The use of GPS in fleet and asset management is invaluable for many organizations worldwide. Gaining access to real-time information about its valuable assets reduces operational costs and improves productivity, allowing the business to stay competitive and profitable. Essentially, the advent of tracking technology enables enterprises to secure their valuable assets and improve their bottom line.
In a global market, these tracking capabilities are vital to a business’s success by allowing it to keep track of shipments and other assets regardless of their location on the planet. However, one limiting factor is the unit’s power supply, which begs the questions: can GPS work without power? Is it possible to use a GPS tracker without charging the unit?
Below, we’ll delve into find the answers to these questions and more.
Can GPS Work Without Power?
All GPS units require a power source. They contain electronic circuits that receive and transmit location data. These circuits require electricity, which means they will need to draw from a power source to function. GPS trackers rely on two types of power sources:
- External Power Source. Units that don’t come with their own power source can be categorized as plug-in and hardwired devices. Both are plugged directly into powered equipment, such as a vehicle’s OBD II port, and draw power directly from it.
- Internal Power Source. There are two types of GPS devices that have an internal power source: a battery-powered device and a solar powered GPS tracker. These units draw power from their internal power source and are widely used to enable location tracking for unpowered assets.
Most battery-powered GPS devices today have powerful battery-saving features that allow them to last for years without charging. However, how long these devices can go without charging will depend on several factors, such as their inherent power capacity and the intervals between standby and transmission mode.
What is the Lifespan of a Solar Powered GPS Tracker?
Solar-powered GPS devices come equipped with solar panels from which they draw power to function, making it possible to use the GPS tracker without charging. But, many devices today also exist as hybrids and also draw power from a backup battery when solar energy is unavailable.
You may ask: what is the lifespan of a solar powered GPS tracker? A typical solar powered GPS tracker on the market can last a few years, while the most powerful devices can have an operational service life of up to 10 years.
Geoforce Tracking Solutions For non-powered Assets
Geoforce offers a comprehensive array of location tracking solutions that suit various applications. The list below explores Geoforce’s most powerful GPS units offering global traceability for vehicles, field equipment, and non-powered assets.
AT1: Cellular Asset Tracker with Indoor Proximity
The Geoforce AT1 Asset Tracker has indoor and outdoor location-tracking capabilities to help companies keep track of their assets in indoor and outdoor settings. It uses a combination of GPS and IoT technology (LTE-M) that makes it easier to pinpoint any asset inside the facility or on the field.
The AT1 has an extremely long battery life, allowing companies to rely on the GPS tracker without charging for up to 10 years, depending on the interval between transmissions. It can be used for the following equipment:
- Cargo units
- Tote tanks
- Containers
- Trailers
- Roll-offs
- Waste disposal bins
GT0: The Compact & Versatile Asset Tracker
The GT0 is a revolutionary GPS tracker – the first of its kind in the industry. Having dimensions of 2.8 x 2.8 x 1.25 inches, this fully-sealed, palm-sized GPS device can fit most smaller equipment.
Since its release, the GT0 has found a wide variety of applications across different industries to verify billing, improve equipment utilization, retrieve lost equipment, and manage inventory, helping companies recover costs and reduce losses considerably.
The GT0 can be used for:
- Tanks
- Containers
- Waste disposal bins
- Trailers
- Roll-offs
- Conex containers
- Trailer chassis
- Intermediate bulk containers (IBCs)
GT1: The World’s Most Rugged Global Asset Tracker
The GT1 Global Asset Tracker is the world’s most rugged and safest GPS tracker, having attained the highest IECEx/ATEX Zone 0 safety rating. Its hermetically-sealed construction ensures that it can withstand the harshest conditions, offering accurate location data in the most remote locations.
The GT1 is a powerful tracker with numerous potential applications across various industries, including oil and gas, construction, and manufacturing. It can be used to keep track of the following non-powered assets:
- Tanks
- Rail cars
- Trailers
- Shipping containers
- Frac tanks
- Cargo units
- Skimmers
- ISO containers
- Baskets
- Sand traps
- Cable spools
- Acid tanks
- IBC tanks
- Fuel tanks
GT2s: The Rugged Satellite Global Asset Tracker
The GT2s is the next generation in enterprise-level asset tracking and management. It is a powerful hybrid GPS tracking device with a dynamic solar cell and backup battery unit that ensures reliable and continuous transmission of location information regardless of condition.
The GT2s is capable of transmitting accurate data wherever deployed and can withstand even the harshest conditions and extreme climates. This highly rugged device has achieved an IP68 and IP69k rating, certifying its ability to protect against dust and high-pressure water ingress. Moreover, it has been tested to the highest HALT standards and certified ATEX/IECEx for Zone 0 hazardous explosive environments.
Possible applications of the GT2s include:
- Tanks
- Rail cars
- Trailers
- Shipping containers
- Frac tanks
- Cargo units
- Skimmers
- ISO containers
- Baskets
- Sand traps
- Cable spools
- Acid tanks
- IBC tanks
- Fuel tanks
Boost Global Asset Management Capabilities with Geoforce
Geoforce continues to uphold our high standard with an impressive selection of global asset management tools to suit a wide variety of applications. Employing these solutions to your business can help you boost productivity, reduce operational costs, and streamline compliance. Find out how you can apply our tracking solutions by giving our experts a call at 1.866.607.0807, or fill out this form to get a free quote today!
