P-Trac Micro GPS+AGPS Tracking System Review (GPSmagazine.com)

Verdict: The Real Deal. When you really need to know where someone is.

Brickhouse Security's P-Trac Micro is an advanced GPS + AGPS tracking system what works indoors and outdoors, can last up to 21 days on a single battery charge, and provides a sophisticated suite of reporting and tracking features. The P-Trac Micro supports Geofencing, custom tracking schedules, vehicle and people tracking configurations, SMS or email alerting capabilities and more.

The company advertises the P-Trac Micro as a perfect solution for tracking assets, children, or vehicles. I've been testing the P-Trac Micro for the past three weeks, putting the GPS + AGPS tracker through its paces to find out if the unit is worth the hefty $450 price tag (+ monthly service fee).

Features
Specifications
What's in the Box
Using the P-Trac Micro
Pros
Cons
Conclusion

1. Features:

Real-time tracking
Scheduled tracking - Sends out an automated locate on a schedule
Zone alert - Sends an alert if the beacon reports outside an allowed zone
Small, rugged and portable - (2-inches wide and 1-inch thick) Can be discreetly inserted into a variety of package sizes
Hybrid-assisted GPS system - Can be located where conventional GPS fails, even indoors
Extended battery life - Up to 10 days on a single charge
Internal antennas - Completely self contained, unlike traditional GPS tracking beacons
Uses cellular and PCS channels - Available to approximately 90% of US population
Operates on existing cellular E911 GPS reference service - Robust network ensures reliable performance

Online Tracking Service Features:

Unlimited Access to monitoring and reporting features
Multi User access with unique user name and password
Multiple Geo Fences set by street address or Lat-Long and Radius
Automatic Alerts by e-mail or Cell phone Text
Locations on demand at the click of a mouse
Schedule management of automatic locates
Auto Tracking via scheduled location pings down to every 5 minutes
Reporting of all activity for power full analysis
Google Earth integration for satellite photos

2. Specifications:

Mechanical
- Size: L x W x H
  3.19 in x 1.85 in x 0.81 in
  81 mm x 47 mm x 20.5 mm
- Weight: Approximately 2.73 oz (77.4g)
- Enclosure: Plastic, water-resistant
- Indicators: Power LED
- Vibration: Up to 500Hz random vibration 1.25G rms
- Temperature:
  Operating: -4° to 140°F (-20° to +60°C)
  Storage: -22° to 176°F (-30° to +70°C)
- Humidity: 5% ~ 95% no condensing at 140°F (+60°C)
Location Technology - Qualcomm gpsOne
Position Accuracy:
- Open sky: 15 to 30 feet (5-10 meters)
- Impaired: 60 feet (20 meters) 95% of the time
Battery
- Battery Pack: 3.4~4.3V Li-Ion
- Current Draw Stand-by: 100mA
- Current Draw Transmit: 750mA (max)
- Battery Life: 9 days (hourly position reporting)
Wireless Network Compatibility
- Cellular band:
  Rx- 869 through 894MHz
  Tx- 824 through 849MHz
- PCS band:
  Rx- 1930 through 1990MHz
  Tx- 1850 through 1910MHz
- GPS band: Rx-1575.42 (L1 carrier)
- Compliance: FCC parts 2, 15, and 90

3. What's in the Box

P-Track Micro with AC Charger
Figure 1: P-Trac Micro with AC Charger

The P-Trac Micro package includes the GPS unit and an AC Adapter for charging the P-Trac's internal battery.

Figure 2: P-Trac Micro, Front

Measuring just 3.19 in x 1.85 in x 0.81 in (81 mm x 47 mm x 20.5 mm), the P-Trac Micro is very small and can be easily concealed in a bag, stroller, pocket, etc. The unit weighs just 2.73 oz (77.4g), and can operate from -4° to 140°F (-20° to +60°C).

The GPS antenna is internal and self contained. The short visible antenna on the top-right of the P-Trac is for cellular reception.