The AnyTrack Blog

Choosing a GPS Tracking Device: Do You Need Real-Time Or Historical Tracking?

AnyTrack devices utilize A-GPS (Also known as Assisted GPS) technology. A-GPS combines conventional GPS with assistance from wireless networks. This enables the device to provide users with real-time information about the location of the person or object being monitored. It also enables the device to initialize and locate satellites faster than conventional GPS.

Conventional GPS cannot provide users with real-time information about the location of the receiver. Conventional GPS receivers store location data and other information on the device. The GPS receiver, or a portion of the receiver, must be periodically retrieved to see where the device has been.

Do you need to know where your tractor, vehicle or cargo is in real-time? If so, make sure the device you purchase uses A-GPS technology.

How to Select the Best GPS Tracking system

There are several GPS tracking systems available in the market and you should do the research before buying the right one. Followings are few things that you should always keep in mind while shopping for a GPS tracking system:

• Settle on the amount you are willing to pay. You have to pay for the device and a small monthly service fee, depending on the service plan you select. So, review both the prices of various providers and calculate the actual cost.

• Look for systems that use the GPS satellite network to track your car from an Internet-connected computer. These systems are very user friendly and give you real time tracking. Ask the provider to make sure if they provide real time tracking facility.

• Analyze and understand the technologies these providers are using. Look for new and superior technology as this can change your tracking experience. Only reputed and well established companies have access to superior technologies. So, compare various technologies and select the most suitable for you.

• Consider the cost of installation if you there is any. The installation of a user friendly GPS tracking system should not be complicated and costs less money.

• Consider and compare the size of the devices. It should be small and lightweight so that you can carry in your pocket or keep it anywhere inside a car.

• Choose a system that offers reliable after sales support and good database of navigational information.

Don’t forget to take the time to research GPS tracking devices before purchasing one. You can start your research right here:

Features of AnyTrack GPS-100

Features of AnyTrack GPS-130

GPS Tracking Devices: AnyTrack Welcomes the New GPS-130

We’re pleased as punch to add the GPS-130 to our product offerings.

The AnyTrack GPS-130 combines the cellular enhanced GPS-100 with a high capacity rechargeable battery pack in a magnetic, impact resistant case to provide you with tracking capability up to three months without the need to recharge. This provides customers with a long-term solution for point-to-point tracking of freight trailers, cargo, and pallets, as well as fleet tracking and security applications.  See more about the GPS-130 here.

All About GPS Devices: GPS Provides “Pinpoint Navigation” for Space Shuttle Endeavour

The space shuttle Endeavour touched down at 12:32 p.m. ET, in a picture perfect landing courtesy of GPS. This marks the first use of a satellite navigation system by a U.S. space shuttle, which has been using the TACAN system, first introduced in the 1950’s. According to NASA, GPS provides “pinpoint navigation” for the multi-billion dollar shuttle during landings. Pretty cool.

Via NASA.gov

All About GPS Devices: Can I hide the AnyTrack GPS-100 in the car's trunk?

I want to use your device to help get my car back if it’s stolen. I would like to know if your device can discreetly monitor its location if it is hidden in the trunk. If not can it be attached to an area with Velcro® where it can’t be seen and still work successfully? Thanks.

Yes, if you want to use your AnyTrack GPS-100 to aid recovery in the event of vehicle theft, you can conceal it just about anywhere in or on the vehicle. Because it uses both cellular and GPS signals it does not need to ‘see open sky’ in order to work. The GPS-100 is different from ‘basic GPS’ devices that have to be placed where the antenna can ‘see the sky.’ 

BTW, don’t leave the Quick Start guide, receipt or any other information about the AnyTrack GPS-100 in your glove compartment, console, etc. Law enforcement will have more success in catching the thieves if they don't know the tracking device is in the vehicle.

All About GPS Devices: The Difference Between A-GPS, RF and GPS Devices for Vehicle Recovery

I know. Enough with the initials already. Not to worry; here’s an easy way to understand the differences between these three technologies so you can choose the device and service that's right for your vehicle, whether it's that classic jalopy you're so proud of or the family car.

A-GPS – This technology uses both cellular and GPS signals to track your vehicle, whether it’s in a parking garage, under an overpass or outdoors. Examples of A-GPS: AnyTrack GPS-100.  A-GPS coverage is available across the United States.

RF – RF devices work indoors and outdoors but coverage is restricted. One of the best known RF providers offers coverage to mostly metropolitan areas in just 26 states. If the vehicle travels outside those areas the RF device will not work.

GPS – Basic GPS utilizes GPS signals to locate your vehicle. It only works where the antenna has access to ‘open sky’, which means an unbroken line of sight to a GPS satellite. 

Which device is best? Consider where you will be traveling to determine the coverage you need, whether the device is transferable to other vehicles when you sell your car, costs and other factors to select the right device for you.

All About GPS Devices: What Is “A-GPS”?

A-GPS, also referred to as “Assisted GPS” is the combination of GPS technology with cellular technology to provide you with all the features of basic GPS plus some nifty features of its own. The biggest difference between A-GPS and basic GPS is that A-GPS doesn’t have to ‘see the sky’ to obtain a signal. Basic GPS won’t work unless it has an open view to the satellite. A-GPS utilizes cellular networks to provide fixes where basic GPS can’t. (Which is why AnyTrack devices are A-GPS.)

All About GPS Devices: Trackers, Loggers & Keys, Oh My!

There’s lots of terms out there for GPS tracking devices but there are really just two types: Passive and Live.

Live trackers provide you with real-time data. Location data is immediately accessible to tell you where the device is located right now. Historical information is also available. (Yup, the GPS-100 is a live tracker.)

Passive devices, often referred to as ‘loggers’ or ‘keys’ provide historical data only. They store location data and other information on the GPS receiver. The unit is periodically retrieved so that the information that has been collected can be downloaded to a computer.

How to decide which is best for you? Think about how you plan to use the device then you can best determine which one will best meet your needs.

All About GPS Devices: Do GPS Tracking Devices Work Indoors?

One of the questions prospective customers ask us is, “How is it that the GPS-100 can work indoors? Doesn’t GPS have to have an unbroken line of sight to the sky to receive satellite signals?”

It is true that basic GPS receivers must have access to ‘open sky’---an unbroken line of sight to the satellite---in order to receive satellite signals. As a result, basic GPS is unable to transmit indoors or in other situations where a view of the sky is obscured.

AnyTrack devices use enhanced GPS technology, referred to as A-GPS. A-GPS combines the capability of basic GPS with cellular technology. Satellite data is transmitted to the GPS-100 over the cellular network to enable A-GPS devices to achieve a position fix in locations where the sky is obscured, such as buildings, warehouses, parking garages, underground, etc.

Navstar Global Positioning System: satellite. [Photograph]. Retrieved July 19, 2007, from Encyclopædia Britannica Online: http://www.britannica.com/eb/art-73033