Sageplan Trackstick Pro User Manual

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SageTracker

Trackstick Pro

Sageplan, Inc

Users Guide

RELIABLE, AFFORDABLE VEHICLE TRACKING

Caution: Tracking other people or their equipment can be illegal.

Consult local regulation s before using this device

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Table of Contents

Welcome ................................................................. 1

Getting Started ......................................................... 3

Tracking Instructions ................................................. 3

Downloading Recorded Data ....................................... 4

Trackstick Setup Options ........................................... 5

Do’s and Don’ts with your SageTracker ........................ 5

Things to Remember ................................................. 6

FAQs ....................................................................... 6

Where to get help ..................................................... 8

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Welcome

We hope that you enjoy your new Trackstick, and that you
find it both practical and easy to use. Trackstick uses GPS
(Global Positioning System) to track its location and the
telemetry is downloaded to your Windows based personal
computer.

Getting Started

Your Trackstick was shipped ready to use. Follow these easy
steps to get started:

Software and Device Setup

1. Install the Trackstick Configuration Manager on your

Window’s based personal computer. The software
can be downloaded at

http://www.sagetracker.com/trackstick_utilities.htm

2. Insert the DC power port to a 12V supply. Connect

the other end to Trackstick.

3. Take Trackstick for a test drive (the dashboard of a

vehicle is a great location for the first test).

4. Plug Trackstick into computer USB port and continue

with the software installation as instructed.

5. When installation is complete, run Trackstick Manager

software.

The configuration manager will allow you to set the reporting
interval and the power mode of the device. See the “Help”
section within Trackstick Manager for additional details.

Tracking Instructions

1. Trackstick always requires an unobstructed view of

the sky to receive satellite signals. Never place the
Trackstick in a vehicle’s trunk or in any other object
made of metal. Clothing, handbags, backpacks, most
automobile windshields, fiberglass and other non-

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metallic objects will not normally interfere with the
Trackstick’s operation.

2. When turning on for the first time, always leave the

Trackstick in full power mode for at least fifteen (15)
minutes with a clear view of the sky. The GREEN LED
should illuminate after about three (3) minutes if a
good satellite signal is available.

3. If the GREEN LED does not illuminate after a few

minutes, move the Trackstick to another location to
receive a better satellite signal and wait an additional
fifteen (15) minutes.

TIP: A good way to familiarize yourself with the device is to
place the unit on the dash of your vehicle for the first day of
use. This will allow the device to collect data in a location
with good GPS visibility.

Downloading Recorded Data

WARNING: Be sure to install the Trackstick Manager
software before plugging Trackstick into your
computer.

Once the software has been installed, plug the Trackstick
into your computer’s USB port. Click the Trackstick Manager
icon and select “File”, “Download Trackstick Data”. You will
be prompted for a name to save the file in the Trackstick
folder.

The recorded Trackstick information is presented in four
different ways (All, Tracks, Routes, and Dates). See the
“Help” section within Trackstick Manager for additional
details.

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Trackstick Setup Options

Tools: Device Properties

The Tools section of the Trackstick Configuration Manager
allows you to configure your Trackstick to your specific use.
Several configurations options are available, but the default
settings are generally fine.

Do’s and Don’ts with your Trackstick

Do

Place your Trackstick where it will have a clear line of sight
to the sky and receive a fix from the GPS satellites.
Concealed devices may give you fewer location fixes than
devices left in the open. Sometimes a slight adjustment in
location can make a big difference in the reporting quality.

Locations that tend to provide good reporting:

• In the glove compartment

• Under the passenger seat

• Under the package shelf in the rear window

• Inside a fiberglass bumper (not metal bumper)

• On the dashboard (remove on hot, sunny days)

• In the rear window (remove on hot, sunny days)

Locations that may reduce reporting quality:

• In the trunk (Hatchbacks/SUV’s may be OK)

• Completely underneath the vehicle

• Inside the engine compartment (extreme heat)

• In the wheel well (water spray)

• Inside buildings or garages

• In direct sunlight for extended periods (extreme heat)

Don’t

Don’t place your Trackstick over the airbag in the vehicle. If
the airbag deploys, this could cause significant injury.

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Don’t block the device with metal. SageTracker will not get
a satellite fix or be able to report the location when the GPS
signal is blocked by a metal obstruction.

Yes, it is OK to…

Place the device inside a covering, to protect it. You may
use plastic or paper.

Attach the device with magnets, duct tape or other industrial
quality adhesive.

Things to Remember

Trackstick needs to “see” the GPS satellites in order to
report the location.

Areas that are mountainous heavily forested or streets with
many high rise buildings may have interference.

FAQs

Where can I use Trackstick?

Vehicles: Trackstick works well in a variety of vehicles

including boats, trailers, RVs and automobiles. Materials that
do not impede Trackstick’s visibility (provided they are
relatively thin) include fiberglass, plastics, most composite
materials, and glass. Metal will reduce the device’s ability to
find its location. Good locations to try include a glove
compartment, a side map box, under the dash of a car.

Will Trackstick work inside of a garage?

Probably not. While Trackstick is able to “see” through many
common materials used to build vehicles (i.e. rubber, plastic,
glass, fiberglass, and most composite materials), the
combination of a garage ceiling and roof are generally
enough to keep Trackstick from establishing a location fix.

What is the Reporting Frequency of SageTracker?

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Trackstick can be programmed to report at a wide range of
intervals by using the Configuration Manager. The reporting
frequency has no impact on battery life.

Is it legal to use Trackstick in my area?

Due to the wide variability of state and local regulations, our
company is unable to provide legal advice for a particular
application of Trackstick in any given jurisdiction. It is up to
the user to understand and comply with the laws and
regulations of their area.

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Where to get help

Log onto www.sagetracker.com, click on “My Site”, enter
your username and password and click on “Help”. Many
topics are covered on this site.

SageTracker Technical Support Hours

Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Central Time

Contact Information

Email: [e-mail]
Phone: [phone]

We are interested in your feedback on the device and how
we can improve our manual. Thank you for your patronage.
Please feel free to contact us with any questions or
comments.

Sageplan, Inc.

807 Brazos Street

Suite 910

Austin, TX 78701

[phone]

www.sageplan.com

www.sagetracker.com