FAQ's

WHY WOULD I MODIFY SHIPSAFETEK TRACKING DEVICE FOR MY SPECIFIC NEEDS?

Modifying a tracking device ensures that it fits your specific use case, whether it's for personal security, monitoring assets, or tracking someone discreetly. Standard devices may not be adaptable to your particular requirements, such as size, power consumption, or stealth features. MODIFICATION INSTRUCTIONS

WHY WOULD I NEED TO MODIFY THE SHIPSAFETEK DEVICE FOR MAILING PURPOSES?

Modifying a tracking device for mailing ensures it fits within the specific requirements of your mail system. This could include making it smaller, ensuring it’s lightweight, or adding features that provide more accurate tracking, such as sensors that work well in various environments during shipping.

WHY IS THE SHIPSAFETEK DEVICE IMPORTANT FOR MAIL PACKAGES?

A tracking device ensures the safety and security of important packages by providing real-time location updates. This allows senders and recipients to monitor the package’s progress, preventing it from getting lost or delayed and providing peace of mind throughout the shipping process.

WHY IS SHIPSAFETEK CRITICAL WHEN MAILING LEGAL OR CONFIDENTIAL DOCUMENTS?

Legal and confidential documents often contain sensitive information and require secure delivery. A tracking device ensures that these documents are monitored throughout the entire shipping process, confirming that they reach the correct recipient and reducing the risk of unauthorized access or delivery errors.

HOW DOES THE SHIPAFETEK DEVICE IMPROVE SECURITY FOR HIGH-VALUE OR SENSITIVE PACKAGES?

Tracking devices help secure valuable or sensitive packages by allowing the sender to know exactly where the package is at any given moment. If the package is delayed, rerouted, or lost, immediate action can be taken to recover it or investigate any issues, which is especially critical for high-value items.

HOW CAN I ENSURE THE SHIPSAFETEK DEVICE STAYS SECURE AND UNDETECTABLE DURING TRANSIT? 

You can modify the device by placing it in a protective, tamper-proof casing, such as a sealed, opaque envelope or plastic wrap. To avoid detection, reduce the signal strength or use a hidden compartment within the package itself to prevent scanners or couriers from detecting it during shipping.

WHAT MAKES THE SHIPSAFETEK DEVICE DISCREET AND HOW DO I MODIFY IT FOR STEALTH?

Discretion often involves reducing the visibility and noise of the tracking device. You could modify the device by making it smaller, adding a custom case, reducing signal strength to avoid detection, or integrating it into everyday items (like clothing or accessories) to keep it hidden. 

CAN I MAKE THE SHIPSAFETEK DEVICE MORE DIFFICULT TO BE DETECTED BY SCANNERS?

Yes, you can modify the signal frequency, encryption methods, and transmission power. Lowering the signal strength and using covert communication protocols can reduce the likelihood of detection by counter-surveillance tools.

HOW DO I ENSURE THE SHIPSAFETEK DEVICE REMAINS HIDDEN FROM OTHERS?

By embedding the device in inconspicuous objects, like a phone case, bag, or even inside a vehicle’s hidden compartments, you can make it harder to detect. Using materials that shield against radio-frequency identification (RFID) detection can also help with stealth.

IS SHIPSAFETEK ADAPTABLE TO OTHER ENVIRONMENTS?

Yes, modifications can include weatherproofing the device, adding temperature sensors, or incorporating GPS functionality that works in various environments (urban, rural, or underground). Customizing its housing for durability in harsh conditions ensures it keeps working regardless of the environment.

HOW DO I CUSTOMIZE THE SHIPSAFETEK DEVICE TO SUITE MY NEEDS?

You can modify the device to track only specific data, such as location or speed, or set up geofencing to alert you when the device enters or leaves a designated area. Adding features like time stamps, motion detection, or environmental sensors can further tailor its use.

WHAT ROLE DOES SOFTWARE CUSTOMIZATION PLAY IN MODIFYING THE SHIPSAFETEK DEVICE?

Software modifications allow you to program the device for specific alerts, update intervals, and data logging formats. You can also integrate the device with other monitoring tools, such as apps, cloud storage, or remote tracking dashboards, giving you greater control and access to real-time data.

IS THE SHIPSAFETEK DEVICE TAMPER-RESISTANT?

Yes, tamper-resistant modifications include adding tamper detection sensors, securing the device inside an armored case, or using glue and fasteners that are difficult to remove without causing visible damage. You could also add a mechanism that sends alerts if the device is being tampered with.

These modifications can help ensure that the device serves your specific goals without drawing attention, offering both functionality and discretion.

 HOW CAN I MAKE THE TRACKING DEVICE MORE SECURE SO IT CANNOT BE EASILY TAMPERED WITH DURING SHIPPING?

To secure the device, you can embed it in tamper-evident packaging, like shrink wrap or special seals that break if tampered with. You could also design a mechanism that sends an alert or disables the device if it detects unauthorized handling.

CAN I MODIFY THE SHIPSAFETEK DEVICE TO ALERT ME IF THERE IS A DELAY OR ISSUE WITH SHIPMENT?

Yes, you can program the tracking device to send notifications or alerts if there’s a delay, deviation from the expected route, or when it arrives at specific checkpoints. This could be achieved using real-time location tracking, time stamps, and integration with SMS or app notifications.

HOW DO I MAKE THE SHIPSAFETEK DEVICE COMPATIBLE WITH EXISTING SHIPPING AND TRACKING?

You can ensure compatibility by using standardized formats for reporting and tracking, such as GPS coordinates or standardized barcodes. Integration with major shipping platforms (e.g., FedEx, UPS) may require developing an API or using a system that can seamlessly share location and status updates with those platforms.

By modifying the tracking device for mailing purposes, you can ensure it meets the unique requirements of shipping, such as size, durability, and ease of use, while providing reliable, real-time tracking.

CAN THE SHIPSAFETEK DEVICE HELP PREVENT PACKAGE THEFT?

Yes, a tracking device can help prevent theft by allowing the sender and recipient to trace the package’s location. If the package is stolen after delivery, having tracking data makes it easier to trace its whereabouts, providing a better chance of recovery.

HOW DOES THE SHIPSAFETEK DEVICE AID IN CONFIRMING DELIVERY?

Tracking devices often include a proof-of-delivery feature, where recipients may be required to sign for the package. This provides an electronic confirmation of delivery, ensuring that the package reaches its destination and offering accountability in case of disputes.

WHY IS THE SHIPSAFETEK DEVICE USEFUL FOR TIME-SENSITIVE PACKAGES?

For time-sensitive deliveries, such as medical supplies, legal documents, or perishable goods, a tracking device offers real-time updates on the package’s location. This allows both the sender and recipient to ensure the package stays on schedule and arrive within the required time frame.

CAN THE SHIPSAFETEK DEVICE HELP WITH CUSTOMER SATISFACTION IN E-COMMERCE OR BUSINESS SHIPMENTS? 

Yes, offering tracking information enhances customer satisfaction by giving recipients transparency about the delivery status of their packages. Customers can track their items, reducing anxiety and increasing confidence in the service, which can lead to better reviews and repeat business.

HOW DOES THE SHIPSAFETEK DEVICE HELP MANAGE AND RESOLVE DELIVERY ISSUES?

If there’s a delivery issue—such as a delay, wrong address, or package lost in transit—the tracking device provides key information to help resolve the issue. The ability to see the exact location or last known status of a package allows carriers or senders to take corrective action quickly.

HOW DOES THE SHIPSAFETEK DEVICE PROVIDE ACCOUNTABILITY IN THE SHIPPING PROCESS?

By continuously tracking the package, the sender, recipient, and shipping carrier can hold each other accountable. If something goes wrong, such as an incorrect delivery or missed deadline, the tracking data provides the evidence needed to investigate and resolve the situation.

MORE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS:

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Insert the battery, and place in any dark and motionless space for 5 seconds to auto-arm. Use in safes, storage units, luggage, closets, boats, trailers and more. An alert is sent to your phone when instrusions are detected: light, infrared motion or acceleration. The sensor then automatically finds the best cellular network anywhere in the world, alerting your phone within about 20 seconds. Alerts take on average 20 seconds to recieve after triggering, and the first alert after inital setup can take about 5-10 minutes to receive, so be patient on the first one! Have more questions on setup, or need help troubleshooting? Scroll to SETUP and TROUBLESHOOTING pages for more info.

HOW DOES IT AUTOMATICALLY CONNECT TO CELLULAR NETWORKS?

ShipSafeTek Sensors come pre-installed with a special high performance global simcard that automatically connects to best available networks nearly every country across thousands of different partner carriers. For example, in the USA your sensor might connect to T-Mobile or AT&T...in United Kingdom connect to Orange, or Israel Pelephone. In every country, there are many networks available for it to use automatically. And the best part? There's no setup or configuration required on your part, even when traveling...simply insert the battery and start monitoring automatically!

WHY ARE DATA PLANS REQUIRED AND ARE THERE DISCOUNTS?

Every sensor requires its own data plan. Alerts are sent over encrypted cellular networks and need a data plan to operate, just like your phone. ShipSafeTek data plans are affordable at about $5 per month. Cellular connectivity is the more secure and not easily hacked or sabotaged like WIFI. Plus, it's global out of the box. And if the power goes out or you're monitoring somewhere remote, the ShipSafeTek Sensor will still send alerts over a secure connection. ShipSafeTek pays a fee to carriers for every sensor, regardless of active status, and thus we do not offer bundled data plan discounts at this time. Email us to inquire about discounts on multiple sensors, and sign up for our mailing list for sales. The subscription data plans also help ShipSafeTek provide service and support, in addition to enabling us invest in world class engineering, which is our top priority. The profit we make on the data fees also allow us to only use the highest grade chips in the sensor itself, making it the most reliable hardware you'll buy. Other products have a business model making the product for as cheap as possible to make any product. We take the opposite approach, using the highest quality components we can find to make it the most reliable, secure and performant product on the planet.

HOW DO I PAY FOR THE REQUIRED DATAPLAN?

Every ShipSafeTek Sensor requires a dataplan and includes a 30 day free trial. You can pay annually or monthly per device within the app. There are no contracts or cancellation fees, and you may cancel at anytime in the app. After downloading the app on your phone, you are asked in the app to pay for the dataplan when your free trial is up. Each dataplan includes unlimited alerts, no contracts or cancellation fees.

Battery life is about 1 year averaging 10 alerts per month. Battery life varies according to temperature (colder temps reduce battery life) and how often you use it in addition to other variables. We've seen battery life of 6-8 months with heavier use, around 30 alerts per month. The sensor sends low battery notifications and there's battery level information on the app to let you know when to recharge. Use the included Micro USB to recharge once every 6-12 months but be proactive and charge every 4-6 months.

HOW DOES THE SHIPSAFETEK SENSOR DETECT INTRUSIONS?

Using 3-IN-1 sensor technology, which includes a passive infrared motion sensor (PIR),a visible light sensor, and an Accelerometer. It also has a Temperature and Humidity sensor for environmental monitoring. The accelerometer detects physical movement of the sensors itself, e.g. someone moves your safe or luggage but does not open it. The PIR motion sensor detects infrared motion, e.g. someone opens the safe or luggage or walks into the closet. And the light sensor detects any visible light. The ShipSafeTek Sensor is sensitive and engineered to be next to impossible to defeat.

DOES IT HAVE FALSE POSITIVES?

The ShipSafeTek Sensor will only trigger an alert when the sensors detect light, infrared motion or vibration movement. The only time we get reports of false positives, is when people drive on the highway with their sensor in the car and telecom and road traffic equipment can occasionally interfere.

DOES IT WORK INSIDE MY SAFE AND LOW SIGNAL ENVIRONMENTS?

The ShipSafeTek Sensor is designed to work in low signal environments, like a safe or basement. Cellular connectivity has higher performance in low signal environments than WIFI or Bluetooth. Have you ever sent an SMS with barely any service and you could not make a call, but a text went through? Every sensor includes an external antenna which we encourage you to use. String the external antenna outside the safe and hide it out the back. Take it to the next level and purchase the extender cable to hide the antenna 6 feet away from your safe.

WILL POOR CELLULAR SIGNAL AFFECT PERFORMANCE?

It was engineered for poor signal environments, just like inside a thick metal safe. It only sends a very small amount of data with each alert, and works great in poor network conditions. We designed and engineered the ShipSafeTek Sensor to perform in these scenarios. As long as you're getting consistent alerts within 20-30 seconds. What about if there's no cellular signal at all? The ShipSafeTek Sensor uses a special global simcard that connects to the best signal networks automatically, anywhere in the world. It has full coverage in nearly every country, so this will be a rare scenario. In the rare event this happens, we will be happy to work with you to find a solution to your satisfaction. 

WHY IS THE LOCATION WRONG?

Every alert includes location triangulation, by way of cellular tower triangulation. Location accuracy is dependent on the number of towers the device can hit, and is something the carrier networks control. Unfortunately, the location triangulation is not always accurate. Sometimes, it is extremely inaccurate. Other times, it is extremely precise. This is a known tradeoff. ShipSafeTek sensors don't use GPS because of battery life and cost.

HOW LONG TO RECIEVE ALERTS? WHAT DO THE FLASHING BLUE, RED AND GREEN LEDs MEAN?

About 20 seconds to receive an alert after an intrusion is detected. The blue LED light indicates infrared motion detected. The red and green LED lights indicate cellular modem activity. When the flashing red light "locks on" it has connected to the network and is sending the alert to your phone. If the red light flashes constantly but never locks on and turns off, it wasn't able to find the network or there is a problem with the simcard. There are no LED indicators when light or acceleration movement is detected.

Download the app and scan the QR code on the battery cover of the sensor. After inserting the battery and attaching the antenna, place the ShipSafeTek Sensor anywhere you want to monitor and it will automatically arm itself in 5 seconds. Need more info on setup, please see SETUP for more information.

MULTIPLE SENSORS SETUP

Follow the same setup steps, then swipe left or right to see different sensors in the app. Note: if you want to add a friend, family member or additional phone to receive alerts on a sensor, simply follow the same steps. Download the app on the second phone and scan the QR code and follow the same steps. Warning: subscribers can only remove themselves from alerts, you cannot boot or kick someone off. This is for security reasons. Imagine if a son subscribed to Dad's gun safe alerts and was able to remove him from alerts.

CERTIFICATIONS, SAFETY AND PRIVACY

The ShipSafeTek Sensor is certified by FCC and CE and is safe for all ages. All data is stored securely on private servers in the United States with strong encryption and privacy. All alert transmissions sent to your phone are end to end encrypted over cellular networks. ShipSafeTek takes privacy and security seriously, and your usage data is never sold or given to third parties. There is no audio or photo or video recording capability on the ShipSafeTek Sensor. ShipSafeTek does not know (or care) what our customers monitor. We help you protect what you love.

CAN I TURN OFF ONE OF THE SENSORS?

Are you getting alerts because the light sensor triggers daily at a specific time when the sunlight hits it at exactly the perfect angle? Or using the sensor in a truck that you drive and get constant alerts? There's a special way to turn off the light sensor or vibration sensor (you cannot turn off the infrared motion sensor for security purposes) but you'll have to email help@simtek.io to ask how.