danboy53

There are many posts here that do not properly explain the entire spectrum. To record a history a Data Logger will suffice. It requires removal to download the information. To live track requires a transceiver that can both receive GPS transmission signals and report them across a cellular network (GPRS/GSM). To locate in real time requires the unit be on to respond to a location request. For areas that contain unbalanced cellular coverage, a device with memory is necessary so that when it is in a satisfactory cellular area it can recover location information that it was not able to transmit at the time. Regarding battery life, it depends on internal programming of the unit. It can be programmed as "pulsed" which means it is off for a period of time, turns on, reports its position and then turns off again. So, if you would like an update every minute (60 seconds), it remains off for about 58 seconds, turns on, report its position, and then turn off again. This extends battery life significantly. For units that need to report velocity and driver habits, the unit will need to remain on when in motion. This allows for vehicle activity as opposed to simple location reporting.