* In the context of automatic mileage tracking and usage with our mileage tracking apps.
When to choose a USB powered iBeacon:
⨁If you have a spare USB outlet in your car and are going to use iBeacon mostly in your car, pick the USB powered iBeacon. If there is only 12V outlet, of course you can have 12V > USB adapter, with multiple USB slots. E.g. something like this from Epico with two USB ports (A + C):
⨁Having no battery is not a real drawback for the USB powered iBeacon mobility, you can plug it into any power bank to make it perfectly mobile!
⨁Having FM transmitter in the car is not an issue as well, just be sure to use the one with two USB ports, e.g.:
So you can power the iBeacon and your iPhone at the same time.
Looking at all of the above, USB powered iBeacon is the clear choice for usage in your own regular car.
One extra benefit of a USB powered iBeacon that can become important:
⨁⨁ When car is not started USB outlet is powered down and iBeacon is switched off. This avoid any false starts when you work around your car, have your car very close to your house/windows when you are at home, or pass it on your way.
After all the praise here are the cons:
⊖ You can’t use it outdoors, it is not splash/water protected.
⊖ Most often, You can’t use it as it is in special vehicles like cabriolets, bikes, golf carts, buggies, boats, etc.
When to choose a battery powered iBeacon:
⨁ I’d go for USB powered iBeacon anytime, but battery powered iBeacon is simply more versatile. You can drop it into your bikes’s gloves compartment and forget about it for 2-3 years, until battery runs out.
⨁ You can use it in special vehicles that hardly come with usb ports and might not be weather protected, as golf carts, buggies, boats. No need to think about “how/where do I plug it in”. To change the battery once in 2-3 years you simply unscrew it:
Pull the old battery out and push the new one in. It’s CR2477 3V battery.
⨁ Most often “special” vehicles and outdoor come together, IP67 – Waterproof grade of a battery iBeacon, means:
You can’t swim with your iBeacon, but you can sail or drive in heavy rain in your cabrio/golf cart with full confidence that water won’t damage your iBeacon **.
** If I sail with it, I’d probably still add a tiny rubber ring on the screw to be on the safe side. Or put it into the water proof bag.
⊖ Cons. If you work around your car, have your car very close to your house/windows when you are at home, or pass it on your way – the battery powered iBeacon may cause false tracking starts. But there are options in the apps we provide that mitigate this issue.
Related information:
Speedometer 55 PRO – Automatic tracking for driving/automotive activities
GPS Team 55 – Automatic tracking for driving/automotive activities
Speedometer 55 PRO – Pairing iBeacon with the app
GPS Team 55 – Pairing iBeacon with the app
Ready to pick?