RSS
Home
TracKing micro GPS tracking unit provides wealth of driving data
Print
Email
RSS
Subscribe
TracKing pro micro GPS unit (Spy Chest)
I was recently lucky enough to conduct an extended hands-on review of the TracKing micro GPS tracking unit and was very impressed with the amount of information recorded by such a small device. The TracKing, provided by Spy Chest, is designed to be hidden on a vehicle to record such information as speed, stop time, addresses of stops, direction, etc. This information is presented in three valuable formats by included Past Track software. You can generate a text based report that includes the addresses of each stopping point as well as maximum speed and times travelled with surprising accuracy. Clicking on these address links opens Google Maps via your Internet connection.
In addition there is an included map mode that displays an animated icon moving across a map of the United States indicating time, speed, direction traveled, altitude, elapsed trip time as well as an altimeter. This data is displayed on meters as the route is plotted over the map. You may zoom in on the included map as much as necessary to see the detail you need. Additionally, the software interfaces with Google Earth to provide street level detail representation of the data gathered.
The TracKing comes in a package not much bigger than the two AA batteries that power it. The attached magnet is powerful enough to hold the device in place inside a speaker mount or under the dash. My testing also indicated that the GPS reception was exceptional. Like all GPS devices, the TracKing works best with a clear view of the sky, however; I found that was able to lock on to the satellites from under a plastic bumper, inside the glove box, inside the rear tire mount as well as inside a back console speaker. It also worked great on top of my truck when it was braced by the luggage rack. There are numerous metal surfaces on or in an 18 wheeler cabin where the device could be attached. The TracKing is water resistant with rubber O rings and rubber flaps covering any openings.
I was happily surprised to find that the batteries that came with the unit powered it for several weeks of continuous use. This is partially facilitated by the power saving sleep mode the TracKing enters when it detects that it has been stopped for a period of time. Optionally, a permanent power source is available that uses the mini USB port that is normally used to download the data to your computer.
The data is transferred to your computer via a USB connection so there are no monthly fees for using the device. Many uses for the TracKing leap to mind such as tracking a business fleet of vehicles for speed and stop time, or monitoring a teenager’s driving habits without them knowing. It could also be used to track your own vehicle travel for expense reporting. I am sure you get the idea.
The feature-rich TracKing is available from Spy Chest for a reasonable $269.99. I believe the peace of mind the TracKing affords is well worth the price.
Related Articles:
Comments
.jpg)
