Comparing GPS Location Loggers – Tracking Every Movement
Trackstick II
There are two kinds of GPS trackers when it comes to GPS Tracking. Some work in real time, giving you a live indication of the location and movements of the tracker; while others will log tracking information that can be played back on a computer afterwards.
Real time GPS trackers require a SIM card and communicate by SMS or GPRS to a central server. Usually a web-based application is used to render the locations on a map.
Real-time trackers usually have a monthly fee usage fee, in addition to having to purchase the tracking equipment itself. GPS data loggers on the other hand are a one time investment, no extra software needs to be purchased and no monthly fees are involved. In this article, I will be focusing on the GPS data loggers, and I’ll compare a few different variations of the Trackstick model.
Trackstick I
A GPS data logger allows you to track any moving object, such as a car, boat, bike, or even a plane! The logger will record where it went, for how long, where it stopped and everything in between. GPS data loggers such as the Trackstick I, Trackstick II and Super Trackstick can record the day, date, time, route, stoppage time and even the speed of a moving vehicle. Put the Trackstick on the desired vehicle, then retrieve the unit later to playback all of the logged details.
The GPS data loggers can be used for a number of purposes, such as monitoring family members, employees, or your own vehicles. The biggest advantage of GPS data loggers compared to real-time trackers is that they are very small in size; they can easily fit easily into the palm of your hand and can be concealed almost anywhere. Some GPS loggers have a magnet that allows them to be attached to the underside of a vehicle too!
Super Trackstick
The Trackstick models are provided with a user friendly program called the Trackstick Manager. Data can be analyzed easily, locations can be shown on Google Maps or routes can be exported to Google Earth.
The Super Trackstick, as its name indicates, is the most advanced and latest version of the Trackstick series, whereas the Trackstick I and Trackstick II are its predecessors. The Super Trackstick differentiates itself with its superior accuracy of up to 2.5 metres, a weather proof casing, the magnetic mounting, and a memory capacity 4 times the size of the Trackstick II. Probably the best feature is the vibration detection which means the battery can last for up to 6 weeks on a single charge.
The table below shows the difference in features of the previous Trackstick models and the latest Super Trackstick. It’s really interesting to see how the models have evolved!
| Tracker | Trackstick I | Trackstick II | Super Trackstick |
| Dimensions | 105mm x 30mm x 20mm | ||
| Accuracy | 15 to 22 metres | 2.5 metres | 2.5 metres |
| USB Connector | Integrated USB 2.0 connector | ||
| Splash Proof | No | Yes | Yes |
| Memory Size | n/a | 1MB | 4MB |
| Power Source | 2xAA Batteries | ||
| Temperature Logging | n/a | n/a | Built in temperature recorder -10°C to +60°C +/-1°C (+14°F to 140°F) |
| Software Support | Integrates with Google Earth | ||
| System Requirements | PC with Microsoft Windows and USB 1.1 or 2.0 ports | ||
| Vibration Detection | n/a | n/a | Yes |
| Supplied Software | Trackstick Manager | Trackstick Manager with Route Playback | Trackstick Manager with Route Playback |
| Mounting | Hand Strap | Removable Belt Clip | Removable Belt Clip and Magnetic Mount |
Hi,
Just few bits of information on the Trackstick Super.
-Takes two AAA batteries.
- Accuracy of 2.5m is generous to say the least.
- Batteries will be lucky to last 3 days when using full power mode.
- Signal lost very easily and takes a while to re-connect when going outside again.
Been testing it for the pilot stages of my PhD.
I bought one and followed the instructions. I set it to power save. The route it drew was pretty close to the road I was on, but sometimes had me driving across a lake or through the woods. What annoyed me is it never went to sleep. It sat for five hours one day out in the open and kept logging positions. So it used 9% of memory which means it’s good for only two days plus a few hours. I need at least a week. I returned the item (Bluewater Security Professionals) and they quickly sent a new unit. The replacement also seems unable to go to sleep. Bottom line is the unit will run out of memory in just over two days.
Stay away from Tracksticks. I bought a super trackstick and it is defective and they will not even respond to my emails anymore. They keep insisting the software on my computer is old and I keep telling them it is new software on a new computer. It displays old data from last year and it shows it is 102% full after one day of recording. And when I download the data, it still shows data from 2009.
JUNK!!!!!