Alarm systems to this day are one of the most popular means of car protection. Along with mechanical anti-theft devices, the built-in siren creates the necessary minimum for security. But even these measures are not enough to protect machines in modern conditions. Moreover, electronic systems significantly expand the capabilities of drivers who want to protect their property. So, along with traditional devices, service centers are increasingly offering to install a GPS tracker for a car, which will allow you to track the location of equipment. From the outside, the idea really looks attractive, but to implement it, you have to go through the difficult stages of choosing equipment, installing it and connecting it.
How does the tracker work and what does it consist of?
Practically any tracker includes two modules in its design - receiving and transmitting. The first segment performs the function of determining the coordinates of its position, and the translator ensures that they are sent to the owner via cellular channels or GPRS. Accordingly, the software that will allowidentify and process the received signal. Therefore, when deciding which GPS tracker to choose for a car, you should consider possible methods of notification. It is desirable that the tracker itself receive data on coordinates both from the GLONASS satellite and via the GPS system. In addition to two receiving and transmitting units, which are enclosed in the body of the device, car beacons also have antennas. Depending on the modification, this element can be external or internal. To ensure the performance of the tracker, a battery in the form of a battery is also provided, although the on-board network is often used for this purpose.
What are the parameters to choose a device?
The first thing that should be of interest to the future user of a car tracker is communication channels and the ability to work with satellite systems. GPS navigation is still considered the most reliable means of fixing coordinates. The wider the list of communication standards in this range, the better. Next, the tracking sensitivity and accuracy are determined. The quality of the interaction of the receiver with the satellites depends on the first indicator - that is, the quality of the connection ensures that the machine will remain in the navigation coverage area even in the presence of interference. Before choosing a GPS tracker for a car, you should also evaluate the nature of its future operation. You may need a recording device with fixed coordinates - and then the presence of a memory card will become a mandatory selection criterion. You should also evaluate the conditions of use of the car itself. In particular, at whattemperature tracker will work. Standard models, for example, support the beacon function in the range from -10 to +60 ° C.
What to consider in functionality?
In the basic version, trackers determine the coordinates, exact time and speed of an object. If you provide a link with security systems, then the optional range can be expanded. When connecting the appropriate components, the user can set up the transmission of parameters about the voltage in the on-board network, fuel consumption, temperature inside the car, indication of the operation of lock mechanisms, etc. Of course, the organization of multifunctional complexes is not cheap, so many opt for the function of a simple recording device. In this case, the car tracker will work as a tracking sensor even without the need to connect to the on-board electrical network. It is these models that are supplied with personal batteries that ensure their autonomous operation.
Where to install?
According to the type of installation, car trackers are also divided depending on the way they are supplied with energy. As a rule, security and monitoring systems involve supply from the onboard network. That is, their installation must be carried out at the most suitable point under the instrument panel. When it comes to battery-powered models, the range of places suitable for installation is expanding. In this case, the installation of a GPS tracker on a car can be carried out both in the glove compartment area and behind the radio. Special requirements for conditionssuch devices do not require installation, since their filling is protected by a dust- and moisture-proof housing. But it is important to consider another nuance. The fact is that the installation of an autonomous and wireless device should leave the possibility for unhindered maintenance of the device. Firstly, the user will need to periodically charge the battery, and secondly, the sensor settings may need to be changed.
Installation rules
When a suitable installation location is found, you can commit. Fastening is carried out in different ways, but the most common is the use of adhesive tapes and hardware. Usually, installation is carried out on plastic surfaces, so it is better to use tapes that are gentle in terms of mechanical impact. Also, the tracker can be installed on a car using self-tapping screws and screws. Manufacturers complete the devices with special cases, which are carefully mounted with screws. There are situations when the wiring itself can contribute to the reliable fixation of a small beacon. In such cases, you can do without metal fasteners, but it is better to secure the wiring itself with electrical tape.
Connecting the tracker to the car
Wired models connect to the car's electrical outlet. Typically, devices of this type are connected to the on-board computer via four wires, including channels for providing an alarm output. The red wire is powered to the positive terminal, and the negativeconnects to the black wire. If the GPS tracker is connected to the car as part of a general security system, then the alarm cable can be omitted or activated as a blocking of the power unit. After connecting the tracker, you must also activate it. This is usually done by sending an SMS message from the phone to the device. The content of the text is indicated in the instructions for a specific instance of the tracker.
Tracker manufacturers
As practice shows, finding a copy on the market from a more or less well-known manufacturer is already a great success. High-quality equipment of this type is produced under the brands Starline, Proma Sat, Navixy, as well as AvtoFon, Global Sat, etc. Western European companies are considered leaders in the segment, but you can count on decent quality only if you purchase original products. The fact is that a genuine tracker for a car is almost impossible to distinguish from a Chinese fake during an external examination. Even the filling with functionality is duplicated exactly and without signs of inconsistency. However, in the process of operation, already in the first days, one can detect errors in the readings and, in general, unsatisfactory operation of the equipment.
How much does the device cost?
Much depends on the functional content, technical configuration and, of course, the brand. For example, models from manufacturers of the Starline and Navixy level are estimated at 7-10 thousand rubles. A stand-alone tracker for a car that does not require connection to the on-board network is also worthabout 10 thousand rubles. Despite the modest optional, such models demonstrate the effectiveness of the main function - tracking. Budget models of trackers, among which there are many domestic products such as AvtoFon, can be purchased for 4-6 thousand rubles. At the same time, one should not think that such devices are much inferior to more well-known counterparts in terms of the quality of work. They may be inferior in the accuracy of determining the coordinates and the breadth of functionality, but, as the reviews of motorists show, simple models catch a signal well regardless of external conditions.
Conclusion
The proliferation of satellite positioning systems has had a serious impact on many areas, increasing the quality of security systems. Navigation aids in their modern form are available to a wide audience of motorists, which stimulates the manufacturers themselves to further develop these products. True, if the benefits of traditional navigators have long been known to the mass consumer, then many perceive a satellite tracker for a car as a derivative of an advertising campaign, which in practice only duplicates the function of conventional multimedia systems. This judgment is partly true, since modern head systems include navigator options and also interact with satellites. But trackers have one feature that is typical for almost all GPS security systems. This is the ability to alert the owner of the equipment at a distance. The car owner can receive data about his car, being at any point where he receivescellular signal connected to the beacon operator. In addition to location data, the user can also receive information about the operation parameters of the technical tool.
