GoFleet and Geotab prioritize system stability and robustness, making GO GPS devices tamper-resistant. Despite attempts by some to ‘fly under the radar’ with GPS jammers, we’re committed to ensuring our tracking devices remain effective and secure.

• What is the Definition of a Signal Jammer According to the U.S. Federal Communications Commission, and Why Are They Considered Illegal Radio Frequency Transmitters?
• Severe Punishments: Are Signal Jammers Worth the Risk?
• How Does a GPS System Determine My Location Anywhere in the World?
• How Does a GPS Jamming Device Work?
• How Can GoFleet and Geotab Effectively Detect and Eliminate GPS Jamming Threats?

What is the Definition of a Signal Jammer According to the U.S. Federal Communications Commission, and Why Are They Considered Illegal Radio Frequency Transmitters?

A gps jammer is used in a tracked vehicle to conceal the driver’s location and evade detection. The jammer can be set to continuous operation or manual control for selective trip segments. This allows the user to prevent specific parts of their journey from being tracked.

Severe Punishments: Are Signal Jammers Worth the Risk?

In both Canada and the U.S., the use of radiocommunication jamming devices is strictly prohibited by law. In Canada, Sections 4, 9, and 10 of the Radiocommunications Act ban the manufacturing, importation, distribution, sale, and possession of these devices. Similarly, in the U.S., the federal Communications Act of 1934 prohibits the sale, marketing, or use of jamming equipment. Violators in both countries face severe penalties, including potential fines of up to $112,500 in the U.S., seizure of equipment, and even imprisonment. It’s crucial to abide by these laws to avoid legal consequences and ensure the smooth operation of radiocommunication systems.

How Does a GPS System Determine My Location Anywhere in the World?

To understand the function of a jammer, one must first comprehend the workings of the Global Positioning System (GPS). GPS trackers receive microwave signals from an array of satellite transmitters orbiting the Earth at approximately 20,200 km altitude. These signals are crucial for the tracker to determine its precise location through a series of time calculations and trilateration. The receiver relies heavily on these specific and precise satellite signals to pinpoint its global position. Once determined, the gps tracking device transmits this positional and velocity information to a monitoring location, typically via a cellular network. However, in certain scenarios, satellite malfunctions or solar flares can temporarily disrupt the transmission of GPS signals. This is where a GPS jammer comes into play. By emitting radio signals or signal noise with the same frequency as the GPS device, it effectively distorts or overrides the GPS satellite signals, thus interrupting the transmission.

By generating interference, the signal jammer effectively masks satellite signals, thus disrupting the GPS device’s ability to accurately calculate its position.

How Does a GPS Jamming Device Work?

A GPS jamming device, commonly known as a GPS jammer, is a compact and self-contained transmitter. It emits a 1575.42 Mhz interference signal, effective within a 5 to 10-meter radius. Users typically plug this jammer into their vehicle’s cigarette lighter and position it near a GPS tracker. This proximity disrupts the GPS satellite signal, rendering the tracking device inoperable. Remarkably, these devices become fully functional in under 20 seconds after being powered on. Their low power consumption and swift activation make them convenient for use only when necessary, and criminals often deactivate them promptly to evade detection. Despite their accessibility and affordability on the internet, with prices under $100, it’s crucial to acknowledge that using gps jammers is unethical, illegal, and potentially hazardous. One incident in New Jersey illustrates this danger, where a driver used a jamming device to disable a tracking system in his work truck. While operating at Newark Liberty International Airport, his jamming signal unintentionally disrupted air traffic control communications.

A GPS jamming device disrupts GPS signals, rendering tracking and navigation inoperable. Recently, an FCC investigator pinpointed a jammer using radio equipment, confirming its interference. This led to Gary Bojczak, the driver using the jammer, being fined $31,875.20.

How Can GoFleet and Geotab Effectively Detect and Eliminate GPS Jamming Threats?

Our advanced devices minimize the negative impacts and maximize the utility of signal jammers. With MyGeotab’s precise GPS tracking, any disruptions in the signal are immediately identifiable. When a GPS signal is disrupted or lost, the Trip History map clearly indicates an issue by showing a missing or interrupted trip segment. This feature ensures that any unexpected deviations are quickly noticed and can be promptly investigated. Mid-trip GPS jamming is particularly evident, as it results in a straight line being displayed from the point of jamming initiation to the moment the jamming device is deactivated. For even more immediate jammer detection, our GO6 and GO7 devices are equipped with a specialized GPS module. This module features a jamming detection function that triggers the device to generate a debug log. Easily accessible within MyGeotab’s log details, this ‘GpsJammingDetected’ notification provides an additional layer of insight and awareness into potential signal interference.

To streamline the monitoring of GPS jamming and other related issues, MyGeotab offers the creation of an exception rule. This customizable rule not only generates a comprehensive exception report but also triggers instant alerts or emails, keeping you informed at all times. It’s crucial to understand that while a GPS jammer may hinder the GPS receiver’s functionality, it leaves the rest of the system untouched. This means that the Geotab GO device persists in collecting and transmitting vital information, including engine data, error codes, and auxiliaries, ensuring a holistic view of your fleet’s operations.