April/May 2003

Two tracking systems specialists, Triteq and Pintpointers, have joined forces to develop a specialised trailer tracking system aimed at smaller businesses. It is called Astrotraq, and is said to be able to track trailers anywhere in Europe. Prices for a year's service start at £399.

The key to Astrotraq is that it is solar-powered (with battery backup). The self-contained 370mm by 70mm unit can literally be stuck on to a trailer with special adhesive pads. It is said to be weatherproof and shock-proof.

The circular device incorporates a dual-band Siemens TC35 GSM module and GPS module; tracking information is transmitted by GSM phone network. The positioning information is provided to users over the Internet by tracking specialist Pinpointers.

Pinpointers is a digital mapping specialist which offers a range of vehicle and lone worker tracking and security systems. It has its own system for tracking motive vehicles, and is now offering the Astrotraq system alongside this. Data from both systems is transmitted via the company's mPoll system, which can also send tracking information by SMS direct to ordinary GSM phones.

 

Triteq describes itself as a technology company specialising in wireless device design, and offers its own range of tracking systems for vehicle fleets and lone workers. It also specialises in monitoring systems for fixed assets.

The Astrotraq system is being promoted independently by the two companies. Triteq, for instance, offers a special remote configuration capability for the system at its Web site.