FAQs
Spidertracks is ideal for any person or company wanting to track any vehicle or craft anywhere in the world.
What is spidertracks?
Spidertracks is a satellite tracking solution that enables aircraft or vehicles to be tracked anywhere in world. It comprises a spider unit, an internet-based client interface so users can access information from our secure server from anywhere in the world at any time, and an optional keypad that enables two-way communication between the pilot and the base.
Aren’t all tracking systems satellite based?
No, most systems use the cell phone network to communicate (SMS or GPS). They receive the GPS coordinates from the GPS satellites, but they do not communicate using satellites. Some systems use both methods for communication, resorting to using satellite phones when cell coverage is not available. To reduce the cost of the satellite phone call, which has a minimum charge for the call connection, lots of positions are stored before being communicated as a group at infrequent intervals. When the information is finally sent, the resulting map will have a relatively smooth path from the stored positions, hiding the underlying problem of infrequent updates or stored data.
Why is it important to have a satellite-based system?
Many tracking systems send the GPS coordinates via a GSM or cell phone network, while others use a combination of both methods, resorting to satellite communication using satellite phones when cell phone coverage is not available. Unfortunately, there are many places in the world where there is no cell phone cover or the reception is poor. In these places those systems that rely on the GSM network would not be able to report the location.
If something goes wrong when the tracking system is unable to see a satellite and is storing positions for transmission when the next satellite comes into view your position in the tracking system will be based on the last coordinates transmitted. For example, if the system is set to transmit every five minutes, and there have been no satellites in view for five minutes, the last coordinates recorded could be up to 10 minutes previously. Your aircraft or vehicle could have traveled a significant distance in any direction during that time.
Who uses spidertracks?
Spidertracks satellite tracking systems are used by helicopter and fixed-wing fleet operators as well as commercial land-based operators in 24 countries including North America, New Zealand, Australia and Asia. Aircraft operators use the system to track the movements of their craft and their pilots to maximise productivity, run their operations smoothly and to promote pilot safety, while accurate tracking data enables land-based clients to increase the efficiency of their operations, lift productivity and reduce costs. Spidertracks is being used by rescue fleets to coordinate their activities and can mark the position of an injured person or remote incident.
Spidertracks satellite tracking provides peace of mind for owner/operators and general aviation pilots by making their aircraft or vehicles visible at any time, anywhere, in real time over the internet. Commercial animal cullers and wildlife capturers use spidertracks to accurately pinpoint the capture or kill – information that can follow the animal throughout the processing chain for traceability purposes.
Do I need any special software?
No. Spidertracks is web-based so you don’t need to worry about downloading upgrades and making sure the tracking software is compatible with your new operating systems. And while we are continuously improving the way the tracking data is presented via the website, we’ll always keep you up to date with developments.
Will it work on my computer?
Spidertracks internet-based interface means tracking information can be accessed via any computer that has internet access and broadband. You need to have broadband to download the information and update the maps in real-time.
Can I communicate with home base?
Spidertracks’ optional keypad enables pilots and drivers to send pre-programmed TXT or email messages to nominated recipients - while it isn’t SMS or voice capable, it is TXT and email compatible. For example, pilots can use the keypad to alert the home base operators they are entering difficult weather conditions and that closer monitoring is required. And the operations base can tell the pilot of drivers that their coordinates and messages have been received. This two-way communication is an additional feature not many tracking solutions offer.
How many users can I have?
You can permit as many users as you like to access the data, as long as they have a logon and password. With the spidertracks system, you can also allow different levels of permission to access different data.
How much does it cost?
Using Short Burst Data transmission means the cost of sending each data point message is about the same as sending a normal TXT message. But the overall cost will depend on how frequently the transmission intervals are set and how long you fly. As a guide, costs per hour can be as little as $NZ4 per hour.
Why are some other satellite systems so expensive?
Typical satellite communication based systems require the purchase of a satellite phone. Satellite phones are very expensive and have high ongoing costs. Due to the advanced technology used in the spidertracks system there is no need to purchase a separate satellite phone and hence the considerable cost savings over other systems.
Can I change the frequency of the data transmission?
Yes, with spidertracks you can set the transmission interval to suit your needs. After the initial update on power up, updates can be sent after a certain distance has been covered, after a certain amount of time has elapsed, or a combination of distance and time. It can be set as frequently as every minute or it can be set to transmit after a certain distance has been covered. Because you can control the frequency of the transmission, you can control the cost.
How does it know when to update?
As the user can configure the unit on the website, the user can also control the cost. One position update is only the cost of a typical text message on a cell phone.
How reliable is the system?
Our server is 99.999% reliable - that means less than six minutes of unscheduled downtime per year.
How long are the tracks stored for?
Tracking data is stored indefinitely on spidertracks’ secure server.
How secure is my data?
The information collected by your spidertracks unit is your property and will not be released to any third party without prior written permission from you. And we use appropriate encryption methods to ensure your information is as safe as your bank balance.
Does this replace an ELT or EPERB?
While spidertracks complements mandatory emergency systems, it does not replace them. However, we recommend that you provide your logon and password details to someone appropriate who can check your position details and alert rescue authorities if your locator beacon is activated.
Will it tell the rescue services if I’m in trouble?
Yes - if you enter the contact details of your nominated rescue services in the list of message recipients to be contacted if the Alert buttons are pressed or the system recognises you are in trouble.
How are the tracks displayed?
Spidertracks displays the tracks on internationally compatible Google Maps. In addition, any customised maps you may be using can be loaded on spidertracks.
If you wish to take advantage of the 3D views available from Google Earth you will need to install the free Google Earth software from www.earth.google.com/download-earth.html
Raw tracking data is also offered in table form. This data can be modified for custom applications, for example invoicing based on distance covered.
Can I view multiple tracks at the same time?
Yes - the first map you see when you logon will show the location of all your spiders currently operating around the world. Spidertracks caters for users with more then one unit, such as commercial users, by listing all units under the same login on the website. User-friendly names can be entered for each unit, then just click on the name of the unit to view its tracks or to configure that particular unit.
Is it difficult to install?
The spider is very easy to install. The two antennas – the first which receives the GPS coordinates and the second that sends the signal to the Iridium Satellite network - are integrated within the spider unit so all it needs is a home with a reasonable view of the sky, on the dashboard for example, as no external antennas are required. At only 300 g the spider is lightweight and can be held in place with 3M rubberised adhesive so no drilling, screws or bolts are required! In most cases plastic and glass do not affect the operation of the spider.
How is it powered?
Spidertracks is powered from your vehicles’ 10-32 volt DC power supply. This can be accessed through a cigarette lighter socket, or the unit can be permanently wired to the battery if full-time active tracking is desired. If you don’t have a lighter plug then it is a simple process for a LAME to wire in the supplied power lead to the battery.
Does it have a back-up battery?
No - the spider is designed to transmit when the vehicle or aircraft is working.
Will it interfere with any other aircraft systems?
No, if installed properly. However, aircraft with Fully Automatic Digital Engine Control should check with their LAME or avionics technician.
Is there anyone who can’t use a spidertracks?
The portability and cost effectiveness of the spidetracks solution means it is ideal for almost any pilot or operator. However, we have found that windshields with heating elements interfere with data transmission. Those looking to install a tracking system into a passenger aircraft that carries 12 people or more should consult their Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (LAME) for advice on what system is most appropriate.
What are data points, message points, ping rates, update and reporting times, transmission intervals and other jargon?
“Data points” and “messages points” are different ways of describing the GPS coordinates that are collected by tracking systems from the GPS networks.
These data, position or message points are transmitted at varying “ping rates”, “transmission frequencies”, or transmission intervals. Basically, they’re talking about where you are the world at that moment and how often your tracking unit tells your tracking system that GPS position.
What is a keypad and when would I use one?
A keypad is an optional extra to the spider that allows the user to have more control. It greatly enhances the Spider as a safety device. The main features of a keypad are:
The mark button - This allows the user to send pre-programed messages to both the website and/or a contact via text message. With four pre-programable messages the user can send messages such as 'landed safely', 'home in 30 minutes', 'get fuel truck ready' or messages to this effect all at the press of a button. To send a 'mark 1' message, press the button once. To send mark 2, press the button twice and so on.
The monitoring button - This allows the user to be monitored by the website at a faster update rate than is set up by default. If the user is flying through bad weather they can press the monitoring button. This will send messages at time intervals of either 1 or 2 minutes, chosen by the user, and if a problem occurs and the spider is unable to send a message an alert will be sent to the website. This alert will notify your contacts via both text message and/or email. That way people will know immediately if you are in trouble.
Radius - The radius button allows the user to 'switch' the spider off whilst in a specific area. For example if a pilot is spraying a farm and will remain within a 10km radius while doing the job he can press the radius and the spider will not send points while he remains within that radius. As soon as the aircraft goes outside the radius the spider resumes normal operation and begins sending messages again. The distance is user defined so any radius can be selected.
Alert button - Made up by pressing both the radius and mark buttons at the same time the alert button is for exactly what its name is. By pressing this an alert email and text message will immediately be sent to specified contacts.
Installation of a keypad is very simple, it just has to be plugged into the keypad port on the spider, and it can be removed at any stage. Set up of the keypad is very simple as well. This is all done through the spidertracks website. For more information on the keypad please contact info@spidertracks.com or for purchasing a keypad please refer to our how to buy page here
