FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT IS GPS?

The term “GPS” refers to the Global Positioning System which is a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) developed by the United States Department of Defense and managed by the United States Air Force 50th Space Wing. It is the only fully functional GNSS in the world, can be used free of charge, and is often used by civilians for navigation purposes. It uses a constellation of between 24 and 32 medium Earth orbit satellites that transmit precise radiowave signals, which allow GPS receivers to determine their current location, the time, and their velocity. Its official name is NAVSTAR GPS. Although NAVSTAR is not an acronym, a few backronyms have been created for it. Since it became fully operational in 1993, GPS has become a widely used aid to navigation worldwide, and a useful tool for map-making, land surveying, commerce, scientific uses, and hobbies such as geocaching. Also, the precise time reference is used in many applications including the scientific study of earthquakes and as a required time synchronization method for cellular network protocols such as the IS-95 standard for CDMA.

HOW DOES A GPS TRACKING SYSTEM WORK?

The simplified explanation of “How it Works” is as follows. A GPS Tracking System uses a blend of sophisticated technologies to download coordinates from the GPS system, transmit those coordinates to a server, and then convert those coordinates (Latitude & Longitude) into an icon on a map which appears on your computer screen. This information can be viewed from any computer with Internet access. A real-time tracking system, such as those provided by Global Hawk, is capable of showing the target vehicle moving across the screen in real time. Accuracy of our new unit is an astonishing eight, (8) inches!

WHY MUST I PAY A MONTHLY SERVICE FEE?

Every real-time tracking device has a built-in cellular transceiver to communicate with the server, and transmit the GPS coordinates of the unit. Because of this fact, every device must have service with a cellular carrier. As with a regular cellular telephone, there are activation fees, monthly service fees, and roaming fees depending upon where the unit is being used. Every time your tracking device communicates with our server, it essentially makes a phone call. Unlike other companies who charge their customers for a specific number of “pings” or “locates”, GlobalHawk Tracking Systems charges our customers a flat-rate for unlimited coverage.

WHY DO THE "EXPORT" VERSIONS OF YOUR TRACKING SYSTEMS, AND SERVICE, COST MORE THAN THE "DOMESTIC" VERSIONS?
 
Most international GPS tracking equipment providers claim that their tracking systems will work in a foreign country.  What they really mean is that it will “sometimes work” in that country.  Big difference.  The truth of the matter is that virtually all other tracking system providers do NOT have roaming agreements with the international cellular carriers.  You, the customer, is forced to locate and purchase a “pre-paid” GSM chip, and then pay the carrier extra for an expensive “data plan.”  As with service for a pre-paid cellular phone, it doesn’t take long for you to burn through your minutes before having to purchase yet another card.  In addition to the service and coverage issues, most of the other tracking companies do not pay for the latest mapping which means that you are forced to rely upon outdated maps.  When their tracking system doesn’t work as advertised, or has spotty performance, the company will typically blame the problem on a “dead spot” in the foreign cellular carrier’s network.
 
GlobalHawk GPS represents the latest in GPS technology.  Instead of relying upon FREE MAPPING from various providers, our service provider pays literally tens of thousands of dollars, every quarter, to ensure that you always have the absolute latest mapping at your disposal.  We have also pre-negotiated roaming agreements with all major foreign cellular carriers to ensure virtually seamless International coverage.  That’s why only GlobalHawk GPS can provide you with one low rate for UNLIMITED usage, AND ten-second updates, -- even in foreign countries!  In addition to the service, our “Export” equipment has been specially configured to operate in the country of intended use.  There are tons of cheaper tracking systems out there, but why pay less for a system that isn’t going to work when you really need it?  Our equipment and service may cost a little more, but it’s worth every penny!  (Our’s really works…)

IS MY GLOBALHAWK “EXECUTIVE” WATERPROOF? 
 
This is an excellent question.  The answer is a definite NO.  Your tracking device is designed to be carried on your person, hidden inside a vehicle.  For attaching our tracker to the OUTSIDE of the vehicle, or the undercarriage, you will need to place your device inside one of our special Weatherproof Cases.  Your tracker should never be exposed to water, moisture, dust, dirt, or excessive heat.  As a general rule of thumb, you should treat your tracking device with the same care as you would your cellphone.  Exposing your  tracking device to water or excessive moisture will cause irreparable damage to the unit and will void the warranty.   

I HAVE SEEN SO MANY DIFFERENT GPS TRACKERS ON THE INTERNET THAT I AM NOW VERY CONFUSED.  HOW DO I KNOW WHICH TRACKER I NEED?

Don’t worry; GlobalHawk GPS is here to help you!  The market is flooded with all kinds of cheap GPS trackers from China and Korea right now.  This stuff is junk.  Fragile, Unreliable, Poor Reception, Poor Battery life, Terrible Mapping, Poor User Interface, and horrible to ZERO customer support (unless you speak Chinese.)  Why would you buy something like this?  Sure it’s cheap, but will it work when you need it?  If it breaks, then what?  Always remember, -- you get what you pay for.    

We have made buying a tracking device very easy.  Everything you could possible need is right here.  Real-Time Trackers, Historical GPS Loggers, Fleet Tracking, Covert GPS Trackers, GPS Rentals, Accessories, -- we have it all.  Best of all, ours equipment really works!  Imagine being able to purchase a brand new Ferrari or Lamborghini for $399.00!  Why do I compare a GlobalHawk GPS tracker to a Ferrari?  Because we are the Ferrari of the tracking world, -- Fast, Sleek, Sexy, and Reliable.  You’ll find cheaper units, but you won’t find better.  You can afford the best.

If you are not sure which specific device you need, please don’t hesitate to contact us at (915) 533-5746.  We will be glad to direct you to the right equipment, and accessories, for your particular application.  Call us today!

DO YOU CHARGE ME EVERY TIME THAT I VIEW MY TRACKER OVER THE INTERNET?

This is likely the most frequently asked question of all.  The answer is NO!  Unlike our competitors who sell you packages of “pings” or “locates”, i.e. so many locates for so many dollars, ($39.95, $59.95, $79.95, $109.95, etc.)  We don’t do that.  We charge our customers one FLAT RATE for UNLIMITED ACCESS.  The only difference in price is whether you are using our unit in the US ($39.95) or Abroad ($59.95).  International service is also UNLIMITED.  You can use our service all day, every day, and we won’t charge you one penny more!  No Long Term Contracts.  GlobalHawk GPS has the Best Equipment; Fastest Updates (10 seconds); Best Mapping; and the Lowest Monthly Rates.  Why would you choose anyone else?