GPS Tracking Review

An aversion to the high cost of new technology and a fear that it is just too complicated are no longer good excuses for being without a GPS tracking device. LandAirSea Systems, an industry leader and trusted name in vehicle tracking, has introduced a GPS data logger that couldn’t be simpler. The palm-sized Tracking Key Pro® boasts a sleek, uncomplicated design and it has user-friendly software to match.

The Tracking Key Pro® was introduced to market in 2009 as LandAirSea’s next generation passive GPS tracker and an improved version of the company’s top-selling Tracking Key. Continue Reading »

Telespial Systems makes some big claims in advertising for its Trackstick Mini, a passive tracking device that was introduced to the market last year. Among them, the southern California company boasts that the compact GPS unit has seven times better sensitivity than any of its other tracking systems and that it’s the longest-running vehicle tracker on the market.

In fact, the Trackstick Mini represents a complete overhaul over Telespial’s three other passive devices – the Trackstick II, the Trackstick Pro and the Super Trackstick. Set beside its predecessor, the Super Trackstick, this new device is certainly different in size, shape and color. Putting appearance aside, the other features of the Trackstick Mini begged for a road test. Continue Reading »

Upon receiving the LandAirSea GPS Tracking Key, we noticed that the retail quality packaging provides customers with easy access to the unit as well as convenient storage when the device is not in use.  Complete with installation disk and an easy to follow instruction booklet, the Tracking Key is ready to be put in service as there are no pre-programming steps required.  This makes the GPS Tracking Key attractive to those individuals wanting to deploy the device quickly or when a PC is not immediately available.

Specifications from the www.landairsea.com website state that battery life depends upon the number of hours a vehicle is in motion per day.  The Tracking Key incorporates a cylindrical motion sensor that places the device in a sleep mode after the vehicle sits idle for more than three minutes.  This saves the battery life when the vehicle is not in motion.

Initial Setup/Software Installation:

With the Tracking Key doing its thing, we decided to complete the installation of the LandAirSea Past Track version 8.2 software.  This was relatively simple, as instructions on the screen walked us through the process.   Once the installation was completed, it placed a shortcut program icon directly onto our desktop.  This icon can be removed if the customer does not want it displayed on the desktop.

Cover and Concealment:

The compact design of this unit made it easy to conceal.  With the dimensions of 1.3” X 1.5” X 3.8”, the Tracking Key is roughly the size of a 10-pack of gum and offers a wide range of covert installation options.  With traditional GPS devices requiring clear views of the sky, we had reservations when LandAirSea claimed that their Tracking Key could record GPS positioning data in locations that included under the vehicle, under a car seat, in the glove box, trunk, etc.   We decided to take this challenge and compared it to another passive tracking unit called the Super Trackstick®.   For additional and specific information regarding the Super Trackstick, please refer to the individual review within this site.

 When inserting the two AAA batteries into the Tracking Key, we noticed two LED’s that illuminated to identify unit power and GPS status.  It should also be noted that the the green power light will change to red when the battery level runs low.  If the power runs out prior to retrieving the device, there are no worries –the memory is non-volatile and the data will be waiting for you once new batteries are inserted.  The GPS light will flash once per second when locked onto the GPS signals and is consistent with the recording frequency of once per second.  One potential issue with these LED’s is that anyone with sensitive night vision may see these lights once installed.  We placed a small piece of electrical tape over the LED’s and this seemed to do the trick although we did not keep this tape on during the test.

To take on the full challenge, we decided to attempt the recording of data in all of the locations identified above.  This test was conducted over a period of four consecutive days and the device data was downloaded after each test.  We felt this was important to isolate each recording day’s effectiveness.  The device was moved to its new position immediately after the USB download in preparation of the next test. 

  Continue Reading »