Pod 3 Pet Tracker: User Experiences

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KiwiTim

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#239401 16-Jul-2018 11:39

I have a large, active dog that sometimes likes to go walk-about, so, being a techie sort of fella, thought I'd find a techie solution. Bought my self a Pod 3 Pet Tracker from Amazon, which comes with a free lifetime subscription.

https://www.amazon.com/Pod-GPS-Tracker-Activity-Monitor/dp/B077JGX86G/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1531697346&sr=8-1&keywords=Pod+3

Seemed very good in theory. Having a background in matters geo-spatial, I have a good understanding how GPS works.

Tracker calculates location after locking 4 or more GPS satellites, tracker then communicates this position to mobile app over cellular network. In NZ the Pod 3 uses Vodafone 2G/3G network. We have reasonable coverage in Waikanae, where I live, so I expected it to work well.

As far as I can tell (via the app), the Pod 3 has only communicated with a Cell phone network once. Since the initial connection it has failed to reconnect, despite me rebooting it multiple times.

I conclude that either I have a faulty device or the device has a very weak antenna. Going on the feedback on Amazon, I think the problem is the latter condition.

Do any Geekzone users have a Pod 3 Tracker?

What are your experiences?

I'm ready to send mine back to Amazon.

KiwiTim

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#2059189 20-Jul-2018 09:10

I spent days trying to get this device to work. Rebooted it multiple times, blue light flashed, then green light flashed, then no cell connection. Vodafone cell strength where I live is good, but just to make sure I drove to the nearest Vodafone cell tower. Even 30 meters from a cell tower the Pod 3 could not connect. I contacted Pod Trackers support and got the same response as in the instructions "reboot the device 10-15 times". Eventually, 5 days after my email, Pod Trackers admitted that they have problems with some new Pod 3s in New Zealand and that their engineers and SIM card provider are investigating this. Well, they should have had the problems sorted before releasing the Pod 3 for sale in New Zealand. NZ should not be listed as a supported country until the problem is resolved.

Buyer beware: do not buy a Pod 3 Pet Tracker for use in New Zealand, because as things stand, it probably will not work.

If you have a Pod 3 Tracker please let me know about your experience.

KiwiTim

405 posts

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+1 received by user: 62

#2059307 20-Jul-2018 13:44

Oh, and I thought I'd be covered by an Amazon refund. Well, I am, but due to the limitations imposed on the shipment of devices with lithium-ion batteries, I would have to ship the Pod 3 back using International Express Courier, which would cost $70.81, so it is not worth shipping it back for a refund.

I'll now think twice about buying a lithium-ion powered device from overseas.

Stu

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#2059336 20-Jul-2018 14:50

I just had another look at the Amazon listing, and it's now "Currently unavailable" and a note stating "Item Under Review".

Item Under Review

This item is currently unavailable because customers have told us there may be something wrong with our inventory of the item, the way we are shipping it, or the way it's described here. (Thanks for the tip!) We're working to fix the problem as quickly as possible.

People often mistake me for an adult because of my age.

Keep calm, and carry on posting.

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wellygary

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#2059346 20-Jul-2018 15:08

From the comments on Amazon

" The Pod doesn't connect to the existing data plan that you're using with your mobile phone or other devices. Instead, the Pod comes with an internal roaming SIM card and acts as its own "mini mobile phone" if you will. This is so the Pod can communicate with the app on your phone since it is a remote tracker. You canno… see more The Pod doesn't connect to the existing data plan that you're using with your mobile phone or other devices. Instead, the Pod comes with an internal roaming SIM card and acts as its own "mini mobile phone" if you will. This is so the Pod can communicate with the app on your phone since it is a remote tracker. You cannot use your own SIM - the SIM comes with the Pod and is embedded inside of the device.

In terms of cost, the Pod usually requires a subscription either paid monthly or annually depending on your preference and starts at $4.95 per month. You've enquired during a time when we're running a free LIFETIME subscription for your Pod, so there would be no cost to you on the Pod purchased during this promotion aside from the up-front cost of the device.

I hope that helps but you can find more details on the podtrackers.com website.

Also this doesn't sound great it terms of coverage for the "lifetime" offer,

https://www.podtrackers.com/terms/

Free Lifetime Subscription – Easter Special
Terms & Conditions

Pod Trackers is pleased to offer a free subscription offer (the “Offer”) under the following terms and conditions.

2. This Offer is only valid for users residing in the United States, Australia and Canada

I'm guessing that their "Roaming" agreement , or potentially lack of, with Vodafone NZ might be the problem....

Stu

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#2059409 20-Jul-2018 16:02

And with that in mind, it should have only been offered for sale to buyers in the United States, Australia and Canada.

People often mistake me for an adult because of my age.

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KiwiTim

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#2059814 21-Jul-2018 10:33

Pod Trackers got back to me today. They have stopped selling the Pod 3 to the New Zealand market until the connection issue is resolved. They have said that the issue only affects new Pod 3s, connecting to the network for the first time. They say that it is important to them to get this issue resolved.

We wait in hope. At least nobody else will be buying a non-functional Pod 3 in NZ

Lenovo

Shop now for Lenovo laptops and other devices (affiliate link).

Stu

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#2059842 21-Jul-2018 11:05

Be sure to update if they remedy the situation please. I'm sure there will be others interested if it works well.

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Keep calm, and carry on posting.

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KiwiTim

405 posts

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+1 received by user: 62

#2060179 21-Jul-2018 22:30

Stu: Be sure to update if they remedy the situation please. I'm sure there will be others interested if it works well.

Sure will.