How to Use & Rent a GPS Tracking Device

ATT Wireless Cellular. You can Click Here for a detailed data coverage map.

The Ranger collects GPS location data and transmits it back to our servers using cellular service.  The data is then sent to you and displayed on the software.

Every Ranger unit has a 2,000-position capable internal memory system. This means that if for any reason your unit cannot transmit the data in real-time (whether for cell coverage, or any other variable) it will store up to 2,000 positions in it's memory, and then transmit the memory the next time cellular coverage resumes. 2,000 positions is equivalent to 100 locates per day, for 20 days. The average Ranger unit checks in about 80- 100 times per day. That number could be higher, or lower, depending on how you use the device.

A Custom Lithium Ion Battery Pack

All rentals come with unlimited locates. We do not charge you for the usage. All fees are included in your monthly rental fee.

The main benefit of the Ranger GPS is that it provides real- time, up-to-date tracking.

The Ranger GPS utilizes ATT cellular data technology, which is available in all 50 states.  To check availability of service in your area you can Click Here to view ATT's online coverage map.

Battery life is affected by the amount of tracking you would like to do.  If you are tracking a vehicle that does about 2 hours of driving per day you can expect 5 weeks of battery life.

The Ranger PRO can operate for up to 240 days off the Lithium Battery pack.

The Ranger GPS is equipped with 1 50lb pull magnet on it's Bottom side. and since the Ranger only weighs 2lb. that's more than enough strength to handle placement either inside OR outside a vehicle.

The Ranger GPS is motion-activated, so the most important aspect of installation is placement of the base (black box).  You want to be sure wherever you mount the unit, it will be able to feel the vehicle is moving (vibrations) - preferably something attached directly to the frame. Clean the area of dirt and grease.  The magnet must have a solid attachment to the Vehicle.  We are not responsible for lost trackers.  If you are worried buy black duck tape and use some for additional adhesion.

No. Your Ranger rental includes unlimited locates.

For client satisfaction, we allow you to use the unit the entire 30 calendar days of your rental agreement. Please make sure that the tracking device that you return to RentGPS contains a postmark dated no later than the last day of your contract. You don't need to worry about the time it takes for the shipment to return to RentGPS, all we ask is that you return the item the day after your Rental Period ends.

You receive the Ranger PRO unit, GPS Antenna (if external), rechargeable battery, charger, software, instructions, login information, and contact information.

Our ordering system is very simple. Just submit your contact information via our ordering form, then print the Rental Agreement for the product you are renting. Once you have finished filling out your Rental Agreement, simply fax it to 303- 447-3502 and you'll receive an e-mail notification when your rental ships.

We currently accept Visa, Mastercard, & American Express. For your security, you will not be asked to enter your credit card information anywhere on our website. We only ask for your credit card information on the Rental Agreement, which you print and fax to us.

The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a satellite-based navigation system made up of a network of 24 satellites placed into orbit by the U.S. Department of Defense. GPS was originally intended for military applications, but in the 1980s, the government made the system available for civilian use. GPS works in any weather conditions, anywhere in the world, 24 hours a day.

GPS satellites circle the earth twice a day in a very precise orbit and transmit signal information to earth. GPS receivers take this information and use triangulation to calculate the user's exact location. Essentially, the GPS receiver compares the time a signal was transmitted by a satellite with the time it was received. The time difference tells the GPS receiver how far away the satellite is. Now, with distance measurements from a few more satellites, the receiver can determine the user's position and display it on the unit's electronic map.

A GPS receiver must be locked on to the signal of at least three satellites to calculate a 2D position (latitude and longitude) and track movement. With four or more satellites in view, the receiver can determine the user's 3D position (latitude, longitude and altitude). Once the user's position has been determined, the GPS unit can calculate other information, such as speed, bearing, track, trip distance, distance to destination, sunrise and sunset time and more.

Many things can affect how accurate your GPS receiver is. The atmosphere, the ionosphere and the position of your receiver could all affect the GPS accuracy. Also any buildings, natural structures or heavy foliage that obstruct the GPS view (line of sight) of the sky may decrease the position accuracy.

In general, civilian (not military) GPS can provide position information with an error of less than 25 meters, and velocity information with an error of less that 5 meters per second.

Factors that can degrade the GPS signal and thus affect accuracy include the following:

Ionosphere and troposphere delays — The satellite signal slows as it passes through the atmosphere. The GPS system uses a built-in model that calculates an average amount of delay to partially correct for this type of error.

Signal multipath — This occurs when the GPS signal is reflected off objects such as tall buildings or large rock surfaces before it reaches the receiver. This increases the travel time of the signal, thereby causing errors.

Receiver clock errors — A receiver's built-in clock is not as accurate as the atomic clocks onboard the GPS satellites. Therefore, it may have very slight timing errors.

Orbital errors — Also known as ephemeris errors, these are inaccuracies of the satellite's reported location.

Number of satellites visible — The more satellites a GPS receiver can "see," the better the accuracy. Buildings, terrain, electronic interference, or sometimes even dense foliage can block signal reception, causing position errors or possibly no position reading at all. GPS units typically will not work indoors, underwater or underground.

Satellite geometry/shading — This refers to the relative position of the satellites at any given time. Ideal satellite geometry exists when the satellites are located at wide angles relative to each other. Poor geometry results when the satellites are located in a line or in a tight grouping.

GPS satellites transmit two low power radio signals, designated L1 and L2. Civilian GPS uses the L1 frequency of 1575.42 MHz in the UHF band. The signals travel by line of sight, meaning they will pass through clouds, glass and plastic but will not go through most solid objects such as buildings and mountains.

Because GPS is a relatively weak signal (1575.4MHz), it cannot travel through metal, concrete, or other like materials.

This means that if the GPS antenna on a tracking unit is blocked by any metal of a vehicle, or if the vehicle is parked in a parking garage or in a busy downtown area near tall buildings, you may have problems getting a location for the vehicle at that time.

Our software has been tested and works properly on the following Operating Systems:  Windows ME, Windows 2000,Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7.

The Ranger GPS system is a cellular device that uses cellular data towers to transmit information wirelessly to our server. 

Any time you open your Ranger GPS Software it will automatically log you into our server every 2 minutes to check for any new information your device may have sent.

No. Unlike most other GPS systems, we tailored software to work specifically with our units. Instead of generic black/white reports provided via most Internet GPS systems, our system provides real-time GPS location via a Mapping Engine. For more software features please see the Software page.

Currently our software is only compatible with Windows operating systems.

Pentium or AMD 900 MHZ Processor, at least 512 MB of RAM, and you'll need about 2 GB of space for the installation

(Numerous map files).

We recommend 512 MB of DDR ram or better for optimum CPU performance.

Our software will tell you not only the GPS latitude/longitude, but it will estimate the physical street address of the lat. & lon. as well. It will also provide duration, speed, heading, and  current battery % remaining.

Don't forget that our Software has a built-in mapping engine that will allow you to play route history and various other features.