Vehicle Tracking Devices

Fleet companies and individuals looking for tracking can find a number of vehicle tracking devices available today.  To provide you with information we have an overview below:

Standard – 3 Wire

The most used vehicle tracking device is the 3 wire system.  It has three wires that connect to the vehicle.  It will connect with a positive, negative, and ignition sensor wire.  The wires mean the device is hardwired to the automobile.  It will become active when the ignition is turned on.  Typically a report from the device is sent every 24 hours, though you can modify this.  The report is different from the active use data that is sent. 

Once the system is active the tracking device will log the vehicle location, heading, and speed. The information is recorded every minute and sent every 5 minutes to the user.  The device will have peripheral monitors and sensors to help record information like temperature, Driver ID and SOS buttons. 

Advanced – Canbus

The Canbus system is newer than the other tracking systems available.  The device is aptly named Canbus because of the technology used.  In car systems are able to communicate with each other meaning information is passed within the system to create the reports sent back to the tracking application.

With Canbus tracking reports regarding miles per gallon, heavy braking, engine revving, acceleration, and cornering can be generated.  Canbus is the more expensive system compared to the 3 wire option.  Since there are additional features involved in the Canbus technology it makes it worthwhile if you have the funds.  HGV vehicles are the best automobile to have the system on to get the most out of your investment.

Portable Tracking devices

Portable tracking devices work a little differently than our other vehicle tracking systems.  First, the portable system is a 3 wire device, but it is not hardwired to the vehicle.  Instead the worker can transfer the device from vehicle to vehicle, and even into a customer location.  The portable device will detect movement and begin its reports.  The reports are generated at certain intervals.  The device can record acceleration, movement, and much more.  Since the device is not hardwired it has an internal battery you can recharge.  For tracking other assets like trailers, people, pallets, and high valued assets the portable device is best. 

Security/Covert Tracking Devices

Tracking systems typically require an upfront payment for the hardware and installation, though you can also pay as you go.  The security/ theft tracking devices work differently than other options.  The owner of the vehicle can log online to see where the vehicle is travelling and get alerts sent.  However, most security/ theft tracking works when the vehicle begins to move when the doors are unlocked, and will then send an alert.  Typically the police will be the ones receiving the alert.  Insurance companies require this type of device on high priced vehicles, though it is becoming more common for all vehicles to have the security device.  The security tracking system will pay for itself.