GPS tracker

clint_silver

Looking for cheapest method of tracking a vehicle for security reasons. Also want to track some expensive equipment that I have in case of theft.

What options do I have?
Ive spoken with a couple of fleet trackers and they want 25-30e per month which I think is fair enough but Id like to see if something could be done with google latitude or installing my own GPS system if possible

Tom Dunne

I've moved this over from the Mobiles/PDA forum.

You *might* get a better response here.

If you, or the GPS mods, feel that is not the case, by all means move it back to Mobles/PDAs.

clint_silver

cheers Tom, I was looking at getting a google latitute supported phone, stick a ready to go SIM in, installing the app and leaving in a van I have which would get around the cost of GPS hence why i originally put it in mobiles.
I know latitiute isnt supported in Ireland but does "kind of" work. Does the phone have to be continually connected to latitude for it work or only when requested? Costs would be prohibitive if continuous connectivity required.

Random

When you exit the new Google Maps it asks if you want to continue to share you location, you can click yes. It'll then connect every now and again (I'm not sure every how often it is) and update with Lattitude where you are so you can track.

It's not going to give you pinpoint precision though unless
1. you get very lucky with mast positions and it narrows it down to 80 metres or so
2. you have some sort of GPS antenna in a position where it can see the satellites

Using a phone you also need to consider the battery isn't going to last indefinitely etc.

rooboi

Hi Clint,

Have a look at -

http://www.fonesentinel.com/

Excellent GPS tracking that can be used on mobile's even if the phone doesnt have GPS. Features include -

#Works anywhere in the world
#Manage unlimited phones on the one screen. Get a snapshot of where all your employees currently are
#Current and past locations and speeds
#On screen maps to assist the user in locating themselves
and much more

Let me know what you think of it.

air

Buy a GlobalSat TR102 and get a ready to go sim. The TR102 is about 200 euro in Maplin. Install it somewhere hidden in your car and wire it up so that it's always powered up. It can be configured to either text you back it's location if called or alternatively it can do live tracking over GPRS. For tracking a car the text option would do you fine & would only end up costing you 30 or 40 quid a year or whatever the minimum spend on credit is nowadays.