Why Tack GPS, and how is it better than everything else currently available?

Unlike Bluetooth trackers which do not work when they are out of your phone range, Tack GPS is a standalone self-powered tracker with its very own communication chip that 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 18 months 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).

How long does the battery last?

Tack GPS' battery life lasts 1 month on everyday use*. *Everyday use: While many competitors define their battery life under "Standby" mode circumstances, Tack GPS guarantees 30 Days Real-world Battery Life under our "Active" mode usage. This usage is defined as regular transmission of Tack GPS' locations throughout the day with increased transmission frequency during active hours, like the times when you track your dog in a park, or your kids on the way to school.

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, Wi-Fi and IoT Mobile Network for versatile positioning.

Does Tack GPS 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?

Tack GPS Tracker has a built-in modem and SIM card so that it works independently on its own. The subscription covers mobile data and Wifi Positioning costs. 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 Netherlands - KPN Telecom, Vodafone Libertel, T-Mobile Netherlands New Zealand - Vodafone, Spark Norway - Telenor Mobile, TeliaSonera Norge Poland - Orange Polska Romania - Orange Romania Spain - Orange España Singapore - Singtel South Korea - KT Sweden - Telia Mobile Switzerland - Swisscom Taiwan - Chunghwa Thailand - AIS Turkey - Turkcell Argentina - Movistar Argentina Brazil - Vivo Colombia - Telefónica Colombia Estonia - Elisa Latvia - Latvian Mobile Luxembourg - Orange, P&T Luxembourg Mexico - AT&T Mexico, TelCel 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 3-5m (10-20 ft). For indoor tracking on WPS (WiFi Positioning System), typical accuracy is 10-30m (30-100 ft) 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 100-300m (300-1000 ft) or more.

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 battery 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 fiirmware update on the device.

Is there warranty included?

Yup! We include a standard 1-year Warranty with the Tack GPS.

What are the tracking modes and their reporting intervals? 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 4 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. There could be 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 may also repeat this verification when your Tack GPS 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 service@tackgps.app 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, users will be notified on the TackGPS app dashboard via a red icon beside the device setting icon. 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 battery life when Tack GPS is worn on a pet. When Pet Mode is turned ON, Tack GPS' smart A.I. algorithm uses an alternate set of criteria to evaluate the activity patterns that is more suited to a pet wearing the device all the time, 24 by 7.

This is needed to differentiate the activity and usage patterns as the use case for pets vastly differs from tracking a vehicle, or a child's school bag.

While Pet modes works very well for pets wearing the device all the time, it is not suited for tracking people, cars, moving assets or while the pet is being driven or carried. For all other use cases other than pets wearing the device 24 x 7, we recommend turning OFF Pet Mode for the best performance.

The tracking mode on the app is flashing after I change tracking mode. What does this mean?

The flashing on previous tracking mode indicates that the new tracking mode is being changed and will take effect within 10 mins. Once the new tracking mode is changed. The flashing will stop.

My Tack GPS does not update location on 10 mins interval on Active mode or 2 mins interval in Emergency mode. Why Is that?

Tack GPS leverages on built-in advanced sensors and smart A.I. to determine if the device has moved from the last position before sending a location report. If the algorithm determines that the device location has not changed, it does not trigger a new location update, even in emergency mode since the actual device location has not changed. Once the device’s last location has changed, the device will start reporting new location updates in the time interval of the tracking mode set.

This is a power saving feature that will ensure the device battery lasts as long as possible especially in times of lost.