DIY tracking gives peace of mind

The Tracking Key takes the guesswork out of tracking people and possessions. Chris Nel writes.
Issue date : 13 March 2009

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The Tracking Key takes the guesswork out of tracking people and possessions. Chris Nel writes.

Need to where your employee or vehicle have been or whether the herdsman really looked after the livestock? Johannesburg-based TufTek CC markets DIY GPS-based passive tracking/logging systems ideal for these tasks. The Tracking Key is a pocket-sized device, which receives signals from satellites orbiting the earth. The internal computer records the location of the device once every second with an accuracy of 2,5m. A strong magnet enables easy installation on any steel surface, such as the engine compartment.

The recorded data is entered into a PC via the USB port. The PC must comply with certain specifications and a high quality screen is vital. The data can be displayed on a street map, on Google Earth satellite images or in a text report. Tracking Key software and Google Earth, downloaded free, enables one to view the route and stops on the Google Earth satellite images. Data includes maximum speeds, duration of stops and coordinates, which can also be displayed as a text report. The Tracking Key runs on two AAA alkaline or lithium batteries and has a motion sensor, so it only works when there’s movement. At two hours of driving per day, one can expect two weeks of battery life with standard alkaline batteries and three weeks with lithium ones. It’s affordable at R2 920 including VAT, with no monthly costs. The larger Tracking Key 3100-INT works on the same principle.

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However, this device may not be used to violate people’s privacy or local laws. TufTek CC and the supplier can’t be held responsible for their inappropriate use.     |fw