GPS Tracking
 

Hello,

is there any experience with a fixed mounted GPS tracking system which can display the tracks over a webservice like tracking systems for ships or containers?

Does anybody can recomend an approved system?

ADS-B is GPS based

spider tracks

Skytrac. Fixed or portable system, displayed on any computer through the portal with username/password.

Skytrac seems to do what I am looking for. Can anybody tell something about costs?

On their webpage I found some information about the power requirement which brougt me to the question can you disable the system simply by unpowering the device?

I would prefer some device which does not require a power source but is capable of sending data for at least one year without reloading.

Any advice?

Satelite tracking
 

Have a look at this website, they have carry on trackers:

Blue Sky Network |Satellite Tracking, SATCOM

Boessie

Transmitting without a power source is impossible per definition.

edit: Skytrac is pricey but a highly capable system and popular with many big operators. Although I don't think it's the theft retrieval system you seem to be looking for.

Start here.

Most of what is available is covered.

The Yellowbrick YB3 may cover what you seem to be looking for.

I am looking for a tracking device simmilar to this GPS tracking devices. Low cost high quality GPS tracking devices.

which can be used in the helicopter with STC or however accepted by the authorities. This system should not require an onboard power supply and it should not be possible to switch it off.

The idea behind is to track the time in a leased helicopter from a remote position at the other side of the world. In short words, we want to have some reliable source to verify the log entries.

Good luck with that.

SPOT Trace is possibly the closest you can get.

If it's supposed to be totally independent why bother with STC? Just get the non-aviation tracker and find a nice place to hide it.

Get a second hobbs wired in were no one can find it.

SPOT Trace
 

On face value that seems to be a very good solution for what you need in order to check on the true utilisation and the whereabouts of your asset.

I can't speak from own experience for the satellite communication uplink (SPOT uses the Global Star Low Earth Orbit satellite network to upload the tracker's position), but in my experience the position of the GPS receiver is fairly uncritical in a helicopter (owing to the large Plexiglas canopy of most models). I have stuck small GPS receivers (without external aerial) under the seat, without any perceivable loss loss of position fix.

There is lots of talk about the requirement of the GPS receiver to have unobstructed view of the sky, etc., but in my experience in the front seats (or even the rear seats in a Robinson style helicopter) this is not an issue. As mentioned before, anything non solid metal, like plastic, leather or seat cushions don't seem to impair the reception of the GPS signal from the sky.

The SPOT Trace may also be a good entry level option for flight tracking (meeting your legal requirement for flight following in commercial operations) - at least better than simply relying on the pilot calling in "safe" after each landing. The next level up product from SPOT (the Gen3) adds a few useful features that the Trace is missing when it comes to flight following (such as "check-in OK", "Help" and "SOS" buttons), all at a fraction of the purchase and operating costs of Spidertracks.

> If it's supposed to be totally independent why bother with STC? Just get the non-aviation tracker and find a nice place to hide it.

The non aviation ones are typically cellular whereas the aviation ones are satellite so the geographical coverage is 100%

Look at buddi - a low cost, very accurate tracking device which has its own power supply. See buddi.co.uk.

It's cellular though. Maybe not so much the case in the UK but in NZ, Australia, Canada, Africa etc there are vast areas with no cellular coverage. In such places you need a satellite based device.

Only if you basically need real-time tracking. I think for his application it would be enough if the unit would send data from say the last week or two once it reaches coverage? Would still serve the purpose of checking on the records provided by the operator.

Oh, yes I can see your point.

Spot Gen 3 satellite tracker is low cost (about $150 purchase price), fully independent system. For about $100 to $150 per year, provides real-time tracking and emergency alerts, as well as rescue capability. I have one and used it on a recent cross the US flight, where it worked well.

I haven't looked at SPOT recently but 6 months ago Spidertracks was still the better solution for tracking because in case of an emergency you don't need to press any buttons, because you might be unable to do so, and the unit due to it's non movement for x minutes deduces there is a problem and sends an emergency message...

This makes it a passive emergency system if you know what I mean. It's sort of set up and forget.

And no I am not connected with them...