Trackers/Thatcham 1 systems

[ninja_eli]

What is considered the best Tracking device and Thatcham 1 system. I have heard that Tracking devices fail in certain circumstances. I know of Tracker but someone told me that their system is not the greatest, but unfortunately never mentioned any that were better!
Anyone know of or have used Skynet system?

I know that the GPS system is the best as opposed to the beacon system.

Any help regarding this would be useful because it seems to have a huge impact on insurance price.
Thanks and regards

[PetrolTed]

quote:I know that the GPS system is the best as opposed to the beacon system.

Not true, they both have their strengths and weaknesses. The best system would probably be one that combines the two technologies.

[Roadrunner]

I've heard neither works if the stolen vehicle is parked in an underground or multistorey car park due to the surrounding mass of the building.

[PetrolTed]

So you can never hear your radio in a multi-story car park?

[ninja_eli]

Do you know of any that use both technologies? The insurance companies like them alot and have offered me near enough to a £800 off my insurance for a tracking device.

[PetrolTed]

I believe Tracker's Horizon product is just that. See www.thankstotracker.co.uk

[Fatboy]

IIRC the RAC trackstar uses both GPS (which doesn't work when the system can't get contact with the satellite - inside buildings or containers) and the radio beacon (Which works fine from inside buildings or containers, but is not as accurate and easily located as GPS) So it gives you the best of both worlds...

[MichelleMc]

I work for TRACKER so you may well say my opinion is biased.. but some background info for you.

TRACKER have been established since 1993 and have to date recovered over 7000 stolen vehicles worth an combined value of over £118m. Our systems are also operated by all of the UK's 52 police forces, who have tracking computers fitted to thier patrol cars, helicopters and fixed wing aircraft.

We have 3 systems availiable, all of which use land based radio technology. Our top of the range system TRACKER Horizon uses this in conjuction with satellite / GPS technology.

GPS is great for providing instant location on computer based maps. However, satellite systems rely on "line-of-sight", the aerial must be able to "see" at least 3 satellites to get an accurate position .. a problem if the stolen vehicle is hidden underground or in a lock up!

TRACKER's stolen vehicle recovery systems are also approved by 30 vehicle manufacturers and supported by ABI insurance companies and Lloyds sydicates - most insurance companies will offer a discount on a TRACKER fitted vehicle. In addition to this, TRACKER is the only stolen vehicle recovery systems to be accredited with the "Police Preferred Specification".

Hope this is of some help.

Michelle McLaughlin
Deputy Marketing Manager, TRACKER Network (UK) Ltd