Rocky Mountain Tracking » GPS tracking device

GPS Pinpoints Antarctic Asteroid Fragments

John Chapman — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:00:00 +0000

Solar waste passes through the earth’s atmosphere on a daily basis. Unfortunately, that waste consists almost entirely of mineral matter. No SONAR, no tried and true scientific methods have allowed scientists to distinguish extraterrestrial matter from terrestrial dirt.

One place, however, allows scientists and alien rock hunters easy access to minerals from space. The good news? The rocks are easy to find. The bad news? They’re all in Antarctica.

The lifeless ice desert of Antarctica makes it easy for individuals to find space rocks. The continent is made of ice—no other rocks to differentiate. And since 1976, an organization called The Antarctic Search for Meteorites (ANSMET) has journeyed to the most barren place on earth to collect space rocks.

Meteor-hunting adventurers, led by Ralph P. Harvey, fly to the South Pole via New Zealand, spending 45 day shifts digging up, then carefully storing and preserving their extraterrestrial finds. The rocks end up in a facility in Houston, Texas.

ANSMET’s field tools are simple: Ski-Doos, food, water, med kits, satellite phones, rock-gathering tools, and GPS tracking devices.

Once a member of ANSMET finds a space rock on the field, the GPS is utilized to record the location of the space material. The meteorite is then mined and stored. Using these simple, Indiana Jones-like methods, ANSMET meteor finders have gathered over 20,000 space rocks. ANSMET’s contribution to science, especially extraterrestrial analysis, is irrefutable.

It is no secret that the world is far less interested in going to space than it was, say, fifty years ago. It is, in fact, astonishing that mankind has not ventured farther from Earth than the moon. While a trip to Mars remains logistically difficult, the sense of commitment and scientific advancement required to make the journey does not exceed that of Columbus or Ponce de Leon.

In the meantime, ANSMET and its handy GPS tracking tools make it easy to do the impossible, using impossible methods, to obtain impossible material, under impossible circumstances—daily. ANSMET’s sense of adventure, adoration of scientific understanding and progress, and commitment to increasing the knowledge of mankind should be commended. No doubt GPS tracking makes asteroid hunting easier, safer, and more fun.

GPS Tracking Device Ensures Rescue for Boat Accident Survivors

Lynetta Bowen — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 17:00:32 +0000

GPS tracking devices have been responsible for scores of happy endings, from lost dogs being returned to their owners, to stolen possessions being recovered, to Alzheimer’s patients being found after wandering away from home. Perhaps one of the most exciting of these stories occurred off the coast of Sydney, Australia when a GPS-equipped EPIRB beacon saved the lives of four people after their fishing boat sank.

Two boys and their dads were out on a fishing excursion when, for unknown reasons, the boat was compromised and began sinking rapidly. In less than a minute, the four passengers were left floating in icy water, kept afloat by their life jackets and a cooler. Scott Smiles, one of the dads, also grabbed an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) which alerted rescuers that they needed help. The beacon sent a signal to the NSW Police marine area personnel, pinpointing the group’s location and ensuring their rescue in less than an hour.

EPIRB beacons are safety beacons which, when activated, broadcast the beacon’s location to search and rescue teams. They are commonly installed on boats, with many countries requiring commercial ships to carry them. Owners of pleasure boats and yachts often take advantage of the safety reassurance offered by the devices as well. While not all EPIRBs have GPS tracking devices installed, those that do can broadcast an exact location to a network of search and rescue satellites, enabling rescuers to identify the position of the beacon and send help immediately. This information often proves vital in reducing the amount of time needed to find survivors and increasing the chances of survival. Without the technology, a rescue such as the one near the Australian coastline could take days.

Search and rescue teams credit GPS-equipped EPIRBs for enabling them to perform their jobs more efficiently. By pinpointing the location of the carrier, the beacon can give rescuers the information they need to save lives while reducing search time by hours or days.

The remarkable rescue in Australia can be attributed both to the forethought of the boat owner in equipping the craft with the safety beacon and the quick thinking of Mr. Smiles in grabbing and activating the beacon before the boat went down. With the aid of the EPIRB, a story that could have ended tragically resulted in another happy ending that can be added to the accomplishments of GPS tracking devices.

Pair of Hunters Rescued Using GPS

Khristen Foss — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 15:00:23 +0000

Levi Matthews and David Smith of Spanish Fort, Alabama headed out for an evening of hog hunting on January 7^th around Canal Island, located in the north-central portion of the Mobile River Delta. The two went separate ways; Smith heading into the woods and Matthews remaining with the boat. It was at this point Matthews realized the motor of his boat was non-functional, and at 8:30 that night, he placed a call for help on his cell phone to Daphne Search and Rescue’s Ronnie Champion. Three hours later, the men were located thanks to the handheld GPS tracking device Matthews carries specifically for hunting.

Champion immediately involved North Baldwin Search and Rescue and the Alabama Marine Police in finding the pair. When all was said and done, a total of 16 rescuers in five boats aided in the search. Champion notes, “Our group and North Baldwin consist only of volunteers.”

Rescuers didn’t have to work very hard, as Matthews’ actual GPS coordinates led them directly to the location the boat was broken down. However, Smith was still out in the woods somewhere, clueless to the boat’s plight. As Smith was not carrying a GPS tracking unit or cell phone, Matthews relied on old-fashioned hunter techniques for communication.

He fired a round into the air, hoping Smith would hear it, and sure enough Smith fired a shot in response. Matthews led rescuers to the exact spot he left Smith, and they headed out on foot to find him using flashlights and calling his name. They located him roughly a mile away from the boat.

“They were a little cold and damp, but they did not need medical attention,” said Champion. Rescuers helped repair the boat, allowing the men to follow rescuers out of the delta. All six boats traveled the six mile journey down Big Beaver Creek and Tensaw Lake to their final destination, Hubbard Landing. They were likely glad to be rescued with conditions reported by the National Weather Service that night as temperatures in the low 50s with winds of 3 mph, not to mention fog blanketing the area.

Handheld GPS tracking devices, used by hunters normally to trace their route through the woods in an effort to make it back safely to the starting point, in this case saved two men from a cold and wet night out on the delta. Unfortunately, it didn’t save them from disappointment. In the words of Champion, “They didn’t get any hogs.”

Santa Fe Tests Plan to Reduce Overcrowding in Jails with GPS Tracking

John Chapman — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 21:41:46 +0000

Criminal recidivism rates run very high in America and almost none higher than burglary. The re-arrest rate for burglars in this country is about 74% according to the Bureau of Justice; only car thieves have a higher rate at almost 80%. Repeat incarcerations only add to the already crowded conditions of prisons and the already high cost of maintaining prisoners. To reduce overcrowding and rein in costs, Santa Fe has launched a program to outfit convicted burglars with a GPS-enabled ankle bracelet for constant monitoring. Authorities hope the round-the-clock surveillance will deter released burglars from committing further crimes. Starting with five freed convicts, Santa Fe plans to monitor and collect data to test the systems effectiveness in reducing recidivism rates among burglars.

The Cost
On average, it costs the state about $62 a day to house a criminal in a state or federal jail; this means states are paying about $30 billion a year to maintain its prison systems and take care of its prisoners. And states are paying for this through taxpayer dollars. Not only are citizens facing personal property losses of almost $2,000 per burglary, they are facing increased taxes to incarcerate repeat criminals over and over again. Most statistics show that once the initial outlay is made for the GPS tracking units, daily monitoring would cost the state approximately $10 a day per person, thus reducing the budget and freeing up jail space.

The Catch
One potential problem with the GPS tracking system rests in the hands of the Supreme Court. If they rule that 24-7 surveillance infringes on a person’s Fourth Amendment rights, Santa Fe and other cities seeking to implement GPS technology may be back to overcrowding and overspending in their jails. In anticipation of the ruling, Santa Fe has asked burglars selected for the program to sign a contract waiving their right to privacy. Those in the program are also required to obtain gainful employment, not only to give back to society but also to keep them from going back to their criminal activity.

With a burglary occurring approximately every 15 seconds in the United States, mostly by repeat offenders, states need to consider a plan of action that will not cost the taxpayer even more hard-earned money. The Chief Deputy District Attorney for Santa Fe, Doug Couleur, told ABC News in an interview, “You can’t put everyone in jails. There is no money for new jails and there are no beds in the jails. There have to be alternatives for jails and this is a pretty good one.” Used properly, GPS tracking technology in the form of monitoring, actively and passively, can help authorities reduce prison costs and prison overcrowding.

Free Holiday Shipping from Rocky Mountain Tracking

Admin — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 21:07:28 +0000

Rocky Mountain Tracking is now offering Free Holiday Shipping on all orders totaling $100 or more. From now until December 25th, gain free ground shipping on all U.S. orders by entering the discount shopping code: FreeShip. This discount also applies to orders that are placed by calling RMT’s toll free number (888-242-0500).

Not sure about the cost of a GPS tracker? Consider this: two of RMT’s most popular trackers, the Smart Tracker and the Tracking Key, can be purchased for less than $200.

Many other RMT products can be purchased for under $300. If you need to buy a gift for someone who could use reliable theft protection or investment protection, an RMT GPS tracking device is a great choice.

A GPS tracking device is the ideal way to find out who’s been naughty or nice. A RMT GPS tracking device can:

Track vehicles
Keep tabs on buy-here-pay-here vehicles
Follow fleet drivers
Save on gas consumption
Protect vehicle and equipment investments
Prevent heavy machinery theft

As the only company to be certified by the Space Foundation, Rocky Mountain Tracking is one of the most trusted names in the GPS tracking industry. With more than 40,000 GPS tracking devices sold, RMT strives to provide customers with the best GPS tracking products and service you can count on. If you have questions about any RMT tracking device, don’t hesitate to contact us today.

Call or order online now in order to take advantage of RMT’s Free Shipping offer.

A Day with GPS

Admin — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 16:00:44 +0000

Many people own a GPS tracking unit, but not all of them realize how useful a GPS unit can be. A GPS device can help with many tasks throughout the day, starting with getting up in the morning.

Personal GPS Uses

Since most GPS units can predict the time of sunrise and sunset, GPS units can be used to set clocks. Next, GPS units can help during workouts. Some joggers and walkers take a GPS tracking device with them while they exercise to map our their route, see how fast they are going, and how many miles they cover. Many professionals use GPS technology in some way in the workplace.

When it’s time for a lunch break, a GPS unit can help navigate to the perfect restaurant. GPS devices are also helpful to avoid a lonely lunch. Friends can “check in”, or communicate their current location with each other using the GPS tracking capabilities on their cell phones. It can be easy to see who is nearby and available to meet.

On the way home from work, a GPS tracking device can be a huge help in case of a flat tire. The driver can call a towing company and give them his exact location. In case of a stolen vehicle, if an owner has placed a GPS tracking device on the automobile, the unit can help the police recover the car quickly.

Professional GPS Uses

Surveyors use GPS devices to map out land and collect field data, including distances, direction, and more location-specific data with the help of satellite technology. Farmers often use GPS tracking to plan their fields for the year, mark the locations of soil samples, and even to guide their tractors to plow straight fields.

Other professionals who find GPS devices helpful are real estate agents, as well as men and women in the military, and, of course, many people in the transportation industry. Pilots, truckers and taxi drivers, use GPS devices every day to make their jobs easier and serve their clients better.

GPS For Relaxation

In the evening, when it’s time a for a little fun and relaxation, a GPS device can be used for games or hobbies. Many people use GPS technology when they go biking or hiking. Others use GPS tracking to find that perfect fishing spot again. Geocaching, a treasure hunt game played with GPS systems, is also becoming more popular. Some GPS units now include instructions and coordinates for other games.

From start to finish, a GPS unit can be a useful tool throughout the day, assisting with necessary functions as well as providing peace of mind and a lot of fun.

Article Written by Greg Bartlett

GPS Helps Car Dealerships Rev Up Sales

Admin — Sat, 02 Oct 2010 16:00:54 +0000

Buying a car these days is a very expensive proposition even for Baby Boomers and Veterans who have had some time to amassed some wealth. These consumer groups have also typically embraced the car dealership as a venue of choice for buying a car. Not so for Generation X, Generation Y (or Millennials) and Generation Z (or Digital Natives).

These newer generations have been brought up using computers and Ipods. They don’t take road maps on trips, instead relying on GPS tracking or their cell phone to call for directions. Their natural tendency when buying a car is to do their research on the Internet and locate the vehicle on the Internet, sometimes even completing the sale on the Internet all without once seeing the car in person in some cases. They are not frequently seen at car dealerships.

How Dealerships Can Attract Younger Buyers

The problem for car dealerships is how to attract these elusive buyers who are not motivated by corporate or brand loyalty or status symbols. The car dealership needs to understand how to attract these younger generations if they want to profit. They have been raised with technology and it is important to them. They like gadgets and little luxuries such as web-enabled computers on the showroom floor and touch screens where they can customize a car to their liking. They want to see the screen that the salesman is looking at instead of waiting for him to run back and forth to his boss. According to a recent Microsoft commissioned survey, 67% consider GPS tracking to be vital for their cars and they want it to come standard along with items such as a port for their music players and software to track their fuel consumption.

Car dealerships would be wise to study the characteristics of the younger population and make their showrooms more technologically savvy and the buying process more transparent. GPS tracking and other technology as standard equipment will be what drives sales in this new demographic. Encouraging these new generations to try a new, improved car buying experience could mean the difference for future sales.

Article Written by Greg Bartlett

Free GPS Tracking Key Giveaway With RMT!

Admin — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 15:40:59 +0000

Have you ever wondered what it might be like to own a GPS tracking device? Now’s your chance to find out. One lucky RMT Facebook fan will have the power to track anyone, anywhere, at any time with a Free Tracking Key (valued at $199). RMT is giving away a Tracking Key to one lucky winner on September 30, 2010 — will that winner be you?

To enter the Rocky Mountain Tracking Free GPS Tracking Key Giveaway, simply “like” RMT on Facebook, and comment on one of our articles. New articles are posted to the RMT blog and Facebook page every day, so you’ll have plenty of chances to enter our contest. You’ll also find that our articles are filled with useful information about how GPS tracking can benefit your world – no matter what line of business you might be in.

The Tracking Key device is one of RMT’s most popular products, which is why RMT wants to share this product with you. This device allows users to map the location of any vehicle from the comfort of a home computer. Stop times, speed, and other detailed route information can also be viewed with this device.

Easy to install and easier to use, the Tracking Key will quickly become your number one resource for useful information. The RMT Tracking Key contest ends September 30, 2010, so make sure to keep your eye on our Facebook page. The winner of the RMT giveaway will be announced on RMT’s blog.

Prevent Vehicle Theft with GPS Tracking

Admin — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 15:47:59 +0000

Motor vehicle theft happens every day and not only is it a nuisance, messing up your daily schedule and causing much hassle, but it also could run into a bit of money and time, depending upon how well the car is insured and how high the deductible. There is a solution to this common problem and it comes in the form of a GPS tracking device. They come in a variety of sizes such as handheld or small and magnetic to be unobtrusively attached to an object or placed in a suitcase.

A GPS tracking device uses the Global Positioning System, a constellation of twenty-seven satellites orbiting the Earth and maintained by the U.S. Military, to determine the coordinates of a receiver on earth. The way the GPS receiver works is to locate four or more satellites, calculate distance to each, and then figure its own location based on that information.

In a recent case, Mississippi State Senator Terry Burton’s Impala was stolen. When he realized what had happened, he contacted On-Star so that they could activate the GPS unit in his car. They verified the theft with police and then provided officers with the exact location of the vehicle. It was quickly recovered with no damage or loss to the senator. The usual course of events would have been that the car ended up in a chop shop, parts shipped out to various locations, abandoned somewhere or even purchased by someone else who had no knowledge of its history. Because GPS is built into many newer car models, the police are given a huge advantage in making a quick recovery and thereby minimizing possible damage to the vehicle.

There are many advantages to having a GPS tracking device in your personal vehicle. Aside from the obvious navigational reasons, insurance companies love them and will give you better rates accordingly. They not only considerably raise the odds of recovering your stolen vehicle which insurance companies always like, but they allow your driving to be monitored for safety purposes. If you’re a good driver, you’ll have more proof than just your word and the fact that you’ve managed to avoid speeding tickets. So, while your primary purpose for installing a GPS may be to thwart a thief, it will prove beneficial in many other ways.

Tracking Teens With GPS — Worth Every Penny

Admin — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 13:48:04 +0000

Article Written by Greg Bartlett

It’s every parent’s worst nightmare. Your teen is driving. You panic. Suddenly, everything you ever thought you believed about providing a child with independence and responsibility goes out the window. You think of the strictest rules possible. No driving after five. No driving by yourself except with explicit permission. If you do end up driving by yourself, check in every ten minutes. But do these types of rules do your child good? And are the really helpful to your relationship with your teen and to his or her own growth and development? If not, what alternatives does a parent have for keeping a teen driver safe? GPS tracking may be the answer to keeping teens safe.

With teen driver fatality rates rising, a solution is needed. Alabama, for example, is currently trying to solve the problem through increasingly strict laws regarding drivers under 18. However, what if these laws fail? Or what if your teenager doesn’t follow them and ends up in an accident? What can you, the parent, do to ensure their safety and well-being?

Consider GPS tracking devices. These devices allow parents to monitor where their teen is, what stops he may have made, and what traffic laws he may be breaking. Notifications can be sent to the parents cell phone or email. Also, some of these devices have voice recordings which warn teen drivers when they’ve broken a traffic law.

Of course, no electronic device can replace your parental care and attention. Yes, they can help, but teens need you, not GPS tracking devices, to teach them good driving skills. However, the devices can assist your teen in situations where you can’t go. In addition, they provide your teen with added accountability. What teen will consistently break the speed limit if mom gets a text message on her cell phone every time? And, in the end, although teens may initially rebel against restrictions, the devices can open up communication and encourage deeper trust between parent and child.

For those parents with teen drivers, don’t hesitate to consider GPS technology. Sure, you may be afraid of upsetting a teen. Or the expense of the devices may not seem worth it. However, all that hassle, fear of disapproval, and expense will seem worth it when a GPS tracking device saves your child’s life.