TrimTrac™

 

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The TrimTrac Locator: Affordable, Sensible, Versatile

The world's first affordable, fully integrated vehicle tracking, security and recovery device for applications requiring periodic autonomous position reporting and/or real-time on-demand polling, and cost-effective wireless communications.

What is the TrimTrac locator?

The TrimTrac locator is a self-contained and complete packaged end-user device. The size of a white board eraser, it can report position based on a variety of user-defined methods such as automatic sending of periodic autonomous reports, motion detected or scheduled reports, or even real-time on-demand polls for the reporting the most current position. These reports are sent as SMS text messages over a GSM communications network either individually or grouped together to reduce the telecommunication costs and improve battery life.

Other features:

• No external wires or antenna
• Durable, lightweight, water-resistant housing
• Enhanced sensitivity for indoor and outdoor reporting
• Tri-band GSM 900/1800 MHz (DCS) and 1900 MHz (PCS) for worldwide coverage
• Operates up to 90 days on 4 AA batteries under typical usage with good GPS signal strength.
• Optional Vehicle Adapter Module connects to vehicle power and has a standby rechargeable battery for continued operations if vehicle power is lost

TrimTrac locator is engineered to offer a host of features and benefits that make it a practical, yet versatile solution for private vehicle monitoring.

Covert Mount Case   2 Large magnets on case to discreetly mount out of sight.

Vehicle Adapter (SPECIAL ORDER) Replaces standard battery-pack and allows connection to an external 9-32 VDC power supply and three types of switched inputs. Includes rechargeable battery to allow limited operation after loss of external power

GPS technology/GSM communications

• Single-processor integration for high reliability, lower overall cost, functionality, power conservation, small device size
• Reliable, proven technologies
• Existing infrastructure for global tracking
• Most widely deployed digital wireless network
• World-class GPS performance
• Tri-band GSM 900/1800 MHz (DCS) and 1900 MHz (PCS)
• GSM coverage equivalent to CDMA in United States- metro areas and along Interstate corridors between metro areas
• Industry-standard hardware/software for easy and rapid adoption

No external wires/antenna

• Eliminates costly, time-consuming installations
• Enables rapid deployment

Motion-based reporting

• Reduced power usage and application communications costs can be passed to end-users
• Immediate status report when a vehicle is moved/ongoing location reports
• Programmable and schedule based reporting enables daily or weekly at a specified time

Enhanced sensitivity

• Clear view of the sky not required
• Works outdoors and in some indoor settings
• Permits discrete placement of device

Power options

• Easily removable battery compartment simplifies maintenance
• Slip on Vehicle Adapter Module

The TrimTrac locator provides location reports in support of the following:

Safety/Security

• Emergency services and accident assistance

Personal vehicle monitoring

• Track logging
  • application server-based and TrimTrac locator-based
  • stores up to 128 position reports
• Speed reporting
  • velocity information
• Geo-fencing
  • location reports can be compared with vehicle's geographic boundaries

Technical Specifications

Key Features

Complete packaged end-user device
No external connections or antennas
GSM 900/1800 MHz (DCS) and 1900 MHz (PCS)
Indoor and outdoor position reports via SMS
Battery-powered or connect to vehicle power
Monitor up to three types of inputs

GSM Specifications
GSM	Normal MS-SMS data only
900/1800/1900	Class 4 (2W) at 900 MHz (EGSM) Class 1 (1W) at 1800 MHz (GSM 1800) and 1900 MHz (GSM 1900 PCS)
SIM	1.8V/3V
Type Approvals	FCC Part 15, FCC Part 24 (FCC Identifier JUPTRIMTRAC1) Industry Canada (Cert. No. 1756A-TRIMTRAC1) CE MARK E Mark ECR & TTE Type Examination

GPS Specifications
General	L1 (1575.42 MHz) frequency, C/A code 12-Channels, 48 Correlators
Sensitivity	Minimum –136.0 dBm Acquisition without external assistance
Accuracy	Horizontal Altitude Velocity	<6 meters (50%) <11 meters (50%) 0.06 m/sec
Acquisition	Signal Power Hot Start (50%) Warm Start (50%) Cold Start (50%)	-130.0 dB <24 sec <38 sec <90 sec	-136.0 dB <400 sec
Dynamics	Acceleration Motional jerk	4g (39.2 m/sec2) 20 m/sec3
Datum	WGS-84

Environmental Specifications
Temperature	Operating	-10°C to +55°C
Humidity	5% to 95% RH non-condensing at +40°C
Casing	IP 55 standard when used with batteries
Vibration*	0.008 g2/Hz 0.05 g2/Hz -3 dB/octave	5 Hz to 20 Hz 20 Hz to 100 Hz 100 Hz to 900 Hz
Shock*	Operational Non-operational	40g for 11milliseconds 75g for 6 milliseconds

Physical Specifications
Assembly	Injection molded plastic with integrated battery pack
Size	143.3 mm x 76.2 mm x 36.7 mm 5.78" x 2.99" x 1.44"
Weight	205 grams (7.2 oz) not including batteries 300 grams (10.2 oz) with 4 AA alkaline batteries

Electrical Characteristics
Primary Power	Four AA batteries (not included) or 9-32 VDC (2)
Battery Life	Up to 90 days, (10 reports/day, GSM coverage, -130 dBm GPS)
Connectors	None when battery powered

Ordering Information and Accessories
TrimTrac Locator Unit	Included basic unit, battery pack for four AA batteries and/or Vehicle Adaptor
Vehicle Adapter	Replaces standard battery-pack and allows connection to an external 9-32 VDC power supply and three types of switched inputs. Includes rechargeable standby battery to allow limited operation after loss of external power
Provisioning Kit	Provisioning Module used to commission TrimTrac prior to initial use. Includes Manual CD-ROM, USB A-A data cable for connection to USB port on PC
User Manual	User Manual CD-ROM. Intended to be used by systems integrators and solution providers for application development, commissioning and troubleshooting
Starter Kit	Complete kit consisting of one each of all of the above
Mounting Bracket	Metal bracket for permanent or rugged installation
Clip-in Bracket	Quick release plastic holster-style bracket

ustomer Supplied Items

• Active SIM card, SMS enabled
• Four alkaline AA batteries
• Alert switches and interface devices
• Installation compliances

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:

Features	Benefits
Integrated GPS and GSM using single CPU	Low cost, small footprint, low power consumption
Enhanced GPS sensitivity	TheTrimTrac locator can determine position in places where traditional GPS does not work
Tri-band GSM 900/1800 MHz (DCS) and 1900 MHz (PCS)	Nearly ubiquitous coverage via the prevailing worldwide standard for wireless digital communications
Short Message Service (SMS) Support	Efficient, cost-effective data transmission
Complete end-user device including water resistant package and internal antennas	Eliminates installation and reduces costs
Self-powered using four AA batteries that last 90 days with typical usage	Eliminates installation and enables the device to work in places where power is unavailable
Optional Vehicle Adapter Module	Leverages external power; standby battery enables the device to continue working even if external power is disconnected
Multi-mode reporting capability	Enables the end-user to select the most optimum reporting method: motion detection, scheduled daily or weekly reports and criteria based queries for on-demand polling
The most versatile solution on the market	The rugged and modular design of TrimTrac combined with its GPS capabilities using GSM standards, and its multi-mode reporting capability enables a variety of applications in safety/security, as well as fleet management applications. No existing solution can boast such versatility and combine TrimTrac's performance with such low costs of owerneship
Low cost	Significantly less expensive than comparable devices

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.

 

 

A service plan is REQUIRED FOR UNITS TO FUNCTION.