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Frequently Asked Questions
Features |
Benefits |
Integrated GPS and GSM using single CPU |
Low cost, small footprint, low power consumption |
Enhanced GPS sensitivity |
The TrimTrac locator can determine position in places where traditional GPS does not work |
Tri-band GSM 900/1800 MHz (DCS)
and 1900 MHz (PCS) |
Nearly ubiquitous coverage via the prevailing worldwide standard for wireless digital communications |
Short Message Service (SMS) Support |
Efficient, cost-effective data transmission |
Complete end-user device including water resistant package and internal antennas |
Eliminates installation and reduces costs |
Self-powered using four AA batteries that last 90 days with typical usage |
Eliminates installation and enables the device to work in places where power is unavailable |
Optional Vehicle Adapter Module |
Leverages external power; standby battery enables the device to continue working even if external power is disconnected |
Multi-mode reporting capability |
Enables the end-user to select the most optimum reporting method: motion detection, scheduled daily or weekly reports and criteria based queries for on-demand polling |
The most versatile solution on the market |
The rugged and modular design of TrimTrac combined with its GPS capabilities using GSM standards, and its multi-mode reporting capability enables a variety of applications in safety/security, as well as fleet management applications. No existing solution can boast such versatility and combine TrimTrac's performance with such low costs of ownership |
Low cost |
Significantly less expensive than comparable devices |
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Q: What is unique about the TrimTrac locator?
A: All of the TrimTrac locator's functions are integrated on one printed circuit board. The functions share a central processor unit (CPU), enabling the TrimTrac locator's low cost, small size, power conservation, and increased reliability.
- Q: Does the device only work outdoors?
A: No. The TrimTrac locator supports enhanced GPS that enables it to often work in places where traditional GPS may not.
- Q: Does the device work inside a moving vehicle?
A: The TrimTrac locator's enhanced GPS sensitivity enables it to work reasonably well inside of a moving vehicle, even when it does not have a clear view of the sky. The device is usually able to obtain location fixes when it is inside packages, glove boxes, under seats and in some cases, car trunks.
- Q: Does the TrimTrac locator require installation?
A: No, the device consists of a self-contained package that includes all antennas and requires no external connections unless a vehicle adapter module is used
- Q: What wireless network standards does TrimTrac support?
A: The TrimTrac locator initially supports GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications). GSM is the standard for digital cellular communications in much of the world.
- Q: What geographic areas does the device cover?
A: The TrimTrac locator will work wherever there is a GSM signal.
- Q: What kind of power does the device require?
A: The TrimTrac locator uses 4 common AA alkaline batteries. For permanent vehicle installation, the device can be ordered with an optional Vehicle Adapter Module that enables it to tap into 12 Volt (DC) vehicle power. The Vehicle Adapter Module includes a standby rechargeable battery so that in the event that vehicle power is lost, the TrimTrac locator can continue to report its position for a limited period of time.
- Q: How long do the batteries last?
A: The TrimTrac locator's four AA batteries are designed to last up to 90 days under typical operating conditions with good GPS signal strength and with up to 10 position fixes and reports per day.
- Q: What are the TrimTrac locator's power requirements?
A: The TrimTrac locator is a self-powered device that enables monitoring for situations where it is not possible or convenient to tap into external power. Because it integrates all of its functions on a single board using a common CPU, it conserves power more than alternative devices. Furthermore, it conserves power by reporting location only when the device is in motion or is polled for a current position. The TrimTrac locator automatically reports its battery power level with each position report so that an application using the device can remind the user when it is time to replace the batteries.
- Q: How durable is the TrimTrac locator?
A: The device consists of a sturdy, water-resistant molded plastic casing with all of the required antennas inside. It is designed to fully support the needs of consumer automotive monitoring and recovery applications and services.
- Q: How accurately is the device able to report location information?
A: The TrimTrac locator's position reports are typically accurate within approximately 20 feet horizontally and 35 feet vertically.
- Q: How frequently can the device report position?
A: The default report frequency is approximately every 15 minutes while the device is in motion. The maximum update frequency is approximately 2 to 3 minutes depending upon how the TrimTrac locator is configured and environmental conditions such as GPS and GSM signal strength. However, it can also be programmed to send reports based on user-defined time ranges whether in motion or not.
- Q: How big is the TrimTrac locator and how much does it weigh?
A: Its dimensions are 143.3 mm x 76.2 mm x 36.7 mm (5.78" x 2.99" x 1.44"). It weighs 205 grams (7.2 ounces) without batteries, or 300 grams (10.5 ounces) with 4 AA batteries.
- Q: Does anything need to be provided with the device?
A: Yes, the TrimTrac locator requires an SMS capable SIM (Subscriber Identifier Module) card, similar to what is used in all cell phones, four AA batteries, and a wireless carrier. Each TrimTrac locator device needs to be commissioned once, using special software before its first use.
- Q: Can the device send an alert to a cell phone?
A: The TrimTrac locator can send a SMS to any valid telephone number, including other cell phones. Alternately, any application that uses the TrimTrac locator as a remote sensor and tracking device could send an alert to a cell phone.
- Q: Could someone just build the device using off-the-shelf components?
A: Although it is possible to build a TrimTrac locator-like device with similar capabilities using standard components, those functions would not be integrated at the CPU level without significant expense. This would result in higher cost and power usage, and less reliability. Moreover, the cost of acquiring access to all of the requisite technologies, particularly the GSM software, and performing al the certification testing, can be prohibitively expensive.
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