How Do Satellite Tracking Devices for Vehicles Work

Satellite tracking can be traced to the ’60s when NASA scientists started monitoring the satellite’s locations based on shifts in its radio signals. The technology took another giant leap when after the advent of the internet, and businesses started adopting it to track their fleets and packages. Today, GPS monitoring is a mainstay in the transport industry, enabling businesses to closely monitor their assets and make real-time decisions based on the tracking information.

Investing in an ideal satellite-based tracking device can help one monitor the employees’ activities, keep close track of cargo, and ensure the timely delivery of services and products to the market. Satellite monitoring is also helpful to parents who want to monitor their kids’ activities when they are out alone. The parent will quickly identify the child’s location and determine whether they are safe and out of trouble.

How do Monitoring devices work?

Satellite monitoring units make use of GPS and GNSS systems to locate objects and persons of interest. GPS is a short form for the Global Positioning System. It is a worldwide radio-navigation system that is created when 24 satellites and ground stations are constellated together. When a GPS tracker is placed on a vehicle, the device will continuously relay data on the correct position of that vehicle.

Additionally, the GPS device will transmit information on the car’s movement, such as speed and direction. Ideally, the GPS system makes use of the Global Navigation Satellite System network. The network transmits microwave signals to GPS units. As a result, a GPS system can provide real-time data and historic navigation data on any vehicle path across the globe. The GPS satellites continuously orbit the Earth while relaying various signals to the systems in different locations.

Is it the same as GPS?

The GPS navigation is an app or device with a built-in navigation system in a vehicle to help a motorist find directions without getting lost. The units receive information from satellites based on the data that one input like a landmark or an address. On the other hand, GPS monitoring refers to a device that receives information from a satellite and sends it to another person who is hundreds of miles away from the device. The device, which is as small as a SIM card, is hardwired and hidden in a part of a vehicle. GPS monitoring is used to keep track of where someone or something is at a given time.

How many GPS satellites are there in 2020?

As of April 2020, the total number of GPS navigation satellites launched was 74. Of this number, 31 were operational while nine are in reserve. Two of them were still going through testing, and 30 have already been retired. Two were lost on the launch. Like we mentioned before, for a constellation to be fully operational, it requires 24.

Why are four satellites needed for GPS?

GPS is designed to calculate the target’s exact position using four within the line of sight of any location on Earth. Each of the satellites sends essential signals that include the exact position and the exact time the signal is sent.

Can my tracker system be transferred from one vehicle to the other?

No. a car tracker system is not transferable from one vehicle to another because of security reasons. Once installed in a vehicle, the tracker system will stay with the original vehicle forever. When one sells the vehicle, the new owner can change personal registration details and continue paying registration and subscription fees.

Do satellite monitoring units need a SIM card?

A GPS tracker is equipped with a receiver that triangulates their position from the signals. For a tracker to achieve perfect connectivity, it will require a SIM card for location transmission. They also allow turning on the audio and other critical features of performance. Examples of trackers powered by GSM SIM Cards include:

• Covrt Gear
• Garmin
• Trax Family
• Samsung Gear S3
• Pandoo DZ09
• Vision One
• Reachfar
• ATian TK103B

Do they work without a phone signal?

Yes, they do. GPS trackers use satellites that are constantly broadcasting a signal. From decoding that signal and comparing the times the signals are received, it is possible to determine a position on the Earth’s surface accurately.

The GPS recorded data can be stored inside the unit or relayed to other ideal interconnected units using radio, SMS, or an embedded unit. The sending of information will enable the location to be displayed on a map in real-time. These are essential data-tracking software that are compatible with smartphones to easily track and relay critical information on vehicles or persons’ movement.

What are the benefits of monitoring?

Logistics operation usually comes with a lot of planning, implementation, and control to enable seamless transportation of goods and services from one location to the next. Large companies can find these operations cumbersome and complicated, especially when it involves hundreds of vehicle movements. Satellite monitoring technology can help fleet managers to handle these complex processes quickly. The following are key benefits that come with monitoring for the transport and logistics company:

• Reliability and connectivity– connection issues can be a challenge for international transport and logistics operations. Unlike the GPS trackers, the trackers come with features that maintain connectivity at all times. The tracker is engineered to connect with private networks that boost their efficiency and capacities.
• Ideal for remote operations– satellite monitoring is equipped with high technology suited for transport and logistics companies involved in remote logistical operations. Ordinary units cannot cover longer distances and durations. Businesses that engage in such long-distance operations need to turn to satellite-based monitoring systems that enhance better monitoring of transport operations.
• Operational uptime– typically, battery-powered units will run out of charge within a short time. Satellite-based devices, however, can work optimally for over ten years on a single charge. Extended battery life will reduce maintenance and labor costs of the system.

Ordinary GPS devices are not sufficient for rural routes and remote-based logistical operations. To ensure quality service, fleet managers need to consider using satellite-based devices. They offer more advanced solutions that guarantee easy monitoring of the movement of vehicles, shipments, and goods and services.

At GPS technologies, we are market leaders in the monitoring industry. We specialize in fleet, asset, portable, and teen monitoring using GPS monitoring technology. Get in touch with us today, and let’s discuss how our solutions will benefit your business.

Categorised in: News

This post was written by Malcolm Rosenfeld