Comparison iBag Dakar Pro vs StarLine M66 S

— For transport. GPS trackers designed for installation in cars, motorcycles and other vehicles. They are responsible for determining the coordinates and tracking the movements of the vehicle in real time. To transfer data to the server, where the information becomes available for viewing, such GPS trackers often use SIM cards from mobile operators. Many models allow you to configure alerts for certain events such as speeding, leaving the established geofence, etc. And the most advanced examples may even include remote engine locking. As a rule, GPS trackers for vehicles are supposed to be connected directly to the vehicle’s on-board electrical network, from which they receive the power they need to operate.

— Personal (for people and animals). Models for tracking the location of a person or pet, which are supposed to be carried with you. In the case of people, personal GPS trackers are intended to track movements, remote control of visited objects, etc. And animal trackers allow you to determine the location of your pet. To transfer data to the server, such models usually use a SIM card from a cellular operator. On a separate line, it is important to mention that GPS trackers for people are often equipped with an SOS panic button (see “Functions and capabilities”).

- Universal. Universal destination trackers that can be used in cars, to track the movement...of cargo, and even as a personal GPS tag for a person. The exact implementation of such instances depends on the model. This category is dominated by the so-called “autonomous long-livers” - GPS trackers powered by their own battery for many weeks, or even months on end.

— Search tag. Search tags are supposed to be attached to keys, suitcases, wallets and any other valuable items. They look like small keychains that help you find lost things. The most notable implementation of search tags can be called Apple AirTag - compact “tablets” with a built-in speaker that are integrated into the “Locator” of the Apple ecosystem.

The accuracy of determining the coordinates provided by the tracker. It is indicated by the error in metres, which the device provides; accordingly, the lower the error value, the higher the accuracy. In modern models, this indicator varies from 2 to 10 m — this is quite enough to solve most problems related to the use of GPS trackers.

The number of GPS channels supported by the tracker. In fact, this is the number of navigation signals that the device can simultaneously receive.

Note that the number of channels is not just the number of satellites that the device can “see” at the same time. From a point on the Earth's surface, about 20 navigation satellites are simultaneously visible (9 – 10 GPS and the same number of GLONASS); in this case, the number of channels in the receiver can be noticeably larger. This is done taking into account the fact that modern navigation chipsets are able to process not only direct, but also reflected (from walls, trees, etc.) signals, thereby increasing the speed and accuracy of work. Accordingly, the more channels — the more advanced the device is, the wider its capabilities for processing reflected signals, all other things being equal.

Average hot start time of the GPS receiver.

A hot start is the restoration of communication with satellites after a short break (up to several minutes), during which the data on the position of the satellites have not yet become outdated. Such breaks quite often occur during the operation of the navigator — for example, when entering the "dead zone" in dense urban areas, driving through tunnels, under bridges, etc. In such cases, the navigator does not need to reload satellite information, so the hot start time It turns out very small — usually a few seconds.

Average warm start time for a GPS receiver.

A warm start is the restoration of communication with satellites after a relatively short break (from several minutes to two hours). During this time, part of the information about the position of the satellites becomes outdated, and it needs to be downloaded again. A warm start takes longer than a hot start, but much less than a cold start.

Note that the warm start time is usually indicated for perfect conditions (open area, clear sky, no interference). In more hostile environments, such as those surrounded by tall buildings, the process may take longer.

Average cold start time of a GPS receiver.

A cold start is the establishment of communication with satellites after a long break in operation, during which all data on the position of the satellites have become outdated (or when the device is first turned on, when this data is not loaded at all). With such a start, the receiver must download the full amount of information about the satellites, so the process takes noticeably more time than a warm and especially hot start. Theoretically, in modern GPS trackers, this time is not so long — up to one and a half minutes; however, in fact, it may increase if the receiver is operated in unfavorable conditions (for example, among densely packed high-rise buildings).

GSM bands in which the mobile communication module installed in the tracker operates.

Most mobile networks in the post-Soviet space support the GSM 900 band, less often — GSM 1800. Accordingly, for the mobile communication module to work reliably, it must support both of these bands. However, a more extensive set of standards is often found — GSM 850/900/1800/1900 (the first and last options are used in North and South America). Such a module will be guaranteed to be compatible with almost any network that supports GSM.

— SMS notifications. The ability to send SMS notifications about various events to a customer-specified phone number. In this way, the tracker can report, for example, when the ignition is turned on, about impacts and shocks, when the vehicle moves outside a pre-defined geofence (see “Functions”), etc. The specific set of functions depends on the tracker model. In any case, SMS notifications are a fairly convenient and functional way of informing.

— Voice alerts. Voice notification function for the GPS tracker administrator about unauthorized actions with the vehicle. Like SMS notifications, such alerts can be configured for different cases (for example, a car started moving at the wrong time, deviated from the intended course, or got into an accident). In such situations, an automatic call is made to the operator or administrator of the navigation system with a voice message recorded in advance on the answering machine. However, the methods of informing may vary: some models play the above-mentioned special message when receiving a call, others additionally turn on the built-in microphone for listening, etc. This method is more effective than SMS notification - in the sense that the probability of not hearing a call is much lower than missing an SMS.

— SOS alerts. The ability to send a distress signal by the tracker....The features of this function may differ in different models: some devices send an SOS signal to a given mobile number in the form of an SMS or a call, others send it via the mobile Internet to the server. The method of activating the signal may also vary: in the vast majority of cases, it is turned on by the customer himself by pressing a special button on the tracker body, which allows him to quietly send a signal for help (for example, if the customer has become a victim of a car hijacking). In addition, there is automatic activation of the signal - for example, when a specified speed is exceeded or when a specified geofence is exceeded. And some trackers are equipped with an alarm input and are able to connect to an alarm system - an SOS signal is sent directly when it is triggered.

— Turning on the ignition. The function of sending notifications when the ignition is turned on on a protected vehicle. Such alerts can be used both as an anti-theft tool and for recording working hours in transport companies, delivery services, etc.

— Power off the tracker. The tracker can send notifications about unauthorized power outages. Models with this function, as a rule, receive the main power from the on-board network, and there is a small backup power source in the case. When the device is disconnected from the on-board network, the device sends a warning via SMS or via the mobile Internet about a power outage indicating the current coordinates. This function allows you to react in time to an attempt to disable the tracker and can serve as a notification of other “troubles” - for example, the theft of a battery or problems in the on-board network.

— The tracker battery is low. The function of sending notifications about the low battery level of the device using a tag. When it detects a battery drop below the set limit, the device sends a corresponding warning via SMS or via the mobile Internet. This avoids battery drain and related problems.

— Perimeter control (geofence). The ability to set a specific area on the map, when going beyond which the tracker will send a notification to the administrator in one way or another. This function will be useful primarily for transport companies, delivery services and other commercial users who need to control the location of vehicles within a given area or route. All that is needed to control the perimeter (geofence) is to highlight the virtual borders of the controlled territory on the map.

- Over speed. This function allows you to set information about exceeding the permissible speed by the driver of the vehicle. When traveling “at ease” beyond the established limits, the administrator of the GPS tracker receives appropriate notifications by receiving SMS messages or sending data about speeding via the mobile Internet. The speed control function will come in handy for commercial cargo transportation companies, delivery services, etc.

— Passing the run. The ability to control the permissible mileage of the vehicle. Notifications are sent to the system administrator in one way or another when the limits of the odometer built into the tracker are exceeded. The function is actively used in carsharing vehicles, allowing you to limit the vehicle's mileage beyond the established limit.

— Shutdown fuel/power supply. Functionality to remotely stop a car if it is stolen or the vehicle is moving in an unauthorized manner. The emergency stop option is implemented using a special relay, which is pre-installed into the vehicle electronics system. To stop the fuel/power supply, an SMS with a special command is sent to the tracker. Also, some navigator models allow you to use the emergency stop option using a special software platform (application for PCs, tablets or smartphones). GPS trackers with a fuel/power cut-off function are considered as an additional security system.

— Self-diagnosis. Built-in program for checking the functionality of the tracker. By periodically running self-diagnosis, the customer can monitor the status of the device and take timely corrective action if any problems are detected.

- Bluetooth Smart. Supports authorization based on Bluetooth Smart technology. This technology allows the owner’s smartphone to be used as a contactless radio tag to disarm the device. Other functions associated with such a “tag” may also be provided; they should be clarified separately. The convenience of Bluetooth Smart is that the customer does not need to carry a separate key fob - a smartphone is enough. However, before purchasing, it doesn’t hurt to check whether a particular smartphone will be compatible with this function.
...> — Motion sensor. Built-in sensor that tracks small (from a few centimeters) movements of the tracker. Note that the operating principle of this function is not to determine coordinates from a satellite (no system provides sufficient accuracy for this), but to use inertial sensors based on accelerometers/gyroscopes. The movement sensor allows you to track attempts to remove the tracker from the car - when it is triggered, the device notifies the owner in the selected way.

— Tilt sensor. A sensor that tracks the tilt of the device. This sensor is triggered, in particular, when trying to load the car onto a tow truck or jack it up - in such cases, a notification is sent to the owner in one way or another. This helps prevent the wheels from being removed or the entire vehicle being stolen.

— Shock sensor. Sensor that reacts to strong impacts and shocks; When the sensor is triggered, the tracker sends a notification to the customer using the selected method. This function can be used both as an element of the anti-theft system (warning of an attempt to break into the interior or of broken glass), and as an accident alarm - for example, if the car is hit in a parking lot.

— Recording the history of movements. The ability to keep a history of movements and track events that occurred with an object over the past period. In practice, such a function is implemented through an application or web interface provided by the GPS tracker. Usually this is a card with marked routes, points and timestamps where the tracker has been.

- Record when sound is detected. A feature that allows the device to begin recording location data only when sound vibrations occur in the environment. At a minimum, this helps reduce the power consumption of the GPS tracker - until sounds are detected, it will remain in standby mode and consume a minimum of precious energy.

— Remote on/off of the tracker. Functionality to remotely turn on and off the GPS tracker - to determine location upon customer request. The function may be useful when the tracker is used periodically or in certain situations.

— SOS panic button. The tracker has a button in its design to immediately call for help in emergency situations. Pressing the SOS button activates mechanisms to send a distress signal and location information to a pre-entered phone number, email or monitoring center. GPS trackers with an SOS alarm function are used in personal models and beacons for vehicles (see “Type”).

— Built-in microphone. This function requires the presence of a microphone that can be turned on remotely and listen to the environment around the tracker. Typically, to use this function, you need to call the tracker's phone number - the device will automatically answer the call and turn on the microphone. In this way, you can, for example, check the situation in the cabin after the shock sensor is triggered.

— Sleep mode. An operating mode in which the device reduces its activity in order to save energy and extend battery life. Sleep mode is often used in situations where constant location tracking is not required. Output from it can be implemented at predetermined activity intervals or through auto-switching on when certain events are detected.