Verdict: Good, basic vehicle location capabilities at a relatively low cost. Not suited to indoor tracking
Zoombak's Advanced GPS Car & Family Locator is a relatively low-cost Assisted GPS (A-GPS) tracking solution designed to help you locate your car, and your loved ones in it, and help bring them home safely. The system, which retails for $249, plus a $15/month service fee, can be carried as a portable tracking device or permanently installed in a vehicle. The company also sells a pet-friendly version for $199, which is identical except that it includes a dog collar instead of a vehicle installation kit.
I tested the Zoombak Car & Family Locator and found out how the system competes with other tracking and locator solutions out there. Is Zoombak the low-cost, easy to use tracking solution you've been searching for? Read on.
Table of Contents
- Specifications
- What's in the Box
- Activating Zoombak
- Using Zoombak
- Pros
- Cons
- Conclusion
1. Specifications
- GPS Receiver: SiRF StarIII
- Size: 2.87" x 1.69" x .0.82" (L x W x H)
- Weight: 2.5 Ounces
- Housing: Water Resistant
- Battery Life: Up to 5 days
2. What's in the Box
Figure 1: What's in the Box
Zoombak ships with the following items included in the box:
- Zoombak Advanced GPS Car and Family Locator device
- AC Wall Charger
- Portable Car Charger (12v cigarette lighter adapter)
- Installation Kit
- 12 Volt DC Charger for charging your device when installed in your vehicle
- Installation Bracket which holds your device securely in place when mounted in your vehicle
- User Guide
- Quick start guide
Figure 2: AC Adapter
Zoombak includes an AC adapter for charging the GPS. It takes 3-4 hours to fully charge the device.
Figure 3: GPS Holster
The GPS Holster can be mounted in the car (or anywhere else) using the included double-sided adhesive tape. Similar to a belt clip for a cell phone, the Zoombak GPS snaps in and out of the holster.
Figure 4: Vehicle Installation Kit, 12v DC Charger
Those looking to permanently install the Zoombak GPS in their car can make use of the included vehicle installation kit.
Figure 5: Zoombak, Installed in a Vehicle
Depending on your own comfort level installing hardware in vehicles, you'll likely want to get a professional to install the kit, as you'll need to tap into the vehicle's battery power line.
Figure 6: 12v Cigarette Lighter Power Adapter
The 12v Cigarette Lighter power adapter can be used to charge the GPS in the car.
Figure 7: Zoombak, Front
Zoombak's device fits easily in the palm of your hand, measuring 2.87" x 1.69" x .0.82" (L x W x H). The unit feels well made and has a rubber-like coating to help protect it. The only visible indicator on the device is a single LED located on the top of the GPS, as shown above.
The LED indicates the status of the Zoombak GPS locator:
- BLINKING GREEN Indicates Power ON
- BLINKING AMBER (YELLOW-ORANGE) Indicates Low Battery
- GREEN Indicates Fully Charged (When Charging)
- AMBER (YELLOW-ORANGE) Indicates Charging
- NO COLOR Indicates Power OFF or Battery Needs to Be Charged
Figure 8: Zoombak GPS
Zoombak's device is a convenient size that can be easily installed in a vehicle, tossed in your glove compartment, or slipped into a jacket pocket or bag.
Figure 9: Zoombak, Left Side
Figure 10: Zoombak, Underside
The sticker on the bottom of the device displays the unit serial number and IMEI number, both of which you'll need when activating the device online.
Figure 11: Zoombak, Right Side
The only physical control on Zoombak is the round power button, located on the right side of the device. Pressing and holding the power button for a few (2 to 3) seconds powers the unit on or off.
Figure 12: Zoombak's Power Plug
Also located on the right side of the device is the power plug, protected from the elements by a rubber flap.
