GPS Tracker & alarm system

[Bellbirdweb]

Hi all,

Just thought I'd update you on a very low cost, but very effective security system I found on ebay.

Its a GPS tracking unit, but it has quite a few more features that make it very useful as a caravan security device.

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/271235658075?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649

Given on other posts on the forum about physical security, and the fact that most of them can still be removed, this device can sit silently and monitor your van, and then send you an SMS if it moves, giving you its exact location, and allowing you to see where it is on Google maps, see how fast it is going etc.

It also has an output for a siren, and can be used to trigger when the door is opened, so it both sends a text, but also sets of a siren. Great for leaving your van when free camping to know if someone has opened the door.

It was actually working with the GPS and 3G antennas inside, but just to ensure it has the best possible signal, I mounted the antenna's up on the roof.

It even has a remote control to arm and disarm the door alarm function, or you can sent it a command by text message to arm it remotely if you forget to press the button.

 

[relgate]

Brilliant.
Did you drill through the roof?

 

[Bellbirdweb]

Did you drill through the roof?

Yes @relgate I did drill through the roof, and I put a cable gland on where I mounted the GPS and 3G antenna's.

Also found this on ebay http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/ROOF-GLA...ERIAL-MOTORHOME-CARAVAN-MXL015-/121444686510?

 

[macca]

Apple make one as well. It's called what to do with an old iphone! It's an interesting subject. Do you put a sticker on near the hitch saying van has a gps tracker or not?
@Bellbirdweb, does it use much data? Does it work on 4g network?

 

[Bellbirdweb]

@macca it can be set for SMS or 3G data. I have it set to SMS so it uses no data at all.

I have an ALDI SIM in it on a $15 365 day plan which should last all year as it only uses the SMS credits if it has something to report, or if you send it a command which it then sends a confirmation back.

It also means you are not so reliant on having a brilliant signal.

I originally was going to use the old iPhone as well until I saw this, and for $40 + a few bits it does way more.

The problem with the iPhone solution is you need to know it's missing, whereas this tells you as soon as it moves etc.

 

[Bellbirdweb]

It's an interesting subject. Do you put a sticker on near the hitch saying van has a gps tracker or not?

I'm a believer in not advertising its presence. I'd rather see the surprised look on their face when the Police knock on their door

 

[macca]

@macca it can be set for SMS or 3G data. I have it set to SMS so it uses no data at all.

I have an ALDI SIM in it on a $15 365 day plan which should last all year as it only uses the SMS credits if it has something to report, or if you send it a command which it then sends a confirmation back.

It also means you are not so reliant on having a brilliant signal.

I originally was going to use the old iPhone as well until I saw this, and for $40 + a few bits it does way more.

The problem with the iPhone solution is you need to know it's missing, whereas this tells you as soon as it moves etc.

@Bellbirdweb If your not using data, how does that track its movement? Or does it send you co ordinates as a sms?

 

[Bellbirdweb]

@macca if it moves or if there is an event, it sends an SMS with the coordinates. You can also phone it at any time, and it will reply back with its current coordinates, speed, direction, battery state, door state etc.

It will send up to 5 different numbers at once.

 

[Bellbirdweb]

@macca this is what the SMS looks like

 

[CJ1177]

I have tried the iPhone with an Aldi SIM but it keeps talking & using the limited data up
P.S. That link has the GPS. Listed as $70 not $40 like you paid

 

[Bellbirdweb]

@CJ1177, yes that why I chose this unit as it had the SMS capability.

Mine was $38 incl postage, but there are quite a few sellers on eBay selling the same product.

Even at $70 its pretty cheap insurance

 

[carpanda]

Great idea @Bellbirdweb

 

[bigman0510]

 

[davemc]

@bigman0510 thats the same hitch lock we have bugger.. might have to look into GPS

 

[bigman0510]

Thought that might hit a little close to home for a few people.

 

[davemc]

well we have gates, dog and wheel clamp.. Although if they want it they will take it.. Hopefully we just making it harder and they go to the next one..

 

[Bellbirdweb]

Exactly why I have a tracker fitted

 

[cruza driver]

Without Facebook...........has anyone got a link to the Tracker in @bigman0510 vid he posted?

 

[bigman0510]

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Caravan-and-Car-Alarms/119608421475067

http://caravanandcaralarms.com.au

Here you go @cruza driver

 

[Meanderthals]

Yes, but at least the camera caught his rego number