Sentauri from AeroAstro Inc. offers untethered trailer tracking over the Globalstar network of LEO (low earth orbiting) satellites. The unit, which has a retail price of $349, including installation in North America, can also be connected to a variety of sensors for remote monitoring of door openings, cargo temperatures and other events. Service cost starts at $9.50/month for two location transmissions a day.
Combining GPS receiver, satellite transmitter, micro-controller and battery pack, the unit comes in a weatherproof box that measures only 8.4-in. × 5.25-in. × 1-in. and can be quickly mounted on a trailer roof without any electrical connections, screws or bolts. Unlike many other trailer tracking devices on the market, Sentauri is a one-way system that sends location and sensor alerts from the trailer, but cannot receive queries. That one-way design results in lower power consumption and allows the battery pack will last up to 4 1/2 yr. without a recharge, according to the company.
AeroAstro's wireless satellite service, which it calls Sensor Enabled Notification System (SENS), is scheduled to begin Beta testing this month and to be in full service by March. Fleets can access trailer locations collected by Sentauri through a secure Internet connection.
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