FAQ
FAQ
What is GPS?
GPS stands for Global Positioning System. Using this system, we can determine, in three dimensions, the position of any land, waterborne or airborne object at any time of the day or night, irrespective of the weather conditions. Practically, with the GPS system we can track almost continually the coordinates and velocity of objects, as well as the exact time at any point of the globe and near-Earth space. The GPS constellation consists of 24 navigation satellites deployed at 6 orbits around the Earth at an altitude of 20,200 km. The first satellite was launched in 1978 and the system reached its full functionality in 1995. The system is controlled from a command centre, the main installation of which is stationed at Shriever Airbase, Colorado Springs, US. The system uses two types of signals, which are emitted simultaneously from each satellite. These are the encrypted signal PPS (Precise Positioning Service), used only by the military, and the free signal SPS (Standard Positioning Service), which is used for civilian purposes.
What is GPRS?
General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) is a non-voice technology for data transmission over mobile telephone networks. We use GPRS to transmit the data emitted by the GPS devices in your vehicles to the servers of GPS Bulgaria.
How does the system work?
The GPS/GSM device installed in your vehicle collects movement and status data for the parameters requested by you. The collected data is transferred at short intervals of time, over the GSM network of M-Tel, using a GPRS channel or SMS messages, to the servers of GPS Bulgaria. You can access, by user name and password, our web-based FleetExpert application and track your vehicles.
How many users can access the application?
As many as you wish. We will provide you with an Administrator account and then you can create an unlimited number of users with different access authorisations.
Where is the system available?
The system works at any place having both GSM and GPS coverage. GPS coverage is available virtually at any point on the globe except tunnels, underground parking lots and some other facilities.
What happens if GSM coverage is not available?
The GPS device uses the GSM network in order to transmit movement and status data about your vehicle. If the GSM network is unavailable, the GPS device will continue to operate without changing its mode and will use its internal memory to store the collected data. Once the network becomes available again, all data will be automatically transferred to our servers.
How long does GPS Bulgaria store the data?
The data remains available in the tracking application for 6 months. If required, GPS Bulgaria can provide you historical information for earlier periods (maximum 2 years back). You can store the automated reports locally on your computer for as long as you wish.
On what types of vehicles can a GPS device be installed?
A GPS device can be installed on all types of motor vehicles as well on vehicles/facilities without engines for telemetric transfer of data from them.
Are there any specific requirements to the tracking computer?
There are no special requirements to the computer. However, you do need a connection to the Internet and one of following browsers: Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer, Safari, Chrome.
Are there requirements to the Internet connection?
To ensure the normal running of the application, we recommend a connection maintaining at least 512 Kbps.
Is it necessary to purchase and install any additional software?
No, because the FleetExpert tracking application is web-based and can be accessed from any computer via the Internet.
What is the refreshment rate of the vehicle data?
GPS Bulgaria offers various data refreshment modes depending on your requirements and also depending on where the vehicle is travelling – in Bulgaria or outside Bulgaria. The device transmits information when the contact key is on, using a combination of the following criteria: time (from 10 sec. to 30 minutes), distance (from 50 meters to 10 kilometres) and changing the course of movement (from 15 to 60 degrees). The refreshment rate determines how detailed will be the route visualized for a past period of time. Moreover, you can obtain a current position at any time just by a mouse click.
What is the data refreshment rate for vehicles travelling outside the borders of Bulgaria?
In this case, GPS Bulgaria can offer:
- online mode (continuous data flow) irrespective of where the vehicle is – in Bulgaria or abroad;
- a combined mode, in which the device transmits data online until the vehicle is in Bulgaria and switches to offline mode when it is abroad (the device automatically stops the data transmissions as soon as it registers with another mobile operator). In offline mode, the device will store the data in its internal memory and transmit it to automatically as soon as it registers in the Mobiltel network. Moreover, you can at any time download the accumulated data (by GPRS) if you need it or obtain the vehicle's current position (by SMS);
- offline mode only. Whether in Bulgaria or abroad, the device will transmit data only in response to you requests.
What are the data transfer costs per month when the vehicle travels only in Bulgaria?
Please refer to the tariff plans in the Prices section of this website. Our sales reps will recommend the tariff plan that suits you best.
What are the data transfer costs per month when the vehicle travels outside the borders of Bulgaria?
The monthly costs depend on the data transfer setting of the device and can vary from BGN 15.00 to BGN 70.00 with VAT for motor vehicles travelling mostly in the EU.
What maps are available in the FleetExpert tracking application?
The application holds detailed maps of about 60 Bulgarian cities/towns and national road maps with all Class 1 to Class 3 roads, as well as maps of roads and populated settlements in Europe. Moreover, the movement of the vehicles can be tracked using Google Maps.
What kind of reports can be generated by the FleetExpert tracking application?
The application can generate a variety of automatic reports on daily, weekly or monthly basis. Please see details in the description of the Road fleet control and management service and in the presentation of the tracking application. At your option, the application can send the reports requested by you to your email.
What kind of alarms can the system report?
Depending on the controlled parameters defined by you, the system can report alarms for overspeeding, entry into restricted area, leaving a mandatory area, leaving a secured area, activation of panic button, activation of burglar alarm system, opening the fuel tank cap, unauthorised driver, "low lubricant oil level" warning light on the dashboard, etc.
How does the system measure the fuel in the vehicle and with what precision?
GPS Bulgaria supports three options for measuring the fuel:
- by connecting the device to the level gauge installed by the vehicle manufacturer. In this case the level gauge must be in good order and the vehicle must not have two or more interconnected tanks. The measuring accuracy depends on the accuracy of the original gauge;
- by installing an additional level gauge. This is recommended for motor vehicles, the original gauges of which are out of order or do not measure correctly. Measurement accuracy: approx. 95%;
- by installing a fuel consumption meter. Measurement accuracy: approx. 97%;
With all the three options, the fuel data will be available to you only after you provide us details for at least three full charges of each vehicle. The details must be provided on standard template, which will be given to you after the installation of the device.
Do we have to pay for updates of the FleetExpert tracking application and of the maps?
You will not have paid anything. The application updates become available to all our customers automatically after their implementation.
How long does it take to install the device?
Depending on the control parameters requested by you, the installation process takes from 30 minutes to 4 hours.
Can the device be tampered by driver?
As a general rule, GPS Bulgaria installs the devices in concealments, which are difficult to access. Preferably, the driver should not be present during the installation process. The device reports any tampering attempts and the driver can be penalized.
Can I use my own SIM cards for the services of GPS Bulgaria?
No, this is not possible, because GPS Bulgaria uses a special range of SIM cards for its clients.
Can I use the services of GPS Bulgaria with GPS devices purchased from another supplier?
Depends on the type of your device. Please contact us for further information.
How can I start using the services of GPS Bulgaria?
By completing our online questionnaire. Within 2 working days you will receive a special offer based on the control parameters requested by you. Upon your confirmation, one of our sales representative will contact you to fine-tune the details.
How much will it cost?
Usage of the services requires an upfront investment – for purchase/installation of the device, plus monthly fees for data transfer from the SIM card and for remote access to the system. Please complete the questionnaire and will make you a special offer. For an indication, please refer to the service prices listed on this site.
How much money can my company save by implementing the system?
Our customers tell us that implementing the system helps them cut their costs by some 30 to 40 per cent. First and foremost, this depends on you and the control exercised by you.