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Please feel free to e-mail us your questions. We will reply by e-mail and post your question on this Web page (unless you ask us not to). Our e-mail address is mktg@mdres.com
Q. What exactly does TracWise do? Why is it useful?
A. TracWise IŠ is a small device that combines a GPS receiver with a processor to record on a Compact Flash Card detailed information about routes actually traveled by commercial vehicles -- exact routes, distances, times, stops, and more. This makes it possible to have the benefits of GPS in a commercial vehicle without a computer being present. TracWise IŠ is
a small, rugged stand-alone unit. It can record large amounts of GPS data over extended periods. It can be placed out of the way, such as under a seat, in the glove box, etc. From time to time, the recorded data is transferred from TracWise IŠ to the office computer for display on maps and analysis into useful tables and charts. TracWise IŠ is beneficial because it allows owners and operators of commercial vehicles to have better, more detailed, and
more precise control over their vehicles.
Q.
Is TracWise a real-time satellite
system? Does it transmit data to our office by satellite?
A. No. TracWise IŠ
stores data on the included Compact Flash Card. It does not
transmit data in real-time to your office. The advantages to you are
significantly lower costs, the ability to function in locations where
there are no cellphones, more accurate and frequent data measurements
(seconds instead of minutes), and the compilation of vehicle movement
information for any period (weeks, months, years).
TracWise IŠ is intended
for firms that need to monitor vehicle routes and usage but do not need
the added equipment and personnel expenses of a real-time satellite system.
Q.
Where does TracWise work? Will it
operate anywhere in the world?
A. Yes. TracWise IŠ
uses GPS satellites that cover the entire world -- see
http://www.gmat.unsw.edu.au/snap/gps/gps_survey/chap2/222sats.htm This means that TracWise IŠ
can be used in any nation and on vehicles that travel between countries
anywhere in the world. For example, a truck traveling between
Germany, Poland, Latvia, and Estonia will generate a complete track of
its trip through all the countries. The track can be displayed by
any number of mapping programs that cover Europe. In North
America, Microsoft's Streets & Trips software gives extensive coverage
for Canada, the USA, and Mexico. In areas where
electronic maps are not readily available. TracWise IŠ
can be used with OziExplorer and maps that have been scanned on the
office scanner.
Q. We have used a lot of small, relatively inexpensive GPS systems trying to find one works best in our vehicles. Most of them seem to suffer from signal loss, especially when they are inside the cab. What about TracWise?
A. TracWise IŠ uses a special amplified antenna. This greatly increases sensitivity and the signal-to-noise ratio. The result is very reliable reception from inside vehicle cabs with significantly fewer signal dropouts. TracWise IŠ is a professional unit designed for demanding field work. Most small consumer units, like the ones you mentioned, are designed mainly for occasional work in open areas. They use un-amplified antennas, reducing their effectiveness for work inside vehicles. In addition, most consumer units are packaged
in a single case, making it awkward to mount the unit and
its antenna behind the windshield. The antenna for TracWise IŠ is separate. It is very easy to mount
and it has a strong magnetic base. Just stick it on the dashboard behind the windshield.
Q. Isn't this just another way to spy on drivers? Who needs it?
A. No. First, the device is not hidden - the antenna has to be put somewhere visible so it can receive GPS satellite signals. Second, there is really no point in spying on drivers. How long would they continue to work effectively in such conditions? TracWise IŠ benefits drivers, as well as driver-owners and company management. It keeps accurate mileage, eliminating a long-standing source of conflict. It lets driver-owners keep better track of their own time, mileage, and routes. It lets drivers show in plain facts how they use their time -- on the road, in traffic jams, at customers' warehouses, at stops, at state inspection stations, etc. Company owners and management benefit by being able to see how their vehicles are actually used, how they can optimize routes, how they can control expenses, and how they can make better proposals
to potential customers. The intention of TracWise IŠ is to benefit transportation as a whole through simple, accurate technology.
Q. Aren't the real-time satellite systems actually better for tracking vehicles?
A. It depends on your purpose. The main difference is that TracWise IŠ records GPS data to provide a consistent and complete log of vehicle activity, including all routes, turns, stops, and interruptions. Satellite systems generally work in real time without making a recording or log. Because of their complex technology, they may
also experience random downtimes. In addition, satellite systems have a much longer display interval (minutes instead of seconds), and signals are lost in tunnels and cities with tall buildings. A number of companies have found that satellite systems do not actually meet their most important management needs for vehicle tracking and control. TracWise IŠ provides a true audit control record. Instead of costing thousands of dollars a month, TracWise IŠ
can be operational quickly for a reasonable one-time expense.
Q. What mapping software works with TracWise?
A. At the present time TracWise IŠ produces files that can be used directly by Street Atlas USA, OziExplorer, MS MapPoint,
and MS Streets and Trips. No additional conversion is needed. TracWise IŠ also produces files that work with a number of professional European systems, such as TranMaster, Business Map, and MapGPS. Besides files for mapping software, TracWise IŠ generates files that can be used by Microsoft Access (98 and 2000), Excel, and many other business oriented programs
that are part of MS Office 2000 or Office XP. The output files are open-access to give users maximum flexibility. More information about Street Atlas USA can be found at the following official Web site:
http://www.delorme.com/ Information about OziExplorer is located at
http://www.oziexplorer.com/ Further information about Microsoft MapPoint is available at
http://www.microsoft.com/mappoint/
Additional information about Microsoft Streets and Trips is available at
http://www.microsoft.com/Streets/
Q. We would like to use our company's maps with TracWise, since they contain a lot of special information related to our business and customers. But they are not in electronic format. Is it still possible to use them?.
A. Yes. You can use OziExplorer software with maps that you scan on an office scanner. This works even if the map does not have a geographic coordinate system on it (longitudes and latitudes). You would load the scanned map into OziExplorer, orient it approximately (for example, using a
regular book atlas as a rough reference), then overlay tracks from TracWise IŠ. Finally, you would calibrate the map, using the overlayed tracks for reference (for example, by visually matching tracks to streets). This works well for many businesses and utilities. The official OziExplorer Web site can be visited at the following address:
http://www.oziexplorer.com/
Q. Where is the best place to put the GPS antenna?
A. The TracWise IŠ antenna can be placed anywhere it can "see" the sky. A popular location is just behind the front windshield inside the cab. It can also be put outside on the vehicle roof, as it is hermetically sealed against rain, dirt, snow, etc.. Some cabs have plastic roofs, and the antenna can be placed inside the cab against that type of roof.
Q. How much time does it take to transfer 1 million records from TracWise to the office computer?
A. The transfer rate is very, very fast. This
is
possible because the Compact Memory Card is read by the USB port of the office computer.
The card simply acts like another disk. You use normal Windows functions to copy the TracWiseŠ file from the Compact Memory Card to your hard drive. The process only takes a few seconds. Systems that use the serial port to transfer data can take several hours to complete the operation.
Q. What does the TracWise software do?
A. TracWise IŠ is supplied with three programs. The first lets you configure the TracWise IŠ hardware to set the recording interval (1 second to 4 minutes in 1 second intervals) and other parameters. The second processes data from TracWise IŠ so that it can be directly used by Street Atlas USA, OziExplorer, MS MapPoint,
MS Streets and Trips, MS Access, and other popular programs. The data output is open format for maximum flexibility. Technically, the output data is in comma-delimited text format. The third program prepares finished management reports for viewing and use in Microsoft ExcelŽ
under MS Office 2000 or Office XP -- analysis by day of week, by date, and by time. These reports let management and owners quickly audit particular routes, schedules, and trucks. All the features of Excel can be used, including graphing and the creation of new reports of your own.
Q. How do we get rid of old information on the Compact Flash Card so we can start from zero?
A. Simply erase the old information file (called "file.d16") from the Compact Flash Card. TracWise IŠ will then create a new file that is empty. The file can be erased,
using your computer and employing the same Windows functions that you use with any file.
Q. How do we change the internal settings in TracWise? We want to change the recording interval to 4 seconds and add an identifier for each vehicle.
A. TracWise IŠ comes with a "Programmer" that allows you to set all the parameters of the TracWise IŠ unit: Device name (useful to identifying individual vehicles), recording interval (1 second to 4 four minutes in 1 second intervals), error handling (record or ignore GPS reception errors), and card-full protocol (stop recording or record over old data from the beginning of the file). The program is simple to use -- it is totally visual, you simply make desired selections.
To use the program, you connect TracWise IŠ
to your computer via the computer's serial port (cable supplied).
Then you connect TracWise IŠ
to the included AC power unit (115VAC or 220VAC). Next, you start the program and
make the settings as you wish. Changing settings in TracWise IŠ
is usually done only once during initial
installation or if you move TracWise IŠ
to another vehicle.
Q. The climate here is very hot in the summer. Where do you think we should place the antenna?
A. It is best to place the GPS antenna in a location that will stay within the following temperature range: -40º F (-40º C) and +185º F (85º C). In areas with very hot summer temperatures, it may be best not to place the GPS antenna directly behind the front windshield for long periods. The cab roof (inside for plastic roofs or outside for metal ones) are alternatives. The antenna is hermetically sealed so that it can be placed outside the vehicle. There may also be other locations -- the important thing is that the antenna be able to "see" as much of the the sky as much as possible.
Q. We want to build a database using Microsoft Access. Is that possible?
A. Yes. TracWise IŠ can directly produce files in either MS Access 98Ž or MS Access 2000Ž format. MS Access is an excellent tool for building large databases.
Q. We had some computer problems and need to reinstall the TracWise software. How do we do that?
A. If the TracWise IŠ software is still on your computer, you should "uninstall" it using the uninstall program in the TracWise
directory. Then simply reinstall the software from the included CD-ROM
disk. The software does not include any special codes, serial numbers,
or user identifications -- just install it with no hassles.
Q. We are making a permanent installation of TracWise in our trucks. Which power wire goes to plus and which to minus?
A. Follow these steps to make a permanent installation. 1) Remove the cigarette lighter plug from the TracWise IŠ power cable. Note the color of the wire that attaches to the center pin of the lighter plug (usually blue). Route the power cable to the vehicle's fuse box. Connect the wire from the center pin of lighter plug (blue) to an available fuse circuit (+ voltage). Attach the other wire to vehicle electrical ground. Test the circuit with TracWise IŠ before making it permanent. If you connect the power wires backward, TracWise IŠ will not operate -- reverse the wires to correct the problem (TracWise IŠ is protected against reverse polarity). Be sure to connect TracWise IŠ so that it is connected after the fuse (protected by the fuse). Route the power wires out of the way so they cannot be disconnected by accident.
Q. The antenna cable is long. Can we shorten it?
A. No. The antenna uses a special thin coaxial line and integral connector. Do not attempt to cut or disconnect it, as TracWise IŠ may stop working altogether. If you need a shorter cable, simply wind the excess coax into a loose roll (no sharp bends), tape it, and put it out of the way.
Q. Can we use a 32Mb or larger Compact Flash Card in TracWise?
A. TracWise IŠ can use only 16Mb or 32Mb Compact Flash Cards. Larger capacity cards will not work. In any event, TracWise IŠ will record a maximum of 16Mb of data. We can supply additional 16Mb Compact Flash Cards to users of TracWise IŠ for a nominal fee. All Compact Flash Cards are tested for compatibility before being shipped.
Q. It seems to take TracWise a couple of minutes to acquire a GPS signal. Is that normal?
A. Yes, that is normal. All GPS receivers take time to locate and lock onto signals from GPS satellites. This process can vary form 30 seconds to 5 minutes, depending on the surrounding environment (open or with many surrounding buildings or trees) and the position of the satellites in the sky (it varies somewhat by time of day).
Q. Just a comment. It only took us 15 minutes to install TracWise the first time. Good job! It is even faster the second time.
A. Congratulations. Thanks for your positive feedback.
Q. Why do you recommend letting TracWise operate 24 hours a day? Can't we just run it 8 hours a day when our trucks are in service?
A. You can run TracWise IŠ any amount of time you wish. We often recommend 24 hours, because it takes the GPS receiver a minute or two to acquire satellite signals. For vehicles that make many and frequent stops, valuable tracking information could be lost if TracWise IŠ gets turned off at every stop.
Don't be concerned about filling up the Compact Flash Card; the included 16 Mb Compact Flash Card can hold a
very large amount of data.
Q. Can we install the TracWise unit in the glove box or under the dash so it will be out of the way?
A. Yes. Install TracWise IŠ in any convenient out of the way spot. It is a good idea 1) to leave room so the Compact Flash Card easily can be removed and replaced and 2) to orient the unit so it is level or pointed slightly upward -- this will prevent vibration from accidentally jarring the Compact Flash Card out of its socket.
Q. We need some extra Compact Flash Cards. Can you provide them?
A. Yes. We have 16Mb Compact Flash Cards available for TracWise IŠ at a competitive price. All cards are tested to work with TracWise IŠ before they are shipped to buyers.
Q. Can TracWise be connected to a computer so we can see the results on a map at the same we are recording data?
A. Yes. We offer a cable that lets you connect the output from TracWise IŠ to the serial port on a computer (notebook or desktop). The signal from this cable is in standard NMEA-0183 format so that it can be read by most mapping software. TracWise IŠ still records even while connected to a computer.
Q. We need some extra cables for TracWise. Are they available? How do we get them?
A. Yes. Extra cables are available. Let us know what you need.
Q. Does the TracWise software put a bunch of useless DLL and other files on my computer? Does it write to the registry?
A. No. TracWise IŠ does not write to the registry and it does not put useless files on your computer. It does install
and register several dll files that are used by MS Office 2000 or MS
Office XP.
Q. Who produces TracWise
and where is it made?
A. TracWise IŠ
is owned and manufactured by us, Hamilton Global Management, Inc.
It uses components made in the USA, Asia, and Europe. The units
are assembled and tested in the USA and Europe.
TracWise IŠ
employs a US design.
Hamilton Global Management, Inc. is a US corporation based in Washington
State.
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US Office:
Hamilton Global
Management, Ltd. |
8103 104th St., S.W.
Tacoma, WA 98498 USA
Tel. (253) 588-4149 |
Fax: (253) 588-4366
E-mail: mktg@mdres.com
A US corporation since 1994 |
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