FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about GPS tracking and security from Sentriwise.
GPS Tracker Basics
A GPS tracker is a device that uses Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites to determine its precise location, then transmits that data to your smartphone or computer via mobile networks. You can track your vehicle, equipment, or assets in real time through a free mobile app or web platform.
Hardwired trackers connect directly to your vehicle's power system for continuous operation, with features like remote immobilisation and advanced alerts.
OBD plug-in trackers simply plug into your vehicle's diagnostic port under the dashboard - ready to track in under 5 minutes with no tools required.
Magnetic portable trackers attach anywhere with strong magnets, run on rechargeable batteries, and can move between vehicles or equipment.
Solar asset trackers are weatherproof, self-charging units perfect for remote trailers, machinery, or equipment in the field.
Personal SOS trackers are compact wearable devices with emergency buttons and optional two-way calling for lone workers or seniors.
Dash cams with GPS combine video recording with live GPS location tracking for complete driver oversight.
Our 4G LTE trackers prioritise fast, frequent updates, while Cat-M1 models offer wider regional coverage and longer battery life - ideal for remote Australian locations.
Yes - our trackers work on cars, utes, trucks, motorcycles, caravans, trailers, heavy machinery, and boats. Hardwired models support 6V-32V systems, making them compatible with most vehicles including 12V and 24V heavy equipment.
For external mounting (like trailers or equipment), choose weatherproof models like our 4G Magnetic or Solar Asset trackers with IP67 ratings.
Absolutely. Our trackers provide real-time location updates as frequently as every 5-10 seconds when moving, displayed live on the app map. You'll see your vehicle's exact location, direction, speed, and route history - perfect for monitoring theft or fleet operations.
Choose Your Perfect GPS Tracker
Compare our GPS tracker models to find the right solution for your needs. Each tracker type offers unique advantages for different situations.
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Best For | Fleet vehicles, permanent tracking, equipment, machinery | Cars, utes, family vehicles | Equipment, temporary tracking, covert placement | Trailers, machinery, remote equipment, shipping containers | Lone workers, seniors, kids, outdoor adventures |
Installation | Professional install or DIY with basic wiring skills | Plug & play (under 1 minute) | Magnetic mount (instant attachment) | Bolt-on mounting & double-sided tape - removable mounting plate | Wear or carry (pocket/lanyard) |
Power Source | Vehicle battery (continuous operation) | Vehicle battery via OBD port | Rechargeable battery (2-3 months) | Solar self-charging with battery backup | Rechargeable battery (1-2 weeks) |
Key Features | Remote immobilisation, 24/7 operation, advanced alerts | No tools needed, driver alerts, easy to move between vehicles | Weatherproof (IP67), portable, no installation required | UV resistant & waterproof, maintenance-free, 3-year battery backup, outdoor | SOS button, two-way calling, compact & discreet, Cat-M1 |
Not sure which tracker you need?
Our expert teams in Perth and Sydney are here to help with personalised recommendations based on your needs.
Call us on 1300 789 055 or browse our full range to find your perfect match!
Installation & Setup
OBD trackers: Just plug into your vehicle's OBD-II port (usually under the steering wheel) - ready in under 5 minutes.
Magnetic trackers: Attach to any metal surface with industrial-strength magnets. No tools, no wiring, completely portable.
Hardwired trackers: Connect directly to your vehicle's battery. If you're comfortable with basic wiring, it's DIY-friendly. Otherwise, any auto electrician can install for around $150-$300.
All our devices come pre-configured with SIM cards activated, free tracking apps, and video installation guides. Our Australian support team is available 7 days a week if you need help: 1300 789 055.
For best GPS signal, place trackers with clear sky view when possible. Common discreet locations include:
- Inside the dashboard or under plastic panels
- Beneath or behind seats
- Inside the boot or cargo area
- Under the vehicle chassis (use cable ties for extra security with magnetic models)
- Behind interior trim panels
Avoid placing trackers deep inside metal toolboxes or thick steel containers, as this can weaken GPS signals. For metal enclosures, position near windows or plastic components.
No. OBD and hardwired trackers draw minimal power (20-50 milliamps) - similar to your car's clock or alarm system. A healthy vehicle battery can power a tracker for 6-8 weeks while parked.
For long-term storage (months), disconnect the battery as you normally would to prevent all parasitic drain. Magnetic battery-powered trackers don't connect to your vehicle battery at all, so there's zero drain.
Shop GPS Trackers


- Powerful Magnetic Mount
- IP67 Waterproof & Dustproof
- 4G & Voice Monitoring


- Dual-Band GPS & INS Tracking
- Remote Engine Shutdown
- 4G LTE & Tracksolid Pro


- Plug & Play OBDII Install
- Remote Listen-in Capability
- 4G LTE & GPS/BDS Tracking


- Advanced Driver Behaviour Analysis
- Plug & Play OBD Install
- Free Lifetime Tracksolid Pro


- Compact 4G LTE Tracking
- SOS Button & Two-Way Call
- Tracksolid Pro Compatible

- 4G LTE Precision Tracking
- Remote Engine Immobilisation
- IP66 Water & Dust Proof


- 3-Year Standby Battery Life
- Strong Magnetic Mount
- Telstra Cat-M1 Network (Regional Long Range)


- Strong Magnet & IPX5 Rugged
- 6000mAh Long-Life Battery
- 4G LTE & Listen-in Feature
SIM Cards & Data Plans
Yes. GPS trackers send location data over mobile networks, so you need an active data SIM card. We recommend SentriSIM - our multi-network 4G SIM designed specifically for GPS tracking, starting at just $12.50/month (when buying annual plans) with no contracts or lock-ins & bulk-buy discounts.
It arrives pre-activated and automatically switches between Telstra, Vodafone, and other networks for the strongest signal across Australia.
You can also use your own SIM if it supports 4G LTE or Cat-M1, allows data and basic SMS, and has coverage where you'll be tracking. Typical GPS data usage is 20-50 MB per month (much higher for video/voice dash cams).
The only ongoing cost is your SIM card data plan.
SentriSIM plans range from $12.50-$25/month depending on your plan length, with no contracts, no lock-ins, and no cancellation fees. You can pause or cancel anytime.
- Monthly plans: $25/month
- Annual plans: From $12.50/month
- Bulk discounts: Additional savings for 10+ SIM cards
Our tracking apps (TrackSolid Pro and GPS51) are free for life - no platform fees, no subscription charges, no hidden costs.
Yes, as long as it meets these requirements:
- Supports 4G LTE or Cat-M1 networks
- Has an active data plan (20-50 MB/month for GPS tracking)
- Allows basic SMS for configuration (if required by your device)
- Has coverage in the areas you'll be tracking
Important: We don't recommend Optus network SIMs due to compatibility issues. SentriSIM, Telstra and Vodafone networks work best Australia-wide.
SentriSIM automatically switches between networks, so you're always connected to the strongest available signal.
Telstra offers the widest coverage (99.5% of the population, 2.6 million km²) - essential for regional, rural, and remote tracking.
Vodafone provides excellent metro and regional coverage at competitive prices.
Optus has good metro coverage but some regional gaps, and compatibility issues with certain tracker models.
Best solution: Use SentriSIM, which automatically switches between Telstra and Vodafone networks for continuous coverage wherever your assets travel. For remote and outback tracking, choose Cat-M1 trackers on Telstra's IoT network - designed for extended range beyond standard 4G.

SentriSIM - The Smart Choice for GPS Tracking
Forget dealing with big telco providers and confusing data plans. SentriSIM is purpose-built for GPS tracking - arrives activated, automatically connects to the strongest network, and works from day one.
- Multi-network coverage: Auto-switches between Telstra, Vodafone & more
- No contracts: Month-to-month plans, cancel anytime
- Pre-activated: Insert and start tracking immediately
- Local support: Australian teams in Perth and Sydney
- Affordable pricing: From $12.50/month with bulk discounts
Features & Functionality
You can configure various alerts directly in the app or via SMS commands:
- Geofence alerts: Get notified when your vehicle enters or leaves a defined area
- Speed alerts: Alerts when speed limits are exceeded
- Movement alerts: Know instantly when your vehicle moves unexpectedly
- Tamper alerts: Notifications if someone attempts to disconnect or remove the tracker
- Low battery alerts: Reminders to recharge battery-powered units
- Ignition on/off alerts: Track when your vehicle starts or stops (OBD and hardwired models)
Alerts are sent as push notifications to your smartphone, and some models can also send SMS alerts.
Yes - both TrackSolid Pro and GPS51 tracking apps are free for life. No subscription fees, no platform charges, no hidden costs.
You can track unlimited devices, access full history and playback, set alerts, create geofences, and share access with as many users as you need - all included.
As many as you need - there's no limit. Track an entire fleet of vehicles, multiple assets, or dozens of equipment pieces all from one account.
You can also grant access to unlimited users, making it perfect for businesses with multiple drivers, managers, or family members who need tracking access.
Yes. All our trackers work on:
- Mobile apps: iOS and Android (free download)
- Web browsers: Access from any computer via the online platform
Your data syncs across all devices, so you can switch between your phone, tablet, or computer seamlessly.
If your tracker loses mobile coverage, it will show as offline in the app. Once it regains signal, it automatically reconnects and syncs stored location data.
During playback, you may see a gap between the last known location and where signal resumed - no data is recorded during offline periods.
To minimise signal loss, use SentriSIM (which auto-switches networks) or choose Cat-M1 trackers for remote areas with better regional penetration.
Theft Prevention & Recovery
GPS trackers significantly increase recovery chances. When theft occurs, you receive instant alerts and can provide police with real-time location data, vehicle direction, and speed.
Statistics show that less than 25% of stolen equipment is recovered without tracking, but GPS-equipped assets have substantially higher recovery rates - often within hours rather than days.
For maximum effectiveness:
- Use hidden placement so thieves don't find and remove the tracker
- Choose models with multi-network SIMs (like SentriSIM) for continuous coverage
- Consider hardwired models with remote immobilisation to stop vehicles
- Act quickly - report theft immediately with location data
Our trackers have multiple anti-tamper features:
- Power-cut alerts: Instant notification if a hardwired or OBD tracker is disconnected
- Backup batteries: Many models continue transmitting for 2-4 hours after external power is cut
- Movement alerts: Triggered if the tracker is physically moved or removed
For maximum security:
- Use covert placement - hide trackers inside panels, under carpet, or in secret compartments where thieves won't find them
- Consider multiple trackers - one obvious (satisfies insurance) and one hidden (for actual recovery)
- Choose hardwired models with external antennas that can continue transmitting even if wires are cut
GPS trackers and physical security work best together - they serve different purposes:
Physical locks (wheel clamps, hitch locks, steering locks) provide visible deterrence and slow down opportunistic thieves. However, determined criminals can defeat most locks with power tools in 2-5 minutes.
GPS trackers provide invisible backup protection. Thieves who bypass locks don't know they're being tracked, and you receive theft alerts within seconds. Police can respond with real-time location data before the asset is stripped or hidden.
Best approach: Use both. Physical locks deter casual theft, GPS tracking ensures recovery if serious criminals target your vehicle or equipment.
GPS signal strength is reduced by 20-50% inside metal enclosures, but most modern trackers can still function inside toolboxes, vans, and buildings with thin metal walls.
Thick steel shipping containers or underground storage significantly impair GPS reception.
Solutions for metal environments:
- Position trackers near windows, plastic components, or the front of enclosures where signal penetration is better
- Use 4G/LTE positioning (mobile tower triangulation) as backup - provides 50-500m accuracy without GPS satellite line-of-sight
- For tools inside metal toolboxes, place trackers in tool handles or cases rather than locked containers
- For shipping containers on construction sites, mount trackers on the outside (discreet locations under container lips)
- Choose Cat-M1 network trackers for better penetration than standard 4G GPS
Fleet & Business Use
Fleet tracking typically delivers 10-15% fuel savings and 3-8 month payback through multiple cost reductions:
Fuel savings (10-15%):
- Reduce idling by 20-30%
- Optimise routes to eliminate unnecessary kilometres
- Stop speeding and aggressive driving that waste fuel
- Eliminate unauthorised personal use and side jobs
Labour productivity (10-20% improvement):
- Accurate arrival/departure times eliminate timesheet fraud
- Optimise job scheduling and dispatch
- Reduce unauthorised breaks and time theft
Maintenance savings (15-20%):
- Automated service reminders based on actual kilometres driven
- Reduce harsh driving that damages vehicles
- Preventive maintenance extends vehicle life
Insurance discounts: 5-15% premium reductions with GPS tracking
Real example: A 10-vehicle fleet spending $5,000/month on fuel achieving 12% savings recovers $7,200 annually - nearly $600/month pure profit.
Yes. Advanced GPS trackers and AI-powered dash cams offer comprehensive driver behaviour monitoring:
- Harsh braking and acceleration: Indicates aggressive driving
- Speeding alerts: Custom thresholds for different zones (school zones, highways)
- Cornering forces: Rapid turns suggest reckless driving
- Idle time tracking: Excessive idling wastes fuel
- After-hours use: Identifies unauthorised vehicle use
AI dash cams add:
- Fatigue detection and drowsiness alerts
- Distraction detection (phone use, looking away from road)
- Lane departure warnings
- Following distance monitoring
Benefits:
- Reduce accidents by 30-50%
- Insurance premium reductions (10-20%)
- Improve fuel efficiency
- Protect drivers with incident footage
Important: Inform drivers that monitoring is active (legally required in most Australian states for employee vehicles). Frame it as a safety tool, not surveillance.
Yes. Australian insurers typically offer 5-20% premium discounts for vehicles and property with GPS tracking and security systems:
Caravans and motorhomes: 10-15% discounts (some insurers mandate GPS tracking for high-value vans over $60,000)
Fleet vehicles: 5-15% savings plus reduced claims through driver monitoring and incident documentation
Business security systems: 15-20% discounts with professional monitoring, 5-10% for self-monitored systems
To maximise your discount:
- Contact your insurer before purchasing to confirm which systems qualify
- Keep installation certificates and proof of active monitoring
- Maintain continuous SIM plan coverage
Example ROI: A 10% discount on $2,000 annual caravan insurance saves $200/year - the tracker pays for itself within 1-2 years while providing ongoing protection.
Ordering & Support
We ship from our warehouse locations in NSW and WA, providing fast Australia-wide delivery. Most orders arrive within 2-5 business days with free express shipping.
Yes - we're 100% Australian-owned with physical warehouses and support teams in NSW and WA. Our expert support staff are available 7 days a week on 1300 789 055 to help with installation, troubleshooting, and product selection.
No hidden fees. All our trackers include lifetime access to free tracking apps (TrackSolid Pro and GPS51) with no platform subscription charges.
The only ongoing cost is your SIM card data plan. SentriSIM plans range from $12.50-$25/month depending on your plan length:
- Monthly plans: $25/month
- Annual plans: From $12.50/month
- Bulk discounts: Additional savings for 10+ SIM cards
No contracts, no activation fees, no cancellation penalties.
Absolutely not. SentriSIM operates on month-to-month plans with no contracts or lock-ins - cancel anytime without penalties.
Choose monthly, 6-month, or 12-month plans for better savings. Plans auto-renew for convenience, but you can pause or cancel before your next renewal date. Your service stays active until the end of your current paid period.

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