GPS vehicle tracking

[KinLoud]

GPS vehicle tracking - needing 2 or 3 units for our business

Any units that don't need the supplier to provide a "service" so you can see where the vehicle is?

Been in touch with a few suppliers for gps trackers
They all want to charge $ for "monitoring" which seems to mean they just want your money...

Thanks
Ken
021408863

[sergei]

I bought a 3G version of cheap Chinese units.
Haven't fitter so far as I want to engineer my own tracking service (personal).
The model is GT06E and works as advertised. There are multiple brands of same unit, as usual with generic Chinese stuff: caveat emptor (don't buy one on ebay from clothing seller).
Beware of 2G units, might not works with some networks (GT06E is a 3G model and confirmed to work with 2degrees prepay sim cards).

These units will work with 3rd party free tracking services and have semi-public protocol description. Unfortunately they do not use HTTP based/REST type of protocol instead they use their own binary protocol. This makes it slightly harder as suddenly you have to deal with checksums, packet sequences and other mess that comes with custom protocols.

Once I came up with basic server (python proof of concept) I will put it up on my website.

Biggest concern is a fire hazard from LiPo battery inside. I am thinking of cutting it out having small 6V lead acid SLA battery (scooter) buck converted to 4.2V in place of LiPo battery.

Since the location of the unit will be well hidden and not very well ventilated (the only reasonable choice is to put it deep inside of the dashboard) fire risk is quite of a concern.

There are more robust units with external antennas, which probably will be more suitable for employee tracking .

[MrOizo]

If only for locating vehicles, would old iPhones using 'Find my iPhone'? Hard wire into power and go from there?
Guess there's that LiPo risk though.

Plenty of tracking apps on store.

https://itunes.apple.com/nz/app/gps-loc ... 82184?mt=8

[whynot]

Jay car was selling a unit a little while ago. Just text it or call and it pings a reply text with a maps link. Just open it in Google maps and there your car is. Can also set geo fencing and listen in with audio call back option. No ongoing charges except for the Sim card. Worth a look?

[KinLoud]

Thanks everyone - good info

[sergei]

Jay car was selling a unit a little while ago. Just text it or call and it pings a reply text with a maps link. Just open it in Google maps and there your car is. Can also set geo fencing and listen in with audio call back option. No ongoing charges except for the Sim card. Worth a look?

Jaycar stuff is usually repackaged Chinese shit with 300% mark-up.

Here:
https://www.jaycar.co.nz/3g-gps-vehicle-tracker/p/LA9026
Vs:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/GPS-Vehicle-Tracker-CCTR-805-Built-in-3G-WCDMA-2G-GSM-module-u-Blox-GPS-module-/331880427528?hash=item4d459d7008:g:nwUAAOSwiDFYNr91

Jaycar sells it for $359, while on ebay it is around $90.
Granted, it comes with different antenna, but the unit itself is identical.