Gadgets that help you home in on out-of-sight children
GPS (global positioning system) and R (radio frequency) based child-trackin devices are the two main technologies ava able to help parents keep electronic tabs their children.
The GPS devices must be used with a cellular network (data line, not voice) to determine the kid’s current whereabouts And there is a monthly subscription for th data service.
With RF devices, it is a point-to-point wireless communications system that rel on radio frequency to track the child. But this only covers a short distance, usually u to several metres.
A GPS device is great for pinpointing yo child’s general position on a map and is able to cover a very large area as long as t child is under open sky.
For indoor tracking, such as inside a shopping mall or other crowded public places like children’s playgrounds, this is where the RF model comes in handy.
You can use both types of devices to ge the benefits that each provides and minimise the shortcomings of both technolog
Engineered and designed to be compac and portable, these GPS and RF devices come in various designs — from miniatur candybars to cute keychains to wristwatches.
Additionally, some devices have clips fo easy attachment to your children, such as clipping it to their belt, or inside a backpa pants pocket or even onto their shoes.
SMS query
A GPS device like the KiddyTrack transm ter ( www.kiddytrack.com) leverages on Maxis’ 3G network service to help users locate their children by merely sending out an SMS.
Within seconds of receiving the SMS, the system will provide the users with a URL link of a Google map that shows the location, which is accurate to 5m of the actual position.
When a GPS signal is unavailable (such as inside a building), the cell-based information by Maxis’ Managed M2M platform can provide the location of the child with an accuracy of up to a 50m radius.
Families can also conveniently monitor the children via their smartphones, tablets or other computers by logging into the KiddyTrack web portal.
In the event of an emergency, the KiddyTrack device can alert up to five pre-installed numbers with just a press of the SOS button.
The KiddyTrack service is available for RM50 and RM68 monthly, for 24-month and 12-month plans, respectively.
Clever tracker
Another similar device is the mini candybar-shaped Garmin GTU 10, which comes with a number of smart location features and applications. And you can employ several of these devices at a tim
Once everything is set up, you can just log in to your Garmin account online to manage all your trackers.
The GTU 10 can be set to check in every 30 seconds, every 5 minutes, every 15 minutes, or whenever the user queries th device or devices. However, the more frequently the device checks in, the faster its battery drains.
You can also set geofences, where the device will send an alert if the child cross out of or into a physical location.
Local distributor AECO Technologies (M Sdn Bhd ( www.aeco.com.my), is working with several local telcos to provide th
RF ng ails on s. he lies up our the et - gies. ct re for ack, mitn s
me. ry he - ts ses M) he device together with the network service to customers. The subscription fee is RM890 per device for the first year, and the annual renewal is RM300.
Wireless leash
The Mommy I’m Here CL305 Blue Alert ( www.pongo.com.my) is an RF device that is in two parts — a remote keychain transmitter (for parent) and a distance proximetre (to be attached to the child) — which works from up to 45m away.
The parent presses a button on the keychain transmitter to wirelessly set off a loud alarm on the kid’s device — this helps them locate the child in an emergency and attract other people’s attention to the child.
Also, if the child wanders off, when he or she gets about 10m away from the parent’s keychain transmitter, the device e will start to chirp to alert mum or dad that their child is getting - out of sight.
More gadgets
Apart from these GPS and RF devices, there iss a third option for parents in the form of a tamper-proofof alarm watchh or bracelet — like the Glitter AmberWatchch ( www. amazon. - — which the child can use inn an emergency. Your kid can set off a powerful audio and visual display on this watch — emitting a 115dB alarm and bright flashing LEDs — which will draw attention to them and their immediate location.
The device is also tamper-proof and will go off if someone tries to remove it from the child’s wrist.
Parents, however, should remember that over dependence on such devices could lead to a false sense of security. There are other shortcomings to take into account when using such technology, such as weather conditions, range, and interference from electronics or machinery.
In the end, the most powerful tool in your arsenal for keeping your kids safe is to educate them about the dangers, and what they should do if approached by strangers or if they get separated from you in a crowd.