GPS Tracking Systems. What they REALLY can do for you.

Through the years in this business I have learned that most companies that start looking for a GPS Tracking System are interested in what we call a Basic Tracking. Basic Tracking is nothing but a map whit a dot showing the location of a vehicle. Some basic tracking applications include also a basic report that keeps a log of all the positions of a vehicle over a certain period of time. But once these companies implement a GPS Tracking solutions and the technology permeates into their processes, they start finding the REAL BENEFITS that a GPS Tracking Solution brings.

This is Part 1 of a series of 10 articles in which I will present how a GPS Tracking system can REALLY make a difference in a company’s performance. This first part will start by introducing some basic concepts related these technologies, so I and my readers have a common framework to work with.

There are many applications for the GPS TRACKING technology that can be divided into two main groups: NAVIGATION and TRACKING.

Navigation is related to devices that are installed in the vehicles and that provide on-board navigation information. The user will usually enter a destination address and will start receiving audio and visual directions on how to arrive to that place. Samples of these devices are seen in almost every computer store, and the most recognized brands are Garmin, TomTom, and others.

Tracking is related to devices installed in the vehicles that send information about the vehicle to computer programs where the information is processed and presented to users in maps and reports. The information sent by these devices includes at least the position in terms of Latitude and Longitude, the speed, the direction (north, south, east, etc.), the date and the time. Other devices include more sophisticated information such as Ignition status, doors status, on-board engine diagnostic, etc. Samples of companies that provide this type of products are also multiple, and can be found by tons with any search in a search engine like Google.

Tracking is usually provided by companies as an internet service, although there are some companies that sell simple applications to be installed in computers. And as mentioned before, there is a wealth of options to pick from. Many companies will offer to their users Tracking solutions that can be accessed via web, and that allows to keep track of the vehicles of the companies in a map and in several reports.

Once a company or an individual decides to go into this technology, the first question that has to be solved is: What type of GPS System I need? Is it a Tracking System? Or a Navigation System? It is very common to start shopping around without a clear understanding of what is needed. This series of articles will focus on GPS Tracking more than GPS Navigation. And this first article severs as a starting point to understand and identify what the needs are on each particular case.

In the next article I will discuss some additional terms related to GPS Tracking and will start going into its applications in the day to day processes.

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Mr. Olano, with over 10 year in GPS Tracking Industry, deep knowledge of wireless communications, tracking devices, map engines, and contact with over 2,000 companies that adopted GPS, earned him a position as expert of GPS Tracking Technologies. Visit him at http://www.trackingsolutionsonline.com and http://www.geosoftusa.com .

Boost your power with a car amplifier

A car amplifier will give you a loud and clear sound on a consistent basis. It will boost the power flowing from the receiver to the speakers. In doing so, it will reduce the stress put on all the other componets of your car stereo system, including the receiver.

Choosing the right car amplifier is important. Your decision should be based on five important features. Make sure you address them all !

The first item on the agenda is the number of channels. This will depend on the number of speakers in your system. Two-channel amplifiers will feed well two speakers or a single subwoofer. You will want to consider a four-channel amplifier if you have any of the following combinations :

¤ Four speakers
¤ Two subwoofers
¤ Two speakers and one subwoofer

Then you want to look at power. An amplifier with an output two times the one of the reciever will give you enough added volume with less distortion. Make sure the wattage of the amplifiers is within the speaker’s range. Also, make sure your electrical system can support the additional wattage.

An important feature to consider for your car amplifier is the connection structure. Many factory-installed receivers only come with speaker-level inputs that will require special adaptors. This will normally work very well. However, you may experience some distortion through the speakers. In that event, you may want to consider a new CD/MP3/AM/FM receiver, depending on your budget and sound requirements.

An amplifier normally includes a device to filter different frequencies and minimize distortion. This is called a crossover. Your amplifier should have one crossover for high-frequency notes and another for low-frequencies.

We should discuss one last feature. Most car amplifiers can combine the power of two channels into a single one. This is called bridging and is used to boost the power of the amplifier. The downside to this technique is to create some distortion and limiting the number of available channels. Since the cost of a an amplifier is more and more reasonable it might be wiser to buy a more powerful one !

If you are due for a car stereo upgrade, including an amplifier, don’t be afraid to shop around for the best audio components at the most competitive price.

Here you go ! You are hopefully better “connected” to the important features to consider for your car amplifier ….. and more knowledge means ….. more power …. to make the right buying decision.

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Marc Deschamps is the editor of Car Accessories Magazine, a free online publication dedicated to automotive accessories, car care and related topics. Other articles on truck accessories can be found at http://www.car-accessories-magazine.com/car-audio-review.html