Trapster® Frequently Asked Questions

We've tried to compile a list of the most commonly asked questions. Of course feel free to contact us if we don't cover it here, or if you just want to introduce yourself and say hi!

1) Will Trapster® work on my phone? Yes! Trapster® will work on any mobile phone! There is a free downloadable application for many types of handsets here. Even if your handset is not supported for the downloadable application, you can use Trapster® from any mobile phone by following steps 2 and 3 here.

2) Will Trapster® work on my Garmin or other Navigation Device? Absolutely! You can download Trapster® data for your Garmin, TomTom, or other Navigation Device. See Text Message and Nav Device Alerts for more details. Trapster® also works with the Dash Express. At this time we do not have a way to integrate Trapster® data with your manufacturer's in-car navigation system, but rest assured we are working on a solution.

3) Do I need a special data plan? How much will Trapster® add to my phone bill?
Trapster® is FREE. The Trapster® hybrid GPS/WiFi downloadable client does make extensive use of data services (at least several MB/day if you use it a lot, and that is subject to change without notice). If you sign up for SMS alerts it uses SMS too. If you have an unlimited data plan, there should be no extra charges, but that is obviously our of our control - you should check with your provider to make sure. Charges for SMS messages vary based on your messaging plan.

4) My BlackBerry keeps giving the message "Attempting to Get Location...". Many BlackBerry Models are "GPS Ready" but do not actually have GPS hardware inside them. The TMobile Curve and most carrier's Pearls do not. You can check by clicking on the BlackBerry icon Options | Advanced Options | GPS | GPS Source. If it says "Internal" then your BlackBerry has GPS hardware in it. Also, Verizon BlackBerry's have internal GPS, but Verizon blocks access to it by 3rd party applications (except for select fee based ones like Verizon Navigator). If you don't have internal GPS hardware, or you have a Verizon BlackBerry, then to use the Trapster® GPS application you will need to purchase one of these external Bluetooth GPS accessories, sometimes called the "puck".
Click on the picture to get more information, price, etc.
You can order one from Amazon, or get it at your wireless store (though retail price at the store is sometimes 3 times as much!). These actually work quite a bit better than the internal GPS in our testing anyway. The battery lasts much longer without a recharge, and it receives the signal very well. In fact even though our BlackBerry's have internal GPS, we always use these instead!

5) I entered a trap by accident, or put it in the wrong place, what do I do? Just log into the site, and find the trap on the TRAPMAP. To move the trap, just drag it with the mouse. To delete it, click on it, find the tab that says "Change Trap", and then click "Delete". You can only move or delete traps that you created, and only if no-one else has voted on them.

6) Google Maps shows my location even though I don't have GPS. Why can't Trapster®? First, Google Maps uses Google's proprietary database of cell tower locations. It just shows what cell tower location your phone is currently in range of. The accuracy is at best a couple of miles, which is not even close to accurate enough for something like Trapster®. You would never stop getting alerts in most cities! Second, even if it was accurate enough, we couldn't use it. The Google Maps API is open for desktop browser integration (and in fact is used on this site), but Google does not (yet) not allow 3rd party developers to program the Google Maps Mobile API.

7) My BlackBerry just keeps trying to authenticate. There is a note on the page where you got the BlackBerry download link that discusses Network Settings. You may need to determine the correct ones for your carrier and location, and configure them using the menu button on the Trapster® BlackBerry application.

8) My phone supports TeleNav / Verizon Navigator, why can't it support Trapster®? Trapster® works on many types of "open" PDAs and smartphones. The list of supported types is here on the site. The Trapster® J2ME application will work on any "open" handset that supports Java and location services - the problem is that most US carriers block 3rd party applications from accessing the GPS information on "flip phone" type handsets (e.g. RAZR), or being installed in the first place. There are a select number of fee-based applications that are supported by US carriers (TeleNav and VZN for example). We think Trapster® should be allowed to run on any capable handset, from any carrier. Do you agree? Contact your carrier and request support for Trapster®!

9) What are Trapster® Trusted Groups?
You only need a handful of active users for Trapster® to be effective in your area. Of course the more the merrier, but some users do not want to be receive text messages or mobile alerts for reports submitted by members they do not know or trust. Trusted Groups is the solution. Click here to find out more about Trusted Groups

10) How can I find out what Trapster® Trusted Groups are active in my area?
The names of Trusted Groups can be either published or unpublished. Also the traps entered by members of a Trusted Group can either be private or public.

You can find a list of all Trusted Groups that have published names by going to Manage Groups in account links, and clicking Search Groups.

The only way to find out about a private group with an unpublished name is to be specifically invited to that group, or told by a group member. Even then you must be admitted by the owner or moderator before you can view the activity or enter traps that will be seen by the members of that group. This sort of privacy is the whole point of Trusted Groups with unpublished names.

11) How do I decide whether I should publish the name of my new Trusted Group?
If you choose to publish the name, users in your area can more easily find out about your group and send you invitation requests. They cannot see your e-mail address or other private information.

If you already know the users who you want in your group, or you want to let people know the name of the group by some other means such as a Web forum, you should not publish the name of the group.

12) If I publish the name of my new Trusted Group can users join without permission?
No. The owner or a moderator must approve each new member. This happens via the Private Messaging system.

If you already know the users who you want in your group, or you want to let people know the name of the group by some other means such as a Web forum, you should not publish the name of the group.