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Beacon lite installation

Transform your museum experience with strategically placed Beacon Lite devices that trigger audio content as visitors explore your exhibitions

Quick Reference

  1. Unbox and check your Beacon Lite units
  2. Use double-sided tape to install at key exhibit points
  3. Maintain 20cm minimum distance between beacons
  4. Connect beacons to audio stops in the Guide-ID platform
  5. Test with a Podcatcher Pro before going live

Before You Begin

Make sure you have:

  • Your Beacon Lite units (each box contains 25 units)
  • Double-sided tape for mounting (or integrate into exhibition furniture)
  • Access to the Guide-ID platform
  • A floor plan of your exhibition space (recommended)
  • A Podcatcher Pro for testing

Step 1: Planning Your Beacon Placement

Before physical installation, create a beacon strategy that enhances visitor flow:

  1. Walk through your exhibition space as a visitor would
  2. Identify natural stopping points where visitors engage with exhibits
  3. Mark these locations on your floor plan
  4. Consider visitor traffic patterns to prevent audio overlap
  5. Plan for approximately one beacon per exhibit or content point
  6. Identify opportunities to integrate beacons into exhibition furniture or displays

Tip for Different Museum Types

  • Art museums: Position beacons to encourage contemplation of individual works
  • History museums: Place beacons to follow chronological or thematic narratives
  • Science museums: Install beacons at interactive stations and explanation panels

Step 2: Physical Installation

  1. Unbox your Beacon Lite units and verify all are present

  2. Choose your mounting method:

    • Double-sided tape: Best for temporary exhibitions or non-permanent surfaces
    • Furniture integration: Embedding beacons into exhibition displays for a seamless look

  3. When mounting each beacon:

    • Position at eye level when possible (150-170cm from floor)
    • Ensure the beacon face is unobstructed
    • Maintain a minimum of 20cm distance between beacons
    • Avoid placing near metal structures that may interfere with signals

Note: Each Beacon Lite operates for up to 2.5 years on a single battery. The battery is a standard coin cell that can be easily replaced by twisting open the beacon housing.

Warning: Placing beacons too close together may cause visitors to accidentally trigger the wrong audio content.

Furniture Integration Options

For museums wanting a more discreet or design-integrated approach:

  • Recessed installation: Create a shallow recess in exhibition furniture where the beacon can be embedded while keeping the signal face exposed
  • Under-shelf mounting: Position beacons beneath shelves near exhibits, ensuring signal can still reach visitors' Podcatcher Pro devices
  • Custom housing: Design furniture elements that incorporate beacon housing that complements your exhibition aesthetic
  • Information panel integration: Embed beacons directly into information panels or display stands

Tip for Furniture Integration: When embedding beacons in furniture, ensure the signal isn't blocked by metal components or thick materials. Test signal strength before finalizing installation.

Step 3: Platform Configuration

  1. Sign in to the Guide-ID platform
  2. Navigate to Tours → Tour Management → Select Your Tour
  3. For each beacon you've installed:
    • Find the serial number on the label on the back of the beacon
    • In your tour, select the appropriate audio stop
    • Click "Add Beacon" and enter the serial number
    • Publish/Sync your changes

Tip for Efficient Setup For large exhibitions, use the Guide-ID platform's batch association feature: Navigate to Hardware → Beacons → Add new beacon to connect multiple beacons at once.

Testing Your Beacon Installation

Before opening to visitors, verify your setup:

  1. Make sure to Sync your latest tour data to the Podcatchers
  2. Use a Podcatcher Pro device & start the correct tour
  3. Walk through your exhibition following visitor paths
  4. Verify that the correct audio plays at each beacon location
  5. Make adjustments to beacon positions as needed

Success Indicators

  • Audio triggers consistently when scanning beacons
  • Correct audio content plays for each exhibit & language
  • No interference between nearby beacons
  • Smooth visitor flow between beacon points

Optimization Tips

For Special Exhibitions

  • Create a digital map of beacon placements for documentation
  • Consider higher beacon density for blockbuster exhibitions with larger crowds

For Different Museum Sizes

  • Small museums: Position beacons to create a clear narrative path
  • Medium museums: Group beacons by thematic areas to organize the visitor experience
  • Large museums: Use beacons to highlight key pieces in extensive collections, preventing visitor fatigue

Common Issues and Solutions

Beacon Not Triggering Audio

  • Verify the beacon serial number is correctly entered in the platform
  • Check that the beacon is properly associated with an audio stop
  • Ensure the beacon battery isn't depleted
  • Confirm the Podcatcher Pro is properly loaded/synced with the correct tour

Incorrect Audio Playing

  • Verify beacon associations in the Guide-ID platform
  • Check for beacons placed too close together causing signal overlap
  • Review the tour structure in the platform to ensure correct content assignment

Next Steps