FAQ’s    Frequently Asked Questions

Will locating technology work everywhere?
The location tracking products that we sell are dependent upon two technologies – GPS to determine a location and cell phone to determine a location, and to communicate that location.  As long as you have cell service the device will locate and communicate, but if it can receive both GPS and cell it will be more accurate.

Do the devices work the same in all locations?
No.  The devices work best in suburban areas such as neighborhoods, parks and flatter regions.  It can receive a GPS signal better in those areas because it has less obstruction to the GPS signal.  The device will work on a limited basis in cities where there are many tall buildings because the buildings decrease access to or because of reflections distort the GPS and cell signals. Rural areas may have limited network coverage and people who live in these areas need to make sure the service they buy provides reliable coverage in the areas they want to track.  If you’re using the same carrier in your cell phone as in the tracking device, you can uUse your cell phone signal as a gauge to determine whether or not the tracking device is likely to work as intended.

What is your budget for a tracking solution? Have you identified all your needs?
Location based tracking devices and solutions can vary in price and usually include a one-time purchase fee for the device application that’s on your PC, as well as both an activation fee and a monthly data plan for the cell service. Identify what your needs are before you select a plan. For example, if you will need a lot of locates or ‘finds’ or have a need to continuously track a person over time, you will need a bigger data plan and your cost will be higher.

How do you want to receive alerts?
If you are in front of a computer all day, you may wish to receive alerts only via e-mail. If you are on the go and receive text messages, you may want to have alerts sent via text message to your mobile phone. Some solutions also have a 24/7 monitoring center that can help with location assistance or activate a community network during an emergency.

There are solutions that do not require you to check your computer for information. Some plans include zone alerts, which notify family members when the person be tracked travels in and out of zones, the person’s device has a low battery or lost connection. Most of these solutions allow you to choose who should receive the alerts.

There is no system that is real time. There may be a delay in the alerts received based on the monthly plan purchased. Often a plan is designed to help balance battery life, and costs to accommodate the time intervals of the location verification. Check the specs carefully.

Can I use my land line to receive messages from my GPS device?
No. Land lines cannot receive text messages. The GPS device responds to the request by sending a text message with the location. This feature is what makes many of our locating products mobile.

How frequently will I have the ability to locate someone?  Any time of day or night?  Only when they leave home or a pre-set zone?  Only when you suspect they have wandered or are lost ?
If you want to locate someone "on-demand", or whenever you want, look for a system that provides location verification on a regular basis. By communicating frequently with the device, the system verifies and updates the person’s location at regular intervals allowing you to look up the location at any given time. If you are interested in the ability to monitor a person’s activities over a period of time, you might want to consider a system that can provide constant tracking.   Constant  tracking will show a person’s location as they move about.

If you are confident in the person that needs to be tracked is independent, but would like alerts when he or she has entered or left a pre-set zone, make sure the device or system has a zone or geofence.

How do zone alerts work?
In order forfor a  LocationbasedGPS device to send an alert when a person exits a zone , the application must communicate with the device at regular intervals. The time interval between communication points is determined by the location management application. For example, if the device communicates every 15 minutes with the application, a zone alert could take from 1-15 minutes to be received by the family.  It is important for families to review the time interval to determine if it meets their level of comfort in terms of the length of time it may take to receive an alert.

Additionally, the communication between the device and the application typically takes place on a cellular network. If the network coverage is poor, the ability of the device to communicate with the application may be impacted and an alert may not go out.

Can anyone track my GPS device?
No.  When you register your GPS product on the appropriate tracking website in most cases you will be able to list up to 5 trusted individuals that you want to receive alerts or track the device.  You can change or edit these names as needed.   Some Location Based Services software allow to track even more trusted individuals.

How many caretakers or parents can share the responsibility of keeping an eye on the person that is being tracked?
Look for a system that accommodates multiple users. There are solutions that allow multiple family members to be emergency contacts, receive alerts when the person has entered/exited a zone and share the ability to locate the person on a map.

Will the GPS Tracker work with any mobile phone carrier?
Yes. You do not have to change mobile phone carriers.  Various GPS products will work with your current mobile phone provider.

Do I need a special phone to view the maps on my phone?
Yes. When you request a location from your GPS device, you will receive a text message.  The text message will contain the street address along with a map link.  If you would like to view the map on your phone, it will need to be a web enabled phone.

Will GPS Trackers work out of the country?
Most subscription plans vary from country to country. The ones that are available in the U.S are based on usage and range from monthly plans of $10-$40.  Some products offer annual services fees at substantial discounts. If you are planning on leaving the country, then you can call us and we can help you find the best plan that suits your needs.

Can I use your products to track my luggage?
YES, however regulations regarding GPS tracking devices vary with the individual airlines. You will need to contact the airline you are traveling with.

Can I track more than one unit at a time with the same cell phone?
Yes.  Some of our products will allow you to track as many units as you would like.

How many units can I track from my computer?
As long as you are listed as an authorized user for each device, there is no limit to the number of units you can track.

Can one phone be master of multiple units?
Yes.

What is the accuracy of GPS?
Today's GPS receivers are extremely accurate, thanks to their parallel multi-channel design. Certain atmospheric factors and other sources of error can affect the accuracy of GPS receivers. Most of the LocationBasedGPS products are accurate within 15 meters (49 feet) 90% of the time. Generally, users will see accuracy within 5 to 10 meters (16 to 33 feet) when the GPS trackers used outside.

Can I talk to a live person if I need help?
Yes, there is a live person Monday-Friday 9:00 am to 6:00 pm EST.

How often would I have to replace my GPS tracking unit?
You should not have to replace the unit unless it has been broken or damaged.

How do I find my lost or misplaced unit?
As long as the battery is not dead, in most cases you can simply page the unit by activating the page command.

Do I need internet on my cell phone?
No. When you request a location from your GPS tracking device you will receive a text message.  The text message will contain the street address along with a map link.  If you would like to view the map on your phone, it will need to be a web enabled phone.

What if I lose my phone or change the number?
You can easily update or change your information on vendor specific product tracking website or call us and we will help you.  You can also change or edit the authorized users, contact phone numbers, etc.

How can I attach this device to the person being tracked?
The products we carry at LifePROTEKT were specifically designed for children, senior citizens, pets, automobiles and other valuable mobile assets.   All of our products are extremely versatile and we offer different products for different situations.  Some products attach to a wrist, ankle, arm, belt, belt loop, or backpack. You can also tie it to a shoelace, lanyard, can be worn around the neck or even sewn into clothing.  Check out our accessory section to see which product.

Technical

How does GPS track indoor?  Don’t all GPS devices need a straight line of sight to the sky? Most, if not all GPS products we carry use real time tracking.  This means that the device is constantly receiving and recording the latest location on the device.  When the device goes inside a building, the unit will retrieve the latest location information from the device.  If the device is close to a window within a building, it will get a GPS signal.

If my child is camping in a remote area with no cell phone service, would I be able to track it from my home?
The GPS products we carry are dependent upon 2 technologies – GPS and cell phone. Anywhere you can receive both a GPS signal and/or have cell phone reception, the devices will work.

How long does the battery last?
Under normal use, without constant speed and temperature alert and monitoring and bread crumbing, the battery can last approximately 48 hours. If every single alert is activated at the same time, then the battery life may be much lower.  Please not that it all depends on the device and the usage for all of our products.

What is "real time" checking and how does it affect the battery life?
If a device is constantly checking and storing a new location - that is called "real time".  If a device in on "stand-by" or "sleep" mode, then it's not constantly updating its location information.  The LocationBasedGPS products have real time checking and receive a new GPS location every minute.  Why is this important?  If your child goes into an area that does not have a GPS signal, such as a tunnel, cave, parking garage, etc. - The LocatonBasedGPS products will know where your child was 1 minute before they went into this area.  This is critical!  If a child goes missing - you'll be able to know the closest possible location before the GPS signal was lost.

If I can receive alerts by emails do I need to have a text messaging plan to use this product?
No, but we highly recommend it.  If you are away from your computer at a mall, park, or any other location and your child goes missing, you would want to be able to receive alerts and track from your cell phone.  This feature is what makes the LocationBasedGPS products so unique – you can bemobile.  You don't need to be near a computer or use a call center.  The location information comes directly to your phone.