GSM (ie cellular based) GPS trackers

**Eddieb** · 18th October 2011, 21:17

Dad was showing me some pc parts stuff on a site yesterday and they have these listed:

Not quite the same but possibly useful for teh wife to make sure you are still moving.

Tramigo T22 Motorcycle GPS/GSM Tracking Device - Check location of your vehicle anytime, anywhere with text messages (SMS) 2Degree &Vodafone
http://www.pbtech.co.nz/index.php?z=...king----Device

Tramigo T22 Personal GPS/GSM Tracking Device - Check location of SOMEONE anytime, anywhere with text messages (SMS) 2Degree &Vodafone
http://www.pbtech.co.nz/index.php?z=...----Device----

**Reckless** · 18th October 2011, 22:56

Funny enough I was loookin at these on Deal extreme today then stumble across this thread.

Here
http://www.dealextreme.com/p/gps-dua...-tracker-22968

And here
http://www.dealextreme.com/p/gps-dua...-1800mhz-34845

Both GPS based rather than cell coverage based. I agree even on the road bike we search for back twisty roads and I think GPS coverage is a must. Hate to get a device that relies on cell coverage then arse off on a back road without cell coverage and therefore render it useless

With so many MX bikes getting stolen thought it might be good for both the MX bike and the road bike as a security measure for theft and when out on a road trip?

Not sure if these cheapies are any good but the write ups seem quite in depth and not to bad??????

**buggsubique** · 19th October 2011, 06:17

i have a similar device but dont use it...i used "where's my droid" on my ride up here to waihi bch. Family texted my phone with a key word and it sent back speed, bearing, lat long and a link to google earth. If i had a good gps signal it often sent an address too. Found it to be pretty good. Originally intended for finding lost or stolen phones but i found its perfect as a general locator app.

**buggsubique** · 23rd October 2011, 09:49

http://au.findmespot.com/en/index.php?cid=116

From the Find Me Spot product line comes this little device that apparently lets you use your smartphone as a messaging device by linking it to the satellite network via bluetooth transponder. Unsure on pricing or data plan / costs etc etc. Just came across it now so will look into it...

Manual can be viewed here

**gav24** · 24th October 2011, 13:33

I am a self confessed idiot when it comes to most of this stuff, so please be gentle with your answers...
I am gonna need to upgrade my 10 yr old nokia soon and although I dont really see the need for most stuff on phones the idea of GPS on the iphone is speaking to me...
I have in the past considered GPS units, and Spot units, but neither do all I would like - and cost $$$.
From what I have read the iP 3 and newer have GPS capability - Assisted Gps actually, which uses the cell phone network as well as the "Satellites" to get a location.
Is that gonna work in NZ - out of phone coverage zones?
Will apps like the compass work out of network range?
can I use others apps like mapping to link with the GPS?
Do they make a decent case/cover/holder to attach to the bars of a bike?
I spose you couldnt send a message if you got stuck out of phone coverage range - or is there an app for that as well!?

All the benefits of GPS, plus a few extras seem to be available on the iphone - seems too simple what am I missing? - apart from 'Geek Knowledge' and an iPhone!

**buggsubique** · 24th October 2011, 15:11

Also consider "Android" phones as the google equivalent of the Iphone. Wont go into it here, but the guts is Android is a lot more "open market" than Apple - ie people developing applications for free. KLR vs DR debate really.

As for strapping an iphone (or any smartphone) to your bike - I wouldn't. They're just not made for it.

My cheapie smartphone runs a navigation system similar to Navman so I do have a cradle for it in the car and it talks directions at you etc etc.

Yep, my GPS (and compass) works outside cell reception, but without cell ph reception your phone can't download and cache the maps. THe point here is that unlike a GPS unit (eg Garmin handheld) your phone does not store the maps - its more like a computer that you're on now and when you go to "Google Maps" and zoom in thepicture takes a few seconds to gain definition.

Just to complicate things, there are some smart phone applications around (reportedly a bit problematic) which allow you to store maps on your phone and then use it offline, but it aint the same as a good handheld GPS. And then if you're out of coverage you can't communicate anyway...

Hope I haven't over complified things~ Buggs

**NordieBoy** · 24th October 2011, 15:43

Android with Dual Sport Maps installed.

**gav24** · 24th October 2011, 19:04

Thanks Buggs.
So even if I had my android / iPhone in my pocket and I took it out occasionally to check my position on a map application, I could get my GPS co-ordinates, and which way was north, but would be looking at a blank map, as it needs the network to access the map? Am I on the right lines?
Nordie, explain your Dual Sport Maps and the need for network coverage / GPS please?

Next question is like asking what is the best bike / tyre / oil etc etc, but...
what phone?
I am a DR650, Michelin T63, cheapest oil in Supercheap rider, so dont be recomending any of your KLR, Trail wing, Castrol type phone technology!

I do like the simplest option though - hence looking for a phone that will meet my GPS needs as well.

**buggsubique** · 24th October 2011, 19:34

Actually, I'm going to take back some of the things I said, I just stumbled over Backcountry Navigator which I jsut installed on my phone (demo version = free, full version $12). After a 2 minute tutu with it, it seems awesome. I'm gonna have more of a play with it.

It has 1:50,000 topo maps and shows your location. Also, as you can see in the photo below I uploaded a KML file which I edited online to my phone which is shown in purple. Unsure if this route is navable as such, but it shows up.

All this is usable offline. I have not tried Dual Sport Maps yet... a bit hesitant to throw $24 at it with no demo...

As for phones mine is just a low spec LG Optimus One. They're a couple hundy on trade me, but mine came with a vodafone plan.

Click image for larger version.

Name: shot_000004.png
Views: 11
Size: 234.9 KB
ID: 249287

Click image for larger version.

Name: shot_000002.png
Views: 7
Size: 192.5 KB
ID: 249288

**gav24** · 24th October 2011, 19:55

Originally Posted by buggsubique

It has 1:50,000 topo maps and shows your location. Also, as you can see in the photo below I uploaded a KML file which I edited online to my phone which is shown in purple. Unsure if this route is navable as such, but it shows up.

Sounds promising, but I have to admit in this bit you only had me as far as "Also"

The pics didnt show in your post, just annoying red x's, so maybe thats why...

Keep me updated tho. So far you have been WAAY more useful than the spotty kid in Dick Smiths!

**buggsubique** · 24th October 2011, 20:04

OK, so those photos were .png files, not .jpg so some may not be able to see them...

Yeah its all a bit techy and I'm a newbie at it myself. When I said it has the 1:50000 topos it actually updates off the internet and downloads the relevant areas as you select and zoom in etc. You can select areas to download in advance if you are heading into an area of no cell coverage, but you would need to do this prior to going out of reception. I'd hate to think how much data a full 1:50000 topo of NZ takes up (Nordie probably has this off hand

).

Happy to help, learning myself!

**sudman** · 24th October 2011, 20:15

I have been playing with Backcountry Navigator for about 2 months now and find it works well, I just put phone flight mode and it's all good. Detail is good and it works well on my LG phone once the map is downloaded.

**NordieBoy** · 24th October 2011, 22:03

Originally Posted by gav24

Thanks Buggs.
So even if I had my android / iPhone in my pocket and I took it out occasionally to check my position on a map application, I could get my GPS co-ordinates, and which way was north, but would be looking at a blank map, as it needs the network to access the map? Am I on the right lines?
Nordie, explain your Dual Sport Maps and the need for network coverage / GPS please?

It does offline maps.
NZ roads are covered (OpenStreetMaps) as are most countries.
It'll also do offline versions of Google Earth maps and others too.

The best thing about it is that if you download a track from the dualsportmaps website, it'll automatically get the map tiles from along the track.

It'll work as a gps replacement or for the "out of your pocket" position checks too.

**gav24** · 25th October 2011, 20:02

Originally Posted by sudman

I have been playing with Backcountry Navigator for about 2 months now and find it works well, I just put phone flight mode and it's all good. Detail is good and it works well on my LG phone once the map is downloaded.

Make sure you bring it along next weekend and show me how it all works - especially out of mobile range using the GPS.
My OLD Nokia really needs to be put into retirement now...