GPS Trackers

Connect GPS tracking hardware for real-time vehicle and asset tracking. Hardware GPS trackers provide the highest update frequency -- as low as every 3 seconds -- making them ideal for fleet management, logistics, and high-value asset monitoring.

Overview

GPS trackers are dedicated hardware devices that use cellular networks (2G/3G/4G) to report their location to the Pointeron tracking server. Unlike iCloud-based tracking, GPS trackers provide near real-time updates and do not depend on nearby Apple devices.

Key characteristics:

• Update interval: Configurable from 3 seconds to 60 seconds (or longer)
• Location accuracy: 2--5 meters (dedicated GPS receiver)
• Always-on: Tracks continuously while powered, independent of smartphones
• Vehicle integration: Many trackers support OBD-II for diagnostics data

Supported protocols

Pointeron supports the following GPS tracker protocols:

Setup for Teltonika devices

Teltonika is the recommended tracker brand for Pointeron. We support the FMC003 (4G LTE OBD-II plug-and-play tracker with vehicle diagnostics) and the FMB965 (compact 2G wired tracker with backup battery).

Configuration steps

1. Register the tracker in Pointeron using its IMEI, exact Teltonika model, and SIM phone number.
2. Disable the SIM PIN request before inserting the card, or enter it locally in Teltonika Configurator. Pointeron does not use or store the SIM PIN.
3. Open the device settings page in Pointeron and complete the Initial setup SMS draft. You can preview and copy it before the tracker has connected; previewing does not save a device override.
4. Send the copied SMS to the tracker's SIM phone number, or configure the same values through Teltonika Configurator via USB.
5. In Teltonika Configurator, the corresponding values are under GPRS > Server Settings:
   • Domain/IP: Your Pointeron TCP ingest endpoint (provided in your dashboard under Settings > Ingest Endpoints)
   • Port: The assigned TCP port for your organization
   • Protocol: TCP
6. Under Data Acquisition, set the reporting interval:
   • Min period: 3 seconds (recommended for fleet tracking)
   • Min distance: 10 meters (to avoid redundant stationary reports)
   • Min angle: 10 degrees (report on heading changes)
7. Save the configuration and restart the device.

The initial SMS or USB setup points the tracker at Pointeron. After the first TCP connection, supported Teltonika models can receive remote configuration and Data Acquisition updates over GPRS. Saving a configuration remains separate from delivery. When you choose Send via GPRS for a previously connected tracker that is offline, Pointeron queues the command and applies it when the tracker reconnects.

Keep these device and SIM values distinct:

Teltonika with OBD-II

The FMC003 plugs directly into the vehicle's OBD-II port and reports vehicle diagnostics (engine RPM, coolant temp, fuel level, DTCs) in addition to location. For vehicles in the OEM supported list, it can also read real odometer, fuel level in liters, and EV battery data. See the OBD Trackers page for full details and the supported vehicle list.

Setup for GT06 and H02 trackers

GT06 and H02 are widely used open protocols supported by many budget-friendly GPS trackers.

Configuration steps

1. Send an SMS command to the tracker to configure the server address and port. The exact SMS format depends on the tracker model. Common formats:

   GT06 example:

   SERVER,1,{pointeron-host},{port},0#
   

   H02 example:

   *HQ,{imei},S20,{timestamp},{pointeron-host},{port}#
   

2. Set the reporting interval via SMS (model-specific)

3. The tracker will connect to the Pointeron tracking server automatically

HTTP/JSON devices

For custom hardware, mobile apps, or scripts, use the Location Ingest API to push location data over HTTPS.

API endpoint

POST /api/v2/locations

Request body

{
  "device_id": "tracker-001",
  "latitude": 46.0569,
  "longitude": 14.5058,
  "speed": 45.2,
  "heading": 180,
  "altitude": 295.0,
  "recorded_at": "2026-03-14T10:30:00Z"
}

Authentication

Include your API key in the Authorization header:

Authorization: Bearer {your-api-key}

API keys are generated from Settings > API Keys in the dashboard. See the API Reference for the full specification.

Device registration

Register a TCP GPS tracker in Pointeron before its first connection. Use the hardware IMEI or protocol device ID as the external device ID.

• Pointeron accepts the connection when the reported IMEI or device ID matches the registered device
• Unknown identifiers are rejected until an administrator registers them
• Assign the device to an asset to start seeing it on the Live Map
• If a device with the same IMEI/ID already exists, the existing device record is reused

Create HTTP/JSON devices through the supported dashboard or API workflow before sending locations.

Configuration

Sync intervals

Set reporting intervals based on your tracking needs:

Adjust the interval from the tracker's configuration tool, from Pointeron for supported Teltonika models, or via SMS commands for GT06 and H02. GPRS changes from Pointeron require a TCP session and can be queued only for later delivery; use the Pointeron setup-SMS preview, a manual SMS, or USB Configurator for the first connection.

Movement detection

Many GPS trackers support intelligent reporting that increases the interval when the asset is stationary and reduces it when moving. This saves bandwidth and battery:

• Moving interval: Report every 3--10 seconds while in motion
• Stationary interval: Report every 5--15 minutes when stopped
• Movement trigger: Report immediately when movement is detected after a stationary period

OBD data

Some GPS trackers support OBD-II vehicle diagnostics. The Teltonika FMB series is the recommended choice for OBD tracking. See the OBD Trackers page for a detailed guide on setting up and using OBD diagnostics.

Pricing

GPS tracker tracking is billed at EUR 10 per month per GPS Tracker. Each connected tracker counts as one GPS Tracker on your invoice. The charge applies as long as the device is active. Deactivate or remove a device to stop billing.