A GPS tracker based on GPRS/GSM that is able to give you real-time location ALWAYS needs a SIM card that is in good working order. Along with a SIM card, the tracker relies on the following in order to be able to acquire an accurate location:
1. GPS Signal - this is the signal that comes from the GPS satellites orbiting the earth and the tracker must be able to communicate or 'see' at least 3 of these satellites in order to obtain and send you an accurate location
Factors that affect poor GPS Signal:
- if the tracker is in underground parking or in covered parking as GPS signals cannot travel through thick solid objects
- tracker in between tall buildings as GPS signals cannot bounce around like GSM signals
- if the weather is bad (typhoon) where there is heavy rain and cloud cover this can also affect the GPS signal
Interesting fact: a great place to get a really good GPS signal would be in the middle of the ocean!
2. GSM - if you are using only SMS to get the location from your tracker (in other words you are not using our web tracking platform) then the tracker must be in an area where there is GSM or 'text' signal so that the tracker is able to send you via SMS its location.
Factors that affect poor GSM signal:
- if your tracker is in a remote area you may not have GSM signal
- 'dead spots' which are areas in cities where there is no cell coverage
3. GPRS - if you are using our web tracking platform or mobile app then the SIM card inside the tracker needs to be able to communicate via GPRS (internet) with our web server. If the tracker is in a remote area or area where there is weak internet signal then the tracker will not be able to send the location to the web server until it is in a better location with better GPRS signal.
If your tracker is not giving you an accurate location please make sure that the tracker is:
- in an area where it can see the open sky;
- not in covered parking
- not in an underground parking
- not in the area where there is no GSM or GPRS (for the platform only) signal - a good way to test is just to see if your phone has a GPS or data signal;
- turn ON ignition of the vehicle if possible (this helps restart the tracker)
- if using SMS location then make sure the tracker has text load
If you still need additional help feel free to send a support ticket request to: support@manilagpstrackers.com