1. What is TripBook?

   - TripBook is a GPS logger that records traveling information (time and location) using GPS satellite positioning. It runs continuously on any USB power source. All that is required for the device to operate is to plug it in to the cigarette-lighter-to-USB power adaptor during your trip. When you are finished recording, simply plug it into a computer USB slot to download the data. The software displays the trip record on Google Maps; provides details including speed, duration, and approximate addresses; and generates IRS-compliant report for business trips.

2. How is TripBook powered?

   - TripBook operates on any USB slot that provides power. The best way to identify that is to connect the device to see if the green light flashes immediately. A power adaptor for operation in a vehicle is already provided in the TripBook package. Most USB slots in laptops will provide the necessary power as well.

3. How do I know if the device is recording?

   - The LED light on the device will flash constantly when in operation. However, before using the device, it's recommended to verify the device is in default recording mode under device settings. Wrong settings may result in device not being able to record locations even though the LED indicates that it is in operation.

4. How does user management work?

   - The TripBook software can only display one user at a time, to change the user, select from the menu Users > Users Management, and fill out the appropriate entries. To associate a trip record to a different user from the previous user, skip the downloading process at the program’s start, change the user, and then select from the menu Log Files > Download to download the trip. An alternative for user management is to put different users as customers to categorize the trips.

5. How is a “stop” generated in the TripBook log?

   - When TripBook detects a prolonged period of idleness, usually around three to four minutes, it will generate a stop. You can review stops in detail in the TripBook software, which will display time, duration, as well as the approximate addresses. During the idle time, TripBook device needs to be continuously powered in order to record a stop.

6. What are the parameters that can be adjusted in the recording mode?

   - You can adjust the minimum speed and/or distance to warrant a data point; in addition, the frequency of recording can be changed as well. The default recording mode will record a data point every five second, regardless of speed or distance traveled. These parameters can have significant effect on how the data is recorded, depending on your traveling conditions. For example, if you set the minimum recording speed to 50 mph, it’s unlikely that the device will record any data at all during your jogging trip.

7. The program does not display the address information in Log Summary or Stop Details.

   - You may have installed an older version of the TripBook software. To remedy this, simply download the most updated software from http://www.gisteq.com/program-update.html under “TripBook Downloads”. After successfully downloading the compressed file, unzip the folder and save the content to a desired location, and run the “setup.exe” file. You do not need to uninstall the existing software, as the program will automatically detect and overwrite it (choose “Repair GiSTEQ GPS TripBook” at the first prompt of the Setup Wizard).

8. Is TripBook Mac-compatible?

   - Unfortunately, the necessary TripBook software for Mac operation has yet to be developed.

9. How do I find out what the COM port is?

   For Windows XP

   1. Go to Control Panel->System->Hardware->Device Manager
   2. Make sure the device is plugged in.
   3. Look into the Ports (COM&LPT) category to find out the COM port [If PORTS is not on the list, the device driver might not be installed properly. Please unplug the device and reinstall the driver.

   For Windows Vista/7

   1. Go to Control Panel->System->Device Manager
   2. Make sure the device is plugged in.
   3. Look into the Ports category to find out the COM port [If PORTS is not on the list, the device driver might not be installed properly. Please unplug the device and reinstall the driver.
10. Why is the device not recording my trips?

    - Please follow the instructions below to check the device settings:

    1. Connect the device to the USB port
    2. Go into the TripBook software and select Settings->Change Settings
    3. Select the right COM port and click "connect"
    4. Under Recording Mode, select "default" - record by time: every 5 seconds
    5. Click "save" to save the settings.
    6. Take the device out to record for at least 10 minutes.
    7. Download the data see if it exists

    If the device is still unable to record any data, given that the device appears to be in operation (green LED light flashing), please contact GiSTEQ support to better identify the issue.

11. I couldn't get a satellite fix, how do I check if the device is defective?
    1. Use the tool here to check the satellite status. (download here: http://www.gisteq.com/resources/GPSViewer.zip)
    2. Plug in the device.
    3. Unzip the program
    4. Select the right COM port (if you don’t know the COM port, you can find it in device manager)
    5. Select 38400 as baudrate
    6. Click “Close”
    7. When you see the NMEA codes appear in the Message section, your device is searching for satellite meaning that it's functional.

       Message should look something like this:
       ---,$GPRMC,013211.000,A,3355.2100,N,11754.9368,W,28.00,0.00,091206,,*26
       ---,$GPRMC,013212.000,A,3355.2183,N,11754.9369,W,29.00,0.00,091206,,*2E
       ---,$GPRMC,013213.000,A,3355.2266,N,11754.9369,W,29.00,0.00,091206,,*27

    8. Click “Connect” button right next to baudrate and close the program.

If you have any other questions, please contact us.