Tracker Types

A GPS tracker is a GPS receiver connected to a mobile data transceiver. Early examples consisted of a GPS receiver, interfaced to a modem which was connected to a VHF radio. Today, they are nearly all self contained units, working through the 3G cell networks. Some examples, designed for operation in very remote regions, operate through satellite communications networks.

The main consideration is the operating area. This determines the communications network choice. In the case of the cell networks, which carrier has the coverage and service in the operating area?.

The next consideration is what is being tracked? It may be an individual, it may be a vehicle, or it may be some other type of mobile asset. This determines the form factor of the GPS tracker.

Another consideration is what other data communication requirements does the unit have to address? Laptop connectivity is a common requirement. Status reporting of other vehicle systems is another one. This determines what features are required.

Finally, what are the operating conditions? This determines the how “industrial” the product has to be.

ITrack has a considerable amount of experience with a variety of different GPS tracker products. Contact us directly for advice.

Cypress

Sierra

Bluetree

Airlink

The tracker unit consists of a cellular modem with a built-in GPS receiver. They can be programmed to report their GPS positions at time and distance based intervals. They can function as stand alone GPS trackers, but they are more commonly used to connect laptop computers to the internet or corporate intranet.

These units are typically provided with Ethernet, USB, and serial connectors. Most have input/output ports for reporting on/off events from the vehicle. Some units are Bluetooth enabled. Some also have WiFi capability, in which case they function as wireless routers supporting any nearby WiFi equipped laptops. With 3G cell networks, this is a very useful feature.

GPS modems are recommended when they can be permanently installed in the vehicles, with external GPS and cell antennas. This work is best done by a radio shop, and the end result is very good long term reliability. For operation in fringe coverage areas, they can be operated with high gain antennas and antenna boosters.

The GPS modems to the left are examples of high quality industrial designs.

BlackBerry

These devices function as trackers if they are GPS equipped, as many of them are. We provide software which captures the GPS position and sends it to the tracking server via the cell network and the internet. The GPS reporting intervals are a user setting. They remain fully functional in every respect.

The software comes in three versions, depending on the operating system of the device (Blackberry, Windows Mobile, and Android).

Until recently, the phone trackers had a restricted battery life when the GPS was active. Current products are much better in this respect. A Blackberry/Android unit can be expected to run for 12 hours on a standard battery and for 24 hours on an extended battery.

These tracker types work well if they are permanently assigned to an individual, who also uses them for their designed purpose (they will be with the individual, they will be turned on, and they will be charged).

Many current laptops have built-in Aircard modules. Many also have built-in GPS. All current laptops have USB ports which can connect to and power an external GPS. Configured in this manner, they do not require an external GPS modem.

We provide Loki Laptop Tracker software which runs on these laptops. The software captures the GPS position and sends it to the tracking server via the cell network and the internet. Functionally, it is similar to the phone tracker software described above. This is an attractive option because it eliminates the need for a GPS modem, with a significant cost saving. The laptop is fully functional inside or outside of the vehicle. The disadvantage is that the vehicle cannot be tracked unless the laptop is in the vehicle and turned on. The GPS and cell antennas are also not as efficient unless they are externally mounted and engaged through a docking station.

These trackers are GPS modems which are mounted internally in metal cases. The GPS and cell antennas are mounted externally on the cases. Power and data ports are industrial design. The tracker units are sealed against water and dust. They are provided with mounting hardware which is specific to the vehicle type. Once an installation “design” has been finalized, these units can be installed and removed in minutes.

Hardened trackers are ideal for short term tracking requirements where the need for performance and reliability is also high.

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