TrimTrac Location Device
Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TrimTrac locator?
What are its major features and benefits?
What is unique about the TrimTrac locator?
Does the device only work outdoors?
Does the device work inside a moving vehicle?
Does the TrimTrac locator require installation?
What wireless network standards does the TrimTrac locator support?
What geographic areas does the device cover?
Why does the TrimTrac locator use GSM SMS instead of GPRS (General Packet Radio Service)?
What kind of power does the device require?
How long do the batteries last?
What are the TrimTrac locator's power requirements?
Can the TrimTrac locator use external power?
How durable is the TrimTrac locator?
How accurately is the device able to report location information?
How frequently can the device report position?
How big is the TrimTrac locator and how much does it weigh?
Does anything need to be provided with the device?
Can the device send an alert to a cell phone?
How does the TrimTrac locator compare to a vehicle recovery service such as LoJack?
Could someone just build the device using off-the-shelf components?

Q: What is TrimTrac?
A: The TrimTrac locator is a new, low-cost tracking device for consumer automotive monitoring and recovery applications and services. It combines enhanced GPS autonomous positioning detection with GSM wireless communications reporting.

Q: What are its major features and benefits?
A: The TrimTrac locator's major features and benefits:

Q: What is unique about the TrimTrac locator?
A: All of the TrimTrac locator's functions are integrated on one printed circuit board. The functions share a central processor unit (CPU), enabling the TrimTrac locator's low cost, small size, power conservation, and increased reliability.

Q: Does the device only work outdoors?
A: No. The TrimTrac locator supports enhanced GPS that enables it to often work in places where traditional GPS may not.

Q: Does the device work inside a moving vehicle?
A: The TrimTrac locator's enhanced GPS sensitivity enables it to work reasonably well inside of a moving vehicle, even when it does not have a clear view of the sky. The device is usually able to obtain location fixes when it is inside packages, glove boxes, under seats and in some cases, car trunks.

Q: Does the TrimTrac locator require installation?
A: No, the device consists of a self-contained package that includes all antennas and requires no external connections unless a vehicle adapter module is used.

Q: What wireless network standards does TrimTrac support?
A: The TrimTrac locator initially supports GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications). GSM is the standard for digital cellular communications in much of the world. In the United States, there are competing standards, including AMPS, CDMA and TDMA; however, GSM enjoys equal or better coverage compared to the other digital standards. As with the other digital standards, the TrimTrac locator's GSM coverage is strongest in heavily populated areas and along interstate corridors. None of the digital standards are as pervasive as analog AMPS cellular signals, but analog is gradually being phased out in favor of digital standards. Over time, the TrimTrac locator may be enhanced to support other digital communication standards.

Q: What geographic areas does the device cover?
A: The TrimTrac locator will work wherever there is a GSM signal. In the United States, this is typically in major metropolitan areas and along interstate corridors.

Q: Why does TrimTrac use GSM SMS instead of GPRS (General Packet Radio Service)?
A: TrimTrac is intended for use in applications that require the periodic sending and receiving of relatively small amounts of data, with an emphasis on low power consumption by the device. GPRS is better suited for applications that involve real-time, two-way communication and the transfer of larger amounts of data (as might be required by an application such as high- end commercial fleet management, for example). GPRS has disadvantages relative to SMS for the uses for which TrimTrac is intended. In particular, GPRS' coverage area is not as extensive as SMS. It would also create a greater drain on the device's power, and would increase the cost of the device. SMS is a better fit than GPRS for the TrimTrac locator's target applications, as it offers better coverage, improved power conservation, and minimizes the device's cost.

Q: What kind of power does the device require?
A: The TrimTrac locator uses 4 common AA alkaline batteries. For permanent vehicle installation, the device can be ordered with an optional Vehicle Adapter Module that enables it to tap into 12 Volt (DC) vehicle power. The Vehicle Adapter Module includes a standby rechargeable battery so that in the event that vehicle power is lost, the TrimTrac locator can continue to report its position for a limited period of time.

Q: How long do the batteries last?
A: The TrimTrac locator's four AA batteries are designed to last up to 90 days under typical operating conditions with good GPS signal strength and with up to 10 position fixes and reports per day.

Q: What are the TrimTrac locator's power requirements?
A: The TrimTrac locator is a self-powered device that enables monitoring for situations where it is not possible or convenient to tap into external power. Because it integrates all of its functions on a single board using a common CPU, it conserves power more than alternative devices. Furthermore, it conserves power by reporting location only when the device is in motion or is polled for a current position. The TrimTrac locator automatically reports its battery power level with each position report so that an application using the device can remind the user when it is time to replace the batteries.

Q: Can the TrimTrac locator use external power?
A: Yes, via the optional Vehicle Adapter Module.

Q: How durable is the TrimTrac locator?
A: The device consists of a sturdy, water-resistant molded plastic casing with all of the required antennas inside. It is designed to fully support the needs of consumer automotive monitoring and recovery applications and services.

Q: How accurately is the device able to report location information?
A: The TrimTrac locator's position reports are typically accurate within approximately 20 feet horizontally and 35 feet vertically.

Q: How frequently can the device report position?
A: The default report frequency is approximately every 15 minutes while the device is in motion. The maximum update frequency is approximately 2 to 3 minutes depending upon how the TrimTrac locator is configured and environmental conditions such as GPS and GSM signal strength. However, it can also be programmed to send reports based on user-defined time ranges whether in motion or not.

Q: How big is the TrimTrac locator and how much does it weigh?
A: Its dimensions are 143.3 mm x 76.2 mm x 36.7 mm (5.78" x 2.99" x 1.44"). It weighs 205 grams (7.2 ounces) without batteries, or 300 grams (10.5 ounces) with 4 AA batteries.

Q: Does anything need to be provided with the device?
A: Yes, the TrimTrac locator requires an SMS capable SIM (Subscriber Identifier Module) card, similar to what is used in all cell phones, four AA batteries, and a wireless carrier. Each TrimTrac locator device needs to be commissioned once, using special software before its first use.

Q: Can the device send an alert to a cell phone?
A: The TrimTrac locator can send a SMS to any valid telephone number, including other cell phones. Alternately, any application that uses the TrimTrac locator as a remote sensor and tracking device could send an alert to a cell phone.

Q: How does the TrimTrac locator compare to a vehicle recovery service such as LoJack?
A: Although both are used for consumer automotive monitoring and recovery, it is an apple-to-orange comparison. LoJack is an end-user service that a dealer will typically install for approximately $600. LoJack has no monthly fees. If the vehicle owner notices that their vehicle is stolen, they contact LoJack, who in turn contacts the police and sends a signal to activate the device, which they use to find the vehicle. LoJack recently began offering an early warning system product, which makes use of a key transponder. If the car is moved without the transponder, the vehicle owner can be alerted, and if appropriate, contact the police. The TrimTrac locator, by itself, is a device, not a service. The TrimTrac locator costs much less, though it may require a low monthly fee charged by a service provider. Unlike LoJack, it uses GPS to determine its location and GSM to report its position. The TrimTrac locator-based systems do not require police involvement.

Q: Could someone just build the device using off-the-shelf components?
A: Although it is possible to build a TrimTrac locator-like device with similar capabilities using standard components, those functions would not be integrated at the CPU level without significant expense. This would result in higher cost and power usage, and less reliability. Moreover, the cost of acquiring access to all of the requisite technologies, particularly the GSM software, and performing al the certification testing, can be prohibitively expensive.

Buy it here!