No more Garmin Trackers :(

Trimix · 01 November 2015, 14:14

So Garmin have finally stopped the tracker service and wont be continuing, which is a shame.

What's the best alternative ?

ShinyShoe · 01 November 2015, 14:36

Best probably depends on what you define as "best".

My best = cheap (to buy and run)
My best = works (alerts when it needs to, doesn't when it doesn't)

Do you just want to track for theft? Or anything else?

I've been using one of these 22mm / 40mm expanding Rib drain bung) for 3 months on my caravan. No-one has nicked the van so it must work ;-)

Works well sends text as soon as van moves (if set to do so), can be asked at any time where it is by texting where to it, can send text if exceeds a certain speed. My van lives in a zero signal area so once you park it up you need to activate it with a text saying move. That doesn't work as no signal and if its moved 3 months later that doesn't work. May try reducing the speed detection down so it triggers earlier... its always active.

paulbrown22 · 01 November 2015, 15:03

That's a very interesting use for an expanding drain bung - maybe it's cleverer than it's description would suggest?!

John Kennett · 01 November 2015, 15:50

And for three quid it looks like a right bargain too!

Chris · 01 November 2015, 15:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trimix

So Garmin have finally stopped the tracker service and wont be continuing, which is a shame.

What's the best alternative ?

GPS Tracker Waterproof Listening Device Anti Car Boat Theft Hardwired Kit no spy | eBay

Not tried, bit looks similar to the popular TK102.. I imagine its only waterproof when not hard wired to the USB plug...

ShinyShoe · 01 November 2015, 16:01

Arggh...

I should have linked to this:
Waterproof GPS GSM SMS Auto Car Real Time Tracker Tracking Anti-Theft Alarm UR | eBay

Not quite £3. No doubt a determined thief can put a 'signal jammer' on and stop all mobile signals. To be honest = you are pi$$ing in the wind with determined professional thieves... ...its the local muppets that you can sort out.

islandflyer · 02 November 2015, 02:22

Using a spot tracker and quite a good deal and working well.

Trimix · 02 November 2015, 08:26

I will hard wire it into the boat and want to set Geo-fences for the Marina and Storage areas. That way the thing will last for ages.

Other than that I will use it as a real-time tracker for when the boat is in use.

Id like to view on Google maps where the boat is and allow the missus to see where I am when I'm out on the boat.

Basically just what the Garmin used to do. I don't mind paying for it, doesn't have to be cheap but it does need to work.

London_RIB · 02 November 2015, 23:45

Best thing to do is to get an used iphone and use iphone tracker app! 100 times more reliable than cheap stuff and the battery in sleep mode lasts for a week easily

islandflyer · 03 November 2015, 01:27

Works anywhere there's gps signal...

Bonus points if you know where this is...

HUMBER P4VWL · 04 November 2015, 18:21

Our Garmin is still rocking along at the moment. Though yes, due to expire.

Try this, http://gps-tracker-review.toptenreviews.com/mobile/

ShinyShoe · 04 November 2015, 19:35

The one I uploaded is not great on the Geofence front - you simply activate it to alert if moved. You can link into a website that takes its position at intervals and then sends an alert (free by email, paid by text).

I choose not to do that because that uses data and I'm a tight 4r$3.

And its most annoying feature is it tries to voice call you (you can listen in to the theives) - when it moves. Haven't found a way to disable that. Hanging up sends it to voicemail!

HUMBER P4VWL · 05 November 2015, 22:04

Some more http://www.duotraq.com/products.asp

HUMBER P4VWL · 06 November 2015, 10:25

small, can be powered by generic micros usb, had battery life, iOS operated and geofences, waterproof, whats not to like..... other than colour. plain black would be good!

Trax Review 2015 | Specs

Trimix · 20 November 2015, 22:20

Mmmm, I need to do a bit of research this weekend then.

I spotted this one:Boat Security and GPS Tracking, Duotraq GPS Tracking for outdoor adventures

Looks like it will do the job, I will give them a call and see what they say. I like the idea of them having a phone number in the UK, so hopefully I will get to speak to someone who I can understand.

Chunk · 21 November 2015, 21:53

Looks like theres a deal on SPOT trace but can't find the details. Think SPR is a dealer for them so might be able to provide more info.
SPOT Trace Product

stuart hedges · 29 November 2015, 18:44

Have a look at Pinpointpal, we have over 30 of them. They are reliable, cheap to run, simple, and they work!