SkyTRAK GPS
Information
SpyGear4U.com: 1-8-SPYGEAR-4U
Frequently Asked
Questions
Does the unit come
with everything I need, including software?
Yes. The price
includes the GPS tracking unit, Software with mapping and satellite imagery for
the entire
If the batteries go
dead before I am able to retrieve the unit, will the tracking data be lost.
Of
course not. The unit uses flash memory which does not need a battery
backup.
Is the SkyTRAK waterproof?
These units are very
water-resistant. However we do not guarantee the units to be 100%
waterproof. When placing the unit on your vehicle, make sure it is not
subject to splashing water. Our warranty does not cover water damaged
units.
How many days can I
expect the unit to last without the batteries going dead?
With regular alkaline
AA batteries you can expect about 36 driving hours. Therefore, if the car
drives about an hour a day, the batteries will last for over one month.
If you use Energizer Lithium batteries, the batteries will last close to 80
driving hours (2 to 3 months).
How often does the unit
record data?
The SkyTRAK unit records a data point every second. If
you are using the AA batteries to power the unit, you can always leave it on
this default setting. Decreasing the recording rate does not affect the
battery life.
Do I need to worry
about filling up the memory of the SkyTRAK unit?
No. The unit
stores 300 hours of driving. Most likely you will download the data and
replace the batteries before it fills up.
Does this unit work
anywhere in the
Yes. Everywhere in all 50 states.
Does this unit work in
any other countries?
Yes. The unit will
work anywhere in the world. The software includes an interface to
satellite imagery for the entire world and street maps for the following
countries:
What kind of cable
comes with it to download the tracking data?
The unit comes with a
USB download cable.
Does the software run
on a Macintosh computer?
Although the software
that comes with the SkyTRAK is not written for the
Mac, it will run using the Macintosh Virtual PC.
Can the unit be
permanently connected to the vehicle’s power?
Yes. We have
power cables available. Contact us if you need one or order one with your
unit. The power cable price is $19.99. We also have cigarette
lighter power cables available for $29.99.
What is the warranty
on the SkyTRAK?
The GPS unit comes
with a full 1 year warranty.
Do I need to subscribe
to a monthly service in order to get this to work?
No. There are no
monthly fees or activation fees.
This is not a real
time tracking system. The real time tracking systems are the ones that require
monthly fees and contracts. Most people prefer the SkyTRAK
technology for this very reason.
Remember, to find out
what the driver has been doing, you connect the GPS tracking unit to your
computer and it will give a complete history including speeds, locations
stopped, and how long they were stopped.
Can I use this system
for stolen vehicle recovery?
No. You need a
real time tracking system to do that. Real time tracking systems are more
expensive and require a monthly service fee.
Does this unit have a
motion sensor in it?
Yes. The unit turns
on as soon as the vehicle starts moving. When the vehicle is stopped for
more than 4 minutes, it will go into a sleep mode to conserve battery life.
GPS Tracking Basics
Our SkyTRAK Series GPS Trackers use satellites to accurately
monitor and evaluate travel activities, with proof of exact date, time, speed,
and location. This information is stored until you download the data to your PC
via our powerful software. Advanced features allow you to easily review
digitized street level maps and satellite imagery for an amazingly accurate
overview of the traveled activities.
GPS accuracy
is dependent upon proper placement of the satellite receiver's antenna. Optimum
performance is achieved when the antenna has a view of the satellite without
metal obstructions. The signal will usually be sufficient through plastic,
fiber glass, carpet, cardboard, or glass. Taking a few extra minutes to locate
the best location for the antenna will reward you with the best possible
tracking data.
SkyTRAK Quick Start Guide
1. KNOW HOW GPS WORKS. -
The SkyTRAK uses GPS to find its location. In order
to lock onto the location, the GPS unit must have a direct line of sight to 3
locations in the sky and these locations are changing constantly throughout the
day. Make sure that there isn’t any metal completely blocking this upward line
of sight. GPS signals will go through plastic, glass, rubber, fiberglass, cloth
material, or anything else not made of metal. The more metal obstructions that
are above and around the GPS unit, the longer it will take to lock onto the
location. Make sure you choose a good location to place the unit for good
results. The easiest location to place the unit is the glove box but depending
on the design of the vehicle, it may take longer to lock onto the location. If
the glove box is very low inside the vehicle with a lot of obstructions, it may
not be able to track. In this case you will have to find a better location to
place the GPS unit.
3. For best results, use
lithium AA batteries. Lithium AA batteries last 3 times longer than regular AA
batteries. If you pick up the unit and the power light is off, then it is time
to replace the batteries.
4. Install the software
on your computer and choose the Typical Installation. This will install all of
the maps on your computer. An icon will appear on your desktop called PastTrack. (Other icons may be installed which you can
ignore. Run the PastTrack program.
5. Plug in the download
cable from the SkyTRAK to an available USB
port on your computer. Make sure the cable is snuggly secured and plugged in
all the way to the unit and the unit is powered on. Click on the button labeled
with the number ‘ 3 ’. Click on the FIND
button so the software can find the unit. Click download, type a name for the
saved data and follow the on screen instructions.
6. After the data is
downloaded a map will come up with the track of the vehicle. You can hit the
“Play” button and watch the car move along the path. Refer to the manual for
detailed software functions.