1. What is GPS?
GPS is an acronym that stands for Global Positioning System. one of a few satellite navigational systems; however it is the only fully functional system currently in service. Each satellite transmits radio signals which can be received by GPS receivers to determine location, speed and direction. GPS was first introduced in 1978, but was only in its experimental stages due to the few satellites that orbited the earth. However, ever since its launch, it has been an extremely important, practical and an indispensable technology. It should be noted that GPS is a free service offered for the public good. 2. How does GPS work?
In order for GPS tracking to work, it is necessary to have both access to the Global Positioning System and have a GPS receiver. The GPS receiver is able to receive signals that are transmitted by GPS satellites orbiting over head. Once these satellite transmissions are received by the GPS receiver, location and other information such as speed and direction can be calculated. A GPS receiver needs to receive transmissions from at least three or more GPS satellites to calculate its position effectively. GPS receivers usually measure the time delays between the transmission and reception of each of the satellites GPS radio signal. This technique of calculating distance using three separate transmissions is called trilateration. 3. What is GPRS?
GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) is a digital, IP-based wireless packet data service offered by GSM-based cellular carriers, there is not a new technology out there on the market. GPS Tracker & GPRS or General Packet Radio Services has been around for quite some time. Established in the early 2000’s, GPRS is an extension of the Global System for Mobile Communications. 4. How does your device communicate?
The devices communicate on the cellular network of GSM/GPRS through wireless provider communicates via the Satellite network, globally. All devices have a GPS chip set included in them as well. This allows the devices to get location coordinates from the 24 GPS satellites orbiting the Earth. The location specific information is then transmitted over the cellular network allowing device to place the vehicles location on our mapping system. 5. Is this "real time" tracking?
GPS tracking Systems provides its customers "real time" tracking, with GPS devices updated their specific location based on a customer chosen tracking interval. The devices can all in real time, and there is no need to download daily data or plug the device into an interface to extract data at the end of the work day. 6. What are the limitations of the technology?
Since the devices utilize both cellular technology as well as GPS technology, there are certain instances where the device is out of cellular coverage, thus requiring to "store and forward" its locations until cellular communications are reacquired. Once reacquired, all stored data is transferred automatically. In regards to the limitations of GPS technology, if the line of sight to the GPS mounted antenna is obstructed, GPS communications can be lost. It is important that antenna installation is done properly to avoid complications. 7. Who does tracker use for maps and map data?
Currently, GPS tracker Systems is using the Google mapping interface for maps, and partners for the street level data that is displayed on the maps. It is able to use any mapping interface and can customize mapping solutions based on the specific requests or needs. 8. Why is your communications more efficient than other providers that I have seen?
Wireless Networks - GSM/GPRS
For Real-time GPS tracking, the wireless network is used to communicate the GPS data from the vehicle/asset, so location, speed and stop times can be viewed in Real-time. Think in terms of how mobile phones work. There are two types used; (1) Digital Cellular and (2) Satellite. Obviously, digital cellular is more popular due to cost. This is the same with communicating real-time GPS data for vehicle tracking. Wireless Networks: Cellular vs. Satellite
Due to the facts that (1) hardware is less expensive (2) monthly service fees are less expensive (3) superior network reliability; a digital cellular-based system is the best way to go for the vast majority of companies that want to use a real-time system for nearly any type of tracking.
Digital Wireless Networks
If you are looking to purchase a 1st tier GPS tracking system, then you should be looking for a system that operates on a 1st tier digital wireless network. All of the 1st tier wireless communications companies is the market have moved to digital wireless networks. There are two types of types of digital wireless protocols that the major communication companies have utilized for the build-out of their wireless networks:
1. GSM/GPRS
2. CDMA (1xrt)
There is an on-going debate as to which of these protocols is superior for cell phones, but for live data feeds for devices used for GPS tracking, mobile email, and wireless forms, the "always on" technology of GPRS is clearly superior.
GPS devices that use this network are "pay as you go" type devices. One should only consider using GPS devices on these networks for applications where only a few location records per day are required.
GPS devices that use these networks should never be considered for fleet management applications due to the fact that reporting vehicle activity for a sound fleet management system requires between 1000-3000 records generated per month. The cost of this many records on these networks would be far above the flat fee you would pay with a superior, digital GSM/GPRS.
9. Can I be notified "real time" about certain statuses with my fleet? IE. Speeding, geographical boundary breach, etc?
Yes, tracker gives fleet owners/ parents/customers the feature to be notified by email, text message, or both, in regards to certain "events" or "alarms" triggered by the device in the field. Speeding, geofence breach and power loss are all examples of notifications that can be sent to a customers email and cell phone in real time if the customer chooses. 10. How is this technology beneficial to businesses?
In today economy, business management is at the forefront of all business owners minds. Being able to determine driver patterns, eliminate moonlighting, side jobs, and weekend use of company vehicles will affect the company bottom line directly. Limiting gasoline expenses, employee overtime, wear and tear on vehicle engines and tires are real costs that can have a huge effect on the business going forward. Idle time monitoring is another huge feature that limits gas guzzling as well as monitoring driver speed.
11.How do set up the GPRS?
a. Make sure the command you set according to the below frequent issue.
The SIM card of the Tracker supports the GPRS function. Send the APN set command SMS to configure the application and send SMS to tracker to trigger it reply back information. Set The GPRS signal interval the port number you set for the tracker have its program. If your router is dynamic IP addressing, don not forget to resend APN set command SMS when the IP address is changed.
b. check out the IP address for PC server
When you login your router, you will get your IP address in the login box. Also there is some website or software could help you to check your own IP address.
c. setup the port number
Port number is a random number which is setup by the end user, please make sure this port is not occupied by other software otherwise the PC server software will shut down automatically. In order to avoid the conflict, we suggest you setup the port number bigger than 6000.
e. check out the APN name of your local telecommunication provider i. If the GPRS configuration has been wrongly set, the device will spend long time to repeatedly engage at connecting with IP address, this will cause the outing SMS delayed.
