GPS Tracking which is the best ?

I know there have been threads on Tiso tracker - which is out of stock. Has anyone got GPS ? any recommendations. I had a car stolen a few years back the hassle I went through was unbelievable. If my camper was stolen I think I would curl up in a corner and die . Ive been thinking about a GPS not sure which is the best.

 

Any security is better than nothing, but you can buy GPS blockers that plug into the cig lighter socket for about a tenner!!

They are illegal to sell in this country though

 

There are the chinese GPS units - I think they're all made by the same folk. They work pretty well - main prob is positioning the GPS antenna to get a good signal in an all-metal van.

First security step is to engage your steering lock when you leave the van. No 2 is to stick a flashing LED on the dash - it doesn't have to be connected to an alarm

 

Ive got one like this http://www.amazon.co.uk/Tracker-Veh...N58K/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1361544236&sr=8-4
Cost less that £55 though. GSM and GPS antenna are mounted on the back of the rear view mirror. Giffgaff sim so its easy to top up online or via WP8 app (other less desirable phones are available (apparently )). Instructions are in Chinese but its pretty straightforward to wire in. I like the option to listen in via the mike and remote relay (kill switch) operation.

You just phone it and it texts you back with its location and speed. You can set up alerts for door opening, loss of battery power, ring fencing, speed limits etc

 

I have one like that, but from a UK company. It is still boxed and unused, which you could have for £50 + postage. Paid £110 for it !!
Like Stuart said, you just need a sim card. This one has one, and has £10 on it, and just needs activating.
Details of the one I have are here - http://www.cgmart.co.uk/

 

I have one of the tk103 variants like the amazon and cgmart link. Got it on eBay for about 55 quid. Not got it in the van yet but I've been testing it a lot as I am developing an android app for it. Works well so far, if you have an android phone and get a tracker give the app a go more details on this thread: http://thelatebay.com/index.php?threads/20433/

 

Cheers for all that. I like th esound of the cgmart.

 

But these units are GPS and GPRS - I don't think those blockers block the GPRS signal as well.

 

Yes that's right, but I thought all the cheapo trackers did was send you a message with the devices GPS location.

So if this is blocked the location will be too.

I think the expensive trackers use VHF radio too, but usually have monthly subscription fee.

I'm no expert though so you might be right about the phone signal being enough to triangulate its position a-la Spooks.

 

Here's something I wrote

http://thelatebay.com/index.php?threads/GPS-car-tracker-GPS103B.462/

As everyone has said, it won't stop the serious thief but its an extra level of security and it will undoubtably save you from the opportunist thief.

 

Anything that disables GPS (and there are much easier ways) will stop the unit sending the van's position. GSM/GPRS is just used as the bearer for text messages. You won't be able to locate the van using cellular alone.

"Proper" trackers do use completely proprietary (and more robust) systems. If I had an Aston Martin, that's what I'd use.

 

Having read this thread and seen how cheap these trackers are, I've just bought one of the TK-103B trackers off eBay for fitting to my van.

Has any one who has fitted one of these to their van got any suggestions of where best to put the tracker and to mount the aerials for best GPS and GPRS reception?

Also, where is the best/easiest place to fit the engine cut off relay that comes with the tracker? I have an FI electric fuel pump and so I guess the easiest thing for me would be to cut power to my fuel pump, however where is the best place to do this? Under the van by the pump, in the engine bay somewhere, or is there nice convenient wiring somewhere under the dash that will be good for this?

Any tips for this would be much appreciated.

Thanks.

Nick...

 

I'd suggest this is done in a PM or similar...never know who is watching an open forum

I'm going to be deciding this myself when the evenings get lighter and warmer. My initial thought was to the fuel pump but as it's under the van, open to the elements, I thought that it might as well be direct to the alternator, without that it won't start either...but I'm open to ideas as well.

 

Thanks MadFrankie - very good suggestion about PMs for this info.

 

mum and dad have offered to buy me a tracker for the bus but know less than nowt about them. is this http://www.amazon.co.uk/Tracker-Veh...N58K/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1361544236&sr=8-4

a good one, are there better ones and once i have one would someone pm me about where to *stick it?
(bus related responses only please)

 

I've recently got that one you posted the Amazon link for and although I've only tested on my bench so far have been quite impressed with it. Have also found a nice little Android app that makes it really easy to control and monitor it.

Am hoping to fit it later this week and assuming I pass my MOT on it's retest on Thursday I'll then be able to give it a real try out and so real feedback.

Not sure where I'm going to stick it yet - will let you know once I put it in!

Nick...

 

great stuff! keep me posted
just changed my android for an iphone - typical. is there an iphone app or a tracker which has?

 

Am sure there will be an iPhone app for it as these appear to be very common trackers worldwide.

 

what's gsm?

 

Not sure what it stands for, but it's the mobile phone network. GSM is the standard mobile phone network (voice and SMS I think), and GPRS is the data mobile network.