Simple GPS tracker on Vodafone/Spark/2Deg. ?

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GSVNoFixedAbode

55 posts

Master Geek

#222936 4-Sep-2017 20:23

(This seems the closest fit forum, admin please feel free to move it around if there's a better one.)

The requirement: simple/cheap method to near realtime track a parcel travelling between main centres, or at least ping it to report current location. Budget below $50 if possible.

Best option: small, long battery life, dedicated unit that'd work on 3G/4G network. Aliexpress etc all seem to want to track a car/motorbike and powered.

Possible - 2nd hand cheap android phone and an app? The concern with that one is a courier parcel being flown with an active phone may not be looked upon ...shall we say favourably by the transport network. Yes, I know a SMS option would also be active but that could be managed.

And, as always, just asking for a friend.

davidcole

6037 posts

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#1858616 5-Sep-2017 06:49

I just bought a cat tracker and less that $20. Well it's really dog sized from Aliexpress. Supposed to have a battery. Not sure what the life will be like.

I haven't tried it but the dock seemed to show a protocol very similar to my gps103 device I have in my car.

But you might be better served with somethingnbluetooth and crowdsourced based like a tile:

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nakedmolerat

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#1858654 5-Sep-2017 08:53

http://www.savebarn.co.nz/alko-anti-theft-system-global-tracking-gps-22198

davidcole

6037 posts

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#1858661 5-Sep-2017 08:59

Lols at the $500 tracker.

So this is like the cat one I have: ... https://www.aliexpress.com/item/New-Super-MiNi-IPX6-TK909-Waterproof-Tracker-Long-Standby-Time-Dog-Cat-Pet-Personal-GPS-Tracker/32663490688.html

Which I think has a similar protocol to my one of these for my car: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Car-safety-GPS-Tracker-TK103B-SHOCK-Sensor-SD-card-Slot-Support-12-kinds-of-Languages-Car/873017434.html

You can just text them also and they report location...the 2nd one is not battery though.

But tbh, wouldn't https://www.noelleeming.co.nz/shop/computers-tablets/smart-home/smart-home-accessories/tile-rt-05001-na-mate-bluetooth-tracker-single-pack/prod149578.html one of these work? Much smaller, much longer life.

GSVNoFixedAbode

55 posts

Master Geek

#1858747 5-Sep-2017 10:19

davidcole:

Lols at the $500 tracker.

So this is like the cat one I have: ... https://www.aliexpress.com/item/New-Super-MiNi-IPX6-TK909-Waterproof-Tracker-Long-Standby-Time-Dog-Cat-Pet-Personal-GPS-Tracker/32663490688.html

Thanks - that may do the job. Bluetooth wouldn't work for remote tracking I assume.

davidcole

6037 posts

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#1858774 5-Sep-2017 10:52

GSVNoFixedAbode:

davidcole:

Lols at the $500 tracker.

So this is like the cat one I have: ... https://www.aliexpress.com/item/New-Super-MiNi-IPX6-TK909-Waterproof-Tracker-Long-Standby-Time-Dog-Cat-Pet-Personal-GPS-Tracker/32663490688.html

Thanks - that may do the job. Bluetooth wouldn't work for remote tracking I assume.

No bluetooth is short range, but it works on other users with the tile being near your device. The remote tracking are you talking rural? Or out of cities? If so a proper gps device may need needed.

GSVNoFixedAbode

55 posts

Master Geek

#1859196 5-Sep-2017 19:08

Just found this little device on Aliexpress which seems (assuming it works as advertised) to fit the bill. However, if this is tracking a couriered parcel, it would potentially mean having an active SMS device on a flight. Apparently no in-built accelerometer to turn off Tx/Rx when in motion either. Is that a biggie these days?