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ezi-TRAK GPS/GSM-based Vehicle Tracking System The press release looked intriguing, telling of an Aussie tracking device helping to foil a car-jacking in Nigeria (see report at right). But (being the inquisitive creatures we are) we wanted to know the story behind the story. Just what is this “EziTRAK” and what makes it so special? Ross Tester explains. We contacted the manufacturers of the EziTRAK system and they were most helpful in answering our questions. In a nutshell, the EziTRAK is one of a family of similar products. This one’s fundamental purpose is to protect your car from either theft or hijacking (there are also models for boats and bikes). It can be used to remotely disable the vehicle and/or let you know where the vehicle is at any instant. While there have been vehicle protection systems on the market for some time which do this, the EziTRAK goes about it a completely different way. Instead of using wireless (or satellite) to go through a security monitoring base station (and that’s not cheap!) EziTRAK uses the standard GSM (cellular) phone network to keep you in touch with your vehicle and gives you direct control via your phone. It does this by using a dedicated phone SIM card to become what is effectively a mobile phone – but a mobile phone with just one purpose: vehicle security. Naturally, you must keep the SIM card in credit or the EziTRAK will not be able to dial out nor will you be able to contact it. In the event of a pre-determined “event”, the EziTRAK will dial your mobile phone number and let you know what the event is and where the vehicle is at that time. You have the choice of disabling the vehicle, locking the vehicle, etc. It continually monitors the following functions: • Intruder detection • Panic button pressing • Ignition detection • Low (or disconnected) battery • Tow-away (vibration or GPS) • Over-speed detection Any of these will trigger the unit into calling you and tell you not only what the “problem” is but also tell you where the vehicle is headed, its speed and so on. At any time, you can also “call” the EziTRAK and poll any of this information from the unit’s “black box” vehicle data recorder. And if you have appropriate GPS map software in your PC, you can even have a real-time display of where the vehicle is and where it is going! Hmm. Want to know where the sales rep is spending his time each day? PRESS RELEASE AUSSIE MADE EziTRAK HELPS FOIL NIGERIAN CAR TH IEVES Australian made and des igned vehicle security and tracking system EziTRAK has been used in Nigeria to recover a stolen car after the driver was shot during a carjacking. Earlier this month, a Toyota Camry was carjacked just before midnight in one of Nigeria’s largest cities. The driver of the vehicle was shot in the process, and the thieves esc aped in the stolen vehicle. The vehicle was fitted wit h EziTRAK. Within minutes, the vehicle was tracked and immobilised some 13 km from where it was stolen. Using GPS coordinates from the EziTR AK unit, police were able to locate and recover the stolen vehicle. The driver has been discha rged from hospital and is recovering well. But wait, there’s more! The EziTRAK can also work with your central locking system to give you “lost/locked-in key” unlocking. The EziTRAK Micro is designed and manufactured in Australia by Rojone Pty Ltd (www.ezitrak.com.au) and sells for $985, not including installation. With many of today’s luxury cars approaching and into the six figure bracket, that seems to us to be cheap insurance. And speaking of insurance, with a system like this installed you’re quite likely to qualify for a premium discount. SC Inside the eziTRAK: centre top of the left photo is the SIM card holder. At left is the complete eziTRAK Micro Vehicle Tracking System. siliconchip.com.au August 2007  25