Sageplan Trackstick User manual

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Trackstick Battery
Sageplan, Inc
Users Guide
RELIABLE, AFFORDABLE VEHICLE TRACKING
Caution: Tracking other people or their equipment can be illegal.
Consult local regulations before using this device
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Table of Contents
Welcome .................................................................. 1
Getting Started ......................................................... 3
Tracking Instructions ................................................. 3
Downloading Recorded Data ....................................... 4
Trackstick Setup ptions ............................................ 5
Do’s and Don’ts with your Trackstick Battery ................ 5
Things to Remember ................................................. 6
FAQs ....................................................................... 6
Where to get help ..................................................... 8

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Welcome
We hope that you enjoy your new Trackstick, and that you
find it both practical and easy to use. Trackstick uses GPS
(Global Positioning System) to track its location and the
telemetry is downloaded to your Windows based personal
computer.
Getting Started
Your Trackstick was shipped ready to use. Follow these easy
steps to get started:
Software and Device Setup
1. Install the Trackstick Configuration Manager on your
Window’s based personal computer. The software
can be downloaded at
http://www.worldtrackingsolutions.com/trackstick-
mini-data-logger/
2. Take Trackstick for a test drive (the dashboard of a
vehicle is a great location for the first test).
3. Plug Trackstick into a computer USB port and
continue with the software installation as instructed.
4. When installation is complete, run Trackstick Manager
software.
The configuration manager will allow you to set the reporting
interval of the device. See the “Help” section within
Trackstick Manager for additional details.
Tracking Instructions
1. Trackstick always requires an unobstructed view of
the sky to receive satellite signals. Never place the
Trackstick in a vehicle’s trunk or in any other object
made of metal. Clothing, handbags, backpacks, most
automobile windshields, fiberglass and other non-
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metallic objects will not normally interfere with the
Trackstick’s operation.
2. When turning on for the first time, place the
Trackstick in a location with a clear view of the sky
for at least fifteen (15) minutes. The GREEN LED
should illuminate after about three (3) minutes if a
good satellite signal is available.
3. If the GREEN LED does not illuminate after a few
minutes, move the Trackstick to another location to
receive a better satellite signal and wait an additional
fifteen (15) minutes.
4. Battery life will vary with normal operation. Twenty
four hours of recorded location histories is typical.
TIP: A good way to familiarize yourself with the device is to
place the unit on the dash of your vehicle for the first day of
use. This will allow the device to collect data in a location
with good GPS visibility.
Downloading Recorded Data
WAR I G: Be sure to install the Trackstick Manager
software before plugging Trackstick into your
computer.
1. nce the software has been installed, plug the Trackstick
into your computer’s USB port.
2. Click the Trackstick Manager icon.
3. Select “File”, “Download Trackstick Data”.
o You will be prompted for a name to save the file
in the Trackstick folder.
The recorded Trackstick information is presented in four
different ways (All, Tracks, Routes, and Dates). See the
“Help” section within Trackstick Manager for additional
details.

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Trackstick Setup Options
Tools: Trackstick Settings
The Records Tab of the Trackstick Configuration Manager
allows you to configure your Trackstick to your specific use.
Several configurations options are available. There is a Fast
Track option which will provide large amounts of data at its 5
second report interval. There is also a normal reporting
option which may be easier to read and will allow you to
store much longer time periods in the device’s memory. This
option allows you to set the report interval anywhere
between one and fifteen minutes.
Do’s and Don’ts with your Trackstick
Do
Place your Trackstick where it will have a clear line of sight
to the sky and receive a fix from the GPS satellites.
Concealed devices may give you fewer location fixes than
devices left in the open. Sometimes a slight adjustment in
location can make a big difference in the reporting quality.
Locations that tend to provide good reporting:
• In the glove compartment
• Under the passenger seat
• Under the package shelf in the rear window
• Inside a fiberglass bumper (not metal bumper)
• n the dashboard (remove on hot, sunny days)
• In the rear window (remove on hot, sunny days)
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Locations that may reduce reporting quality:
• In the trunk (Hatchbacks/SUV’s may be K)
• Completely underneath the vehicle
• Inside the engine compartment (extreme heat)
• In the wheel well (water spray)
• Inside buildings or garages
• In direct sunlight for extended periods (extreme heat)
Don’t
Don’t place your Trackstick over the airbag in the vehicle. If
the airbag deploys, this could cause significant injury.
Don’t block the device with metal. Trackstick Battery will
not get a satellite fix or be able to report the location when
the GPS signal is blocked by a metal obstruction.
Don’t leave Trackstick powered up when the device is inside
an enclosed structure. The device will constantly search for
GPS satellites while indoors, regardless of whether the
device is in full power or power save configuration. This will
dramatically shorten the battery life if in power save mode.
Yes, it is OK to…
Place the device inside a covering, to protect it. You may
use plastic or paper.
Attach the device with magnets, duct tape or other industrial
quality adhesive.
Things to Remember
Trackstick needs to “see” the GPS satellites in order to
report the location.
Areas that are mountainous, heavily forested, or streets with
many high rise buildings may have interference.

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FAQs
Where can I use Trackstick?
Vehicles: Trackstick works well in a variety of vehicles
including boats, trailers, RVs and automobiles. Materials that
do not impede Trackstick’s visibility (provided they are
relatively thin) include fiberglass, plastics, most composite
materials, and glass. Metal will reduce the device’s ability to
find its location. Good locations to try include a glove
compartment, a side map box, under the dash of a car.
How long will the batteries last?
A single charge will generate over 1,000 reports, provided
that the device has good visibility to the GPS satellites.
Will Trackstick work inside of a garage?
Probably not. While Trackstick is able to “see” through many
common materials used to build vehicles (i.e. rubber, plastic,
glass, fiberglass, and most composite materials), the
combination of a garage ceiling and roof are generally
enough to keep Trackstick from establishing a location fix.
What is the Reporting Frequency of Trackstick
Battery?
Trackstick can be programmed to report at a wide range of
intervals by using the Configuration Manager. The reporting
frequency has no impact on battery life.
Is it legal to use Trackstick in my area?
Due to the wide variability of state and local regulations, our
company is unable to provide legal advice for a particular
application of Trackstick in any given jurisdiction. It is up to
the user to understand and comply with the laws and
regulations of their area.
How do I check the battery level?
You can check the battery level within the Configuration
Manager.
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Where to get help
Technical Support Hours
Monday through Friday
8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Central Time
After Hours: Message service available at same phone
number.
Contact Information
Email: [email protected]
Phone: [phone]
We are interested in your feedback on the device and how
we can improve our manual. Thank you for your patronage.
Please feel free to contact us with any questions or
comments.
Sageplan, Inc.
13915 N. Mopac Expwy
Suite 404
Austin, TX 78728
[phone]
www.sageplan.com
www.worldtrackingsolutions.com