Installing a GPS Tracking Device
Most people never stop to consider where the GPS Satellites they hope to use with their tracker are located. In fact the main ones are some 12,500 miles (20,000 km) above us. Despite this the installation of a quality tracking device is extremely straightforward and nowhere is that more true than with most non-metal vessels.
The simplest form of installation is to use one of our units with 'built in aerials', then gain access to the battery compartment and connect the ‘Live Wire’ to the Positive side of the battery(s) and the ‘Neutral Wire’ to the Negative (or Earth). Now 'Cable Tie' or 'Velcro' the device down with the label side up and in 95% of cases that is it - 5 minutes and the job is done. If the battery is between 9 volts and 30 volts and the compartment is not screened with metal all round, this will work.
Why give it some thought
So why write a page on installing tracking devices? It is simply because for a few moments extra effort you can do even better. First thing to consider - Is the point we connected to fused? If it is straight on to the battery terminal, the answer is going to be no! So for a fiver at the Mariner shop why not put an in-line fuse (3-5 amps) between the device and the battery. Better still, almost for sure there will be a distribution board nearby with a spare fused terminal you can connect to (but make sure the fuse is 3-5 amps not much bigger).
The tracker only needs to be fused on the live side, but a fuse will protect you in the event that one day the wire's installation gets damaged, a blown fuse is better than a burnt boat. So now you are thinking OK I will use that distribution board, but before you do just check that the point you selected stays live when you turn the master switch off. If it goes off with the power and if you want the unit to stay on after you leave the boat (assuming you have shore power), then I am afraid you are back to running it from the live side of the battery WITH A FUSE.
Mounting your Tracker
Is mounting height important? Well yes and no, as far as receiving a signal from the satellites is concerned as long as the device is not half a meter below the water line it will be accurate enough for most people. The transmitter aerial is a little less simple. For most plastic, or wooden vessels with it mounted above the waterline, then up to a few miles offshore contact will be continuous and remember with our units even if it loses contact for a moment it will hang onto the location fix and send it when it is back in radio contact. If however you do want to get better and more accurate coverage, read on . . . .
The images above show that the most effective way to improve performance is to mount one of our weatherproof units on the flybridge or instrument console. If you have a non‑weatherproof unit, install it inside the flybridge or console (provided these structures are not metal) to maintain height while keeping the unit protected.
Most enclosed flybridges include an inspection panel, speaker enclosure, or light fitting that can be removed to provide access. From there, you can attach a length of cotton to a large nut and lower it through the outer support until it can be retrieved inside the vessel. Tie a suitable twin cable (3–5 amps) to the cotton and pull it back up to supply power to the unit.
Even with a weatherproof model, you may prefer to mount it inside one of these locations for a cleaner appearance and protect it from storm waves. In all cases, ensure the label faces upward and power the unit on before final installation to confirm proper operation.
Practical Examples
Below is a few suggestions for installation of a non-weatherproof tracker (or a covert installation of a weatherproof one) on a plastic/wood vessel, shown in order of best performance. Also some images of suitable uncovered locations that have been used. They will all work as long as the unit is somewhere around the horizontal with the label side up.
We are experts in our field and being marine tracking specialist we have solutions for all needs. We are happy to chat with you to find the right solution for your boating needs. Our philosophy is simple if we understand the technicalities you don’t need to. Give us a call on 03333 447644
Go here for installation videos
On our support page you will find a number of videos describing how to get the best out of your vessels tracking device. Amongst them there are some videos about installing the tracker along with video footage of it being wired. There are also videos showing you how to connect to Bilge Pumps and alarms that will send you a message when triggered