Tracking Device Hardware
This is the physical hardware which is installed in the vehicle itself. It generally contains a GPS (Global Positioning System) component (module) such that its exact latitude / longitude on the Earth can be found, and a GSM component (module) such that that its position can be transmitted back to a central server via the regular terrestrial (land based) mobile phone network (the same one as used when you make a call). For most vehicle tracking systems this is an ideal solution providing both a GPS accurate position, and a low cost route for that data to be transmitted back to a server. Note that since the units effectively contain a mobile phone, a standard mobile phone SIM card is required.
GPS / GSM based vehicle (AVL) tracking hardware:
Pre packaged / boxed units which come without software (think computers without an operating system)
- EZ10 GPS Terminal, GateTel
- EZ863 GPS Terminal, GateTel
- Wavecom Fasttrack with GPS option, Wavecom
The EZ10 GPS is available from a number of distributors including:
- Sequoia, UK
- Glyn, Australia
- M2M Platforms, Finland
- Area SX s.r.l, Italy
The above units are generally the most suitable for those looking for a relatively cost effective / simple solution however for and those taking things a step further and designing their own hardware see Vehicle Tracking hardware for developers / hobbyists.
Satellite based vehicle tracking hardware:
Hardware that makes use of satellites to transmit back the data (rather than using the regular GSM mobile phone network) is also available but significantly more expensive and unnecessary for standard vehicle tracking applications.
Satellite based equipment is primary used on boats and in Yacht races (as in this situation GSM is unreliable).
Suppliers:
- SAT-201, Satamatics
- OceanTracker, OceanWeb
- Dilupe
- Satamatics Inmarsat D+, Panbo
Note when using satellite equipment the cost of airtime is also a factor that needs to be considered.