Set up Online Tracking

Online tracking is an optional function that allows you to log into a website to see the Tracker's location in real-time. When this function is activated, your Tracker will upload tiny data packets with location information to the online tracking server, which also allows you to see route history. You can still use text-based locations as normal. This guide will only work for the Stray Star GPS Tracker, if you have purchased a device elsewhere it will not work.

PLEASE READ THIS GUIDE BEFORE STARTING. 

You will need to refer back to this page during the process.

It might look long when scrolling through the steps, as we've tried to be detailed enough to prevent any confusion or mistakes. As long as you follow the steps one-by-one, it should be fairly simple.

Costs: Using online tracking uses data on your SIM, which with GiffGaff is 10p per megabyte, so shouldn't cost more than about 50p per month to use (the data uploads are tiny). If you're using the £6 per month Goodybag, then you'll have more than enough inclusive data. If you're with another network, you'll have to research your data costs.

The tracking platform itself is the largest GPS tracking platform in the world, and offers free accounts for personal use.

It helps to have first had location replies to Loc or Loc,gps. Until your device has registered enough satellites for a location, it won't show on the online map.

If you need assistance

If you get stuck at all, just let us know below and we can help out.

4. Create Unit: You can now set up your Tracker in your online tracking account by clicking on the yellow cross.

Important: Scroll to the bottom of the options where "legacy" is written in orange to the right, and select "EV-07B" (see image).

It must have legacy in orange, if you select the wrong unit it will not track on the map. The tracker is pre-set with the relevant IP and port information for this specific device protocol.

For the ID option you will need to type the unique 15 digit number for your device.

There are two ways to find this number: it is written on the side of the packaging box, or if this is not available you can also text V? to the device to receive the 15 digit number by reply.

You can change the name and icon for your device here if you wish by clicking on the pencil icons. Once you enter a name, click the tick to save it.

Then click the back arrow to the left of "Settings".

You may see a blue location dot on the map - this is not the Tracker's location, but your mobile phone or desktop that is showing on the website. You haven't activated online tracking on the Tracker yet (that's the next step) - when you do, it will show as a separate, yellow dot.

5. Activate Online Tracking on The Device: You will now need to send this text message to the tracker:

S2

This tells the device to start uploading location data to the server (so you can see it on the map). If you don't see the location within a few minutes, text reboot.

If you ever wish to deactivate the online tracking uploads, you can text S0 (that's a zero), then text S2 to reactive it. 

(Note: the devices are pre-configured for GiffGaff SIMs. If you've installed your own other SIM, please contact us and let us know as you'll need to set this with a text).

By default the device will upload its location to the server every five minutes while it's in motion, and every ten hours when stationary. This is a good optimum level to save on battery when its not moving. If you want to increase the upload regularity, the text is Mode2,03M,05H (where it uploads every 3 mins when moving, every 5 hours when stationary - these numbers are variable).

A useful text to remember if ever the person is missing is CL30S,10M, which will tell the device to continuously locate on the map every 30 seconds, for ten minutes. Again you can vary these numbers according to your needs. In combination with the upload frequency, you can then preserve the battery while everything is OK, while having a burst of updated locations if and when you need them.

6. Tracking: The Tracker's location should soon start showing on the map as a yellow dot.

Here's a guide to the options (although note that it is being regularly updated so may differ slightly) - typically hovering over an option will tell you what it does:

1. Main unit view

2. Create a geo-fence

3. Follow the tracker's location (keeps it centre of the map)

4. Show location history (note: the free tier of the tracking platform only allows for twelve hours of history, so you will need to check each night to see that day's activity and take a screenshot if you need to)

5. Notifications (geofence alerts)

6. Open menu (e.g. to switch notifications on/off, change name/icon)

More Useful Information

Geo-fences: Click the geofence icon (2 above), then the yellow cross to add a new fence. You can choose a circle or rectangle shape. On a circle, the small right square at about 2 o'clock on the circle allows you drag the radius in or out. Dragging the middle of the circle allows you to move it on the map.

You will need to enable notifications to ping when the tracker moves in or out of the zone. To do this, from the main unit page (1) click the open menu icon (2), settings (3), then notifications tab (4), switch the relevant notifications on (see pics), then save. The pings will alert your phone if you have the app installed - you can download this below.

If you get stuck at all: Please use this form below, and please include your online account login in the message box so we can try to solve your issue quicker.