1. What is GPS? GPS is an acronym that stands for Global Positioning System. GPS is one of a few satellite navigational systems; however it is the only fully functional system currently in service. GPS consists of more than 2 dozen global positioning satellites orbiting the earth. 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. The maintenance of GPS is not cheap; it usually costs upwards of 400 million dollars to keep GPS up and running each year. 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 accesses 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. 4. How does your device communicate? The Vehicle Lokator and Magic Box devices both communicate on the cellular network of GSM/GPRS through Bmobile or Digicel. The SATracker communicates via the Globalstar Satellite network, globally. All 3 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 GSMSecure Ltd. to place the vehicles location on our mapping system.
5. Is this real time Tracking Yes, GSMSecure track provides its customers real time tracking, with GPS devices updated their specific location based on a customer chosen tracking interval (10 minutes-1minute). The devices can all be pinged 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. How many vehicles can be monitored at once? There is no limit to the number of devices that 1 customer can monitor via the GSMSecure Ltd system simultaneously. 7. 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 the Lokator 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. 8. What are the competitive advantages to your product as opposed to competition? There are various competitive advantages our Distributors and Dealers can capitalize on, such as the pricing of our devices and monthly services (Most competitive in the industry). The look/feel and intuitiveness of the devices separates us from other competitors. 9. How far can we go back in time on reports? Customers can access 90 days of historical data via the report web interface. Customers are encouraged to utilize the excel option for reporting, where data can be manipulated, saved and viewed at any time the company needs to access that information.
10. Are your systems collocated? GSMSecure Ltd. And our Distributors has its 24/7 servers up and operational, with mirrored redundant systems in place in a remote, Category 5 hurricane proof establishment. This will result in ours systems will always be up and operational as a result of this duplicity. 11. Who does GSMSecure Track use for maps and map data? Currently, our system is using the Google mapping interface for maps, and our partners for the street level data that is displayed on the maps. We are able to use any mapping interface and can customize mapping solutions based on the specific requests or needs. 12. Are the Satellite images (Satellite/Hybrid Views) in real time? No they are not. Google provides our distributors with the satellite imagery, and although Google has worked extensively to keep these images updated, there are certain areas that are older. 13. Why is there a black box around my icons on the screen? If this ever occurs, or a customer mentions this to you, it means that the browser that the customer is using to log into the Chameleon system is using Internet Explorer 6 or older. The system is optimized to perform on Internet Explorer 7. 14. How long does the typical installation take? A standard vehicle installation takes approximately 1hour. 15. How many Geo-fences can be set per device? Geo-fences are imaginary geographical boundaries that allow owners to monitor certain locations remotely. Each device can support/monitor 11 individual locations (Geofences) per device.
16. How accurate are the positions displayed for a vehicle? Typically locations/addresses are within 2 meters. 17. What type of security is built into the online system? The Chameleon System web interface is totally secure, and we provide multi level security filters so that account administrators can set user access levels within their own company. 18. Is your system internet based? Does additional software need to be downloaded to access the Chameleon internet platform? Our System software system is accessible from any computer, and does NOT require any additional software downloads to use the system. The system is internet based. 19. Can I monitor my fleet/vehicle from my cell phone? Yes, our distributor has developed a sight for mobile access to a fleet, without having to download cumbersome software to your mobile device. The internet platform can be accessed using the apple/safari browser as well. 20. At what time intervals can I track my vehicles? We offer various automatic tracking intervals for their clients, from 30, 10, 5, 3, 2 and 1 minute interval.
21. What do the LED lights on the device signify? From left to right, the LED s signify 1) GSM (cellular connection) 2) Power to the device, 3) GPS satellite connectivity. LED lights must be SOLID for proper usage. 22. What is the difference between real time GPS tracking and a passive GPS system? Passive GPS systems typically download all vehicle data at the end of work day/week. Active pinging of passive devices is not available, and no live notifications are sent to the fleet owners. Real time tracking allows for vehicle information to be sent to the dispatchers live, all pings are also allowed in this application. You will encounter companies that offer passive systems. Typically low monthly cost (if any) and substandard services and features. Does not allow for live notifications. It is a reactive system with minimum benefits to the customer. 23. Can I be notified real time about certain statuses with my fleet? IE. Speeding, geographical boundary breach, etc?, the Chameleon software 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, geo-fence breach and power loss are all examples of notifications that can be sent to a customer s email and cell phone in real time if the customer chooses. 24. In what languages is the website available? The website is available in English, Spanish and French. 25. What is a Geofence? A geofence is a virtual boundary on a given geographic region. 26. Can I have different vehicles in my fleet with different tracking plans? Yes, each vehicle in a fleet can have its own unique tracking interval, as we understand that not all vehicles perform the same daily tasks and some vehicles require more attention than others.