Sat tracker systems

wp1234 · 07-11-2009, 07:55

Is there any point shopping around for the cheapest annual subscription charges?
Just bought my Autotrail and it was already fitted with a SmartTrack tracking system with lifetime subscription by previous owner . Of course Smartack want to maximize their return so will not allow the transfer of the lifetime subscription to me so have sent me a new demand

£185 per annum Or £435 for lifetime - This includes a £50 admin fee

Is this about right or are there cheaper ways to get this

savantuk · 07-11-2009, 09:57

I've posted this here before, but you may find it useful.

I have an old, basic mobile phone, switched on permanently, with the charger fitted, hard wired into the van electrics. It is well hidden, and will not be found by anybody without dismantling the 'garage lining.

This means that my van can be tracked anywhere in the world that uses the cellphone system, by the police or phone service provider, to the cell in which the van is parked or being driven.

This system is completely free (apart from the cost of a cheap second hand phone). It is not as accurate as a GPS based system, which is accurate to 3 meters or so, but still provides a position to within half a mile or so, probably a lot less.

You could also wire the phone to set off the vehicle alarm by ringing the phone when you are close in - this would enable you to 'home in' on the alrm quite easily.

I ring the phone once in a while to check that it is still working.

Wildman · 07-11-2009, 10:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by savantuk

I've posted this here before, but you may find it useful.

I have an old, basic mobile phone, switched on permanently, with the charger fitted, hard wired into the van electrics. It is well hidden, and will not be found by anybody without dismantling the 'garage lining.

This means that my van can be tracked anywhere in the world that uses the cellphone system, by the police or phone service provider, to the cell in which the van is parked or being driven.

This system is completely free (apart from the cost of a cheap second hand phone). It is not as accurate as a GPS based system, which is accurate to 3 meters or so, but still provides a position to within half a mile or so, probably a lot less.

You could also wire the phone to set off the vehicle alarm by ringing the phone when you are close in - this would enable you to 'home in' on the alrm quite easily.

I ring the phone once in a while to check that it is still working.

doesn't the service provider switch it off if no longer in credit?

savantuk · 07-11-2009, 10:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wildman

doesn't the service provider switch it off if no longer in credit?

As far as I'm aware, no. Most phones can receive calls, but not make them.

In my case, the phone is PAYG, and is kept topped up. It is occasionally used when one of our phones batteries goes flat when we are wild camping.

hilldweller · 07-11-2009, 11:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by savantuk

I've posted this here before, but you may find it useful.
I have an old, basic mobile phone, switched on permanently, with the charger fitted, hard wired into the van electrics.

Brilliant idea. Of course those who are shelling out for trackers will laugh at it, insurance companies won't accept it, yet it is a good sound solution.

Hasn't it been made even better by these child location services ?

I have that phone in a drawer, it was once used for a control project that dialled in to a machine to check it's status. I must dig out the old files, there's fun to be had. It's still got the PAYG SIM which might still work.

pappajohn · 07-11-2009, 11:28

thanks doug.....so now we all know its hidden in the garage

i think you'll find the police wont respond to anything other than a professionally fitted GPS tracker as the trackers control center operators contact the police and give them details then the police use there own mobile receiver equipment.

fine if you want to track it yourself but when you get to the stolen van and 3 or 4 piki....travellers climb out.........then what you going to do????

if its a payg phone any credit is lost after 6 months of inactivity and after 12 months the number is withdrawn....permenently.

savantuk · 07-11-2009, 11:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by hilldweller

Hasn't it been made even better by these child location services ?

Hi Brian,

I think that these 'subscription' services can still only track to the cell tower closest to the phone.

I have either read, or been told of a systemthat will be used shortly in the US, whereby if a phone has been stolen, the number can be rung which will set off a small locator beacon in the phone, which can be tracked via GPS. If this comes to Europe, it will make a phone every bit as trackable as a GPS beacon. Tracking beacon functionality at the price of a SIM card!!

I wonder if it will ever make it over here?? I think that various 'vested interests' might have a say in the matter!!

savantuk · 07-11-2009, 11:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by pappajohn

i think you'll find the police wont respond to anything other than a professionally fitted GPS tracker as the trackers control center operators contact the police and give them details then the police use there own mobile receiver equipment.

Hi,

The police will respond to any information that will assist in the recovery of a stolen vehicle if pushed. They may not, as a 'matter of policy', but if you confront a police officer, and he refuses to act, asking him for his 'collar number' and name, and the threat of a written complaint will change his attitude immediately!

If any police officer refuses to act on hard information, which may lead to the recovery of stolen property, he is in dereliction of his duty, and can be prosecuted. We must all stand up to such apathy, and make certain that the police represent our interests, not those of 'policy' made by senior officers in an effort to make their lives easier.