Tracker device

[jwalker]

Earlier in the year Garygee offered us a tracker system for a few hundred quid. Every one, except me, backed off after the initial interest and this made the system financially unviable. Well, there are now 5 people this season who, I bet, wished they had one fitted. Just dial an SMS text and the GPS onboard would tell you exactly where you boat is. Perhaps some folk would now like to reconsider. Seems good value for not too much money. If Garygee is still able to supply, of course.

[thewavehumper]

It's a god point you are making, and Although I wasn't originally involved I did think it was a good idea, and I would be interested in a couple,

Cheers
Stuart

[jwalker]

Good. If a few folk post interest and Garygee doesn't read this, I attempt to contact him.
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I see he's been online this evening, so it probably won't be necessary.

[stuart hedges]

J WALKER

A very good point, I also had nothing to do with that but since having one pinched think they are great and am investing in them myself.

If anyone is interested I am buying all the tracking gear so can supply the units.

stuart

[jwalker]

H2O Events

Interesting. Tell us exactly what you are planning.

[Neville]

Jwalker, I run a small business and part of it is hiring out a couple of ribs and other machinery for commercial work.

I looked at a tracker system, and thought at £600 - 800 the price was a bit hefty as I would need more than one system and the gear isnt on hire all the time.

I am still interested, but I have found a company (followus.co.uk) that offer a service that tracks your mobile online.

Whilst the accuracy isnt as good as GPS / GSM setups, it can still get the position down to a few hundred metres, it can be done online and very cheaply (about a pound a go or less). Also with repetitive hits you can triangulate the position down further.

I am giving this system a go, really more for interests sake before I commit myself but I think that the accuracy may be good enough to locate a rib in a marina or in someones driveway etc.

It would be interesting to see if anyone else has any experience with this.

[Brian]

I have just been sent an outline of a product and service that is provided by my marina (MDL).
It is called Harbormaster MK11 and mentions a company called Beacon Marine. Unfortunately a product brochure was not enclosed. However it will be demanstrated on Stand E74 at the S'ton boat Show and appears to provide all that is mentioned above plus more. As you might expect it is piggin expensive. £995 plus plus plus for various addon bits.

[Ribald]

I came across this system some while ago which may be of interest:

http://mytrakm8.com/products/trakm8/

[jwalker]

Neville, keep us up to date on your findings.
Where abouts are you?

[CJL]

Fair to say this is a good idea.
Be careful tho I looked into this a while back and most were either Radio Controlled Landbased systems - no good offshore, or satelite based ones which are useless in a container or building. More to the point where on a boat can you hide the unit?
I know some construction plant hire companies fit a modified hybrid system from a UK supplier.

CJL

PS
Try http://www.tracker-network.co.uk/plant_svrs_set.htm
for more info.

[MICK YERRELL]

I'M LOOKING FOR A TRACKER FOR MY RIB, PLEASE FORWARD INFO ASAP

MANY THANKS

[jwalker]

I've emailed Garygee but got no reply. He's been on Ribnet a few times since. I guess he's just missed this thread. I'll PM him now.

[Garygee]

Hi folks

Things have not stopped, I have continuede to develop the product but not now just aimed at the RIB market.
The only down side to this as size has grown a little and it takes a little more current.
I have also got the support of the company I work at making shipping , payment etc easier as the company takes VISA etc.

I have prototypes running now and will be in the position hopefully next week or two to make available some Beta versions.

These as discussed will be at a reduced cost, but subject to getting feedback on peformance etc.

I have also added some extra features live being able to ready battery voltage, and send sms alarms on this and other inputs.
I have also removed some features like the audio monitoring as all you tend to hear in open boats was background noise & wind.

Anyway final costs are to be worked out but due to the rework its likly to be lower cost than first indicated.
Documentation still needs doing and the first Beta versions will have limited documentation but I would make support available over the phone e-mail etc.

Based on this and subject to final costs if people drop me a PM on who wants Beta versions I will take things from their.

I have attached a pic of the BETA board but this would be in a IP rated case.

Regards Gary

PS Most of the connectors etc on this board sre for other debug and test applications, when shipped only one is used.

[jwalker]

Well done that lad! I'll pm you right now.

[Garygee]

Hi folks

To date I have received a PM from only Jeff.

Could anyone else who want a unit drop me a PM ASAP.

At present with only Jeff, confirming he want one, thanks Jeff, it just not worth going forward with, as even though its mostly done it would stiil need development completing for the marine market documentation doing etc.

Thanks Gary

[jwalker]

Cumon Wave, you said you wanted two. Where are you?

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There are surely more folk willing to pay a few hundred quid to know exactly where their boat is, anytime, without relying on the internet, companies who may go bust, or charge a fee.

[Richard B]

PM sent. Sound like a useful bit of kit.

[thewavehumper]

Yeeh I did and I do, I'll send a Pm confirming, thanks for the nudge Jeff

[jwalker]

No problem.

[crazyhorse]

I will have one Gary if there are any left?,

I have pmd you.