GPS Tracker

[Nigel]

Good day all,

As my car is running and driving i'm wanting to install the above or similar.

Has anyone experience of a particular make and model that works well, and that doesn't drain the battery too
quickly? Or types to avoid.

There are huge options on ebay, ranging from as little as a fiver, up to huge numbers, it's all a little daunting!

I'd just like to find my car should the unthinkable happen.

Regards
Nige

[George-S]

Hi Nigel,

I am also thinking of doing this in the near future.
From what I have read sounds like the best options are the ones that you charge yourself without being hooked up to the battery.
You can get ones that last from around 30-60days before needing a recharge.

I wouldn't get one that relies on the car battery connection as thieves seem fairly clued up on how to disconnect them, It may also be worth installing a really obvious fake dummy unit as a decoy.

I was looking at getting this one personally.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/TKSTAR-TK905-Rechargable-Positioning-Waterproof/dp/B071FQNQ1L/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=car+tracker&qid=1604702596&quartzVehicle=831-564&replacementKeywords=car&sr=8-3

Cheers George

[WestonE]

Hi Nigel

I have direct experience in a way. My BMW 540 was stolen from my drive in October last year by thieves breaking into my house whilst I slept and stealing the keys!  Research lock snapping to avoid this! Fortunately I had a Navman Trackstar installed professionally (it has a battery backup). These lovely characters went through the car and threw everything out the window that might vaguely be a tracker like my speed camera box. They also ripped the headlining around the aerial apart hunting for a Tracker because they know where these are installed! They left the car in a hotel car park near Heathrow to cool off. Fortunately the Navman team were on it immediately and I had one of the CD guys get up from my sofa and get it recovered as the Met were not responding! I got the car back eventually i.e. in time for Christmas last year and they caught the thieves although they have not been brought to trial yet. I really hope they were not bailed, but fear the worst.

This is Pro theft by organized crime whilst our cars are a target for opportunists, joy riders and people wanting parts. I fitted a Classic Tracker, immobilizer and Sold Secure Steering wheel lock to my Montecarlo. BTW there are only 2 Steering wheel/ handbrake/ gear lever locks that will resist a thief for more than 5 minutes most are gone in seconds quietly! Auto Express did a nice article on this you can find online. IMHO it is a scandal that people are still selling these useless items.

My Beta Spider is a unique car and will be getting a Thatcham Cat2 alarm imobiliser with tilt sensor and pager plus a Navman Trackstar. I have already installed some of the alarm switches. GPS trackers tucked under seats are too easily found I suggest getting 2 and being creative with where you put them.

I hope this helps

Eric 

[WestonE]

I forgot to mention Classic Tracker and some better Alarms include remote immobilizers. This means I can turn my car off from my phone and know exactly where it is. In my case this would take days to find.

Eric

[betabuoy]

Hi Nigel

I went to tracker.co.uk and use their ‘retrieve battery power’.  As it states, this runs on its 5-yr internal battery so is ideal to prevent draining the car battery and also to function if you disconnect the car battery during storage.

Chris

[Nigel]

All,
You have convinced me that a car battery-powered unit is not the best option.
I like the idea of obtaining 2 units, and having the obvious redundancy but also even if one is found,
a second won't be suspected or expected!

I appreciate all your comments and stories.
Eric, yes, lock snapping is a common issue. All my Euro cylinders are sized to be flush to help prevent this.

Thanks!

Nige

[Mat Grant]

Hi all,

i'd also like to get some sort of tracker, but please can someone explain - what SIM / contract do you need? Can you use a "SIM only" pay as you go? Or do you need a contract?

Thanks, Mat.

[George-S]

You can normally use any sim card for this sort of thing.

Any of these will probably do https://www.4g.co.uk/data-only-sim/
If you want something that has no contract term then GiffGaff is your best place, You still pay monthly but can cancel at any time.

https://www.giffgaff.com/sim-only-plans?ggCampaign=PS_G_Brand_Exact_Brand-SIM-Plus&gclsrc=aw.ds&&gclid=CjwKCAiAnvj9BRA4EiwAuUMDf05hQVJrw_J9DrQKdI_qBMlK1WA-cdRKZXmPi_06rxeNXiXYk7WHPBoCIF4QAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Just check when you buy your tracker it doesn't come with a simcard already.

Cheers George

[Mat Grant]

Thanks Orbital - I'll take a look. I'm not too up on mobile phone contracts as the only ones i have used for about the last 10 years have been company ones

Mat.

[mtulloch]

I've used these on trackers;

 https://www.1pmobile.com/index.taf?msclkid=767ff886eed81011f273a7382adac8b4

It's only 1p per day usage.

PM me for a link if you want, it'll get you a discount.

[Mat Grant]

Thanks mtulloch, i'll send a pm.

Cheers, Mat.

[Mat Grant]

Hi all,

Just to update on this, i have bought a tracker (quite similar to the one George has linked above) - Mine was £32 inc postage. It is about half the size of a typical smartphone, but thicker. I've taken out a 1p mobile contract, and it works well. 1p per message, or £10 every 4 months if the value of my usage is less than £10 in that period. I've stuck it in my family car and tested it, it gets a signal even inside a shopping centre multistory car park.

And it's simple enough even I can use it! I have the number in my phone, I call it and get a text message back with a google maps image, latitude and longitude co-ordinates, and a link to google maps.

I just need to find space on the car where it will take a lot of dismantling to get to, but have the charge wire accessible but disguised, as it will need charging once in a while. I've just pinged it - batt level was 100% on (7th Dec), and is now 80% (20 Dec), so looks like it will last a few months between charges. I've pinged it about 10 / 15 times to see how well it works, so batt usage may be less if I leave it alone!

Thanks to everyone on here for the suggestions and advice on phone contracts etc.

Cheers, Mat.