Car GPS Tracking devices
and what they offer

Car GPS tracking is becoming more popular. Not all car tracking devices offer the same information and many can also be used as personal GPS trackers. Here you will find detailed information on each car tracking device. Car tracking devices, providing the ability to track the location of vehicles, are becoming more popular. Probably the most famous tracking device (thanks to TV cop shows) is the Lojack system. This is not a car GPS tracking system, but rather a radio frequency system and should not be confused with a GPS tracking device.

The Lojack system, which is primarily used by law enforcement, is a transceiver (it can receive and transmit signals) which is installed in the vehicle by a certified technician and registered along with the vehicle identification number in a national database. If the vehicle is reported stolen, a discrete signal is sent to the Lojack system which activates the Lojack transceiver which will in turn start transmitting a "chirp" radio frequency. Using radio frequency transmitters allows the signal to penetrate walls, garages and other dense locations which GPS units cannot do. Any equipped police car can receive the signal when within 2 to 3 miles of its location.

A GPS car tracker has two components. One is the GPS receiver that determines the location of the vehicle and a transmitting modem embedded within the unit. This is usually a radio, cellular (GPRS) or satellite modem. When triggered, the modem transmits the GPS information to a receiver and it is normally displayed, using custom software, against a map either in "real time" or later depending on the type of system.

There are basically three types of car GPS tracking devices. The first one would be the "Data Recorder" a passive device, which simply records the GPS location at regular intervals and stores that data on its internal memory or on a memory card. The information is then downloaded at some later time to be analyzed(where the vehicle has been, its' speed, stops, etc.)

The second type of GPS car tracker is the "Data Pusher". Like the Data Recorder, this system uses a GPS to determine location of the vehicle and a modem to transmit the information to a receiving computer. The most common type of "pusher" is a cellular GPRS (General packet radio service) system. Using SMS technology the information is transmitted at regular intervals, allowing the receiver to display "real time" locations of the transmitter. These modems work with both 2G and 3G generations of mobile telephony. In many cases, these systems also have an internal memory to record the information for transmission at a later time.

The third type of GPS car tracker is the "Data Puller". This device is always in the "on" position and information may be queried as often as necessary. A typical system would be a GPS linked to a cell phone modem. When a special SMS (simplified message service) message is sent to the car tracking device, it will reply with the current location of the unit.

Obviously legal issues arise with some uses of these devices. In the US, the use of GPS trackers by police requires a search warrant in some circumstances, but use by a private citizen does not, as the Fourth Amendment does not limit the actions of private citizens. Some States have privacy laws regarding the use of GPS tracking by private citizens and this may also be an issue when used to track the activities of loved ones.

When looking for a GPS tracking device you might want to consider the following items:

• Is there a transmission charge? If so, how much does it cost?
• If the modem cannot transmit the data, is the data stored for later transmission? If so, how long is it stored?
• Do you need to subscribe to a service to receive the data?
• How much does the service cost and how long is the contract?
• How large an area is covered by the service? Are there any "blank" areas?
• Do you have to buy the Tracker from the service provider?
• Can the devices also be used as personal GPS trackers?
• If technology is upgraded is there an upgrade charge?
• Check the features provided, you may be paying for things you don't want or need.

The following chart compares some of the most popular car GPS tracking devices. To obtain more information on any particular car gps tracking device, just click on that unit to go to the detail page for that device.

CAR GPS TRACKING TABLE DEFINITIONS

• $: The manufacturer's suggested retail price. This is the price that the manufacturer lists for that product. Chances are very good you'll be able to purchase the unit for a better price than that listed.
• Plan: Some trackers require a subscription to their service. This column indicates if a plan is required and starting cost.
• Fee: Some trackers charge a one time activation fee.
• Alert Method: This column indicates the method the tracker will alert you if your preset criteria is violated. Contact is made by email, text message and phone.
• Geo Fence: This column indicates if you are able to create an electronic virtual fence.
• Real/Pass: Indicates whether the unit has real time data or is a passive recorder.
• Battery Life: Estimated time the battery will last between charges.
• Battery Type: Indicates if the unit uses a rechargeable battery. (most come with Lithium Ion rechargeable batteries)
• Speed: Indicates if you will be alerted if a predetermined speed is violated.
• Coverage: Indicates the area covered by the service. Many do not work in Canada or overseas.

Car GPS Tracking Comparison Table

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