GPS Car: Function, How It Works and How to Install
Car GPS is a device commonly used to detect the presence of a car. All the features available are more directed towards protection for vehicle owners in case their beloved car experiences unwanted events. Such as fraud, theft, the car being taken away, and misuse of the vehicle.
With the existing features, it seems that the use of car GPS cannot be taken lightly. This device plays an important role in safety and security while driving.
As quoted by Livewire, perhaps in some of the latest car models, some kind of car navigation device has been embedded, making drivers reluctant to install additional devices like GPS trackers. In fact, navigation devices and GPS trackers serve different functions.
The navigation system can inform the location and directions while driving. Meanwhile, a GPS tracker is a car tracking device that stores records, driving habits, and broadcasts its location in real time.
Functions of Car GPS
Although the device is small, installing a GPS in a car has many functions, here is the list:
1. Anticipating car theft
GPS can be used to accurately track the location and presence of the car. The car's location point can serve as a reference for authorities in the event of a car theft. At the very least, this device can facilitate the police in finding the car's location and the car thief.
There are even some more advanced GPS features, such as remotely shutting down the car's engine, of course, this depends on the type of GPS and specific car brands.
2. Viewing travel history
Car GPS can provide data in the form of the vehicle's travel history. Car owners can know the location, departure time, and return time. All this data will be neatly stored in the GPS system and can be viewed by the car owner at any time.
3. Monitoring family while driving
Not only can it track location. Some types of GPS are also equipped with safety features while driving. For example, by setting speed limits while driving. If the vehicle exceeds the limit, a certain warning will be sent to the vehicle owner.
This is certainly useful for those who want to monitor the driving habits of their children, wives, or even siblings.
4. Eavesdropping on conversations in the car
The sophistication of GPS technology can help car owners if they face theft without having to panic. Just by tracking the car's location, then eavesdropping on conversations that may occur, the recorded data can serve as evidence when the police catch the perpetrator. Even the other function, the eavesdropped conversations in the car can also reveal infidelity cases.
How does GPS tracking work?
As quoted by Discover Magz, car GPS tracking uses satellite networks to determine the vehicle's location. The basic idea of this technology uses a process called trilateration to determine physical locations based on distances through three satellites.
This is the exact technology used by portable navigation systems. Then the location point is sent via GPRS signals through the operator's tower. In the server, this data is converted and processed to be displayed through web browsers, desktop applications, mobile browsers, and smartphone applications.
How to install car GPS
To use all the features available on car GPS, you must fully understand the GPS components and the car's electrical system. Usually, there are four wires that need to be connected, namely the On/Off wire, the battery plus-minus wire, and the wire connected to the car door.
Then insert a mobile card that already contains a data package into the GPS so that the system can work. If everything is installed, immediately set the access through a smartphone or website for registration to the server either via phone or SMS. Once everything is connected, the car GPS is ready to use.
Car GPS as a business support in various fields
Another function of GPS installed in cars is not only directed towards the safety and security of personal vehicles but can also be used as business support in certain fields.
One of the most familiar is car rentals. The rise in vehicle theft cases makes rental owners more vigilant in facing various possibilities. Equipping all vehicles with car GPS is a must. Taxi and online taxi drivers also need to provide more protection for their cars for comfort and safety while working.
Then, freight forwarding companies that rely on land routes also need to install GPS devices on their vehicles. The security of goods delivery is certainly an important aspect that must be maintained. By using GPS technology, operational vehicles for goods delivery can be monitored well.
Chemical liquid companies and oil delivery also heavily rely on GPS for operations. Heavy fleets that are vulnerable to various risks must be anticipated to avoid losses.
Incidents such as tank leaks, theft, and accident risks that endanger can cause significant losses to the company. To enhance the security of chemical or oil deliveries, each fleet needs to be equipped with GPS that can record travel activities for real-time monitoring.
Tips for choosing car GPS
Unlike car navigation devices that are usually standard equipment when you buy the latest car models. Unfortunately, GPS trackers can be purchased separately.
Currently, many quality car GPS devices are sold in the market starting from Rp 500 thousand. Before you buy a car GPS, it is advisable to pay attention to what features are offered.
1. Has complete features
It is better to look for a car GPS that has complete features such as speed limit sensors, remote engine control, monitoring travel routes, and recording and monitoring vehicle speed periodically. Even for more expensive ones, some GPS can also record conversations inside the car.
2. Ease of monitoring
Have you bought an expensive one but the GPS monitoring can only be done via computer? This will certainly be troublesome. Look for a car GPS that is equipped with a monitoring system and has an interface that is easy to understand. At the very least, car GPS applications are available on the Play Store and App Store, right?
3. Check the signal sensitivity level
A quality car GPS has good signal reception. Therefore, check the signal reception from the satellites. Make sure the GPS in the car functions properly and can receive signals.
4. Works in real time
A good car GPS must be able to present data in real time. Vehicle owners can monitor the vehicle's position at that moment. You can directly check the accuracy of the GPS system to see if it can provide the location in real time or not.
5. Be wary of cheap GPS prices
Most cheap GPS devices use free servers, and some even join with other tracker manufacturers. The data from vehicles entering these free servers tends to be less secure. It is not uncommon for the program to experience errors, maps not to update, and sudden shutdowns.
Author: Dinno Baskoro
