Sophisticated Telemetry Receivers

Writen by Keith Londrie

Telemetry, literally meaning "remote measurement" or remote collection of data is the study and measurement of the transmission of data over certain mediums. Despite the wealth of probable applications the primary purpose of telemetry is automated data collection at a place, which is inaccessible, inconvenient or dangerous, such as satellites in orbit, and relay the data to telemetry receivers on ground where the data is monitored, interpreted and recorded. Telemeter is the apparatus used for recording the readings of an instrument and transmitting them by radio. A telemetry handler, collects, formats and stores the data in a dedicated buffer, and then relays it to telemetry receivers.

Telemetry is expected to replace bar coding when the price point reaches an affordable level. Product information can be stored on specialized telemetry tags that will track the product along the supply chain and relay the information to telemetry receivers. Combined with local technology, the company assets can be located at any point in time. Thus, telemetry monitor will allow companies to wirelessly access information and monitor status levels at all times.

Telemetry also permits the tracking of endangered land and aquatic species tagged with telemetry devices, in order to get information on their patterns of movement, dispersal and migrations, and habitat use. Telemetry receivers are also used as an aid to understand and identify the natural causes that are linked to habitat conditions of these animals, which in turn alter their behavior, and how such conditions affect their mortality rates.

Since the early 1970s, the use of telemetry receivers to provide real time physiological monitoring in coronary care units has become widely recognized. These systems are used for monitoring of the electro-physiological state of patients who are at risk of abnormal heart activity. These patients are outfitted with customized telemetry devices without any other control, except an On/Off button. This device comprises a wireless receiver for the long-distance telemetry and a GSM module. If the patient is suffering from a critical condition, alert messages are relayed via the standard SMS (short messaging system) protocol to the central database, where they are allocated to the healthcare professional in charge of the patient. Back a few years when I thought I was having a heart attack, the hospital attached one of these devices to me to monitor me while I was a patient in my small town hospital.

The use of telemetry is wide spread and beyond the scope of this article. Science has advanced greatly in the last 30 years and continues to progress at at great rate.

Keith Londrie II is a well known author. For more information on Telemetry information, please visit Telemetry Information for a wealth of information. You may also want to visit keith's own web site at http://keithlondrie.com/

How Satellite Radio And Tv Innovations Work For You

Writen by Jim Johnson

For many years, radio and TV broadcasts were all done pretty much the same and consumers had no choice but to put up with the limitations of the broadcasting system. It was well-known that you could only be so far away from a radio or TV station if you ever hoped to pull in a strong enough signal to make the reception clear and enjoyable. But when cable TV was first introduced all of that began to change and now satellite technologies are in place to allow everyone to enjoy clear, high quality broadcast reception no matter where they are in the US.

Old analog radio and TV broadcasts have been extremely limited in what they could do for two major reasons: (1) The signal could only carry so much information, and (2) the shape of the earth made tall obstructions and distance a serious obstacle past a 30 - 50 mile range. So if you exceeded that range, picture and/or sound became sketch and eventually not worth even putting up with.

As mentioned above, cable started to address those issues, but it's been the advent of satellite technology that has really brought clear digital entertainment to the masses no matter where they live in the US. And here is why:

Satellite radio and TV both broadcast their signal in digital formats rather than analog. The signal is much more dense and contains more information. What that means for you is better clarity on the TV screen and high quality CD-like sound for both radio and TV.

But perhaps one of the most incredible advances made available by satellite technology is the ability to stream perfectly clear reception throughout the US even if you live in remote or rural areas. This is possible because the satellites that broadcast the signal are in orbit thousands of miles above the earth, so there is absolutely nothing to obstruct the signal or degrade it as it is beamed down to those on the ground who can receive it with the appropriate equipment.

There is also enough satellites in use that service is never interrupted as they travel around the earth. When one starts to go out of range, the next in line picks up the broadcasting chores and the reception is never broken.

This means that if you have a subscription to either XM or Sirius satellite radio service, you could get in your car and travel nonstop from one end of the country to the other end and never lose the radio broadcast signal or even have to put up with any static or reduced quality. It's entertainment that is always on and always available, everywhere throughout the country.

This kind of technology was only a dream just a few years ago, but now has become the standard for top quality broadcasting entertainment for now and the foreseeable future.

Jim Johnson is a successful author and publisher on consumer related matters. You can find out more about sirius satellite radio and delphi satellite radio by visiting our Satellite Radio Review website.

Xm Radio And Roadway Safety Thru Satellite Relays In Tunnels

Writen by Lance Winslow

Satellite Radio is great for us consumers. It gives us lots of choices for news, sports, comedy, music, weather and so much more. It works almost everywhere except in steep canyon roads and tunnels. Since it does not work in tunnels, this might cause a problem in an emergency. Television and normal radios have the public broadcast system to alert us of emergency; XM Radio can do the same. Only issue is that none of these will work in a highway tunnel.

Recently I drove thru the Boston Tunnel after traveling up the East Coast. I noticed after going thru several tunnels along the way that the XM Radio cut out. Of course I was not surprised as it is hard to get a signal while underground from a satellite. Yet each time I entered a tunnel, I happened to be listening to a really great song on the 80's station. The Baltimore Tunnel was not an issue, there was no traffic and I sailed thru; no big deal. In New York the tunnel took a little while to travel thru due to the traffic, but still a few extra minutes and then the radio was as good as gold again. The real issue was in Boston and the traffic was fierce. I spent nearly 20 minutes in traffic while in the Big Dig, without the radio and had my CD collection in the back and could not get up to get it. This led me to believe there must be a better way. XM Radio has a slight time delay so you can go under highway over passes without cutting into your music or news on any of the over 200 channels. However, when going thru long tunnels or in canyons you often miss the signal, as you do not have a direct line of sight to the satellite.

What I propose is one of two options. A.) We allow government agencies to tap into all possible channels of all satellite radio and regular radio stations to play pre-recorded information or B.) We put relays at the ends of such tunnels, which allow all satellite radio users to pick up the signal in the tunnel. If we do option "A" then the government agencies license free of charge the use of those signal frequencies with a caveat for a quick one or two-line commercial along with a public service announcement for instance:

"XM Radio brings you the following statement from the Great State of MerryLand; While traveling in the Baltimore Tunnel please remain in your lane and drive a constant speed of 45-miles per hour when traffic permits. Be observant of drivers around you at all times. If you see anything unusual be sure to call in the information to the Maryland Highway Patrol. Our alert status today is elevated and we rely on you to be our eyes and ears out there. If you see suspicious behavior please call. And thank you for making Maryland a great place, please drive nicely and be courteous at all times, thank you. This has been a public service announcement from XM Radio and the Maryland Highway Patrol and Toll Transit Authority"

If we go with option "B" then we need to allow the Authorities to break into the radio programming while in the tunnel during heavy traffic, Amber Alerts, Fugitive Watch or during heightened alert. Think on this.

Lance Winslow

Gps Tracking An Executive Summarywho What And Why

Writen by Ken Sink

GPS vehicle tracking systems are a popular tool for business owners; Original equipment manufacturers from General Motors to Bobcat are including tracking systems in their vehicles. Here's some background information to help you:

Who uses GPS tracking?
GPS tracking systems are used by businesses in the service, transportation and manufacturing industries. Businesses of all sizes, with fleets of 1 to thousands of vehicles, rely upon their tracking systems to add to their profitability.

Types of businesses using GPS tracking:

• Contractors who provide HVAC, plumbing or electrical services


• Limousine and taxi companies


• Uniform / Linen Services


• Food and Beverage Distributors


• Street Sweepers


• Pest Management Services


• Snow Plow Services


• Car Carriers


• Landscaping and Irrigation contractors


• Cable Company Contractors


• Bulk and Route Delivery


• Fuel / Oil Haulers


• Hazmat and/or Chemical Haulers


• Produce / Perishable Delivery


• Utility companies


• City, county and state motor pool fleets

What is it?
GPS tracking systems consist of a device installed in the vehicle, a central server and software for the owner to access the information.

All GPS tracking devices use data from the U.S. Government's constellation of Global Positioning System satellites to determine a vehicle's location, speed and direction of travel.

The tracking device transmits data from GPS satellites overhead to a central computer server via either a communications satellite or, more often, via the local cellular phone network. The vehicle data is updated every 2 – 15 minutes, depending upon the owner's preferences and manufacturer's settings.

The central server makes the tracking data available to the system owner through the Internet. The owner logs onto the tracking company's secure web server and sees their vehicle data on a map and in text form. Some tracking companies make the data available for download, so the owner could archive it on their own computer.

Why do they use it?
Users of GPS tracking systems have many reasons why they've installed them:

1. Tracking systems reduce vehicle costs by targeting speeding employees, who waste fuel, cause excessive engine wear and ultimately, drive up insurance rates.
2. Using the system's automatic mileage reminder reduces downtime and enhances vehicle resale values by encouraging scheduled, preventative maintenance. Your tracking system will remind you when it's time to rotate tires, change oil or perform other scheduled maintenance.
3. Many insurance companies offer discounts of up to 30% for vehicles protected with tracking systems.
4. Productivity is improved by:
   a. documenting long lunch hours,
   b. exposing unauthorized breaks,
   c. comparing driver overtime requests with system reports of driver activity,
   d. logging personal vehicle use after hours or on weekends.
5. GPS tracking systems improve customer service by showing you which employee is closest to the client who just called. WOW your customers--give them precise arrival or delivery estimates, based upon the actual location of your vehicles at the moment they call.
6. Your system can tell you the exact time and date each employee reached each customer. If a customer questions when your employee arrived or left --prove it to them.
7. Is one employee more productive than another? --Check the data. Is it time to add a vehicle? --Use your system and there's no more guessing.
8. Use your system to correlate overtime performed with your employees' overtime requests. See who is putting in extra time.
9. Never make another phone call to find out where your employees say they are.
10. Simplify asset management by displaying everything on one computer screen. Make work easier for your dispatcher.
11. Tracking systems work without any input from the driver. No driver logs needed.

Purchasers of GPS vehicle tracking systems say they recover their investment in an average of six – 12 months, by both reducing expenses and improving productivity. While some users recoup their entire investment at one time by recovering a stolen vehicle, most users are repaid more gradually.

Ken Sink, owner of My Vehicle WatchDog, is a veteran with 20+ years of transportation experience, including fleet management of over 800 vehicles. Visit http://www.MyVehicleWatchDog.Info for more information about GPS vehicle tracking systems from Fleet Management Solutions, Networkfleet and Sprint/Nextel. Submit your info for a quick, no-obligation system quote. Quantity discounts for volume purchases.

Gps Tracking Hundreds Of Ways

Writen by Leon Chaddock

GPS tracking is an excellent tool to use and take advantage of throughout our lives. This was once thought of as a system that only could be used for government and state agencies. But, through its development, it has become a force to contend with. There are many ways in which you can benefit from using GPS tracking in your daily lives. And, you will not believe how easy it is to use either!

As a simple definition of how it works, we'll tell you this. In space, orbiting around the earth are satellites. They help us to use GPS tracking by allowing us to connect with them and they can then tell us where we are going or where we are. It happens instantly and is capable of reaching destinations around the world.

Here are some ways that you will find GPS tracking working for you.

• GPS tracking can help you on any hike that you take, any outing that you take in which it is just you and nature. It can help to steer you and tell you which way is the right way to go.

• It can also help you within a car. Many cars are being equipped with GPS tracking devices. If you need to go to one location or the next, you simply input this and it will tell you where you are, how to get there and even talk to you about each step that you are going to need to take. It can also help in your safety as well as your cars. If your car is stolen or you are taken against your will, many GPS tracking systems can be used to track down just where the car is heading and where it is.

• GPS tracking helps ships guide you from one place to the next as well.

• In fact, GPS tracking can even help you monitor your health. Wearing a heart rate monitor with GPS tracking is a great way to know when you have reached your goals. But you will also be able to know how long it took you to get from point A to point B as well.

For more information please see http://www.gps-tracking-info.co.uk

How To Use Gps Running Watches For Health Improvement And Physical Training

Writen by Rebecca Blain

A growing concern among many people in the world is the quality of health and physical training. As it gets easier to eat more and exercise less, it has become vital that individuals have access to a variety of tools to make training as systematic and easy as possible. Due to this, investing in a GPS running watch can make a large difference to runners and joggers, as well as to those who need a physical training program to recover from surgery or disease.

Before you purchase your own GPS watch for fitness running, you need to make certain that you understand how they work and how they can help you. In order to do this, you should know about the functions of the basic GPS wrist watch. In the most basic form, a runners GPS watch is nothing more than a stop watch and a hand held unit mixed into one. More advance systems possess functions such as heart rate monitor, performance indicators, distance meters and much more. This variance between the base models and the more advanced units allows you to purchase the exact type of unit that you need in order to improve the quality of your health and lifestyle.

Select the Right Watch for You

If you are a beginning runner, or someone just beginning physical training, you will want to investigate units such as the Garmin Forerunner 101. This unit is one of the more basic ones available, not only having an affordable price tag, but enough features where a beginning runner can adapt to the tool while receiving many of the benefits. The Timex Navman II is also a beginners watch, sporting similar functions to the Forerunner 101.

For intermediate to advance users, the Garmin Forerunner 201 has many features that the 101 lacks. Most notably, the 201 allows routes to be determined into the device, allowing long distance runners to expand their running areas safely. By providing all of the heart rate sensors, virtual running partner as well as distance and speed calculators, the device has everything the professional runner, jogger or triathlete needs in order to get into the best shape possible. With the ability to review daily or weekly histories for a period of two years, the progress of the owner of the watch can be accurately followed. This is highly important, especially for those who need to keep a constant eye on health matters.

For those who need a GPS running watch to improve health due to disease, illness or surgery, the features of the advanced systems could never be more important. As recovering from any health issue can be difficult, having the ability to chart progress and set reachable goals is important for being successful in building physical fitness.

Training Techniques

When you purchase a GPS running watch, there are several different methods that you can use to raise your level of endurance and speed and time. As there are many watches available, you will want to select the one that has all of the features required to make use of the method safely.

The first method method involves setting a daily goal based on distance. If you desire to be a long distance runner, this method would be good for you. Each day, you will want to set a minimum distance to run. If you eventually desire to run 20 miles in one day, you would start running one mile a day for a set period of time. Many use a week or two, so they can adjust to running. Then, after that initial period of time, another mile would be added. As you grow more capable of running the mile, the number of miles you add after each time frame may vary. Once you have reached the distance you want, you would begin training yourself using the second method so that you can pace while being able to reach the distance that you desire.

The first method requires that the GPS running watch has full distance based features, as well as position tracking capabilities. As long distance running usually involves leaving your neighborhood or running through parks and other natural areas, you will want to be able to find your way back to civilization if you make an incorrect turn.

The second method runners use to improve their physical fitness is to try to beat a pace. Instead of a specific distance in a day, the runner will try to run a certain speed every day, gradually lengthening the distance and lowering the time it takes to get there. This method is suitable for short distance runners, as well as cross country runners who need to work on their speed rather than their distance.

The second method requires a good speed/timing watch as well as pacing features. Garmin's virtual runner companion is perfect for this style of training, as the virtual runner will help make certain that you stay on pace.

The third method is for those who need a slower start. Instead of running distance or beating a pace, joggers using this method will jog for a certain period of time per day while keeping careful track of their heart rate. This method is the slowest of the most popular methods, but is by far the safest for those with known health issues. An important part of physical training is to exert yourself without injury. By tracking heart rates and limiting the amount of time that you are jogging, you can slowly build up muscle tone and endurance without stressing your body. Jogging five to ten minutes a day while maintaining specific heart rates is suggested, while slowly adding more minutes as your body adapts to being able to handle the stresses of running.

The third method requires that the GPS unit has a heart rate monitor, pacing functions and distance calculators. This combination is important for following the progress of this type of runner. The mother health oriented features available in a watch, the more effective it will be when this method of training is used.

When you purchase your GPS running watch, you will want to purchase from one of the primary GPS and watch making manufacturers. Garmin, Timex, Magellan and Casio all have watches that are suitable for use with one of the three above methods.

If you are serious about starting an intensive training program, you will want to contact a professional trainer. The methods suggested in this article should be used carefully, and only within the limits of your ability. The information provided by the GPS runner watch should never take the place of medical exams and check ups given by professional doctors.

About the Author

Rebecca Blain is a professional and hobbyist writer who enjoys taking care of her fish and educating people about GPS watches for joggers and quality GPS receivers at http://www.everything-gps.com

Know Where Your Trucks Are With Gps Fleet Tracking Companies

Writen by J Herrera

Would you like to know where your fleet is at any time? GPS fleet tracking companies offer you a powerful system that allows you to control and manage your mobile resources wherever you are.

It is a great way for fleet owners and managers to monitor their cars, trucks or vehicles efficiently. GPS fleet tracking companies will allow you to monitor your employees and vehicles with assurance and confidence. With this system in your company's fleet vehicles, you will find the best way to conduct fleet management and track your vehicles. It really doesn't matter if you have one truck or one thousand trucks, our trusty GPS fleet consultants can assist you in selecting a vehicle tracking system that will become a competitive advantage for your company. Know where they go at every moment! With the services of GPS fleet tracking companies in your cars and trucks will allow you to get the facts you need.

GPS fleet tracking companies allow you to see your fleet from a Windows based PC connected to the Internet, and it is as simple to run as leading Internet services such as AOL. This vehicle tracking unit costs hundreds less than other GPS tracking systems and it can be installed very easily in any vehicle.

There are two kinds of tracking systems: The first one is the basic GPS tracking unit is designed for small companies and it shows vehicle location, route, stops and speed. You can get an automatic record of trip mileage, time and travel records, and no monthly fees are necessary. The second one is the advanced GPS tracking system for larger companies and government agencies, with this one you can get an a detailed historical information and even real time tracking, so you can have 1 minute updates for each vehicle location within your coverage range, and once again no monthly fees are necessary. Sounds great, doesn't it?

GPS fleet tracking companies include a number of modules designed to provide you with industry leading performance. We help a lot of companies which have mobile fleets reduce costs and manage mobile assets more efficiently, because now they can reduce not just rising fleet expenses, but also car and truck operation costs and time spent at unauthorized locations (and we all know that time is money), and monitor activities of your mobile personnel by using the GPS tracking.

So you don't have to look any further. We are the best option you have, just check us and see by yourself.

http://www.gps-system-vehicle-tracking.com/gpssystem/6/gps-fleet-tracking.html

About The Author
J Herrera is a freelance writer for GPS topics. http://www.gps-system-vehicle-tracking.com/gpssystem/6/gps-fleet-tracking.html

With Digital Audio Broadcasting Uk Digital Radios Provide A New Benchmark For Quality Sound

Writen by Keith Londrie

The United Kingdom has consistently been on the forefront of the digital radio revolution. It all began in 1987 when the European Union decided to work on a project to convert all of their analog radio stations to digital. Thirteen years later in the year 2000, the project came to a close with the creation of Eureka 147, a public domain digital radio format. Eureka 147 received general critical acclaim but never found a major outlet until 2001 when UK digital radios sprung to life. With over fifty privately owned channels and the entire BBC network switching over to Eureka 147 digital broadcasting formats, the United Kingdom became the first recipients of digital audio broadcasting. America was not far behind in setting up it's two (2) major XM radio broadcasts.

Five years later, UK digital radios are still operating at peak performance, light years ahead of analog radios. To begin with, digital radio receivers are able to display something called radiotext. A station broadcasts the song and the name of the artist and title of the song. When the receiver plays the song in your car or at home, the name of the artist and title of the song are displayed so you never miss the opportunity to know the name of a great tune. UK digital radios also provide listeners with an automatic retuning feature which proves to be especially useful for people on road trips. When you get out of the optimal coverage area for a radio station, the UK digital radios will automatically search for a better frequency, so you can enjoy your broadcast uninterrupted – even if you are traveling long distances from your starting location. To make digital radio even better, all of these benefits can be enjoyed from a standard car radio. In America, you need a special reciever that is usually not inexpensive. I predict that, like most electronic devices, the price will come down as manufacturing processes are improved.

UK digital radios can also benefit from satellite radio coverage over parts of Europe. The pioneers of satellite radio, WorldSpace, offer coverage to most of Europe, including the bottom three quarters of Britain. As with American satellite radio, WorldSpace offers a huge variety of different radio stations that almost anyone can enjoy. Although the stations are all commercial free, they require a monthly or yearly subscription fee. Plans to launch a satellite especially for Europe are still in the works. This author does not see that satellite taking long to become a reallity.

Keith Londrie II is a well known author. He has written many great articles on many topics, including satellite radio information. For more information, please visit http://www.digital-radio-info.info/ You may also be interested in Keith's other offerings at his site http://keithlondrie.com

The Red Cross And Xm Team Up For Hurricane Victims

Writen by Scott Fish

XM satellite radio and the American Red Cross teamed up to give the workers and relief help for Hurricane Katrina a source for national radio coverage. Red Cross staff and volunteers along the Gulf Coast now have access to the channel, which is a 24-hour, nationwide XM channel to provide help and information for Hurricane Katrina victims and other Red Cross workers across the country.

XM Channel 248 –dubbed the Red Cross Radio is now available on XM Satellite Radio from the west coast to the east coast. All XM receivers, portable, at home or in your car can now listen to the channel for updates and news. As part of the partnership, XM has donated radios to the Red Cross and relief workers so that they may stay up-to-date on a the relief effort. "In addition to Red Cross Radio, XM offers the XM Emergency Alert Channel (XM Channel 247), which tracked the hurricane's progress and now provides updates on clean-up, road closures, school closings, and other information from federal and local governments, law enforcement, and other agencies." – (XM satellite radio)

XM Radio is proud to have the Red Cross channel, which it is using to send out information and announcements to workers across the region. The portability and national coverage of the station allows all workers and all of those involved to be on the same wave length. Support for Red Cross efforts is being heard all across the country and the XM radio channel has played a large part in this relief effort.

Scott Fish is the owner of Satellite Radio Sirius and XM satellite Radio Reviews | Search Engine Optimization Firm

Finally Its Here Canadian Satellite Radio

Writen by Ian Henman

The long wait is over for Canadians. Satellite radio is finally here at long last. Canadian Satellite Radio is officially available since November 2005. The CRTC (Canadian Radio and Telecommunications Commission) finally came to an agreement that will change the landscape of Canadian radio from here forward.

XM satellite radio was the first provider to be licensed in Canada by the CRTC. They signed a six-year deal to provide the service across the airwaves to Canadians. You can rest assured that with the initial success this agreement will be renewed when it comes due. An interesting point to be made, once the agreement with the CRTC had been signed several of the car manufacturers in Canada inked deals to provide satellite ready units in their cars.

As Canadians we've heard about the satellite radio rush that was happening in the US. Because of this Canadians have long awaited the arrival of such a service. Like their US counterparts, Canadian Satellite Radio customers are able to subscribe to a wide array of broadcasts including news, entertainment, sports, comedy, and about any music genre you can think of.

So what is Canadian Satellite radio going to cost you? Subscribers will be required to pay a monthly fee the same as US customers. This fee will give users access to all the content available. To be able to receive the signal you will need satellite radio receiver. The receiver is the actual radio/device that will play or receive the signal.

One of the biggest benefits to potential Canadian Satellite Radio subscribers is the service is highly affordable! For less then the cost of most Internet services per month you can enjoy access to all of the non-stop music and entertainment available. XM radio will also be offering advertisers a new channel to get their message to the masses. With small spots of advertising available on several of the all talk channels businesses will be able to tap into the growing pool of Satellite radio subscribers.

So on a whole what does Canadian Satellite Radio really mean to the country? More great news, music and entertainment for subscribers, advertisers will be offered a benefit of more airtime to get their messages out. Consumer electronics stores will have a new product line with multiple brands to sell, as well as a new installation revenue stream for Satellite car radio units. Of course it is the subscriber that will have the biggest benefit, but all looks bright to benefit both entertainment and commerce in the coming years for Canadian Satellite Radio.

For more information about Canadian Satellite Radio, and other services and products to do with the industry please visit out website Satellite Radios

Gps Vehicle Tracking Systems Do I Need One

Writen by Ken Sink

GPS vehicle tracking systems are more affordable and more popular than ever before, but do you need one? Take this short quiz and keep track of your 'yes' answers. I'll help you total your score and decide after you finish.

Step One: Take Quiz

1. Do I use vehicles in my business? Yes/No
   

   (The definition of 'vehicles' includes heavy, medium and light-duty vehicles, construction equipment (dozers, graders, backhoes, etc), cars, motorcycles, RV's, pick-up trucks, vans, tractor trailers, buses, trailers, dump trucks, snow plows, limousines, taxis, etc.)

2. Have any of my vehicles been stolen in the past? Yes/No
   
3. I'd like to know what is going on and where my employees/vehicles are during the day: Yes/No
   
4. I'd like to reduce my fuel expenses and know if any of my vehicles are wasting gas: Yes/No
   
5. Being able to give my customers accurate and precise arrival/delivery estimates is important to me: Yes/No
   
6. It is important to know if any of my vehicles are used after hours or on weekends for non-business purposes: Yes/No
   
7. I'd like save up to 30% on my vehicle insurance: Yes/No
   
8. It is important to know if my employees are speeding or otherwise abusing my vehicles: Yes/No
   
9. If any of my employees are using my vehicles to 'moonlight' or do work without my knowledge, I'd want to know: Yes/No
   
10. Knowing about mechanical problems before they become expensive to fix is important: Yes/No
    
11. If any of my vehicles are ever stolen, I'd like to locate them within minutes: Yes/No
    
12. I'd like to have vehicle use data to compare with overtime requests as a way to guard against errors and fraud: Yes/No
    
13. I'd like a reminder when it is time to do routine maintenance on my vehicles: Yes/No
    
14. Occasionally, customers question when we were at their location, having the exact date and time recorded in our tracking system would really help in those cases: Yes/No
    
15. I'd like to help my employees be more productive by seeing where they go each day: Yes/No
    

Step Two: Total Your 'Yes' Answers

Add up your 'yes' answers.

• Fewer than 7 'yes' answers:Thanks for taking the quiz, you don't appear to want/need a vehicle tracking system.
• 7 to 11 'yes' answers: Thanks for taking the quiz. You could greatly benefit from a vehicle tracking system.
• More than 11 'yes' answers: Thanks for taking the quiz. You need a vehicle tracking system.

By the way, every question above (except question 1 & 2) is answered by using GPS vehicle tracking systems.

Step Three: Cost vs. Gain

The average business owner recoups their investment in GPS vehicle tracking systems within 6 – 12 months after purchase. Of course, your ROI may vary. Recovering one stolen vehicle may pay for your entire tracking system.

Vehicle tracking helps you reduce operating costs and boosts productivity.

Tracking systems reduce vehicle costs by putting a spotlight on speeding employees, who waste fuel, cause excessive engine wear and drive up insurance rates. Vehicle tracking systems will also remind you when it's time for preventive maintenance, like oil changes, helping you keep your vehicles on the road and making you money.

GPS vehicle tracking systems improve productivity by:

• documenting long lunch hours,


• exposing unauthorized breaks,


• comparing driver overtime requests with system reports of driver activity,


• highlighting unauthorized vehicle use after hours and on weekends,


• eliminating driver logs.

Many insurance companies offer discounts of up to 30% for vehicles protected with tracking systems.

Step Four: Due Diligence

GPS vehicle tracking systems are outstanding tools for vehicle and fleet management, but you need to find the right system for you. Take a look at the different types of GPS vehicle tracking systems.

Check a company's hardware and software, as well as their monthly data access plan. You'll also need to decide whether to buy or lease your GPS tracking system.

Good luck.

Ken Sink, owner of My Vehicle WatchDog, is a veteran with 20+ years of transportation experience, including fleet management of over 800 vehicles. Visit http://www.MyVehicleWatchDog.Info for more information about GPS vehicle tracking systems from Fleet Management Solutions, Networkfleet and Sprint/Nextel. Submit your info for a quick, no-obligation system quote. Quantity discounts for volume purchases.

What Is A Satellite Radio

Writen by Paul Cris

Satellite radio is also called as digital radio. Since normal radio frequency is very low, the signals can be limited and you can listen to your favorite radio channels up to a certain limit (40, 50, 100 miles). When you go beyond a certain mile your radio won't get the proper signals. While going for a long journey, you won't be able to listen to your favorite radio stations. You need to keep tuning to get the nearest radio station so that clarity is good.

A satellite radio is a kind of static radio, wherein you can listen to certain radio stations anywhere in the world. It's a fixed and permanent radio station. No matter where you are, in Florida or Texas, while traveling or at home, you can receive up to 100 radio stations with very good frequency and of CD quality. There are two-satellite radio services in the US - Sirius and XM. Subscribers have to pay a monthly fee of $9.95. Many car manufacturers have started installing satellite radio receivers. If you want to listen to satellite radio at your home or office you can buy a portable satellite radio and listen to your favorite radio stations. There are many companies manufacturing satellite radios and you can buy them online or at retail stores.

The radio stations of Sirius Satellite Radio and XM Satellite Radio have their own program schedule. The programs are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Sports, entertainment, talk shows and many other programs are aired.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Paul has been providing answers to lots of queries through his website on a wide variety of subjects ranging from satellite phones to acne. To learn more visit http://www.askaquery.com

Satellite Radios Impact On College Sports

Writen by Scott Fish

Sports is filled with Rights and fees. Who has the right to broadcast and reproduce sports, and how gets paid? College Universities always hold local radio rights for their sports programs. Satellite radio has caused a conflict with these schools due to the amount of the local broadcasts going national over satellite systems.

Many universities believe that the local radio stations should receive some proceeds from these broadcasts. However in many cases, they are not currently getting any money from satellite radio Services.

Negotiations have occurred at some level but not for every one, it has been a league-by-league issue. XM, for example, deals with several major conferences, including the Pac-10. However, Sirius negotiated individual deals with Southern California and UCLA, and these are all creating a conflict between the companies and their respective teams and leagues. And although these fees are not very large, with a growing subscriber base and increased satellite radio popularity, the fees and the battle to control rights are definitely going to increase and heat up!

It's going to be very interesting as the fight to control content gets more heated, we have seen it happen with TV and traditional radio, and now it's satellite radio's turn.

Scott Fish is the owner of Satellite Radio Sirius and XM satellite Radio Reviews - Search Engine Optimization Firm

Why You Should Consider Xm Radio

Writen by Christopher Luck

What is the best entertainment at a cheap price for your car, home, or office? I know you might initially be thinking the internet or cable television is the answer, but the newest trend is a twist on an old form of entertainment. Satellite radio frees you from commercials and is a great experience for most. You don't have to listen to jingles and bad commercials. There is also no need to seek out obscure radio stations when you are in a rural area. One of the best ways to get satellite radio is through XM Radio.

XM Radio was the first of the satellite radio companies to take to the sky. They were a pioneer that has spawned at least one other big time competitor. It was the first to make the service popular and is still more popular than other satellite radio services, though others are gaining ground fast.

As was mentioned before, XM Radio was the first to establish itself as an alternative to regular radio. Because of this, they have a market share of around 2 million listeners. That is still no where near the popularity of cable and satellite television, but it is a big stare for something that has not been around very long. Because XM Radio has had time to establish themselves they have put together a great system of 68 music channels that are completely commercial-free and offer a great variety of types of music. You can find everything from classical, to rapp, to jazz on these stations. In addition to the many music stations, XM Radio also has 33 additional channels consisting of news, sports, talk, and even entertainment. Then, to make sure local customers don't miss out, XM Radio offers about 21 channels of weather and traffic for many of the major metropolitan areas in the United States.

There are many reasons to choose satellite radio. It is, after all, the hottest and newest trend in radio entertainment and can be valuable to you in your home, office, or even your vehicle. In fact, many new cars and trucks are coming equipped for satellite radio and include programming packages prepaid for a year or so. The idea is that once you have it you won't want to be without it. So if you enjoy radio entertainment and like the idea of having many varieties in programming at your fingertips, then consider XM Radio or one of the other satellite radio programming providers out there. You will find a more consistent, convenient, and on demand radio programming selection right at your fingertips.

If would like to find more of my personal articles on Satellite Radio, please feel free to visit my website on Satellite Tips!