Frequently Asked Questions

How To

General

What does the Heartbeat mean in the Detailed Activity Report? Do I need a data plan for each GoTrack EZ or GoTrack 3-Wire unit that I purchase? When does my data plan start? Does GoTrack work with fleets? Can I have multiple users logged on the computer at once? I travel extensively in the US, Canada, and Mexico. Does GoTrack EZ work in all 3 countries? Does it need to be in range of a cellphone tower to report location? Does GoTrack EZ report the location when ignition is off? If so, how often? I am trying to use the device without the driver knowing. If the device is found by the driver can it be traced back to me? Is there a serial number or other ID on the device that will show I own it? Does this system/service have any options for access to raw data via the Internet for use in integration into our own software? Can you delete days? Will this device and the software allow me to generate mileage logs that are IRS compliant? What's an OBD-II port? Where is the OBD-II port located? How quickly can I get GoTrack EZ units? Are GoTrack devices ELD (electronic logging device) compliant? Can I use a GoTrack unit for GPS navigation? Should I tell my employees that our work trucks have GoTrack GPS tracking devices installed? Does the GoTrackEZ app provide users with bridge height, maximum tonnage allowed and other route information? Does the GoTrack EZ or GoTrack 3-Wire work in Australia? Aren't you located in Australia? Where do I get support for my hoverboard or electric scooter?

Hardware

I want to log into the desktop application from my smartphone/tablet. What is the best way to do that?

The best way to log into the desktop site from your smartphone (iPhone or Android) or tablet (iPad, Fire or Galaxy) is to:

  1. Access your smartphone’s/tablet’s web browser. if you became a customer
  2. Go to ez.gotrack.com if you became a customer before January 1, 2018 or login.gotrack.com if you became a customer after January 1, 2018.
  3. Select the “View Desktop Site” button.
  4. Log in to the site with your user ID (email address) and password.

Note: Make sure your browser is set to accept cookies and JavaScript is enabled. Also, enable your browser settings to “Autofill” names and passwords so you do not have to re-enter your user ID and password every time.

 

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How do I have alerts "texted" to me?

The best way to have your alerts “texted” to you is to:

Log into the GoTrack EZ application at ez.gotrack.com. (if you became a customer before January 1, 2018) or login.gotrack.com (if you became a customer after January 1, 2018).

Go to the “Users” tab on the upper right of your screen, from the list of options select “Add New User” and then enter an email address based on the following list:

  • AT&T – [your 10 digit cell phone number]@txt.att.net
  • Verizon – [your 10 digit cell phone number]@vtext.com
  • T-Mobile – [your 10 digit cell phone number]@tmomail.net
  • Sprint PCS – [your 10 digit cell phone number]@messaging.sprintpcs.com
  • Virgin Mobile – [your 10 digit cell phone number]@vmobl.com
  • US Cellular – [your 10 digit cell phone number]@email.uscc.net
  • Nextel – [your 10 digit cell phone number]@messaging.nextel.com
  • Boost – [your 10 digit cell phone number]@myboostmobile.com
  • Alltel – [your 10 digit cell phone number]@message.alltel.com

Finally, log out and log back in as the new user you just created. Go to “Settings” and click “Enable Notifications for all Vehicles in this Account”.

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What does the 'GPS Lock' message mean?

“GPS Lock” means that the GoTrack EZ unit has successfully received the minimum number of satellite signals to give an accurate location to our servers.

This message is ONLY sent to you when the unit is initially powered up (i.e. first plugged in). If you are receiving this message more than upon initial installation of the unit, then it is being unplugged and plugged back in, or your vehicle battery is being disconnected or the vehicle battery went dead.

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How do I add additional users to my account and can I give them a password different than mine?

Every new GoTrack user is initially set up as the account administrator. You then simply select the “Users” tab on the top right of the application window and select “Add new user.” Fill in the requested information for your new user and then click “add” at the bottom.

If you have changed your original password (the password we assigned to you) you may need to contact technical service to have your administrator status restored.

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How do I log in to see my GoTrack GPS tracker unit(s) over the web?

It is very simple to log in and follow your tracker unit(s). If you became a customer before 2018, simply visit ez.gotrack.com.  If you activated your GoTrack account on January 1, 2018 or later, then visit login.gotrack.com. Once you click the appropriate link, you will be prompted to enter the email and password for your account.

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What does the Heartbeat mean in the Detailed Activity Report?

Every 24 hours after the GoTrack EZ unit has been plugged in you will notice the Heartbeat log in the Detailed Activity Report to let you know the unit is on and reporting.

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Do I need a data plan for each GoTrack EZ or GoTrack 3-Wire unit that I purchase?

Yes, because the units determine their location using GPS and report this information to the system using the cellular data network. Each unit needs to have either a monthly, one year or two year plan. Our bundled one year and two year plans are the best values.

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When does my data plan start?

Your data plan starts when your unit ships. We almost always ship your unit the day you order it. If you order after hours it will ship the next business day. Since our customers want the unit to be active when they receive it, we ship the units fully active and ready to plug in.

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Does GoTrack work with fleets?

Yes. Our smallest customer account has one vehicle… and we have a whole lot of those single unit accounts! Our largest customer has several hundred vehicles in their fleet. We have designed our application to be very user friendly no matter how many vehicles you need to track.

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Can I have multiple users logged on the computer at once?

Yes. We will set up the main user as the administrator. That person will be able to assign as many user ID’s and passwords as they would like. All users assigned by the administrator can log in and track vehicles at the same time.

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I travel extensively in the US, Canada, and Mexico. Does GoTrack EZ work in all 3 countries? Does it need to be in range of a cellphone tower to report location?

Yes, we have agreements with carriers in Canada and Mexico as well as the United States. Please contact our sales department at 800-772-2885 in order to get a quote on rates for international service.

GoTrack GPS tracking devices all use the existing wireless infrastructure to transmit location data from the vehicle back to our secure server network.

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Does GoTrack EZ report the location when ignition is off? If so, how often?

Yes. We report the vehicles location once an hour when the vehicle is off. We also have a 24 hour “heartbeat” feature that shows up in a report to verify that your unit is working.

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I am trying to use the device without the driver knowing. If the device is found by the driver can it be traced back to me? Is there a serial number or other ID on the device that will show I own it?

The GoTrack unit allows you to keep tabs on your vehicle(s). At this time and in the foreseeable future, we know that it is perfectly legal in the United States for you to track the vehicles you own. However, some states (such as California) require employers to inform employees if they are being tracked. You are responsible for adhering to all applicable laws that pertain to your actions. We will not give advice on how to use our equipment in any manner that we believe may not be legal or ethical. With that being said, we do protect your privacy. At no time do we release customer information for any reason other than to the extent necessary to complete your order (i.e. credit card processing; please see the privacy policy in the shopping cart section of the website). There is a serial number that can identify you. That is how we know which device to set up for your account. However, we do not give this information out to just anyone.

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Does this system/service have any options for access to raw data via the Internet for use in integration into our own software?

Yes, we can provide that type of access. Please contact our technical service group at 1-800-772-2885 and they can help get you set up.

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Can you delete days?

No, data cannot be deleted from the GoTrack system by the user. All data is securely stored on our servers for a minimum of six months.

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Will this device and the software allow me to generate mileage logs that are IRS compliant?

Our reports will give you the start and stop data along with mileage of all of your trips and mileage by state. This information is guaranteed to be stored on our servers for at least six months. You may at any time within the six months download this information or print out a hard copy and keep it forever.

The IRS requires that you keep the origin(start), destination(stop), mileage and purpose of your trip. GoTrack provides the first three and you must add the purpose in order to have an IRS compliant record of a business trip mileage report per IRS publication 463 (http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p463.pdf).

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What's an OBD-II port?

The OBD-II port is an electronic access port required on every passenger vehicle in the United States manufactured since 1996. OBD stands for On-Board-Diagnostics and the Roman numeral II signifies this is the second version of the OBD standard. The OBD-II port is typically located below the dash on the drivers side of the vehicle. Some manufacturers installed OBD ports prior to 1996 but those may not be compatible with the GoTrack EZ OBD-II units. In that case you may need to use our GoTrack 3-wire unit, which requires connecting three wires to the vehicle (12VDC, Ground, Ignition).

 

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Where is the OBD-II port located?

On all passenger vehicles sold in the United States since 1996, the OBD-II port is required to be located within two feet of the steering column. It is typically under the dashboard on the driver’s side.

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How quickly can I get GoTrack EZ units?

We keep GoTrack EZ units in stock and in almost all cases we can ship the same day you order. We do ask that you place your order before 3 PM Central Time if possible. If it is an emergency, let us know and we can usually ship until 5 PM Central Time. We are centrally located in the US and use UPS ground as our standard shipping method. This means almost all shipments are received in two to three days. However, an overnight shipping option is available on our checkout page

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Are GoTrack devices ELD (electronic logging device) compliant?

GoTrack tracking devices are not designed to meet the electronic logging devices (ELD) requirements for commercial/over the road trucking. You can learn more about the ELD requirements at the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Association website.

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Can I use a GoTrack unit for GPS navigation?

GoTrack units are tracking units, not navigation units. The driver does not interact with the system at all while operating the vehicle. Simply put, GoTrack does not show a driver where they are, GoTrack shows someone else where the driver is and where they have been.

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Should I tell my employees that our work trucks have GoTrack GPS tracking devices installed?

Some states (such as California) require employers to inform employees if they are being tracked. You should check your state and local laws if you are thinking about concealing the GoTrack units from your employees. However, we suggest telling your drivers you have installed GoTrack GPS trackers in your vehicles. Explain to them the benefits for the company and the drivers (such as an increased level of safety and a protection against vehicle theft) so they understand the GoTrack system is really in everyone’s best interest.

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Does the GoTrackEZ app provide users with bridge height, maximum tonnage allowed and other route information?

No, not at this time. It is also important to remember that GoTrack does not provide navigation information; it is a tracking system. You can learn more about bridge height and GPS navigation systems on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Association website.

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Does the GoTrack EZ or GoTrack 3-Wire work in Australia? Aren't you located in Australia?

We are not connected in any way with the Australian company GOTRACK, although we are sure they are fine people. If you are in Australia and need GPS solutions, you can find them at Gotrack.com.au.

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Where do I get support for my hoverboard or electric scooter?

You are probably looking for GOTRAX, they make electric scooters and hoverboards. However, if you want to put a GPS tracker on an electric scooter check out our asset tracker or give us a call at 1-800-772-2885.

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How large is the device? What are the dimensions?

The GoTrack EZ OBD-II unit is approximately 2″ x 1″ x 1.75″. The GoTrack 3-wire unit is approximately 3.5″ x 5/8″ x 2″.  Our TTU-720 battery unit is approximately 10″ x 2 1/4″ x 2 1/2″ and the BPU-620 battery unit is 4 3/4″ x 1 1/2″ x 2 1/2″.  Please call us at 1-800-772-2885 for more information.

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I have a hybrid vehicle. Can I use the GoTrack EZ?

Yes. However, hybrid vehicles require us to load a special firmware in our GoTrack EZ units. Please let us know when you order if your vehicle is a hybrid. If you forget to tell us when you order, just call us after you receive your unit and we will do a firmware upgrade over the air. This will require plugging the unit into the car.

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Some of my vehicles don't have an OBD-II port.

You do not need an OBD-II port to use GoTrack. The GoTrack 3-wire unit does everything the GoTrack EZ OBD-II unit does except plug into the ODB-II port! It also is the same price. To install it you must connect three wires to the appropriate wires (12VDC, ground and ignition) in your vehicle. Our tech support group will be happy to assist you with this installation or we also have a nationwide network of independent professional installers that will be happy to come to your location and install your GoTrack 3-wire units. We also have units designed to be attached to trailers, shipping containers, portable generators and other valuable assets.

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What if my unit protrudes from the OBD-II port and is in the way of the driver or near the emergency brake? I'm afraid it might get kicked or damaged.

No problem. You have a couple of choices here. First, the OBD-II port is often mounted under the dash on the driver’s side of the vehicle with two small screws that hold the bracket in place. Remove the two mounting bracket screws, plug the GoTrack EZ unit into the OBD-II port and then “zip-tie” the connector under the dash so that it is out of the way. The second way is to order our “Y” cable which allows you to do the same method as above, but now you get to put a fully functional OBD-II port back where the original port is located.

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Can I install the GoTrack EZ unit covertly?

Yes. There are two ways this can be accomplished.

First, the OBD-II port is often mounted under the dash on the driver’s side of the vehicle with two small screws that hold the bracket in place. Remove the two mounting bracket screws, plug the GoTrack EZ unit into the OBD-II port and then “zip-tie” the connector under the dash so that it cannot be seen.

Remember, the GoTrack EZ unit has three small LED lights that will be visible at night. To be completely covert, cover these up with a strip of black electrical tape.

The second way is to order our “Y” cable which allows you to do the same method as above, but now you get to put a fully functional OBD-II port back where the original port is located.

You also may want to consider using the GoTrack 3-wire unit which can be mounted under the dashboard instead of in the OBD-II port.

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How long will it take to start tracking after I plug in my GoTrack EZ unit ?

First, make sure the vehicle is outside when you plug in the GoTrack EZ. You should notice the green and blue lights blinking after you plug into the OBD-II port. Your vehicle should appear on the tracking map in approximately 5 minutes.

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How do I install GoTrack 3-wire units?

Installing a GoTrack 3-Wire Device is not difficult. We recommend that wire splices be soldered to make sure connections last. We recognize that crimp connectors will also work but they have been a point of failure in installations when the crimp is not done perfectly. Here are the necessary steps:

NOTE: UNIT CANNOT BE INSTALLED UNDER THE HOOD.

GoTrack Harness: RED – 12 VDC Positive (Constant) WHITE – Ignition(12V on, 0V off) BLACK – Ground (Vehicle Chassis)

  • Step 1: Find the ignition and constant power wires. (checkout www.bulldogsecurity.com for wire harness information on most passenger vehicles)
  • Step 2: Remove ½ inch of the wire insulation.
  • Step 3: Wrap the GoTrack wire around the exposed wire.
  • Step 4: Solder the connection, and wrap with electrical tape. Cable tie both ends of the tape to the constant power lead.
  • Step 5: Simply repeat steps 1-4 using the ignition wire.
  • Step 6: Secure the black wire to the vehicle’s ground. This is best done by removing the kick plates and tightening the black wire down with star washers around existing screws.
  • Step 7: Connect the power harness. Secure the GPS tracker to a wire harness or mounting plate using cable ties. Make sure your GPS tracker is facing upwards. The sticker MUST face the sky. The GoTrack 3-wire unit will NOT WORK if it is mounted upside down. Try to mount the GPS unit as far from the firewall as possible. For the best results place the unit as high up in the dash as possible.
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I have a DIESEL pickup truck. Can I use the GoTrack EZ OBD-II plug-in device?

No. Since diesel pickup trucks are larger and heavier than gas pickups (still considered passenger vehicles), they use a different OBD-II protocol even though they have an OBD-II port. You must use the GoTrack 3-wire unit instead.

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