GPS Device Rental FAQ’s

No. Your GPS Device Number (1) unit rental includes locates, and there are no locates if you are renting the GPS Device number (2) unit, as it does not transmit any data wirelessly.

For client satisfaction, we allow you to use the unit the entire 30 calendar days of your rental agreement. Please make sure that the tracking device that you return to www.privatedetectiveservicesone.com contains a postmark dated no later than the last day of your contract.

You do not need to worry about the time it takes for the shipment to return to www.privatedetectiveservicesone.com all we ask is that you return the item the day after your rental period ends.

For a detailed list of what is included with the rental of any of our GPS devices please click here.

Our ordering system is very simple. Just submit your contract information via our ordering form, then print the rental agreement for the product you are renting. Once you have finished filling out your rental agreement, simply fax it and you will receive an email notification when your rental ships.

We currently accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover or check.

The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a satellite-based navigation system made up of a network of 24 satellites placed into orbit by the U.S. Department of Defense. GPS was originally intended for military applications, but in the 1980’s, the government made the system available for civilian use. GPS works in any weather conditions, anywhere in the world, 24 hours a day.

GPS satellites circle the earth twice a day in a very precise orbit and transmit signal information to earth. GPS receivers take this information and use triangulation to calculate the user’s exact location. Essentially, the GPS receiver compares the time a signal was transmitted by a satellite with the time it was received. The time difference tells the GPS receiver how far away the satellite is. Now, with distance measurements from a few more satellites, the receiver can determine the user’s position and display it on the unit’s electronic map.

A GPS receiver must be locked on to the signal of at least three satellites to calculate a 2D position (latitude and longitude) and track movement. With four or more satellites in view, the receiver can determine the user’s 3D position (latitude, longitude and altitude). Once the user’s position has been determined, the GPS unit can calculate other information, such as speed, bearing, track, trip distance, distance to destination, sunrise and sunset and sunset time and more.

Many things can affect how accurate your GPS receiver works. The atmosphere, the ionosphere and the position of your receiver could all affect the GPS accuracy. Also any buildings, natural structures or heavy foliage that obstructs the GPS view (line of sight) of the sky may decrease the position accuracy.

In general, civilian (not military) GPS can provide position information with an error of less than 25 meters, and velocity information with an error of less then 5 meters per second.

Factors that can degrade the GPS signal and thus affect accuracy include the following:

-Ionosphere and troposphere delays – The satellite signal slows as it passes through the atmosphere. The GPS system uses a built-in model that calculates an average amount of delay to partially correct for this type of error.

-Signalmultipath – This occurs when the GPS signal is reflected off objects such as tall buildings or large rock surfaces before it reaches the receiver. This increases the travel time of the signal, thereby causing errors.

-Receiver clock errors – A receiver’s built-in clock is not as accurate as the atomic clocks onboard the GPS satellites. Therefore, it may have very slight timing errors.

-Orbital errors – Also known as ephemeris errors, these are inaccuracies of the satellite’s reported location.

-Number of satellites visible – The more satellites a GPS receiver can “see” the better the accuracy. Buildings, terrain, electronic interference, or sometimes even dense foliage can block signal reception, causing position errors or possibly no position reading at all. GPS units typically will not work indoors, underwater or underground.

-Satellite geometry/shading – This refers to the relative position of the satellites at any given time. Ideal satellite geometry exists when the satellites are located at wide angles relative to each other. Poor geometry results when the satellites are located in a line or in a tight grouping.

GPS satellites transmit two low power radio signals, designated L1 and L2. Civilian GPS uses the L1 frequency of 1575.42 MHz in the UHF band. The signals travel by line of sight, meaning they will pass through clouds, glass and plastic but will not go through most solid objects such as buildings and mountains.

Because GPS is a relatively weak signal (1575.4MHz), it cannot travel through metal, concrete, or other like materials.

This means that if the GPS antenna on a tracking unit is blocked by any metal of a vehicle, or if the vehicle is parked in a parking garage or a busy downtown area near tall buildings, you may have problems getting a location for the vehicle at that time.

By default the GPS Device Number (1) unit is programmed with an internal AT&T/Cingular data SIM card. You can click here for a detailed data coverage map of AT&T/Cingular data availability.

We recommend visiting your local AT&T/Cingular authorized dealer and request a more detailed map of your local are. Unfortunately, neither company will provide such a map via the internet, or on the phone.

We recommend you click here for all the details on exactly how GPS Device Number (1) operates and communicates.

Every GPS Device Number (1) unit has a 2,000-position capable internal memory system. This means that if for any reason your unit cannot transmit the data in real-time (whether for cell coverage, or any other variable) it will store up to 2,000 positions in it’s memory, and then transmit the memory the next time cellular coverage resumes.

2,000 positions is equivalent to 00 locates per day, for 20 days. The average GPS Device Number (1) unit checks in about 80 to 100 times per day. That number could be higher, or lower, depending on how you use the device.

The GPS Device Number (1) unit is powered by 6 AA (double A) batteries.

All rentals come with unlimited locates. We do not charge you for the usage. All fees are included in your monthly rental fee.

The main benefit of the GPS Device Number (1) unit is that it provides real-time, up-to-date tracking.

The GPS Device Number (1) unit utilizes AT&T/Cingular cellular data technology, which is available in all 50 States. To check availability of service in your area you can click here to view AT&T/Cingular online coverage map.

Battery life is highly affected by the amount of the tracking you would like to do. If you are tracking a vehicle that does about 2 hours of driving per day you can expect 3+ weeks of battery life.

The GPS device Number (1) unit can operate for up to 120 days off the 6-AA batteries (the more you use the unit, the less battery life you can expect).

GPS Device Number (1) unit is equipped with 2 – 25lb magnets on its rear, and since device number 1 only weighs 2lbs., that’s more then enough strength to handle placement either inside OR outside a vehicle.

The GPS device Number (1) unit is motion-activated, so the most important aspect of installation is placement of the base (black box). You want to be sure wherever you mount the unit, it will be able to feel the vehicle is moving (vibration) – preferably something attached directly to the frame.

GPS Device Number (1) Description

The GPS Device Number (1) unit is a small, covert, real-time GPS tracking device. The device uses an internal cell-phone module to transmit data, and operates off AA batteries for up to 120 days.

The GPS Device Number (1) unit is motion sensitive and begins to gather GPS data when the vehicle starts, and sends the position data over the internet to a server. The device sends its position every 1, 2, 5, or 10 minutes (you choose the interval). The datais sent using GPRS data service and a two-way connection is made. The data is stored on the server and your software will download all data from the server automatically.

Rental of the GPS Device Number (1) Unit Includes

Free 3 Day Shipping or Overnight/Next Day Shipping for $45.00
Free Phone Tech Support (Manufacturer Provided)
(1) GPS Device Number (1) Unit (ready for immediate use)
(6) AA Batteries
(1) GPS Device Number (1) Unit Software
(1) External GPS Antenna
(1) GPS Device Number (1) Unit Product/software manual

The GPS Device Number (1) unit software can be installed on any Windows ME/2000/XP Operating System. After entering your assigned username/password and Device Number (1) unit ID# your software will automatically retrieve data from our server every 2 minutes. The software includes everything you will need to track and monitor your GPS Device Number (1) unit so there is no need for any 3rd party websites or fees!

We recommend you click here for all the details on exactly how the GPS Device Number (2) unit operates and communicates.

Yes. The GPS Device Number (2) unit can operate in all 50 States, and is not limited by cellular capabilities.

No. You can track as much as you’d like with the GPS Device Number (2) unit and download the tracking history directly to your computer. The units’ memory can store up to 13,000 positions. If you ever think you might run out of memory, just download the information to your computer, and place the unit back on the vehicle you are tracking.

Please view the chart below for estimated GPS Device Number (2) unit battery life:

Data Rate 3 Hour Commuter Non-Stop Delivery Truck

10 Seconds 3 Days 9.5 Hours

20 Seconds 5.5 Days 19 Hours

30 Seconds 10 Days 3.4 Hours

60 Seconds 18 Days 6 Days

The GPS Device Number (2) unit is equipped with 1 – 25lb magnet on its rear and since the unit only weighs 2lbs., which is more than enough strength to handle placement either inside OR outside a vehicle.

The GPs Device Number (2) unit is motion-activated, so the most important aspect of installation is placement of the base (black box). You want to be sure wherever you mount the unit, it will be able to feel the vehicle is moving (vibrations) – preferably something attached directly to the frame.

GPS Device Number (2) Description

The GPS Device Number (2) unit is a small, covert, data-logging tracking device. Using internal switches you can set this tracking device every 10, 20, 30, or 60 seconds. The device has an internal memory that is capable of storing up to 13, 000 GPS positions and can operate up to 18 days off 4 AA batteries.

Rental of the GPS Device Number (2) Unit Includes

Free 3 Day Shipping or Overnight/Next Day for $45.00
Free Phone Tech Support (Manufacturer Provided)
(1) GPS Device Number (2) Unit (ready for immediate use)
(4) AA Batteries
(1) GPS Device Number (2) Unit Software
(1) External GPS Antenna (15’ Cable)
(1) GPS Device Number (2) Unit Product/Software Manual

The GPS Device Number (2) unit can be installed on any Windows ME/2000/XP Operating System. After you remove the device from the item being tracked you simply connect the device to your computer and download the data. The software includes everything you will need to track and monitor your device so there is no need for any 3rd party websites.

Our software has been tested and works properly on the following Operating Systems: Windows ME, Windows 2000, and Windows XP and XP Pro.

The GPS Device Number (1) unit is a cellular device that uses cellular data towers to transmit information wirelessly to our server. Anytime you open your device number (1) software it will automatically log you into our server every 2 minutes to check for any new information your device may have sent.

No. Unlike most other GPS systems, we tailored our software to work specifically with our units. Instead of generic black/white reports provided via most internet GPS systems, our system provides real-time GPS system location via a mapping engine. For more software features please see our software page.

Currently our software is only compatible with Windows ME, Windows 2000, and Windows XP and XP Pro.

At least 128MB of RAM and we recommend at least 256MB of DDR RAM or better for optimum CPU performance.

Our software will tell you not only the GPS latitude/longitude, but it will estimate the physical street address of the latitude and longitude as well. It will also provide duration, speed, heading, and if your renting GPS Device Number (1) current battery percent remaining. Don’t forget that our Software as a built-in mapping engine that will allow you to play route history and various other features.