BackTracker Frequently Asked Questions

There are several variables that affect how far away you can hear the horn. The wind speed and direction will affect this. You will be able to hear the horn downwind for greater distance than if you are upwind of the truck. The concept of BackTracker is that you may get out of earshot of the truck, but when you use your compass to head back, you will pass within hearing distance of the truck and not walk past it.

The BT-S model siren is very directional and you should stop your vehicle with the siren pointed in the direction where you are planning to hunt. The sound off the back of the siren does not travel very far. (TOP OF PAGE)

Is BackTracker difficult to hook up?

A detailed set of instructions is provided to assist you in performing the installation. Most BackTracker customers are able to install the unit without much difficulty. The most challenging installation step is finding and hooking into the horn relay (For BT-H). My advice is that if you are having a difficult time with this step, drive to your friendly mechanic, and he will quickly locate it for you. (TOP OF PAGE)

What are the settings on BackTracker?

The two settings are the time between horn honks (DELAY) and how long the horn stays on during each honk (HORN ON). These times are set by using a small screwdriver to adjust two variable resistors in BackTracker. These are easily accessible by a door on BackTracker (SEE PICTURE).

The DELAY time between honks is 2 - 2O minutes and the HORN ON is 1 - 10 seconds. (TOP OF PAGE)

Is BackTracker safe to install in my truck?

BackTracker BT-H has two fuses in it to prevent it from causing an electrical fire if it is installed incorrectly. The fuses are in the same compartment as the time adjustment resistors and are easily accessible. The BT-S model needs only one fuse for its operation. (TOP OF PAGE)

Will the horn or siren run down the battery?

I store my hunting truck in a garage on my lease. I have forgotten to turn BackTracker off and I have left it on for several days and it did not run down my battery. (TOP OF PAGE)

How many wires have to be connected?

There are four wires for each model. The wires that are common for both models are BLACK which is grounded to metal on the truck body, RED which is connected to a point in the fuse block that is always hot (12 volts), and WHITE which is connected to a connection in the fuse block that is energized only when the ignition is turned on.

The reason for the connection to the ignition is so you can turn BackTracker on when you start hunting if you are following your dogs in your truck. As long as the ignition is on, the light on BackTracker will remain green and BackTracker will not start timing to blow the horn. When you turn off the ignition, the light turns red and BackTracker starts timing to blow the horn (or blow the siren depending on the model you have).

The BT-H model has a LIGHT BLUE wire which is hooked to the horn relay. The BT-S has a YELLOW wire that outputs 12 volts to blow the siren. (TOP OF PAGE)

What does the light on BackTracker indicate?

If the light is not illuminated, power is OFF. If the light is GREEN, BackTracker is on, but not timing to blow the horn. If the light is RED, BackTracker is on and is timing to blow the horn (or siren). (TOP OF PAGE)

Do all trucks have horn relays?

Some imported trucks and some small domestic trucks do not have horn relays. If your truck is one of the few that does not have a horn relay, I will send you additional instructions to assist you in installing BackTracker in your truck. (TOP OF PAGE)

What are the details of the money back guarantee?

This money back guarantee is for one year from date of purchase. I request that you communicate with me by phone or email your reason for wanting to return BackTacker. I have had very few units returned if the customer and I discussed and solved their problem. However, if you tell me that you just want to return it, I will issue you a Return Material Authorization. When you have the return authorization, ship the return materials back to John Howe, Inc. at your expense. All materials must be returned including installation kit and instructions. If items are damaged or missing, refund will be adjusted accordingly. Refund will be for the cost of BackTracker and sales tax (if charged). Shipping costs will not be refunded. (TOP OF PAGE)

What is the warranty coverage on BackTracker?

BackTracker products are warranted to be free of defects in material and workmanship for one year from date of purchase.

John Howe, Inc. will, at its election, repair, replace or make appropriate adjustment where inspection by John Howe, Inc. discloses any such defects occurring in normal usage within one (1) year after purchase. John Howe, Inc. is not responsible for removal or installation costs. Customer shall call, write, or email John Howe, Inc. at: 325 Helen Marie Lane, Kingsville, TX 78363, Phone 361-516-1662, email - jvwh@jhowe.com and request a Return Material Authorization. Once return authorization is granted, customer shall ship return materials back to John Howe, Inc. at customer's expense. All materials must be returned including installation kit and instructions. If items are damaged or missing, refund will be adjusted accordingly.

IMPLIED WARRANTIES INCLUDING THAT OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE EXPRESSLY LIMITED IN DURATION TO THE DURATION OF THIS WARRANTY. JOHN HOWE, INC. DISCLAIMS ANY LIABILITY FOR SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES. (TOP OF PAGE)

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