Code: 1505
Q: What is a passive GPS vehicle tracking device?
A: All GPS vehicle tracking systems “catch” satellite signals and use the data to calculate the location of the device. There are two basic types of GPS tracking devices: active and passive. Active systems let you know where a vehicle is in “real time.” Passive GPS tracking systems tell you where it was. The location information is the same. The distinction is whether you must have the information immediately, or if you choose to analyze it later. There is also a difference in ease of operation and price.
Q: What is the expected life of the batteries in the GPS Tracking Key?
A: Battery life depends on the type of batteries and how many hours a day the vehicle is operating. Energizer lithium batteries are preferred for use in the GPS Tracking Key. If the vehicle is driven about two hours a day, lithium batteries should last about two and a half weeks. Alkaline batteries will last about two weeks, when the vehicle is driven two hours a day.
Q: Where on the vehicle should I place the GPS Tracking Key?
A: There are many possibilities for placement of the GPS Tracking Key. The optimum spot strikes a balance between the quality of reception and how well you want it hidden. The GPS Tracking Key will receive signal through all sorts of materials, including carpet, fiberglass and plastic. The vehicle tracking unit should not be placed in a spot where it is entirely surrounded by concrete or metal. Test these spots on the vehicle:
- Under the rear speaker deck
- Outside, on the top of the vehicle
- On top of the dashboard
- Inside the dashboard
- Inside the glove box
- In a seat pocket
- Under a seat
- Under the vehicle on the metal frame (the GPS Tracking Key can receive signals reflected off the ground.)
Q: Is the GPS Tracking Key waterproof?
A: The GPS Tracking Key is water-resistant, not waterproof. The unit is designed with rubber gaskets on the housing to prevent water from seeping inside the openings. A light misting or splashing should not harm it. However, a heavy, extended soaking of water can damage the GPS Tracking Key. The manufacturer’s warranty does not cover water-damaged units.
Q: Will the GPS Tracking Key work anywhere in the world?
A: Yes. Users of the GPS Tracking Key may choose to have data presented in any of three formats: A text report, an animation of the vehicle’s travels on a digital street map, or the vehicle’s path depicted on a Google Earth satellite image. The first two choices can be used anywhere in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Choose reporting by Google Earth interface, and data reports are available for anywhere in the world.
Q: Does the software come with the GPS Tracking Key or is it an extra charge?
A: Everything needed to operate the GPS Tracking Key is included. The software is needed to download and view the data on a computer. It comes with the system. The user needs only to buy and install two AAA batteries.
Q: The GPS Tracking Key is so compact; how much memory does it have?
A: Plenty. The GPS Tracking Key’s internal flash memory has about 100 hours of storage. If the car is driven for an average of two or three hours a day, the memory could hold about a month’s worth of data. When the memory reaches its capacity, the GPS Tracking Key will continue to operate. New information will be recorded over the oldest. Most users download travel data numerous times a month and they prefer to clear the memory each time.
Q: How is the GPS Tracking Key data displayed?
A: All the information about the vehicle’s speed, direction, time and location are viewed on a personal computer. Download the data from the GPS Tracking Key’s memory via the USB port. The Past-Track software, included with the GPS Tracking Key unit, offers three reporting options: a text version of daily vehicle activity; an animation of the vehicle’s travels on digital street map; and illustrations of the vehicle’s trips on Google Earth satellite images.
Q: Is the GPS Tracking Key covered under warranty?
A: Yes. As the manufacturer of the GPS Tracking Key, we stand behind our products and cover them if they have any faults in workmanship for a full year after date of purchase. Even once the warranty has expired, our customers can get free advice from our experienced technical support team.
Q: Does the GPS Tracking Key involve a monthly service fee?
A: No. There are no costs involved in operating the GPS Tracking Key, other than the initial purchase price and battery purchases. Most real-time GPS tracking systems involve a contract with a wireless network, including activation and monthly service fees. The GPS Tracking Key is a passive device and it records and stores data for later download. There are NO MONTHLY FEES!
Q: Why am I receiving an error message (“Device Not Found,” “Check Power and Port Connections”) when I try to download data from my GPS Tracking Key?
A: If the device has been immobile in the USB port for more than 2 or 3 minutes, it may have gone into sleep mode. Remove the device from the USB port and wave or shake the unit to wake it from sleep mode and then reinsert the device. Try downloading again. If this fails, try downloading from an alternate USB port if possible.
You will also want to verify that the device drivers for the Tracking Key are installed. To do this, right-click on My Computer in XP or Computer in Vista and Select ‘Manage’. This will bring up the Computer Management screen below.
Verify that the selected u-blox Antaris 4 GPS Receiver driver is installed in the Ports section of Device Manager. If it is not, you can download the drivers at: http://www.landairsea.com/downloads/downloads-gps-tracking-key.html
There are also known issues with Microsoft updates that can cause the above errors. To rectify this, first make sure that your version of Past Track software is up to date. If you are running any version less than v9.0, you can update as follows:
Enter the following address in the address bar of your web browser:
http://www.landairsea.com/Updates/Past-Track/Setup.exe
The window below will open.
- Choose ‘Save File’ to update Past Track.
- After the Setup file downloads, double click the file to run it.
- Choose “Modify or repair current installation” select ‘Next’.
- ‘International’ installation screen will come up. Choose ‘Next’
- Choose “Finish” when installation is complete.
If Past Track v9.0 is already installed, verify that your operating system service packs are current. To determine which service packs are installed on your computer running Windows XP or Vista:
From the start menu, select Run in XP or in Vista, type Run in the search bar and then select Run from the list displayed. Enter winver. The resulting window lists the build number of your operating system, as well as the service pack version number. Windows Vista is current at Service Pack 2 and XP is current at Service Pack 3.
To download the latest service packs, go to:
Windows XP: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-xp/default.aspx
Windows Vista: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-vista/quick-start/service-packs.aspx
Q: My GPS Tracking Key is not recording/downloading. What’s wrong?
A: Assuming you have fresh batteries in the unit, the issue is probably related to the motion sensor. To maximize battery life, the GPS Tracking Key is designed to shut down after two or three minutes of inactivity. Wave or shake the unit to wake it from sleep mode and try again.
Q: Why am I getting inconsistent/inaccurate readings from my GPS tracking key?
A: The problem might be in the placement of the unit in or on the vehicle. The GPS Tracking Key works best with a good line of sight to the sky. Move the unit to a new location in an attempt to get better reception. Under the rear speaker deck is usually a good spot.