| A passive vehicle tracking device is one which | | | | tracking device, be sure you get a real-time |
| does not transmit the data on its location while it's | | | | system for that purpose. |
| being gathered. It stores it on a memory chip | | | | Passive vehicle tracking devices are sometimes |
| pending its arrival at home for a data dump, which | | | | used by car rental agencies to verify what |
| can be accomplished either by pulling the unit out | | | | renters did with the car while they had it. They |
| of the automobile and hooking it to the computer | | | | have to inform their customers that they're using |
| with a USB cord or by using a wireless | | | | this kind of device, so it ends up keeping people |
| transmitter directly to the home base network. | | | | honest, besides gathering the data needed for a |
| To use a wireless transmitter on a passive vehicle | | | | court case if that were to become necessary. |
| tracking device, the vehicle has to be within range | | | | A few vehicle loan companies utilize passive |
| of the network: in the garage, for example. | | | | tracking devices to make sure they can find the |
| There are many advantages to passive vehicle | | | | vehicle if the consumer defaults on the loan. |
| tracking systems. For one thing, they are quite a | | | | These devices also contain a wireless receiver, so |
| lot cheaper than real-time devices; typically costing | | | | the lender can send instructions to the vehicle to |
| around $200. Additionally, there's not a need for a | | | | lock the owner out if the payments are late. It |
| service contract, since you don't have the | | | | wouldn't store data on position or mileage, but |
| real-time data transmittal to pay for. Furthermore, | | | | could be activated by the lender when necessary. |
| they give you more records than real-time | | | | Many businesses utilize passive vehicle tracking |
| devices, as they update their GPS coordinates | | | | systems on fleet vehicles so they can monitor |
| every second. This gives you a vastly more | | | | the activities of the employees who are driving |
| accurate record of speed. | | | | them. This prevents personal errands, long meal |
| The only disadvantage is that there isn't any | | | | breaks and more. When the vehicle returns to the |
| real-time information, so they can't be used as a | | | | plant at day's end, the supervisors strip and |
| vehicle locator in the case of theft. Since this is | | | | analyze the data, thereby keeping employees |
| the major reason most people want a GPS | | | | honest. |