage to the device.

RISKS TO CHILDREN OR PEOPLE THAT ARE NOT SELF-SUFFICIENT

• The use of Kippy CAT is not suited to children or people with physical, mental and sensorial problems. In such cases, we recommend the supervision of a person responsible for their safety and trained in the use of the device.

NOTE:  NATIONAL LAWS ON GPS TRACKING

• Some Countries may have a restrictive legislation on the GPS tracking of people, animals or things.
• The user is the only one responsible for complying with the local laws on this subject.

SAFETY TIPS

• Although Kippy CAT is small and light, it could be unsuited for small animals (less of 5 kg of weight) or with unsuited health conditions. In case of doubts about its use, ask your vet.

CUSTOMER SERVICE

• Our customer service is available from Monday to Friday 9:30 to 17:30, check our website www.kippy.eu for the most up-to-date references and contact times.
• We answer to assistance requests as soon as possible and according to priority. You can expect our respond within 8 working hours (excluding holidays).

N.B. We will not consider management or replacement requests for the following cases:

• Kippy CAT lost
• Kippy CAT damaged due to misuse (as such Kippy CAT being bitten or oxidizing are not covered)
• Replacement request without the customer service authorization.

For complaints, advice or collaboration requests, you can write to: customercare@kippypet.eu

References

• GPS locator for dogs and cats: locate your pet | Kippy
• Login

Read User Manual Online (PDF format)

Download This Manual (PDF format)

Download this manual  >>