GPS Tracking Watches

From LoveToKnow Watches

GPS tracking watches utilize the latest technology to give you a versatile and valuable product.

GPS Watches That Track

Most watches with GPS tracking capabilities are lightweight and about the same size of a typical fitness or sports watch. Some designs, however, are bulky and the size of an iPod.

How GPS Works

A GPS (Global Positioning System) watch with tracking capabilities allows data to be transmitted from the watch to the GPS satellites and then relayed to a database that can be accessed by using your computer or cell phone.

Data Loggers, Pushers and Pullers

Data logger GPS watches are typically used for sports-related activities. A data pusher provides real-time monitoring and is used mostly for security and surveillance.

Data Loggers

Data logger is the most basic kind of GPS tracker. This mechanism logs an object’s position at preset constant intervals. Some data loggers store the information in an internal memory that’s later uploaded via a USB port onto your computer or some other device.

Data Pushers

Data Pushers transmit information to a remote database at regular intervals to produce a constant feed of information. This allows the tracking of not just location, but speed, direction and distance. Data pushers allow live tracking.

A prime example of data pusher applications is devices used by trucking companies to monitor their fleets. Companies can tell where and for how long a driver stops for a break or if the driver makes any side trips. The use of data pusher devices has reduced instances of product theft and has increased delivery efficiency. Data pushers are most often used by the military and by athletes to monitor their training workouts.

Data Pullers

Data Pullers relay information on a continuous pre-set basis, often when the device arrives at a location or installed at a stationary location for constant monitoring.

Popular GPS Tracking Watches

The most popular GPS watches with tracking capabilities are those used by sports enthusiasts and parents wanting to provide additional security for their children. You might desire to purchase your child a GPS watch with tracking capabilities. Many of these designs are lightweight and resemble a sports watch.

Kids: Advantages of Tracking Watches

In today’s environment, the idea of having your child wear a watch that you can use to keep track of their whereabouts is very appealing to some parents. At first, it may seem like a final solution against your child getting lost or falling victim to a predator.

One disadvantage to some designs is the bulkiness. These watches are too big for younger children and are often cumbersome. Other designs are normal digital watch-size and are available in typical child designs with watch faces depicting favorite cartoon characters. Most of the children’s tracking watches have a locking mechanism.

Latest Child GPS Watch

The latest buzz is about the Nu-M8, the newest product scheduled for release in the United States sometime in the late Spring of 2009.

Some of the safety features:

If the watch is removed from your child or deactivated without your permission, you’ll receive an alert via your cell phone as well as an email giving your child’s last known location.
Has the appearance of a regular digital watch
Able to set a virtual safe zone fence. You receive an alert if your child moves outside the safety zone.
Waterproof
Live track
Home zone safe removal

GPS Tracking: Sports or Fitness Watches

There are two methods of data logging for this kind of watch.

The first method logs the information directly into the watch. If you workout indoors, you can attach a foot pod to your shoe and log your speed, cadence and the distance you travel. You simply transmit the pod info to your computer or other device after your workout.

You may wish to use this feature when working out in areas where GPS signals are often sporadic. Many models offer an optional bike sensor to log your cycling workouts. These pods activate with your movements. Some pods can transmit live data directly to your watch and display for immediate assessment of your workout. These pods also store the data for later evaluation.

The second method sends the GPS data to a central database (paid subscription fee usually required) where it’s later downloaded to your computer.

Many of the newest models have a built-in Heart Rate Monitor (HRM) which allows you to obtain feedback from your workout. This is done by downloading from your watch to a database during your workout. Again, some watches give you immediate information.

Buy Watches With GPS Tracking

There are many places you can purchase GPS watches online.

Four main manufacturers of GPS tracking for watches:

Garmin

Offers several features in sports watches including HRM. Cross-training options with shoe and bike pods, community repository access to routes, maps and course, and capability to share your stats with other forerunner customers. These watches are about the size of an iPod.

Suunto

Most of these tracking GPS watches are the same size as a digital wristwatch because the receiver is separate.

Polar

Polar’s RS800G3 has the capability to let you track your movement separately from your body motion. This function allows various sports activity such as biking, boating, swimming, climbing, running, and other sports while being able to calculate speed, heart rate, altitude, and other kinds of data.

Timex