What do we think of these mini-trackers?

Pete. · Super Spammer Joined: 22 Aug 2006 Karma :

Has anyone here tried one of these?

https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_trksid=p3984.m570.l1313&_nkw=tk102&_sacat=0&_from=R40

Seems like a pretty cheap way to track your stolen bike but are there any hang-ups (apart from them only working outside that is)?
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moonzoomer · World Chat Champion Joined: 01 Jul 2012 Karma :

conker · Nitrous Nuisance Joined: 22 Mar 2013 Karma :

The police have some hardware that works with the Tracker trackers, no idea how, if at all, they'd react to you saying your bike is at x location.

If I had a bike that was attractive to thieves I'd not skimp out and get the Tracker. As it stands I doubt my 2005 Vstrom is that desirable to toe rags.

If you cannot afford the Tracker and have a few rugby player mates, it's got to be better than nothing. Having said that, it says GPS tracker all over the plastic box, surely if it had said nothing to average twoc'er wouldn't have a clue what it was.

When my bike was taken, it showed up pretty quick, the thief crashed it in to the back of a car, smacked the female driver over the head with his helmet (she got out to see if he was ok) and he set fire to the bike.

No tracker needed and the partially burned remains were returned to me with a nice bill for the services of recovery/storage company.

ScaredyCat · World Chat Champion Joined: 19 May 2012 Karma :

Dave70 · World Chat Champion Joined: 21 Jan 2012 Karma :

Amber Phoenix · Traffic Copper Joined: 01 Feb 2013 Karma :

Been having a read around on this device and going over some install howto's (like this one). Seems like it's probably worth having, if only because it costs peanuts.

Downsides: Internal battery life is low. 24 hours odd. But the supplied 600mAh bat can be swapped for a longer life one 2800mAh for about a tenner. Ideally, hookup to bike's battery is going to be required, just not seen a discreet adaptor yet, most are fag lighter sockets with a huge USB plug...

It only uses GPS and 2g GSM networks, so very easily jammed or blocked by any reasonably lined van or garage.

Placement is a tricky one unless you've got tonnes of fairing. It'll easily be blocked (or at very least hindered by metal) so under tank is a no go, which basically leaves in the tail, under seat or at front under clocks. Then you've got to lay cable to battery discreetly so as not to lead a thief to the device.

Most good professional trackers also use VHF as well as GPS/GSM which can penetrate through fairly thick walls, is difficult to jam, and most copper have receiving kit on board. But then you get what you pay for....

Finally, if your bike is stolen, and you do have some coords, you've then got to persuade to cops to investigate and then hope your bike is still in one piece and not totally trashed, otherwise you've still got an insurance claim on your hands, or a huge bill if you've only got TPFT cover...
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