GPS trackers

Tim M · 02 June 2012, 10:26

With all the engines that are being stolen at the moment, I want to fit a tracker to each of my outboards. My question is, if I buy something like this GPS/GSM/GPRS Tracker+Hard-wired Car Charger+2*battery | eBay do we think it will it work under the cowl, or would it need to be in line of sight with the sky?

C2 RIBS · 02 June 2012, 11:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tim M

With all the engines that are being stolen at the moment, I want to fit a tracker to each of my outboards. My question is, if I buy something like this GPS/GSM/GPRS Tracker+Hard-wired Car Charger+2*battery | eBay do we think it will it work under the cowl, or would it need to be in line of sight with the sky?

Hi Tim firstly if you purchase the TK 102 make sure it is not a cloned version as there are a few posts here that show the originals work well and others have caused a few problems. We bought direct from Xenun.
Our work OK hidden out of line of sight of the sky around the boat BUT have a live feed as the battery life is only I think three days. So if you place in engine area this could be an issue

There is this option I know are proven but probably more expensive
Boat GPS - Boat Security / RFID Boat Identification / Boat Tracking System - Chip and Trace - Global Boat Identification / Tracking System.
RFID Boat Identification Device - Chip + Trace - Boat Security Tracking, Outboards, Jet Skis.

I met them at a show and their products seemed very well thought through specific to outboards. I know there are others but I have no experience of what is offered like these
Tracking Solutions - Boat Trackers

Also look for how waterproof they are, TK102 are not that waterproof but can be protected Hope this helps as a starter

Tim M · 02 June 2012, 11:17

Thanks for that Ian. Waterproof-ness shouldn't be a problem as it's dry in there. Likewise, battery hookup shouldn't be an issue either, as I can wire it up to the battery feed to the engine, then if it gets stolen, hopefully I should be able to track it down before the built-in battery runs out.

C2 RIBS · 02 June 2012, 11:22

Ok make sure you get an original. I have looked at e bay and loads from UK and China, I think someone will have contact details for you

Better still here is the company-http://www.xexun.com/
and previous long thread for them http://www.rib.net/forum/f8/tracker-bulk-buy-41698.html

MarkM · 02 June 2012, 15:04

I asked for information at Xexun and this is the reply I got yesterday:

Dear Mark Mulders,
Nice to meet you!
This is Ms Ellen Guo from Shenzhen Xexun Technology company, we'd likeclarify we manufacture GPS trackers since 2006, and we have full range GPS trackers: personal tracker, vehicle tracker, pet tracker, GPS watch tracker.
The sample price for TK102-2 is 83 usd, and the DHL shipping for 1 set sample is 32 usd from China to Netherlands, please note.
As for payment term, we accept banking transfer, or western union, or Paypal, however, we will charge 4% extra of the total amount if you pay us via Paypal that is because the Paypal handle charge is very high to our Chinese. So which way you prefer ?
Meantime, can you tell me something about your company ?
I am looking forward to hearing from you.
Best regards
Ellen

That would be € 92 for me while I payed € 94 for a clone.

Chris · 03 June 2012, 16:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tim M

Thanks for that Ian. Waterproof-ness shouldn't be a problem as it's dry in there. Likewise, battery hookup shouldn't be an issue either, as I can wire it up to the battery feed to the engine, then if it gets stolen, hopefully I should be able to track it down before the built-in battery runs out.

Exactly how I had mine, it was mounted inside the E-tec ontop of the plastic cowl at the back of the engine.

I was still getting a good GPS lock even when it was parked up inside a roofed barn.

I made sure i had the Xexun version as well, got it direct.

Only problem i had in 12 months was the 12V adaptor failed at one point however the second one was going strong after 7 months.

Solent Ribman · 11 June 2012, 23:11

Not sure how much you want to pay, but having suffered a theft myself, we fitted a unit from these people:
mtrack - GPS/GSM/RF Wireless Tracker

You pay an annual subscription and they monitor 24/7. A couple of times I have forgotten to disarm and haven't got 50m up the road when they called me.
In the event of theft, they will liaise with the authorities to track the vessel down.

Nos4r2 · 12 June 2012, 01:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris

Exactly how I had mine, it was mounted inside the E-tec ontop of the plastic cowl at the back of the engine.

I was still getting a good GPS lock even when it was parked up inside a roofed barn.

I made sure i had the Xexun version as well, got it direct.

Only problem i had in 12 months was the 12V adaptor failed at one point however the second one was going strong after 7 months.

I'd suggest at 35 quid, the one linked to on ebay is a clone.

Nos4r2 · 23 February 2013, 06:32

I got a pm from someone who for fairly obvious reasons doesn't want to be named, but they asked me to post this:-

Quote:

i have found a alternative xexun tracker that may be more suited to boats. it is called a xexun xt009

It looks like it might be worth a look.

C2 RIBS · 23 February 2013, 06:49

New Quad-band Waterproof IP67 Motorcycle Motorybike GSM GPS Tracker Xexun XT009 | eBay

Nos4r2 · 23 February 2013, 06:53

That's the one. They say it's IP67 rated, so a bit more suited to life onboard.

C2 RIBS · 23 February 2013, 07:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nos4r2

That's the one. They say it's IP67 rated, so a bit more suited to life onboard.

I think it is same company we all bought the 102 units from. I have had two and have done their job. Not sure on this with SOS button!
It has a good waterproof rating but needs phone signal again, good price for a useable unit.

If you want more then look for GPS types but you then pay a monthly fee