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Trackers
Trackers basics
Vehicle tracking systems or 'trackers' have increased increadibly in popularity in recent years. There are many systems out there, but in general, a tracker system typically involves:
Some systems also work via a mobile phone network, so that they can be turned on/off with your phone, and if your car is moving when it shouldn't be, it will actually call you!
Check out the trackers buyer's guide to see what to look for.
Jargon buster
You may come across the following jargon or terms when looking for a tracker system.
Use the quick links below to navigate more quickly:
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
B
Battery back up
The device has its own battery, which allows it to work even if the main car battery is disconnected.
Black box
Originally the name for the flight data recorder in planes, now refers to any data logging system.
D
Differential GPS
A form of GPS which uses additional data from fixed and roving receivers to reduce plotting errors and obtain more accurate positioning.
E
Emergency override
A feature enabling you to override the alarm if your remote control is lost or stops working.
G
GeoFence
A geographic boundary that is set up to monitor your car. If your car goes outside this boundary, an alert is sent.
GIS
(G)eographic (I)nformation (S)ystem. Mapping software that uses geographic data.
GSM
(G)lobal (S)ystem for (M)obile communications. Technology for mobiles used on most of the world's networks.
I
Immobiliser
An immobiliser stops the vehicle from being driven away. There are two types:
1. Mechanical: These lock either the steering wheel, gear lever or pedals in position.
2. Electronic: These disable the vehicle's electrical system and engine. This sets off the alarm if a thief breaks a car window.
Inclination sensor
This sets off the alarm when it senses the vehicle is being raised or jacked up to tow the vehicle away or steal the wheels.
L
Last door arming
See Passive Arming.
Lift/Tilt Sensor
The system can tell if the vehicle is moved off the ground or tilted to a different angle. Some thieves steal cars by lifting them onto trucks and driving them away.
LED
Flashing light usually installed on the dashboard to indicate that the system is switched on.
M
Modular unit
The system comes in different components or modules, which can be installed in separate places in the vehicle, making it harder for thieves to detect and remove or disable.
P
Paging
A paging device sends a signal to the owner, telling them the car is being attacked or stolen.
Passive arming
The alarm/immobiliser is switched on automatically when you leave the car.
R
Remote diagnostics
The system can talk to a remote location (ie. the company's HQ) to tell them if a failure is occuring. Similarly, the status of the system can be checked from a remote location.
Reverse geocoding
The conversion of latitude and longitude coordinate data of locations into descriptive addresses.
S
Sat Nav
Short for "Satellite Navigation", referring to navigation systems based on GPS data.
T
Telematics
The integration of computers and telecommunications, particularly in systems combining wireless communication and mobile GPS tracking.
Telemetry
Gathering data at a distance and relaying it to the observer. Often used in environments where it would be dangerous or difficult to collect the data directly, or where the subject of study is mobile, such as a vehicle. Is also used to collect information on the location and activities of animals (biotelemetry).
Tilt Sensor
See lift sensor.
Total Closure/Central Locking
Enable the whole car (doors, boot, sunroof) to be locked with just one operation of a key or remote control.
Transponder
This is a uniquely coded identification microchip, which can be used in an immobiliser key to help prevent a vehicle from being stolen.
Transponder bypass module
Required on most vehicles from 1997 (and some earlier) for remote starters to function. Allows the alarm to turn the factory fitted immobiliser off when remote start is used.
U
Ultrasonic detectors
A device that detects movement inside a vehicle.
V
Valet mode
When in valet mode an alarm will only operate your central locking, all other alarm features are disabled. Ideal for valet parking services and when taking your car in for servicing.
Volumetric Sensor
This sets off an alarm if a thief enters the vehicle.
W
Warn away
Sounds a series of short chirps from the siren to alert people that the alarm is armed. Used with dual zone microwave sensors to detect someone too close to the car or dual stage shock sensors to detect light knocks or bangs.
Window closure
An add on for cars without Total Closure which allows the windows to be closed automatically when the alarm is armed.
Z
Zone bypass
Prevents repeated false alarms from a defective or poorly adjusted sensor. The alarm disables a sensor if too many alarm activations occurr in a short time during one armed period. The zone is restored to normal operation when the alarm is next armed.
Reviews & ratings
See our reviews and ratings section for other car owner's views.
