FAQ

1. Modem - A hardware device for transmitting digital data over a wireless satellite signal by modulating the data into a digital signal to send it and demodulating an digital signal into data to receive it.
2. Antenna - hardware device that receives and transmits over-the-air signals to the modem.
3. Power source - the modem and touch screen terminal requires either an alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC) 12 volt power supply
4. Mobile Data Terminal (MDT) - for customers requiring text messaging or pre-formatted messages between operators or central dispatch, a small rugged touch screen terminal is available
5. Satellite and signal - there are two basic types of satellites:
   1. Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and Geostationary. LEO satellites circumnavigate 804 km above the earth at 26,820 km/hr. It takes 100 minutes for these satellites to complete one orbit. A multiple LEO satellite network can provide global coverage.
   2. Geostationary satellites maintain an orbit 37,000 km above the earth and remain stationary with the orbit of the earth. These satellites have larger data capacity and a defined coverage area but do not provide a global footprint.
6. Ground Earth Station-The GES is the satellite to earth station that transmits over-the-air signal to the Internet.
7. Global Positioning System - GPS uses longitude and latitude data that pinpoints locations of modems based on over-the-air signals being transmitted and received by the modem.
8. Asset Control Centre - The (ACC) is a web-based software application that allows any user with a password and username to access all data that is transmitted across the Internet to the GES, satellite and then modem.
9. GEOTrac Operations Portal - The GOP is the web-based application that manages the back office of provisioning of new modems, inventory management, RMA process and ties into financial systems for accurate accounts payable and receivables.
10. GEOTrac Signal Translator - Also known as the "Parser", this web-based application translates the over -the-air data stream from satellites or cell phone networks. The translator is able to distinguish multiple signals/languages and assign commands to modems based on how they have been provisioned through the GOP.

The modem can send and receive short-burst data streams in the form of commands, reports and text-based messages. A command is an internal instruction sent or received by the modem to perform a function. A report is list of commands that can indicate the status of the modem. A text-based message can be initiated by an operator typing in characters through the mobile data terminal or pressing an on-screen button to send text either to another operator or a central dispatch.

There are three types of reports that can be sent from the modem:

1. Basic: This report is the minimum standard format that the modem will use when generating messages. It will contain encoded Latitude, Longitude, Time, and Activity description (e.g. Ignition On, Start, Stop, etc...)
2. Standard: This report is an extended format that the modem will use when generating messages. It will contain Latitude, Longitude, higher resolution time information, Battery voltage, Speed, Heading, and Activity description
3. Complete: This report is the most extended format that the modem will use when generating messages. It will contain the exact same parameters as the standard message with the addition of the Odometer reading

The modem can be instructed to send messages in 30 second increments. Customers typically want to know the status of their vehicles or assets every 15 minutes. The cost of monthly airtime for customers is dependent on the frequency of the reporting of the modem. The higher the frequency, the higher the cost.

The GEOTrac system provides a near real-time response. There are several reasons why a customer may experience a delay in status from the modem:

1. the customer's PC does not meet the minimum requirements for running the web-based applications.
2. The customer has not refreshed their web-browser to pull the latest data in from the modem.
3. The modem and antenna are prevented from sending a message because it does not have a clear transmission space (hardware is covered)
4. the modem does not have power
5. The data transmission is congested from the GES through the Internet.

A "smart" modem has a built in microprocessor that can receive a series of commands through an over-the-air data stream. This microprocessor uses a software application known as "firmware" to decipher this data stream. The manufacturer of the modem and microprocessor has enabled the hardware to perform within three modes:

1. Move mode: this mode is when the ignition of the vehicle is on and the vehicle is moving. The application determines this by looking for a valid external power voltage and will perform the following functions while in Move mode:
   1. Monitor assets speed and compare against a user defined threshold
   2. Send periodic reports at a user defined interval.
   3. Check for asset STOP condition.
   4. Check external power voltage by checking that the external voltage does not drop below a user-defined voltage
2. Stop mode: Stop mode is when the ignition of the asset is on and the asset is stopped. The modem determines this by looking for a valid external power voltage and by checking the GPS to determine if the asset is moving. The modem will perform the following functions while in Stop mode:
   1. Check for asset START condition.
   2. Check external power voltage by checking that the external voltage does not drop below a user-defined voltage
3. Torpor mode: Torpor mode is when the ignition of the asset is off. The modem determines this by looking for a low external power voltage. A low external power voltage is any reading under or equal to 4 Volts (DC). The functions of the modem are limited when in sleep mode in order to conserve battery power. The modem will perform the following functions while in Torpor Mode:
   1. Check external power voltage by checking that the external voltage drops below a user-defined voltage
   2. Check for terminated messages that are not terminated poll commands
   3. Check for asset START condition.
   4. Check external power voltage by checking that the external voltage does not drop below a user-defined voltage

The term geo fencing refers to pre-defining an area using latitude and longitude coordinates on a map. Using three or more map points, a specific area can be fenced using a combination of the Asset Control Centre and Mapping product. The significance of this for customers is that they can be alerted when an asset or a vehicle enters these coordinates. or fenced area and generate a location report, speed report or distance report. Similar to RFID (radio frequency identification) scanners, now assets and vehicles can be identified at a certain location.

The term lease refers to a predefined geographical area on a construction or oil drill site. Often times, vehicles and assets are only moved very short distances on a lease. Picking up or dropping off equipment, repositioning vehicles slightly or building in one location. For the purpose of GEOTrac tracking, a 50 meter radius around the tracking device is used as pre-defined location area. This will mean that for the purpose of mapping or transmitting a location report, GEOTrac views the asset or vehicle as stationary. As long as the asset or vehicle does not move more than 50 meters at any one time, it is viewed as stationary. Once an asset or vehicle moves more than 50 meters at one time, a report is generated to notify new location. Why 50 meters? When a satellite is traveling overhead at 26,820 km/hr it will only pinpoint a location within certain default parameters. If the radius is shortened, the frequency of reporting would increase significantly causing possible congestion delays and increasing costs to the customer.

The GEOTrac system uses point to point coordinates to determine distance. This straight line calculation does not take into account any turns or swerves a vehicle may take on a road, track or waterway. Accuracy improves when tracking flights due to its straight line ability. The margin of error depends on the condition of travel.

Speed is a function of distance and time. Since GEOTrac and GPS determine distance based on a straight line, the speed of vehicle in transit will vary slightly based on an average of distance. Actual speed of vehicles will vary based on hills or conditions on a track or waterway. Our calculation of speed is an average between two reporting points.

The MDT is a touch screen data entry terminal. This easy –to-use device does not distract the driver of a vehicle because it is often a one button entry for pre-defined messages. This allows the driver to concentrate on their driving, unlike a satellite phone that requires two-hands or more complicated use. For owners of companies, the MDT is their first choice for two-way communication. GEOTrac manages the cost of messaging to what is necessary. It reduces the amount of operator abuse and it provides a written log of communication for reference.

Yes, the signal translator that is proprietary to GEOTrac allows a vehicle or asset to move in and out of signal networks without loss of visibility. This becomes particularly important with large projects that contain assets from various sources with pre-existing tracking devices. It allows one administrator to map multiple assets using multiple signals for GPS.

Intel Pentium IV processor running at 1.5 MGHZ or higher . Internet Explorer vers.6 or higher. Java Runtime Environment in order to load the mapping within the web browser. Current download of java can be found at http://www.java.com/en/download/manual.jsp

Depending on the GEOTrac solution, a customer may need to have professionally installed a modem, antenna, external battery and/or DC wiring to the vehicle.

Customers are using a web-based browser to access the Asset Control Centre, GEOTrac Operations Portal and GPS maps. Customer must have access to the Internet through the Internet Explorer browser ver. 6.0 or higher.

GEOTrac can provide on-site training for dispatchers and operators. Dispatcher will receive training on how to use the Asset Control Centre and GEOTrac Operations Portal. Operators can receive training on how to care for their modem and antenna unit as well as how to operate the mobile data terminal. For more detailed information, please refer to the Asset Control Centre Manual or the GEOTrac Operations Manual.

GEOTrac provides on-site customer support with our team of in-field service reps. We also provide phone support Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM MT. Simply phone 1-877-261-2962, email us at support@geotracinternational.com or go online at www.geotracinternational.com/support