Vehicle and fleet tracking is a huge market. From city-run buses and snowplows to fleets of service and delivery vehicles, knowing where your assets are and what they are doing can save a company time and money. The vehicle security experts at DroneMobile have recently introduced the X2-MAX. This state-of-the-art GPS-equipped tracking and telematics solution makes it easier than ever to monitor, protect and control a vehicle. Let’s check it out!
What is the DroneMobile X2-MAX Module?
At its core, the X2-MAX is a microcomputer connected to a cellular modem. The device communicates with the DroneMobile app or website by sending information over the cellular data network. This differs from remote start key fobs in that coverage is based on cellular network service, rather than the range of your personal device.
A key feature of the X2-MAX is its use of Long Term Evolution (LTE) cellular communication technology. This means that the system operates on 4G and 5G cellular network hardware. Further, it means the hardware platform will be stable for at least a decade.
In the United States, the DroneMobile system utilizes the AT&T cellular data network. AT&T is considered to have the best combined 4G and 5G coverage according to the website Tom’s Hardware. Furthermore, they have the highest average uptime among cellular networks in the United States.
Premium Vehicle Tracking Solution
As mentioned, the X2-MAX is a state-of-the-art vehicle tracking solution. Whether you have a couple of employees with company-owned service vans or need to manage a large fleet of delivery vehicles, the X2-MAX is a perfect choice. Tracking lets you know the vehicle’s location at any time. You can check the position on a smartphone using the DroneMobile app or by logging into the www.dronemobile.com website. Selecting from multiple vehicles is quick and easy in either case.
Location-Based Premium Services
With the Basic or Premium service plan, you can see trip information for each vehicle. If you need to audit vehicle operations, the start and end points of each journey are accessible from the website. This is the core of fleet tracking – knowing where and when your vehicles are being used, and seeing their locations in near real-time.
Likewise, you can configure speed and curfew alerts. If a vehicle exceeds a preset speed, you’ll get a notification on your smartphone. Likewise, if the vehicle is used after business hours, you’ll know right away.
The Premium plan includes up to 10 Point-of-Interest and four geofence warnings. You can configure these alerts on the www.dronemobile.com website. You may want to set a geofence around the head office, so you know when a vehicle enters or exits the area. The alert locations are configurable by entering an address or by drawing a shape on the map.
Returning to trip information, upgrading to the Premium Plus or Ultimate plan includes breadcrumb trail information. Location details are stored every two minutes or 30 seconds, depending on the plan. Likewise, each turn is logged, allowing you to track the vehicle’s progress.
Monitor Vehicle Health
The X2-MAX can communicate with the OBD-II network in many modern vehicles. Where compatible, you can monitor diagnostic trouble codes (DTC), fuel level, tire pressure and tire pressure warnings. To see if your vehicle is covered, check this document: https://my.firste.ch/dronemobile-obd-ii-coverage
Likewise, the X2-MAX logs mileage based on GPS information. You or a service manager can set an alert to let you know when the truck or van requires an oil change. Everyone knows that regular maintenance is key to ensuring vehicle reliability and longevity.
Convenience Feature Upgrades
Just like the X1-MAX that is included in many of the premium Compustar remote car starter systems, the X2-MAX can act as a convenience interface. When paired with an appropriate Compustar controller module, the X2-MAX allows you to lock and unlock the vehicle right from the smartphone app. If it’s installed in an SUV or similar vehicle, control over the rear hatch release is also available.
In climates that are a bit more extreme than, say, San Diego, you can opt for a controller system that includes a remote car starter. If it’s a cold winter morning in Montana, the driver can start the engine while they are getting their boots and coat on. If the vehicle is in a hot climate, such as Arizona or Texas, the air conditioning system can get a head start on making the interior comfortable. We use the remote starters in our vehicles more in the summer than in the winter.
Drone X2-MAX Security Features
The Drone X2-MAX features several key security measures that warrant highlighting. First and foremost, it has a built-in battery. If a thief can locate the wiring for the Drone and cut it, you will still be able to track the vehicle’s location. The onboard battery lasts for about four to five hours, which is more than long enough for you to track the location and notify the police. You’ll get a notification when the vehicle battery is disconnected. You’ll get another notification when the onboard 270 mAh Lithium-Ion battery is low.
The X2-MAX features a built-in security sensor similar to the DAS-II. When connected to a compatible Compustar controller, vehicle motion, impact, tilting, and glass breakage trigger the alarm system. The X2-MAX will relay the alarm notification to your smartphone as an alert within seconds. If someone bumps into the vehicle in a parking lot, you’ll know about it right away.
Testing the Drone X2-MAX – Stand Alone
We tested the functionality of the Drone X2-MAX in two different modes. First, we connected it to a 2023 Nissan Rogue as a stand-alone device. The installer used the provided OBD-2 passthrough connector to complete the installation. An additional wire needs to be connected to ensure proper vehicle ignition operation, so it’s not something you should attempt to do on your own. Poking and prodding into the wiring in modern vehicles is risky, at best.
We followed the X2-MAX’s interaction with the vehicle for the next few weeks. We received notifications when the ignition was turned off or on. We were also able to view each trip the vehicle took, with the start and end points displayed in a list and shown on a map upon request.
As a tracking system, the X2-MAX functioned effortlessly and reliably.
Drone X2-Max with Controller Testing
The next step was to have the X2-MAX integrated with one of the Compustar CM-X controllers to provide additional functionality. The platform for this testing is the same vehicle – a 2023 Nissan Rogue. We took the car to Audio Pros in Brantford, ON, to have the installation completed by one of their expert technicians who specializes in remote car starters.
The brain used in the system is a Compustar CM-X. They installed the temperature sensor included in the DroneMobile X2-MAX kit. Wanting all the bells and whistles, we opted for the PRO T13 remote kit. As we already had the X2-MAX for testing, they retained the DroneMobile X1-MAX that came with the kit. The installation took a few hours. A glance under the dash revealed that all the modules and controllers were well concealed. Crucially, all the wiring was wrapped with the same fleece tape used on the factory wiring, making it effectively invisible. If you can see the wiring from your remote car starter or security system when you look under the dash, you have likely chosen the wrong shop for the installation.
Control and Speed Testing
Pressing the lock button in the DroneMobile app sent a signal to the vehicle, which was executed in under 2.5 seconds. We sent an unlock command a moment later, and the car responded in about two seconds. To put this into perspective, the average factory-installed smartphone control system takes more than 15 seconds to respond. The worst are Mazda’s MyMazda system at 35 seconds, a 2022 Kia Sorrento at 45 seconds and a 2020 Ford Bronco at an atrocious 60 seconds. At the other end of the spectrum, the Tesla Model 3 is also about two seconds, with the 2022 Toyota Camry and 2021 GMC Sierra at about five seconds. Five seconds or less is a good benchmark, and it’s something you’ll want to check for when purchasing a vehicle control system.
Of course, the icing on the cake is the remote starter feature. Executing a remote start command takes the same amount of time. To drive the vehicle, we unlock the Rogue with the T13 remote, get in, press the start button, then we can put the transmission in drive and head out.
Premium Remote Car Starter Features
While the guys were working on the Rogue, we asked them to wire up the rear window defroster so that it would activate automatically when the interior of the vehicle is below freezing (0C/32F). As there is only one year left on the vehicle lease, we didn’t bother integrating the seat and steering wheel heater circuits. If you have these functions, having them activate automatically when it’s cold is fantastic!
Though we are getting a little off-topic, let’s discuss the Pro T13 remote’s proximity unlock capabilities. The T13 remote transmits a low-power radio frequency signal that the antenna on the windshield will monitor. When the remote is within approximately five to six feet of the antenna, the vehicle doors will unlock automatically. If you have your hands full, this is a fantastic feature.
The T13 remote features two-way communication. This means that anytime you send a command from the remote to the vehicle, the remote will beep with a confirmation tone to let you know the command has been executed. Given that the T13 remote offers an incredible amount of range, it works even when we are inside a large store like Costco. We had to be halfway across the parking lot before the factory fob would remote start the vehicle. By then, it would only run for a minute or two as we loaded the groceries. A subsequent Costco visit with the full Drone and Compustar system installed demonstrated that we could control the vehicle from the back of the store, if we wanted. The signal transmitting power of the T13 is truly impressive.
GPS Tracking System Benefits and ROI
Since we are talking about GPS tracking systems, we should discuss their benefits. First and foremost, knowing where each vehicle is at any time allows for efficient routing updates. Further, the fleet manager will always know that the operator is sticking to the planned route, which can save the company money in terms of fuel costs.
Many fleet managers report significant fuel savings after installing tracking systems like the X2-MAX. When drivers know they are being monitored, their driving behavior improves with less speeding, eliminating personal detours and less abrupt acceleration or deceleration. Adding a dash camera to each vehicle can further enhance these gains.
Operators’ return on investment thanks to staying on top of maintenance scheduling can be significant. Tracking each vehicle’s mileage in real time means oil changes happen when needed. Tire pressure monitoring is another feature that, when monitored, can save the company money in fuel costs. If the vehicle has an issue, being able to read diagnostic trouble codes can speed up the repair process.
Aside from the tangible benefits of tracking systems, the peace of mind provided by the fleet’s operational visibility can reduce stress for the owner or operator.
DroneMobile X2-MAX – Tracking, Security and Convenience
We couldn’t be happier with this state-of-the-art security and remote car starter upgrade to our Nissan Rogue. Knowing where the vehicle is at all times adds peace of mind. We are particularly comforted knowing the X2-MAX has a backup battery. With the module hidden in the vehicle’s dashboard, the confidence of knowing the system can be tracked even if the wiring is cut is comforting. We also like the geofencing feature. For our non-commercial application, we have one set to our spouse’s office. We receive a notification when they leave, so we can start preparing dinner. Finally, the security sensors built into the X2-MAX will alert us if someone has bumped into the car or is attempting to cut off the catalytic converter.
If you’re looking for a state-of-the-art vehicle tracking solution that combines security, vehicle health, and convenience control for a fleet of any size, visit a local Compustar retailer and inquire about the DroneMobile X2-MAX. You can find a retailer using the locator tool on the DroneMobile website. For more information about DroneMobile products, be sure to check out their YouTube channel, Facebook page or Instagram feed.
