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kourt
Samba Member
Joined: August 13, 2013
Posts: 1316
Location: Austin, TX
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 Posted: Sat Jun 27, 2020 6:45 am Post subject: Re: GPS locator to find a stolen Vanagon |
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I'm still using Ting on my Coban TK-103 tracker, for seven years now. This is a Ting GSM (read: T-Mobile) device.
I got an interesting email from Ting yesterday about preparing for the 5G network upgrade, which will naturally crowd out 2G/3G devices from the frequency band, and require 2G/3G shutdown.
https://ting.com/blog/3g-shutdown-and-volte/?utm_s...5-74941797
That tells me the Coban device will probably need replacement by the end of this year.
kourt |
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erste
Samba Member
Joined: March 29, 2013
Posts: 672
Location: San Francisco
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| Posted: Fri Jun 26, 2020 10:24 pm Post subject: Re: GPS locator to find a stolen Vanagon |
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| jimf909 wrote: |
Spot just billed me for my fourth year of using the SPOT Trace device. They auto-charged my card for $224 plus taxes....
I like the product, it works well but I dislike their worst-of-the-worst cable company practices of jacking up prices until you call and ask them to return to reasonable prices. |
Ugh. I let mine lapse for 6 months and it was $120 to reactivate a few months ago (same as new customer it seems). Unless I’m missing something, there’s no incentive at all to auto renew year to year - just the opposite. That’s so not cool. |
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jimf909 
Samba Member
Joined: April 03, 2014
Posts: 4654
Location: Seattle
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| Posted: Fri Jun 26, 2020 8:13 pm Post subject: Re: GPS locator to find a stolen Vanagon |
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Spot just billed me for my fourth year of using the SPOT Trace device. They auto-charged my card for $224 plus taxes. I called, waited on-hold for 20 minutes, asked for the rates offered to new customers and they dropped the charge to $119 plus taxes.
I like the product, it works well but I dislike their worst-of-the-worst cable company practices of jacking up prices until you call and ask them to return to reasonable prices.
_________________
Current: 1990 Westy Camper - Bostig RG4, 2wd, manual trans w/Peloquin, NAHT high-top, Flash Silver, seam rust, bondo, etc., etc.
Past: 1985 Westy Camper - 1.9 wbx, 2wd, manual trans, Merian Brown, (sold after 17 years to Northwesty who converted it to a Syncro). |
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dobryan
Samba Member
Joined: March 24, 2006
Posts: 12200
Location: Brookeville, MD
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dreaming_of_traveling
Samba Member
Joined: May 10, 2019
Posts: 20
Location: Seattle
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| Posted: Sat May 16, 2020 7:13 pm Post subject: Re: GPS locator to find a stolen Vanagon |
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I wonder if anyone tried this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Z5QX3YN?
Seems like a decent option to connect a SIM card. Not a lot of reviews on Amazon though. |
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RoryGirl
Samba Member
Joined: October 14, 2016
Posts: 393
Location: WestWorld Nanaimo BC
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| Posted: Wed Mar 04, 2020 9:00 pm Post subject: Re: GPS locator to find a stolen Vanagon |
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I don't think I've seen this one here before. While looking around at alarms I came across this...it's a unit that has to be connected to a compatible alarm or remote starter. You get smartphone control of the alarm/remote starter/locks and further stuff such as battery level/turning on heated seats even idle runtime. You also get GPS tracking. The first year is free and subsequent years are $39.95 USD or $99.95 USD for 3 years (though I've seen it listed @ $29.95 USD/year on ebay units). You can also have multiple vehicles on the one account. Thoughts?
Cost is around $115 USD
https://www.carlinkusa.com/ASCL6/
This compatible alarm is $60ish USD
https://www.voxxelectronics.com/prestige/?sku=APS57Z
Link
_________________
1991 Double door pop top conversion |
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flyboyaviator
Samba Member
Joined: November 29, 2009
Posts: 147
Location: South Florida
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| Posted: Wed Jan 29, 2020 9:49 am Post subject: Re: GPS locator to find a stolen Vanagon |
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| Much appreciated Kourt. |
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kourt
Samba Member
Joined: August 13, 2013
Posts: 1316
Location: Austin, TX
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| Posted: Wed Jan 29, 2020 7:47 am Post subject: Re: GPS locator to find a stolen Vanagon |
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Ting uses T-Mobile as a carrier for the GSM network. Ting subscribers have two options for networks, CDMA (Sprint) or GSM (T-Mobile).
My TK-103 tracker has a Ting GSM SIM card and still works fine in most urban areas and on major roads.
kourt |
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flyboyaviator
Samba Member
Joined: November 29, 2009
Posts: 147
Location: South Florida
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| Posted: Tue Jan 28, 2020 5:29 pm Post subject: Re: GPS locator to find a stolen Vanagon |
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| Ting just to offer 2G at one time, don't know now? any knows of this service? Thanks. |
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bobbyblack
Samba Member
Joined: May 21, 2015
Posts: 2701
Location: United States, Iowa
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| Posted: Mon Jan 20, 2020 3:52 pm Post subject: Re: GPS locator to find a stolen Vanagon |
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I've been looking at adding a second tracker. I'd like to know if anyone has found a good (or at least functional) unit that works on Verizon (CDMA) network, for when I roam into areas that are poorly covered by AT&T.
-bobby
_________________
'87 Westy 'Flossie','83.5 Vanagon L 'ZoomBus','74 Karmann Ghia, '63 Notch |
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dobryan
Samba Member
Joined: March 24, 2006
Posts: 12200
Location: Brookeville, MD
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danfromsyr
Samba Member
Joined: March 01, 2004
Posts: 12960
Location: Syracuse, NY
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| Posted: Wed Sep 11, 2019 6:16 am Post subject: Re: GPS locator to find a stolen Vanagon |
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anyone have any insights to this unit?
http://www.rzrtracker.com/
$165 US or $195 Can
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This waterproof All-weather GPS tracker is an ideal solution for any side by side, boat, motorcycle, ATV, trailers, heavy equipment. Track anything with a constant 12V or 24V power source with a simple 2 wire install. (12v+ & ground)
This device has a built in back-up battery if tampered with or disconnected from the battery source. This battery will charge when the vehicle is turned on. It will also text(SMS) and email you if its been disconnected or Tampered with. Be alerted if the battery on your vehicle drops below 11.4 volts!
Users can setup up to 10 Geo-fences and be notified if this vehicle leave or enters the zone. Geo-fences can be over layed on each other to notify multiple users of possible theft!
With unlimited locates, text(SMS), emails & alerts its hard to beat our price!
RZRTracker w/ Bracket Kit
Bracket kit includes 1 Aluminium bracket made to fit 1ft. of doublesided VHB tape for mounting directly on unit. 1 Heat shrink tube, 3 Self tapping screws, 3 metal rubber washers, 2 zip ties, extra screw for bracket. 2 Ring terminals to fit most bus panels. 3 line holding clamps to help hide/run cable.
GPS tracking device is waterproof and weatherproof. This device exceeds mil spec standards for shock and vibration.
You can locate the device on demand at any time active, set up geofences, get text or email alerts, and more!
Tracking devices size is approximately the size of a business card. Making it easy to hide
This waterproof GPS tracker includes 1 YEAR of Unlimited Service, Free Shipping and NO EXPENSIVE MONTHLY FEES & NO CONTRACTS!
Tracking devices are back by the power of Calamp Industries a parent company to Lojack with over 5 million devices and 30 Years of experience. |
| Quote: |
RZRTracker w/ Bracket Kit
Bracket kit includes 1 Aluminium bracket made to fit 1ft. of doublesided VHB tape for mounting directly on unit. 1 Heat shrink tube, 3 Self tapping screws, 3 metal rubber washers, 2 zip ties, extra screw for bracket. 2 Ring terminals to fit most bus panels. 3 line holding clamps to help hide/run cable |
looks like additional years of service are $20/yr $1.60/month
| Quote: |
| The price for 1 year of service is $20.00. Purchase 2 years of service for $40.00. We will send you and email reminder of 3 days prior to the cancellation of service. You can add a year of service at any time. |
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beach_creature
Samba Member
Joined: April 11, 2014
Posts: 502
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| Posted: Wed Sep 04, 2019 8:53 am Post subject: Re: GPS locator to find a stolen Vanagon |
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So I have a few options that may work but maybe not ideal.
I have a few old iPhones.
First option, requires active sim with data. So not so cheap. But Find My iPhone is basically a gps locator but relies on cell tower coverage.
The phone could be hard wired into a hiding spot in the van.
Option #2.
This one is essentially free!
Use an old phone with a SIM card. Just needs a phone number, does not need to have an active plan. The phone will still connect to the network. YOU cannot track the phone; But, if your van is stolen, and has the phone on board, the phone can be Pinged by police and it’s location can be found by them. I don’t know that it could be real time gps tracked this way, or would just have to be Pinged frequently if the van is moving.
I’m going to do some more research into this one. But may be a good option.
_________________
84 Westy
1.9TD AAZ
5spd manual with Locking Peloquin TBD |
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Paulbeard
Samba Member
Joined: July 10, 2015
Posts: 2588
Location: Seattle
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| Posted: Fri Jul 12, 2019 7:19 pm Post subject: Re: GPS locator to find a stolen Vanagon |
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| bobbyblack wrote: |
So, a bit more testing, the only thing I can really get a consistent response from is actually phoning the number. It replies via text, the location, and a Google Maps link.
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That's all I was expecting and all I have ever gotten.
_________________
Currently -> Frida: 87 Tizian Red (mostly) Vanagon GL Westfalia w/ 2.0L ABA conversion
Formerly -> Steward of a 73 Super Beetle (Beater) and 67 Beetle 1300 (Little Max) both names by POs
— dhaavers |
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dobryan
Samba Member
Joined: March 24, 2006
Posts: 12200
Location: Brookeville, MD
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bobbyblack
Samba Member
Joined: May 21, 2015
Posts: 2701
Location: United States, Iowa
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| Posted: Fri Jul 12, 2019 6:19 pm Post subject: Re: GPS locator to find a stolen Vanagon |
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Just north of the Metro, I get t-mobile signal, and I get the reply of the location. Seems to be working, even though I've gotten several 'password error' messages on reply to my txt to get location.
Better than nothing, but I think I will still keep looking for an additional unit. Placed me on the map exactly where i have the unit sitting, Interesting.
The interface is hard to understand. I've gotten little further than a single response with my location. Otherwise 'password error' every time. Management web config is not helpful.
Note: When I call the phone number associated with the SIM, I get a voice message that the user I am trying to call is not connected to the network. I'd guess the 2G/3G/4G network stuff is still a big question. I have no experience with how to differentiate. The only consistent reply I can get is to issue the 'restore factory setting send messages begin123456' which replies immediately with a lot of interesting information, but not much I know what to do with.
Wonder how many txt's came with that 5$ card..
Later:
So, a bit more testing, the only thing I can really get a consistent response from is actually phoning the number. It replies via text, the location, and a Google Maps link.
I'm going to mount this one somewhere with little or no metal facing the sky.
_________________
'87 Westy 'Flossie','83.5 Vanagon L 'ZoomBus','74 Karmann Ghia, '63 Notch |
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crazyvwvanman
Samba Member
Joined: January 28, 2008
Posts: 8630
Location: Orbiting San Diego
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| Posted: Fri Jul 12, 2019 2:55 pm Post subject: Re: GPS locator to find a stolen Vanagon |
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It says in the description it is 2G
"Note:
This tracker will work with 2G SIM card or 3G/4G SIM card with 2G network."
I wouldn't bother.
Mark |
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dobryan
Samba Member
Joined: March 24, 2006
Posts: 12200
Location: Brookeville, MD
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bobbyblack
Samba Member
Joined: May 21, 2015
Posts: 2701
Location: United States, Iowa
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| Posted: Fri Jul 12, 2019 1:04 pm Post subject: Re: GPS locator to find a stolen Vanagon |
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Got this. Got the $5 SIM on the GSM network (looks to be the only one network for this unit). Attempting to get it to respond. Looking like it is 2G, at least from the instructions sheet. Anyway, I am in Verizon territory at the moment. I will plug it in in Minneapolis, and see if GSM links there.
_________________
'87 Westy 'Flossie','83.5 Vanagon L 'ZoomBus','74 Karmann Ghia, '63 Notch |
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DeLvxe
Samba Member
Joined: January 08, 2019
Posts: 32
Location: Seattle
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| Posted: Tue Jul 09, 2019 6:48 pm Post subject: Re: GPS locator to find a stolen Vanagon |
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I recently set up an old iphone as a gps tracker for my van. I picked up a cheap data only SIM card ($5/month), set up a separate account for the van and shared location with my main account. I can use either "find my phone" or find friends to see the location. One nice feature about "find my friends" is that you can set up you phone to alert you when the van is moved.
The phone is connected to a hidden USB charger connected to my house battery. Seems to work pretty well so far.
_________________
1991 Full Camper with 2.5 Subie
name [TBD] |
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