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FAQs
Q: How Do Trackers Work?
Q: What is GPS?
Q: What information does the system provide?
Q: How accurate is the tracking system?
Q: How often does the system update?
Q: How many vehicles can the system monitor?
Q: How reliable is the signal from the tracker?
Q: Do the trackers need to be installed (hard-wired)?
Q: How long does it take to install a tracker?
Q: When and where can installation take place?
Q: Is installation covert?
Q: What software do I need?
Q: Is there a subscription charge for the service?
Q: How long is the contract?
Q: Can I use my own SIM card?
Q: Will having a tracker fitted reduce my insurance premiums?
Q: Does the system work outside of the UK?
Q: How Do Trackers Work?
A: Our trackers are fitted with an onboard GPS receiver, which receives frequent transmissions from multiple GPS satellites.
The tracker then uses the data received from the GPS satellites to accurately locate it's position (calculated in longitude and latitude), it's speed and a host of other information (see 'What information does the system provide?) in real time.
This information is then transmitted from the tracker to secure servers at the BOXgateway data centre, via the GPRS mobile phone network.
Subscribers can then access this information (both live and historical) on their computers, via the easy to use Spoton software provided.
Q: What is GPS?
A: GPS (Global Positioning System) is satellite navigation system. It uses a constellation of between 24 and 32 Medium Earth Orbit satellites that transmit precise microwave signals, enabling GPS receivers to determine their location, speed, direction and time. GPS was developed by the United States Department of Defense and is managed by the United States Air Force.
Q: What information does the system provide?
A: Our BOX-trackers and BOX-solo trackers provide the following real time/historical data about tracked vehicles/mobile assets:
- Accurate position (calculated in longitude and latitude)
- Journey start, stop and end times
- Route history
- Speed
- Odometer readings
This information is available via the easy to use Spoton PC based software provided.
Our trackers can also report pre-programmed events by way of an alert.
Standard events include:
- Movement during/outside working hours
- Arrival/departure to/from a specified location
- Entering/exiting a specified area (Geofencing)
- Speeding (user set parameters)
- Early/late arrival at appointment
- Entering/exiting a congestion zone
- Ignition on/off
- Excessive engine idle
Optional event:
- True Speed (speeds in excess of prevailing speed limit)
These alerts are available via the Spoton PC based software provided, e-mail and, optionally, SMS.
Q: How accurate is the tracking system?
A: GPS tracking is very accurate and normally reports a vehicle's position to with a few metres.
The Spoton software (provided) uses this information to display and track the vehicle on clear street level maps or full aerial photography (via Google® maps).
Q: How often does the system update?
A: Our trackers update very 60 seconds and transmit data the BOXgateway data centre every 5 minutes.
When the vehicle's ignition is switched off, the tracker logs a 'parked event' every 1-24 hours and transmits the data every 1-24 hours.
Q: How many vehicles can the system monitor?
A: The Spoton system is capable of tracking single, multiple or even thousands of vehicles.
Q: How reliable is the signal from the tracker?
A: In the event that a tracked vehicle enters or passes through a low network coverage area, the data gathered by the tracker is stored in the device and then transmitted when full coverage is resumed. No data is lost in these cases.
Q: Do the trackers need to be installed (hard-wired)?
A: Our BOX-tracker requires installation. Standard (week-day/working hours) installation is included in our online price.
Our BOX-solo trackers are portable and do not require installation.
Q: How long does it take to install a tracker?
A: Installation times vary from vehicle to vehicle. However, on average, a standard installation takes between one and one and a half hours to complete.
Q: When and where can installation take place?
A: Installation and commissioning is carried out by a fully trained Box Telematics engineer and can be arranged to suit customer requirements. Standard (week-day/working hours) installation is included in our online price. Out of hours installation(weekdays outside working hours and/or weekends) is available for an additional fee.
Q: Is installation covert?
A: Yes. The BOX-tracker is covertly fitted and is not visible to the driver (or anyone entering the vehicle).
Q: What software do I need?
A: An easy to use PC-based software application is provided. The Spoton system has massive functionality and offers full visibility of tracked vehicles, using a choice of mapping displays - from clear street mapping to full aerial photography integrated via Google® maps.
Q: Is there a subscription charge for the service?
A: There is a monthly subscription charge, payable quarterly in advance, which includes unlimited UK data usage.
Use outside of the UK is subject to additional International Roaming charges. Please contact us for further details.
Q: How long is the contract?
A: All of our tracking devices are supplied subject to a 12 month contract as standard.
However, we can supply our trackers on a rolling one month contract by way of a special order.
For more information, or to order, please contact us.
Q: Can I use my own SIM card?
A: All of our tracking devices are supplied with an active SIM as standard.
We can supply our trackers SIM free, by way of a special order - own SIM users receive the same access service and data usage allowances as supplied SIM users.
For more information, or to order, please contact us.
Q: Will having a tracker fitted reduce my insurance premiums?
A: Yes, almost certainly. Many insurance companies offer significant premium discounts to individuals or companies whose vehicles are fitted with a tracking device (regardless of whether it is a real-time tracking system or merely a security/anti-theft device).
Q: Does the system work outside of the UK?
A: Yes, it will work. However, usage outside of the UK will incur higher charges. Please contact us for further details.