Guaging interest: GPS Tracking Security

[extra-made garage]

Hey Guys,
Just a show of interest. I'm looking into sourcing and distributing Gps tracking security systems based on Sirfiii technology. Main features include tracking vehicles in real-time via computer(pc or laptop), cellphone with text messaging,etc. There are some systems that are small enough to track people also. Compared to Lo-jack system, it may cost much less, there will be no monthly charges and the owner tracks his/her own vehicle, therefore cutting down-time notifying the authorities and so on.

I've been on the market myself for such a system, but the high cost and monthly fees of brands kept me away.

Being skeptical myself, I will be testing the first system on my own vehicle, and hopefully posting a video on youtube.com or something.
Right now, I'm just waiting for manufacturers' reply and gathering information.

Let me know what you guys think.

[Wei240]

There are some systems that are small enough to track people

that'll be cool,

it's like, where have you been bitch!!! haha

but in seriousness, if the price is right, people will buy

[Slidin240Wayz]

I am interested.

Carlos

[mestizo]

i would be interested let us know what u find out and the cost of this thanks!:bigok:

[drifts135]

<-- Interested.

[sky53line]

For the right price im interested.

[extra-made garage]

There are some systems that are small enough to track people also.

Extra-made doesn't take responsibility if the system is used to stalk your ex-girlfriends or boyfriends,lol:eek3d:

[Triadz101]

US based or worldwide??

[S14DB]

How does it relay the tracking information?

[redsuns3838]

would this be similar to the viper GPS system?

I would probably be interested, Just that extra re-assurance if your car gets stolen then you would probably be able to find it.

[extra-made garage]

US based or worldwide??
These will be worldwide using all GPS satellites on internet maps...

[extra-made garage]

How does it relay the tracking information?
These will notify the user via pc with internet connection, or by SMS text messaging.

[Keebler]

this does sound interesting

[extra-made garage]

would this be similar to the viper GPS system?

I would probably be interested, Just that extra re-assurance if your car gets stolen then you would probably be able to find it.
I am looking into car alarms with gps tracking and stand alone gps tracking systems. Viper uses Canada and US maps only? With the units I'm looking at, they will be able to track worldwide using world internet maps. One Big feature is that I am hoping to sell these without a monthly subscription fee or annual fee.

[S14DB]

These will notify the user via pc with internet connection, or by SMS text messaging.
I mean how does the car connect to the interweb for free?

[extra-made garage]

I mean how does the car connect to the interweb for free?
Of course internet will not be free unless you use a friend's computer...:)
Your questions kind of vague, be more specific.

[S14DB]

Of course internet will not be free unless you use a friend's computer...
My car uses my friends computer? :confused:

[Aoshi112]

i'm interested.

[Jung918]

It's not a alarm I'm guessing. It's just a tracking unit. You log on and find your vehicle using the GPS satellites. I'm interested. Does it need to be installed by a certified installer?

[extra-made garage]

^_^No, this will be easy enough for anybody that knows how to use simple tools.^_^

[chlatboy]

give us a price range and when we can buy cuz too many cars being stolen is making me paranoid!

[kdashy]

I mean how does the car connect to the interweb for free?

The car probably sends a signal to the satellite where you can check with a computer, the gps unit in the car is not connected to the internet.

[S14DB]

The car probably sends a signal to the satellite where you can check with a computer, the gps unit in the car is not connected to the internet.
Well a satellite hookup costs a monthly fee.

[extra-made garage]

Well a satellite hookup costs a monthly fee.
Hopefully, the only fee one has to pay is airtime on a cellphone sim card. From what I've seen so far, all individualized units come with its own software to be used with a pc.

[extra-made garage]

It's not a alarm I'm guessing. It's just a tracking unit. You log on and find your vehicle using the GPS satellites. I'm interested. Does it need to be installed by a certified installer?
I'm also looking into units with alarm also. So when the car alarm is tripped, you can be notified, and the GPS can start tracking.

[silverarrow27]

Test it in the mountains and test it in underground garages, if it passes I may consider getting myself one as well!

And I will say this now, haven't seen a gps unit that has no monthly fees or annual fees yet. And then you also have to pay for how many times you can check on your car's whereabouts whether it's through phone or computer like Clarion I think...Viper may be the same.

[Pstl_pete]

FYI,

There is a product out there that does this already. Its called GPS SNitch. (http://gps-snitch.com) is brand new to the market and I just got a unit from them.

Its portable so you dont need to wire it into your car, the downside is you need to recharge it every once in a while. However, the tracking that you get online is pretty awesome. It can alert you via cellphone if it senses movement and a whole bunch of cool jazz.

This does have monthly fees but I dont really see how you are going to be able to omit that.

[Jefferson]

I might be interested pending price
Sounds very interesting

[Cash]

Is it kinda like this?

http://www.sharperimage.com/us/en/catalog/product/sku__MT200

[lonelydrifter]

With no monthly fee and GPS range that would be awesome and I would definately buy one. Hurry and figure it out or im just gonna go buy a tracking device from a spy shop.

[extra-made garage]

Is it kinda like this?

http://www.sharperimage.com/us/en/catalog/product/sku__MT200
There is one similar to that with all the same features, but no activation or monthly fees! I'm looking at a line up of 3 different trackers and a GSM car alarm, which contacts a person's cellphone when the alarm is tripped. Alarm and GPS tracker would make a formidible security system.

[extra-made garage]

Alright, guys just a ballpark figure. Initially prices will be around 380.00-600.00 per unit. They each come with individualized software for personal tracking on computer. These are not the same devices found on Ebay, I've already checked;). You don't have to pay activation or monthly fees. We are dealing manufacturer direct. Again, I'm going to need time to test these out myself and I'll let you all know.

[Jung918]

Alright, guys just a ballpark figure. Initially prices will be around 380.00-600.00 per unit. They each come with individualized software for personal tracking on computer. These are not the same devices found on Ebay, I've already checked;). You don't have to pay activation or monthly fees. We are dealing manufacturer direct. Again, I'm going to need time to test these out myself and I'll let you all know.

So if you approve, will you be a distributor or will we be able to go directly to the manufacturer. I would like to test a unit out here on the west coast.

[extra-made garage]

So if you approve, will you be a distributor or will we be able to go directly to the manufacturer. I would like to test a unit out here on the west coast.
I'll become a distributor if there is a good demand. I've contacted the manufacturer and should be getting a sample in the next week. ^^I could use a quick release from you, Jung. I prolly buy one in the near future.^^

[GreekRPS13]

http://www.advantrack.com/hw_premier.htm

[byhi]

i would be interested in it if you coudl keep it decently inexpensive

ALSO, i would pay upto 350-400 bucks for a system of 4 sensors that you could imbed into the barrel of each wheel to keep them from disapearing forever

[extra-made garage]

^^^Smart thinking, But wouldn't they be flying all around inside the wheel?^^^

[ThatGuy]

They could be mounted to the wheel much like the modern air pressure monitoring systems.
http://www.cars101.com/subaru/tiemonitorsensor2.gif
Attached to the bottom of the valve stem. Cadillac and Subura use this set-up for sure. I'm sure some others do as well.

[extra-made garage]

^^^I'll see if the manufacturer can make or get these.^^^

[RYAN_S-14]

I installed one of these on a car at work.

The owner has us hide all the stuff in His 16 year old daughters car so he could track here.

Kind of kreepey but i got a 20$ tip so I was happy.

We checked it out on the internet after we installed it and it worked really good, I did not get the name of the unit.

[byhi]

They could be mounted to the wheel much like the modern air pressure monitoring systems.
http://www.cars101.com/subaru/tiemonitorsensor2.gif
Attached to the bottom of the valve stem. Cadillac and Subura use this set-up for sure. I'm sure some others do as well.


exactly, thats what i meant

[b4racing]

i'm interested also.

[extra-made garage]

They could be mounted to the wheel much like the modern air pressure monitoring systems.
http://www.cars101.com/subaru/tiemonitorsensor2.gif
Attached to the bottom of the valve stem. Cadillac and Subura use this set-up for sure. I'm sure some others do as well.
If the TPMS systems could be integrated with GPS tracking, you'd have one great product for reals!

[byhi]

only problem is, if its not inbedded into the wheel ,they can be taken off and chucked,.... so maybe like a sensor on a contoured piece of aluminum that can be welded onto the barrel... i knwo it sounds like a lot of work & expensive but i would pay 3-450 for that "piece of mind"

all the money would be in the sensors.....

then have a travelling mobile installing service.... i donno, im a dreamer when it comes to business

oh oh oh

also, if you could create a super small sensor, you could but it in a regular old valvestem itself to keep it incognito so the crook would not even know it had this sensor in it, so he wouldnt think twice of pitching the stems



EDIT - or wheel weights with sensors in them ,totally inconspicuous

....and to whoever just neg repped me, i want to know why, you fagboy pussy

[extra-made garage]

only problem is, if its not inbedded into the wheel ,they can be taken off and chucked,.... so maybe like a sensor on a contoured piece of aluminum that can be welded onto the barrel... i knwo it sounds like a lot of work & expensive but i would pay 3-450 for that "piece of mind"

all the money would be in the sensors.....

then have a travelling mobile installing service.... i donno, im a dreamer when it comes to business

oh oh oh

also, if you could create a super small sensor, you could but it in a regular old valvestem itself to keep it incognito so the crook would not even know it had this sensor in it, so he wouldnt think twice of pitching the stems



EDIT - or wheel weights with sensors in them ,totally inconspicuous

....and to whoever just neg repped me, i want to know why, you fagboy pussy
Your dream isn't as far as it may seem. It just may take time, money, and technology to catch up with it. I'm in talks with the manufacturer. They're asking for full specs on the sensor.

[byhi]

i have always been a visionary, haha

lets get it done!

[extra-made garage]

^_^:bigok: ^_^ Hey guys/gals, This just an update and specs on what one of these babies can do:

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i213/jphat_2006/gps911apx.jpg

SPECIFICATION :

* Compact & portable.
* SiRF Star III GPS chipset.
* Siemens TC65 GSM/ GPRS module.
* 4 bands (850/ 900/ 1800/ 1900Mhz).
* Supports GSM/ SMS/ GPRS communication.
* Built-in omni-direction GPS & GSM antenna.
* Monitor the conversation live and real-time.
* With built-in speaker, microphone & battery.
* Available for bi-direction phone conversation.
* Dedicated application software for DIY tracking.
* PC Track, NB Track, PDA Track 3-in-1 DIY Tracking.
* No monthly service charges to be paid to the call center.
* Report position data at a preset time interval to your device.
* Can monitor the sound or conversation by your mobile phone.
* A dedicated application software and accessories shipped with the unit, so that you can use your own PC, NB, or PDA to do thetracking in house or office (no monthly service charge to pay).

REMARK

** The dedicated application software is delivered with our tracker, free, for end user to track one object each time. ** If you intend to track many cars/ persons at the same time, you have to set up a web-based tracking system. For which, the following software will be required.

These can be used with Google Earth maps. More updates soon!!

[byhi]

prices por favor

[S14DB]

http://www.gopass.com.tw/

[extra-made garage]

Hey, where'd you find this?^^

[S14DB]

Hey, where'd you find this?^^
Google...
http://www.gopass.com.tw/Product/GPS911_GPS_tracker.htm

looks like it uses the GSM cell phone network to send SMS messages. So we would need a SIM card and a plan. Also would need GSM coverage to send reports.

This looks better for cars IMHO.
http://www.gopass.com.tw/Product/AVL900_GPS_tracker.htm

[jrmiller84]

For all of you DIY guys, you should check out mp3car.com. They do this kind of stuff as well. I've been planning to design something similar but only for my own use, not consumer sale (unless it turns up awesome). I'm a lurker on there as I haven't installed mine yet, but they are doing some amazing things. Just a thought, some of you may be active members there.



This looks better for cars IMHO.
http://www.gopass.com.tw/Product/AVL900_GPS_tracker.htm

Good find, this looks more up my alley if I don't design it myself. Looks like you still need some type of service to use it though as it needs a SIM card.

[S14DB]

I don't know of a way where you don't pay a provider.

[jrmiller84]

^^ Neither do I, there has to be some data coverage somewhere. I'll be using my EVDO through Verizon when I get my setup in my car.

[extra-made garage]

Just received the product Gps911 and a personal tracker today, and no fees or service plan needed. Runs on GPS as well as Gsm networks. It comes with software to track for yourself. Darn amazing! Yeah this def. for you DIyers!

"This looks better for cars IMHO.
http://www.gopass.com.tw/Product/AVL900_GPS_tracker.htm"

The avl900 has less features and a little more expensive, but if you all want this one, I can get these. But not from Gopass.com. Dealing directly with the manufacturer.

[S14DB]

I don't understand how it relays it's data for free. I understand that the software is free. But the unit has to connect to the world somehow and that costs money.

avl900 seems easier to hide in a car security setup.

[jrmiller84]

<--- is curious as well. I would like to be proved wrong on this.

GPS is a one way protocal, there is no communication with the satellites. Receivers calculate the location based off of the time it takes the signal to reach itself from multiple satellites and based off of that data can get an accurate location. Therefore it's not relaying the data to you based off of GPS.

And GSM, unless they have some deal with a carrier then you should be paying for it.

Did the unit come with a SIM card to use? If so then it's possible they do have some type of working deal with a carrier. And if they do, does that mean you could use that SIM to get free phone calls by putting it into another phone? With that in mind, something doesn't add up.

Either you have to pay for it or something has been misconstrued.

[extra-made garage]

Ok, I was getting the unit set up last night, and indeed it needs a sim card and phone plan for it to work. It must be activated and set up for gsm/gprs communication. Yes! I'm kicking myself right now:bash: I had misread information about no fees and misinterpreted what s14db was asking. So, I used my own cellphone sim card and it relays info fine. I'm trying to get the IP address with tracking software linked up to the unit, so I can get coordinates.
More info soon as I troubleshoot this.

[extra-made garage]

prices por favor
It will be anywhere around 380.00-600.00 per unit. Then you will have to get a sim card with gsm+gprs communication from any cellphone dealer with plan for each unit.

[jrmiller84]

I wonder if any prepaid phones use some type of SIM card, that may be the most convienient system. Any time you need to track the car, charge up the minutes and you're in business. I have a feeling they dont use SIM's though, that'd be too easy.

[drift freaq]

you can get a data gsm hookup from T Mobile for $20 a month . The lowest sim chipped phone plane is $30 a month. Its worth it for the money IMHO.
you can get prepaid gsm phones from T Mobile as well though you would have to be carefull not to let the minutes run out or your shit would get whacked.
The other question is will the GSM carrier allow trianglelation of the GSM signal.

[jrmiller84]

The other question is will the GSM carrier allow trianglelation of the GSM signal.

I'm not sure that it actually does that, I believe it has a GPS device embedded within the hardware. It just uses the SIM card to relay the GPS data retrieved from the GPS over the internet to your monitoring device.

I have tried to design an application that triangulates the cell phone signal with cell towers but the problem is that there's no set database or API out there that contains all cell phone "tower id's" and their respective lat/lon. It's almost impossible unless you actually work for the carrier and have some serious leverage over their technology.

Not to mention that all cell phones are different, most don't have an easy way(or no way at all) to retrieve data on which towers the phone is currently using.

[jrmiller84]

Hate to bring this thread back from the dead (especially since I was the last poster) but I found something on another forum that speaks directly to this.

Since the tracking device requires a SIM card, I found out that Boost Mobile offers pay-as-you-go service and uses SIM cards. With that in mind it should be possible to charge up the phone for a month of data use ($0.35 a day for unlimited data - $10.85 a month total) and have it use that SIM card. Then each month or two add more money to it and you're golden. :bigok:

I might do this now that I think of it. Security for my car is definately worth more than $10.85 a month.

[extra-made garage]

I tryed the prepaid Boost Mobile phone sim card deal.

Basically Boost didn't work on this unit. When using certain sim cards from companies, you'll have to know the APN(access point name) for that company. In order for the gps unit+ sim card to work, one has to send an SMS message to it in order for the unit to relay messages back. This message includes password, APN, and an IP address. When I called Boost to get there APN, they said didn't have one, or they wouldn't give it to me. I'm pretty much on strike 2 on my frustrated list. So after reading the owner's manual carefully, these 3 companies are supported by the unit: T-Mobile, Cingular, and AT&T for the US. There are more supported companies on the APN list in the manual.

So I'm double checking what I need to do with the manufacturer and I'm going down to T-Mobile and getting a GPS enabled sim card added to my Family plan. If this doesn't work, I'll be stuck with a 2 year plan, I'll retract all my claims of what this thing can do, and go looking for another tracking system.

I guess T-mobile has a pay-as-you-go plan as stated by Driftfreaq.

This particular unit claims to be a "breakthrough for 2007" on gps tracking and personal security. I'd really like to see it work.

* No Props to Boost Mobile until they start having techninal info when needed. They could also use a better techical support line. * Or if someone can get an APN from them, I'll retract that statement.
More updates soon!

[ass15]

well, keep us posted.....


its been a good read

[Tenchuu]

If you have cigular, I know a buddy that got a second phone added to his current plan for $10/month. and get a free/cheap pphone, steal it's SIM card and you are good. for an extra $10 a month and as long as youput texting on your plan that device would be useing off your minets.

also if this sues cell phone towers to triangulate, and was not a true GPS beacon, then it is about worthless to me since i can loose cell phone reception in about 30min from anywhere in my state.

[jrmiller84]

If you have cigular, I know a buddy that got a second phone added to his current plan for $10/month. and get a free/cheap pphone, steal it's SIM card and you are good. for an extra $10 a month and as long as youput texting on your plan that device would be useing off your minets.

also if this sues cell phone towers to triangulate, and was not a true GPS beacon, then it is about worthless to me since i can loose cell phone reception in about 30min from anywhere in my state.

It doesn't triangulate off of the cell tower signals, it has it's own GPS device built in so that won't be a problem. It will be worthless to get the data to you though if you're losing signal a lot.

[extra-made garage]

^^^Right, the sirfstar chip uses 3 satellites orbitting earth to trilaterate position.

[S14DB]

Boost Mobile uses the Nextel network which is not GSM.

Yes, Once The unit looses cell signal it can not relay the information it receives from the satellite. But, it's much cheaper than a Iridium based solution.

[s13gold]

i am interested...

[sl4ck3r]

ignore my post

[extra-made garage]

Success!! I go to T-Mobile and pick up there lowest cost pre-paid phone deal(>30.00). Go Home and install the sim card. I text the unit with coordinate codes, about 14 times, to receive the gps unit's location. After gaining back the results, I input coordinates into Google Earth's search bar. Basic results, were pin point accuracy with the unit charging to the laptop or car,

unit w/usb wire attached and not charging= within couple feet accuracy
unit without usb wire attached and not charging= within a block radius accuracy

I'm troubleshooting on how to get the coordinates back to my laptop on the gps tracking software. It has something to do with my comports or something:confused:
Justing waiting on word from the manufacturer. Either way, I'm happy with it so far that it gives me general coordinates.:hsdance:

[MELLO*SOS]

Why do you send the GPS unit coordinate codes 14 times?

This sounds very interesting, idk how I missed this thread. Does the device have an external antenna for the cell or gps signal? Can you program it so it sends you coordinates if it moves during a time period? For example can you tell the device, "look this is the car's home GPS coordinates... And the car should be here sleeping between 11pm and 8am, if it moves more than 6 feet then send me a msg"...

[extra-made garage]

Why do you send the GPS unit coordinate codes 14 times?

This sounds very interesting, idk how I missed this thread. Does the device have an external antenna for the cell or gps signal? Can you program it so it sends you coordinates if it moves during a time period? For example can you tell the device, "look this is the car's home GPS coordinates... And the car should be here sleeping between 11pm and 8am, if it moves more than 6 feet then send me a msg"...

14 times to check for information feedback and accuracy. The unit worked better when it was charging attached to the laptop. I guess this amplified it's signal. I presume the usb wire connected to unit would pretty much act as an external antenna, because it would wend coordinates back within a couple feet. For the time period question, not sure, but it does have what they call a Geo-fence feature. Where if it is moved outside certain coordinates, it will alert and send info. I haven't tryed this yet.

[MELLO*SOS]

The USB wire isn't good at all for GPS reception or as a cell antenna. I think you're seeing better transmission when it's on the USB because it's drawing power through the USB line instead of it's internal battery. Same should be true when wired to the car's electrical system?

Are you texting a request for the device's GPS coordinates -- or are you actually sending GPS coordinates to the device?

Yeah the Geo-fence sounds like what I am thinking of, cool!

Sounds really interesting please update the thread with more info as you learn more :)

[jrmiller84]

If and when I get to the point of needing one of these, I'll probably break out a multimeter and a soldering iron and use one of these to keep the battery charged when the car is off.

http://www.hobbyengineering.com/H1660.html

Throw it on the shelf behind the back seat. Only problem would be how much tint is going to affect the power output. This one has (I believe, not sure about the amperage though) the same specs as USB output and is only 1.5 in. x 1.3 in., you may be able to mold it into your dash or somewhere else crafy. Just a thought. :bow:

Thieves beware! :rl:

[DRIFTING_SIL_EIGHTY]

heres one that my friends coworker has. havent really read through it all but it seems promising and they state "NO RECURRING/MONTHLY FEE'S". if your in socal, dont call foothill nissan in La Crescenta because they dont do it. though they are listed as a dealer.

http://www.mymobileguardian.com/

[Tenchuu]

I talked to cingular today, i can add a line to my cell phone, any planthey said, for $10 a month and that comes with a free sim car.

might want to ask your provider about "adding a line" with a sim card to an existing account. told the guy about what it was going to be used for and he was veary helpful.

any yes, hard wireing is the only way to use a GPS, more power = a better stronger signal.

[extra-made garage]

"NO RECURRING/MONTHLY FEE'S"
No Montly fees, but you have to pay for locates? And most likley you need a sim card and plan?

[extra-made garage]

I talked to cingular today, i can add a line to my cell phone, any planthey said, for $10 a month and that comes with a free sim car.

might want to ask your provider about "adding a line" with a sim card to an existing account. told the guy about what it was going to be used for and he was veary helpful.

any yes, hard wireing is the only way to use a GPS, more power = a better stronger signal.
Yeah, I got the same reaction from my T-mobile guy. He thought it was the best thing since sliced bread. But back to the unit, as long as the unit is fully charged, it will send accurate coordinates.

[extra-made garage]

Are you texting a request for the device's GPS coordinates -- or are you actually sending GPS coordinates to the device?

Yeah the Geo-fence sounds like what I am thinking of, cool!

Texting a request for the unit's coordinates. The unit will then reply back automatically with it's information. Geo- fence is :bigok:

[Wei240]

for the phone thingy, here's another one:

http://mologogo.com/

[extra-made garage]

:confused: ^^^Don't know if these use real gps satellite or cellphone towers to triangulate.