Need feedback on GPS Trackers

[jsmithrmga]

Hi everyone!

I've been a member for a while, but I think this might be my first post. I'm looking for opinions/feedback on a specific purpose GPS tracker (satellite, not cellular). I've looked at some online and have seen that they come in all shapes, sizes, prices and feature sets. The reason I'm looking for one is I'm considering putting my bike on the Riders Share website (https://www.riders-share.com/) to let others rent it (BTW, I'd like feedback on this as well. I know most bike owners are not comfortable with the idea of doing something like this). The GPS doesn't need any features other than to let me know where it is any time I want. It doesn't need to incorporate an anti-theft alarm or send text messages. I've looked at quarter-sized units that can be used for small items (pets, wallets or purses, etc.: as an example, see www.thetrackr.com/ ). I look forward to hearing back from you all!

[Maz]

I bought one from Ali Express.com. Sure, it's Chinese but, on recommendation from a friend who fitted one to his Porsche 911 and is extremely happy with it, I looked up GT02A on the site, paid $14 and it arrived a few weeks later. I installed a cheap pay-as-you-go SIM card (which is needed to send texts to the tracker to set it up and change any settings if required) and installed it on my FJ1200. The setup instructions are a bit 'Chinese/English' but I got there in the end! It works perfectly and I can track the bike anywhere. You can also use any of the free tracking sites (I use GPS Orange trace) just by sending a text message to the tracker detailing the sites server IP Address.
Maz

[jsmithrmga]

Thanks, Maz. I had never heard of that site before. I was wondering: does it rely on satellites for location, or does it use cellular service? Seems I've read that the 2G signal required to do this is going to be discontinued soon. I just wanted to be sure.

[Wilcoy02]

I used SPOT on my trip to the Artic circle. Sent out a spot every 10 mins. It worked great until it went thru a big thunderstorm.
problem was you never knew if it was sending. But you could find pics of where you were at. I can not recommend as it let me down after only 1/2 my trip.

[Maz]

Thanks, Maz. I had never heard of that site before. I was wondering: does it rely on satellites for location, or does it use cellular service? Seems I've read that the 2G signal required to do this is going to be discontinued soon. I just wanted to be sure.

It relies on satellites. It's a 4 band GPS tracker. Type GT02A tracker into Google to see the spec etc.

Maz

[WingAdmin]

I've been using a Spot for a couple of years now without fail. Have a read up on it here:

viewtopic.php?f=18&t=29654

There are also some free smartphone-based apps that will do what you are looking for as well.

[PastoT]

+1 for SPOT. I use the Gen 3 tracker and its never let me down. Fortunately I've never hit the SOS but I have used it 2 years running and my kids or I always know its location. I mount it in the trunk under the ABS lid and it charges and runs full time when I'm on a trip and not actually riding. Its movement alarm texts me when some bumps or moves the bike and that gives me peace of mind and a way to retrieve it should it be taken (actually it has gone off on a windy day). Its not water tight if the USB cord is plugged in and if the face isn't facing upward the signal won't reach the satellites, so riding with it in you jacket chest pocket can leave your track missing points, these are most notable in canyon lands or amongst big city buildings. SPOT works worldwide and though its a bit pricier than you may be seeking its certainly worth looking into. They also make a less costly tracker version for basic property tracking and theft protection. I looked into several cheaper solutions from the orient that were well spoke of but don't work stateside for some reason, do your homework in that department (customer reviews clued me in to the issue).

[jsmithrmga]

Thanks to everyone for their input!

[mikmika]

Thanks, Maz. I had never heard of that site before. I was wondering: does it rely on satellites for location, or does it use cellular service? Seems I've read that the 2G signal required to do this is going to be discontinued soon. I just wanted to be sure.

It's a satellite GPS tracker. Type GT02A tracker into Google to see the spec etc.

Maz

I have a Spytec GL300, which has very good accuracy, second only to Spot Gen3. Even indoors, positions that are usually within a few yards can be zeroed. Its refresh rate (up to one minute) is also better than that provided by many other GPS trackers. Battery life is up to two weeks, which is relatively good in similar products.