At TrackingTheWorld, we have built GPS tracking devices and software since 2003. This guide explains what really drives battery-powered GPS tracker battery life and what you can do to get more out of every charge.
It is usually the first question people ask about a portable tracker, and it is a fair one. A tracker that dies in the field cannot tell you anything. The honest answer is that battery life is not one fixed number. It depends on how the tracker is set up and how it is used.
| What Drains the Battery Faster | What Helps It Last Longer |
| Frequent real-time position updates | Periodic, scheduled position reports |
| Reporting while the tracker sits still | Motion detection that conserves power when nothing is moving |
| Relying on the internal battery alone | Connecting to external DC power or an extended battery pack |
| Finding out the battery died after the fact | Low battery alerts that warn you ahead of time |
| Default settings that do not match the job | A reporting plan built around how you actually use the tracker |
So, How Long Does a Battery-Powered GPS Tracker Last?
It lasts as long as its settings allow. The biggest factor is how often the tracker wakes up, finds its position, and reports it. A tracker sending live updates all day will need charging far sooner than the same tracker sending a few scheduled reports and resting in between.
That is why two people with the same device can see very different results. Tracking a lone worker live during a shift asks far more of the battery than checking on a parked trailer now and then.
What Affects Battery Life the Most?
A handful of factors do most of the work:
- Update frequency. Every position report uses power, so more reports mean shorter battery life.
- Real-time versus periodic tracking. Live tracking keeps the device busy, while periodic reports let it rest between check-ins.
- Movement. A tracker that reports only when it moves can save a lot of power when the asset sits still.
- Alerts and button use. Emergency alerts, geo-fence crossings, and other events all trigger extra transmissions.
- Battery capacity. A larger battery simply holds more energy to work with.
- Conditions in the field. In general, very cold temperatures and weak cellular coverage can make any battery-powered device work harder.
How Does the Enduro Plus 4G Manage Power?
The Enduro Plus 4G is our multi-purpose 4G LTE tracker for personal, lone worker, vehicle, pet, and asset tracking. If GPS tracker battery life is a top concern for you, it gives you several ways to manage it.
- A 2600 mAh internal battery built for low power consumption and long standby time
- An internal 3-axis accelerometer that detects motion, so the tracker can conserve power when nothing is happening
- Real-time or periodic tracking, so you choose how often it reports
- Scheduled GPS position reports and low battery alerts through the tracking platform
- The option to connect to external DC power or an external battery
It is also water-resistant and has a thumb-sized button with haptic feedback for confirmed emergency alerts or instant geo-fence setting.
How Can You Make the Battery Last Longer?
Small changes to your settings can add a lot to the battery life of a battery-powered GPS tracker. Start with these:
- Use periodic reports instead of real-time tracking whenever you do not need a live view
- Turn on motion-based power saving so the tracker rests while the asset is parked
- Match your reporting schedule to the job, such as more often during a shift and less often overnight
- Watch for low battery alerts and recharge before the battery runs empty
- Add external power or a battery pack for long deployments
When Should You Add External Power or a Battery Pack?
If the tracker needs to run for long stretches without anyone touching it, an external power source is the simplest answer. The Enduro Plus 4G can connect to external DC power or an external battery, and we carry extended-life battery packs for longer deployments:
- Pelican Pack 1010, available with a 10,000 mAh flat battery or a 13,200 mAh 6-cell battery
- Pelican Pack 1020 with a 17,800 mAh battery
- Covert Pack with a flat battery and charger
- A motion sensor accessory that helps prolong external battery life by powering the device down when there is no movement
Ask us which pack fits your tracker and installation before you order.
Is a Battery-Powered Tracker Right for Your Use?
For people, pets, and assets without a steady power source, battery power is what makes tracking possible. If you mainly need very long standby, our AVL-600W Series lists a 90-day standby time with a rechargeable internal battery, and our GAT-Pro models use user-replaceable lithium batteries and wake up on a preset schedule.
Tell us how you plan to use the tracker, and we can help you set realistic expectations for battery-powered GPS tracker battery life before you buy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there one battery life number for the Enduro Plus 4G?
No. Battery life depends mostly on how often the tracker reports, whether you use real-time or periodic tracking, and how much the tracker moves. Contact us with your planned settings, and we can help you estimate what to expect.
Will the tracker warn me before the battery runs out?
Yes. The Enduro Plus 4G supports low battery alerts through the tracking platform. That gives you time to recharge or swap in external power before tracking stops.
Can I power the tracker from a vehicle or an external battery?
Yes. The Enduro Plus 4G can connect to external DC power or an external battery.
How big is the battery in the Enduro Plus 4G?
The Enduro Plus 4G has a 2600 mAh internal battery. Motion detection helps it conserve power when it is not moving.
Want help choosing the right tracker and settings? Call TrackingTheWorld at (650) 692-8100, email sales@trackingtheworld.com, or visit us at 2360 East Bidwell Street, Suite 111, Folsom, CA 95630. You can also contact us online to talk with our team.
Photo from Tracking the World website
Multi-purpose GPS tracking devices are perfect for many different situations. They can be used to track employees, vehicles, assets, bikes, and more! Each device tracks both periodically and in real-time. Also, all trackers are water-resistant. At Tracking the World, we provide four different multi-purpose trackers to meet your needs. Read on to learn more about our Enduro series of trackers.
Enduro Plus 4G
This high-tech 4G LTE tracking device has multi-constellation GNSS. It supports GPS, GLONASS, and Beidou. It runs on the B2, B4, B12, and B13 eMTC bands. The device has a built-in GNSS receiver that is highly sensitive and has a fast time to first fix. The Enduro Plus 4G is perfect for situations where a rapid emergency alert or quick geo-fencing are needed. The device is also FCC, PTCRB, AT&T, and Verizon certified.
Enduro Plus 3G
This device is similar to the Enduro Plus 4G, but it runs on 3G triple band frequencies. The location of this device can be checked in real time or periodically. This model also has emergency and geo-fence crossing alerts available. The device is CE and FCC certified.
Enduro Plus
The Enduro Plus operates on a 2G quad band GSM/GPRS. This device has multiple GNSS support with a u-blox M8 chipset. The Enduro Plus can be used to report emergency alerts and geo-fence boundaries. The device is also CE and FCC certified.
Enduro Plus CDMA
The Enduro Plus CDMA operates on a dual band CDMA2000. It also has real-time and periodic tracking. The device has embedded full features @Track protocol and also offers internal CDMA/GPS antennas. The Enduro Plus CDMA is also FCC and Verizon certified.
Each GPS tracking device in the Enduro product line has the ability to provide both real-time and periodic tracking to protect workers, vehicles, assets, and more. The devices all have emergency alerting and geo-fencing capabilities. Each device conserves power via motion detection and can connect to DC power or an external battery. The main difference is the network that each model operates on (ex: 4G, 3G). The other significant difference is based on who has certified the device (ex: CE, FCC, cell phone networks). For more information about multi-purpose GPS trackers and the pros and cons of each model, contact Tracking the World today.
Enduro Pro GPS Tracker
In addition to providing helpful information for business operations, GPS tracking systems are also used for personal safety. Here, we’ve outlined some of the best safety features today’s GPS trackers have to offer.
The Panic Button
Perhaps the most important feature of a GPS tracker for personal safety is the panic button. With the press of a single button, a GPS user in an emergency situation can immediately alert others if his or her tracker is equipped with a panic button. On most GPS tracking systems, this feature activates a rapid-fire sequence of location alerts followed by automated cell phone alerts via GPS tracking software.
Voice Capabilities
The ability to communicate with another human being in the event of an emergency can mean the difference between life and death. If you’re selecting a GPS tracking system for personal safety, TrackingTheWorld recommends a tracking device with two-way voice capabilities.
Extreme Weather Durability
For personal safety, a GPS tracker with all-weather durability is important, particularly if you are an outdoor enthusiast. In situations such as mountain biking or snow skiing, your safety may depend on the ability of your GPS tracker to reliably function in less than desirable temperatures. Be sure to ask your GPS dealer for specifics on bad weather and water resistance capabilities before purchasing a tracker.
Long Battery Life
Another of the most important safety features for GPS trackers is the ability of the tracker to operate for as long a period as possible without a charge. Depending on locate update intervals (how often you want the tracker to report your location), today’s GPS trackers can go as long as a month or more between charges. With this capability, or something similar, you can rest assured your GPS tracking system will function even if you forget to charge it once in a while.
Questions?
For more information on GPS tracking devices designed for personal safety, vehicle tracking, employee monitoring, and more, please visit http://www.trackingtheworld.com.
Enduro Pro GPS Tracker Packages!
TrackingTheWorld recently announced the availability of all-inclusive GPS tracking packages for the New Year featuring the firm’s best-selling EnduroPro GPS tracking device.
Available through January 31, 2014, the packages include the EnduroPro, an extended life battery pack, choice of mini-magnetic case or ankle bracelet accessory, and three, six, or twelve months of GPS tracking service depending on the selected package (ranging in cost from $345-$545) .
“This offer is a convenient and very affordable way to get started in GPS tracking systems, or add to your current tracking devices,” said Gilbert Walz, CEO of TrackingTheWorld. For the New Year’s offer, TrackingTheWorld is also waiving its standard $69 activation fee.
The EnduroPro GPS tracking device included in the package offers is designed to provide reliable real time tracking data in extreme weather conditions, and is water resistant to IPX-5 standards. The professional-grade tracker is used for a broad range of applications, including asset tracking, covert tracking, personal protection, and law enforcement.
Time to first fix for the Enduro Pro is 29-seconds from a cold start, and less than one second from a hot start. The tracker includes a built-in motion sensor to extend battery life, which powers down the tracker when it is not in motion, resulting in one of the longest battery lives available for trackers of similar size.
The EnduroPro device is equipped to operate for up to 16-days on a single charge based on five minute reporting intervals and one hour of reporting per day, and can operate for up to 60-days using the dual-layered Lithium ion battery pack included in the limited time package offers. The magnetic battery pack is housed in a waterproof, crushproof Pelican™ case.
Each package offer also includes choice of either the Mini Mag Pro compact magnetic mounting case or the Enduro Ankle Case which allows the user to simply insert the EnduroPro into an adjustable bracelet designed to be worn around the ankle.
For more information about the above package offers, or to order, please call 650-692-8100. Phone orders only please.
Correctional News is reporting an increase in the number of paroled SC offenders tracked via GPS. Numbers are up from 400 tracked offenders in 2011 to 600 tracked offenders in 2013, all of whom must pay a weekly $40 fee for tracking. The report states that most of South Carolina’s tracked parolees are sex offenders, citing the state’s passing of Jessica’s Law in 2006 which mandates GPS tracking of specified sex offenders based on their crimes against minors. The state employs 160 individuals to monitor the tracking devices via GPS tracking software, respond to violations, and make home visits if necessary.
See the EnduroPro GPS tracking device with optional ankle case.
Enduro Pro GPS Tracking Device
TrackingTheWorld’s all-weather EnduroPro GPS tracker offers an ideal choice for extreme weather conditions, from recent summer heat waves to below zero temperatures. Designed to provide accurate and reliable reporting in the most extreme conditions ranging from -40° to 185° Fahrenheit, the EnduroPro is also water-resistant to IPX-5 standards.
The Enduro Pro offers features not typically found on GPS tracking systems in the same price range and of comparable size. Gilbert Walz, CEO of TrackingTheWorld, said the tracker is also known for its versatility. “The EnduroPro tracker is used for a number of applications, including asset tracking, covert tracking, and personal protection.”
Time to first fix for the Enduro Pro is 29-seconds from a cold start, and less than one second from a hot start. The tracker includes a built-in motion sensor to extend battery life, which powers down the tracker when it is not in motion, resulting in one of the longest battery lives available for trackers of similar size. The device is equipped to operate for up to 16-days on a single charge based on five minute reporting intervals and one hour of reporting per day.
An ultra-compact tracker, the EnduroPro weighs 60-grams, and measures 67.5mm x 40mm x 21mm. Additional technical specifications include Quad-Band 850/900/1800/190MHz operation, GSM phase 2/2+ compliance, a 1300mAh, 3.7V Li-polymer backup battery, 50-channel all-in-view tracking, and a uBlox 6 GPS receiver. Designed for use with TrackingTheWorld’s GPS tracking software, the Enduro Pro provides fixed-time reporting, geo-fencing, emergency alerts, and customized reporting options.
Interface options include a mini-USB port for PC connection, an LED indicator for power, GSM, and GPS statuses, power and function buttons, and an MMCX RF connector for utilization of an external GPS antenna.
Our newly released Enduro Ankle Case is now available as an accessory for EnduroPro GPS trackers!
Visit the Enduro Ankle Case product page here: http://www.trackingtheworld.com/products/enduroanklecase/
View the Enduro Ankle Case press release: http://www.prlog.org/11718795-trackingtheworld-offers-ankle-bracelet-case-for-enduro-pro-gps-tracker.html
Most of us work hard to earn the extra “toys” we enjoy, such as four wheelers, boats, snow mobiles, and other sports vehicles. Are you worried about protecting your hard investment in your sports vehicle?
Consider the TrackingTheWorld’s Enduro Pro GPS tracking system for your sports vehicles. With its compact design, optional extended life battery pack, and all-weather durability, the Enduro Pro GPS tracker is a smart choice for sports vehicles, including ATVs, RVs, and more.
Learn more about the Enduro Pro GPS Tracker Here.
http://www.trackingtheworld.com/products/
Read another blog post on the Enduro Pro GPS Tracker
Does GPS tracking teenage drivers really make them better drivers? According to a recent study, the answer is YES. While some parents may feel awkward using GPS tracking to monitor their child’s driving habits, it
turns out that use of GPS tracking devices do, in fact, improve teen driving habits–especially if the teenage driver is aware that there is a GPS tracker in his or her vehicle.
A new study released by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety showed that
when teens know that their driving was being monitored by their parents they
perform better behind the wheel than their non-monitored counterparts.
Source: http://autos.aol.com/article/teen-tracking-devices/
If you’re looking for a GPS tracker for a teenager, we recommend the Enduro Pro GPS Tracking Device, and sharing with your teen that the tracker is in his or her vehicle. Read more about the Enduro Pro GPS Tracker.
Enduro Pro GPS Tracker
Read more about the Enduro Pro GPS Tracker here.
Whether you’re choosing a GPS tracker for business or personal GPS tracking, it’s important to choose a tracker that meets your current and possibly your future needs. For versatility, reliability, and affordability, TrackingTheWorld recommends the Enduro Pro GPS tracker.
The Enduro Pro GPS tracker has received excellent reviews by the GPS tracking experts at GPS Magazine, as well as spot on CNN Newsroom in June. Here are just a few of the benefits of choosing the Enduro Pro GPS tracker:
- All-Weather Reliability for any GPS tracking application
- Smaller than a credit card
- An alert (SOS) button for added security in personal GPS tracking
- Affordability: The Enduro Pro GPS tracker is priced lower than any other GPS tracker in its class
- 3D Motion Sensor for power conservation and enhanced motion sensitivity for the most reliable GPS tracking.
- MMCX connector for utilizing an optional GPS tracking antenna
Visit TrackingTheWorld.Com for more information about the Enduro Pro GPS tracker and other GPS tracking options for business, personal, and vehicle GPS tracking.
