FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why Tack GPS, how is that better than everything else currently available?
Unlike Bluetooth trackers which don’t work when they are out of your phone range, Tack GPS is a standalone self powered tracker which has its own communication chip and does not rely on your phone for tracking & communication. Other GPS devices currently available on market are either too big, too expensive and simply doesn’t have a battery life which last more than a few days on regular use. They are all just too cumbersome to use.
At Tack one, we have invested the last 18months of our time to get the Tack GPS to work like how a GPS tracker should - Fuss free! We deployed the world’s leading lowest power IoT/GPS chip by Qualcomm, painfully selected the best in class lowest power components in our device and we have gone though rounds after rounds of optimization of our firmware to ensure that we provide the longest battery life in the smallest package possible.
Even with all our focus on ensuring we make the highest quality product out there, we never wavered from our original commitment of keeping our product affordable, after all we as consumers don’t want to pay an arm and a leg for a GPS Tracker, so why should you? That is why we made pains to keep the cost down, choosing to go with Kickstarter rather than elaborated marketing campaigns which would otherwise increase the cost of the product many folds.
How does Tack GPS work?
Tack GPS works by locating itself using GPS, Wi-Fi positioning and Cellular triangulation. It then communicates its location information to our hosted secure cloud service over the mobile IoT network. The Tack app gets these information in real-time. So it works anywhere with the support mobile network coverage (similar to your phone).
So…..how long will the battery last?
The battery life of the our device lasts 1 month on everyday use. Everyday use here meaning ACTUALLY using it and not our device’s battery life in standby mode which is what other GPS trackers uses to determine their battery life. Our definition of everyday use means regular transmission of the device's location throughout the day with increased transmission frequency during active hours , that’s when your dog is going out for a walk in the park, your kids on the way to the school etc.
What tracking technology does Tack GPS use?
Tack GPS works on multiple location tracking technologies to ensure you are always in touch. Tack GPS Leverages on GPS, WIFI and IoT mobile network for versatile positioning.
Do the devices work indoors?
Tack GPS work both indoors and outdoors. When outdoor, Tack GPS tracks location using GPS satellites. When indoor, Tack GPS switches to Wi-Fi positioning, leveraging millions of Wi-Fi networks to determine its location. Even when both GPS and Wifi networks are unavailable, Tack GPS is able to fallback on cell tower triangulation to provide its location. This is the same mechanism as how our smartphone works in locating itself.
How does Tack GPS send info to the App?
Tack GPS works by sending location information to our cloud servers via the LTE-M and NB-IoT network. This location information is then pushed to app so that the up to date location can be displayed on the App’s map UI.
What is LTE-M and NB-IoT?
In simple terms, these are the next generation low powered wide area networks of the 4G and 5G specifications. These low powered wide area networks are specifically designed for IoT devices like Tack GPS to provide:
i. Better network coverage to allow Tack GPS to work even in areas of poor cell signal
ii. Lower power consumption so that Tack GPS lasts much longer
iii. Future proof with the rapid expansion of IoT network by all major mobile operators
Why do I required the Tack Connect subscription and how much is it?
Our Tack Connect subscription service is required to cover the following:
i. LTE-M and NB-IoT mobile operator subscription
ii. Wifi positioning service charges by our partners
iii. Tack cloud Server running and maintenance cost
iv. Our customer service support cost
Our subscription costs are:
Monthly subscription (billed once every 3 months) - USD3.99/month
One year subscription (billed annually) - USD3.29/month
Two years subscription (billed every 2 years) - USD2.99/month
Can I use my own SIM?
Tack GPS has a built in sim so that we can manage the network service on your behalf and you will have one less thing to worry about (Remember we want Tack to be fuss-free to use!). There are very good reasons for this too. The low powered wide area networks like LTE-M and NB-IoT that are specifically designed for IoT devices are not readily made available to the public.
This means that retail buyers like you won’t be able to leverage on the power efficiencies of these networks nor get the pricing as we would since we have economies of scale. This translates to more cost savings for you.
Also, at a subscription cost as low as USD2.99 a month, you would be hard pressed to find better pricing as the one we currently provide.
What countries are supported at launch and how do I know if I have IoT coverage in my area.
At Launch, Tack GPS is supported in the following countries with the following service providers (Click on the service providers to check out the IoT coverage in your area)
USA -
AT&T Wireless,
T-Mobile USA
Germany -
Deutsche Telekom,
Vodafone,
Telefonica O2
United Kingdom -
O2
Australia -
Telstra
Austria -
T-Mobile Austria
Belgium -
Orange
Canada -
Telus,
Bell
Denmark -
Telenor,
Telia Mobile
France -
Orange
Finland -
DNA,
TeliaSonera
Japan -
Softbank,
NTT Docomo
Luxembourg -
Orange,
P&T Luxembourg
Netherlands -
KPN Telecom,
Vodafone Libertel,
T-Mobile Netherlands
New Zealand -
Vodafone,
Spark
Norway -
Telenor Mobile,
TeliaSonera Norge
Poland -
Orange
Romania -
Orange Romania
Spain -
Orange
Singapore -
Singtel
South Korea -
KT
Sweden -
Telia Mobile
Switzerland -
Swisscom
Taiwan -
Chunghwa
Thailand -
AIS
Turkey -
Turkcell
Currently, there are already about 155 Countries with Mobile IoT Network coverage world wide and we working hard to bring Tack GPS Connect service to you in all these countries - you can view them
here.
Are there any roaming fees or restrictions?
No, we do not charge roaming fees or impose any restrictions so once you have subscribed to our Tack Connect service, you can use Tack GPS in all of the supported countries at no additional cost!
Can I monitor Tack GPS from multiple devices?
Yes, it is possible to monitor Tack GPS from multiple devices. You just need to be logged into the same account on different device.
What is the accuracy for Tack GPS?
The outdoor accuracy for GPS allows Tack GPS to locate up to +-3m.
For indoor tracking on WPS (WiFi Positioning System), typical accuracy is 10-30m indoors. (very much like the accuracy of your mobile phone whenever you are indoor and turns on location service).
Should both GPS and WPS fails. Tack GPS is still able to do cell tower triangulation to provide its location, typically within 100-200m accuracy.
How do you attach the Tack GPS? What is the wonder case for?
We have designed the Tack GPS with a ultra stylish design so that you can flaunt it! All Tack GPS ships with a lanyard for easy attachment to bag handles and zippers, etc. For our furry buddies, we have included the wonder case for convenient attachment to ALL types of pet collars (That’s how it got the name “wonder” case).
Is Tack GPS waterproof?
Absolutely, we fully expect our furry buddies to bring along Tack GPS for a dip in the water!
Can the devices operate in extreme weather conditions?
Tack GPS have a recommended operating temperature of 0°C to 40°C with maximum operating temperature of -20°C to 60°C, However, in both the extremely high and low temperatures, battery life could be affected significantly.
How do I charge Tack GPS and how long does it take to charge?
Charging the Tack GPS is simple. Just plug it in with the included USB-C cable. A full charge takes about 1.5 hours, the LED will change from RED to GREEN when the device is fully charged.
Can the devices be turned on/off?
Yes, a short press on the power button turns it on; a long press (about 8-10 secs) on the power button turns turn it off, but with an operating battery life as long as ours, we hardly see the need to turn it off to “save power”!
How do I send a on-demand check-in from Tack GPS?
It’s simple really, even your kid can do this. Just press
twice on the power button (The LED will turn green while Tack GPS connects to the network). The TackGPS App on the phone will get the alert notification in seconds after the green light goes off.
Do Tack GPS have Bluetooth connectivity?
Yes, Tack GPS uses bluetooth to connect with the app on your phone for initial setup and software update.
Is there warranty included?
Yup! We include a standard 1-year Warranty with the Tack GPS.
What are the tracking modes available and how do I change them?
Tack GPS has 4 modes of tracking which can be set by users anytime they wish:
1. Power Saving Mode: Location updates once every 12 hours
2. Standard Mode: Location updates once every 1 hour
3. Active Mode: Location updates once every 10 minutes
4. Emergency Mode: Location update once every 2 minutes
To change tracking mode for any device, simply go to the device settings page and select/toggle on the tracking mode to change the current setting.
How do I add a Safe zone and what is it used for?
Enter the advanced settings menu by tapping on the settings wheel located at the top right corner on the device’s setting page. Safe zones may be added by pressing on the “+” icon. Up to 4 safe zones may be added for each Tack device.
Once Safe zones are setup, you will receive a notification alert on the TackGPS App every time the device goes in and out of the Safe zones.
My Tack GPS LED is blinking Red. What is happening?
This is an indiction that the network connection has failed. It could be that there is no network coverage/cell tower reception in the particular location where the Tack GPS LED blinks Red.
To retry, press the power button twice to start a new on-demand location update to check if the network connection error is an intermittent issue. You many also repeat this verification when your Tack device is in a new location.
You can also check with the operator providing the IoT connectivity in your country (Refer to FAQ: What countries are supported at launch) to verify the coverage in the area where you are experiencing poor network connectivity.
My Tack GPS LED is lit with a solid Red. What does this mean?
If the USB-C cable is connected to power source and device is charging. This is completely normal. Red light will turn to green once charging is completed.
If the device is not charging when RED solid light comes on, restart the device by powering off the device - holding on to the power button for 8-10 secs until LED goes off, then single press on the power button to turn on the device again. If the Red light does not come on again, you may use the device normally.
Please contact us at support@tackone.xyz should the issue persists.
How do I update the firmware on Tack GPS
When there is a new firmware update for the Tack GPS device, user will be notified via a red icon beside the device setting icon on the TackGPS app dashboard. Tap on the device setting icon and follow the instructions on app to update the firmware. For more details, please download the user menu at our support page. www.tackgps.app/support/
What is Pet Mode and what is it used for?
Pet Mode is used to enhance the performance of Tack GPS whenever the device is worn on a pet. When Pet Mode is turned on, our smart A.I. algo uses an alternate set of criteria to evaluate the activity pattern that is more suited to that of a pet. This is needed to differentiate the activity and usage pattern as the use case of wearing our device on a pet is vastly different from that when our device is attached to a vehicle, or a kid's school bag for example..
For all other use cases other than wearing on pets, we recommend turning pet mode off to have a user experience more suited to a normal use case.
