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GPS Locator for Car Security: Recommendations, Battery Options & Known Suppliers

stasiu1971 17793 16
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What GPS tracker can I buy for a car left outside, preferably with its own backup battery or an external battery, and where can I get one?

For a cheap and simple setup, one reply suggests using an old iPhone, powering it from a 12V USB car charger, putting it in a hidden place in the car, and tracking it through iCloud; after power loss it can still run for a few days on its own battery [#16840884] If you want a dedicated tracker, a forum member recommends looking at car GPS trackers from Gearbest and says the one he bought works well; he also notes that installation is easy and the device can be plugged into the car’s OBD2 socket after programming from a computer [#16860235][#16871058] Another practical option is the Tractive GPS dog/cat tracker: it costs about 220 PLN, has an integrated SIM, sends position data to a smartphone app, and can run for up to a week without charging [#16962174] That same user mounted it invisibly in the car and powered it from the car battery through a smartphone charger, noting that self-installation allowed a more discreet placement [#16970874] The Tytan DS512 was mentioned too, but one user felt it was too expensive and too obvious for this use [#16910418]
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  • #1 16840879
    stasiu1971
    Level 11  
    Posts: 312
    Rate: 41
    hello I plan to buy a GPS locator for the car, that as "the neighborhood is not interesting" and the car will be standing outside looking for some decent device, I would like to connect it, possibly a small motorcycle gel battery or something similar to work after disconnecting the power, no unless the device has a good power supply, can you recommend something specific from the well-known auction portal or other supplier (preferably a link), or maybe a store from Katowice, I will add that I'm completely green in this matter.
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  • #2 16840884
    sanfran
    Network and Internet specialist
    Posts: 9797
    Help: 953
    Rate: 2951
    You need to buy an old "ajfon", replace it with a new one and permanently connect it via a 12V USB charger for car installation. You buy the cheapest SIM with data transmission to the phone. You create a free account in iCloud and log in to your phone. Then the phone and cables are packaged in a secret place in the car, where the signal is not damped by the sheet.
    And ready, whenever you want to log in to iCloud from every PC, and in a few seconds you can locate your phone with the vehicle. After disconnecting the power supply, the phone will work a few more days on its own battery (smartphones in the sleep keep their batteries really long).
    I gave Apple's example because I know this system. If there is any similar software on the android, there is no obstacle to use it.
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  • #3 16847296
    stasiu1971
    Level 11  
    Posts: 312
    Rate: 41
    and something more professional, you can recommend
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  • #5 16870953
    stasiu1971
    Level 11  
    Posts: 312
    Rate: 41
    And that's the problem, there are hundreds of them to buy, crap easily, I thought someone would recommend something and give me a link, because I do not want to give anything, I was not accused of advertising ;)
  • #6 16871058
    Krzysztof Kamienski
    Level 43  
    Posts: 21875
    Help: 2030
    Rate: 5128
    I gave you that I use for over a year and it's ok. Super easy installation - you program from a computer and then stick it in the ODB2 socket in the car.
  • #7 16872379
    stasiu1971
    Level 11  
    Posts: 312
    Rate: 41
    Locator in a place as visible as ODB? Does it make sense at all, in addition without its own power supply?
    I thought about something like:
    1. http://allegro.pl/localator-gps-server-gratis-bateria-do-3-lat-i6492115175.html
    2. http://allegro.pl/lokalizator-gps-teltronic-kontroluj-swoje-auto-i6053724346.html
    I will be immediately blamed for inserting links. ;)
  • #9 16962174
    adam1952
    Level 2  
    Posts: 3
    Rate: 1
    Hello,
    I have some thoughts and I have already started realizing my idea.
    I purchased a GPS tracker for a dog and a cat by Tractive for about PLN 220. I do not give a link so that someone does not think that I'm doing advertising for a company. It is a tiny, waterproof box attached to the collar of a dog. It has a GPS receiver not LBS (those interested in the subject know the differences) This system has an integrated sim card in the chip that logs into the mobile phone network practically all over the world and sends position data to the smartphone application. Of course, not for free. You have to pay the company a subscription, but not much. I chose a basic subscription with 5 Euro and I paid for 1 month. which in the version for 2 years costs less than 4 Euro. It cost me 20 PLN for the time being. I hope that this body is enough for testing. For now it's ok. Works. For the future I do not intend to pay a monthly fee if I do not need to use this system. And now my idea:

    I want to mount it in a car in an invisible place and connect it via a charger (one for a smartphone) to a car battery. The device works without charging for up to one week. And now the most interesting: I am counting on not paying a monthly fee to the company when it does not need to use the device. However, if something happens, for example car theft, I pay a subscription and check in the application where my car is. The problem is that this system has a waterproof plastic housing and the charger contacts are embedded in plastic and are quite unusual. I will have to undress and take the cables outside.

    I'd like to meet GPS Locator for Car Security: Recommendations, Battery Options & Known Suppliers Your opinion - what you think about it. Any advice?

    Added after 20 [minutes]:

    stasiu1971 wrote:
    Gentlemen, did anyone have to do with the device from the link, and maybe say something about it?
    1. https://sklephadron.pl/autoalarmy-z-powiadomi...ieniem-gsm-i-lokalizator-gps-tytan-ds512.html
    2. and here with the assembly near me http://allegro.pl/alarm- samochodowy-tytan-ds512-gps-z-montazem-ychy-i7092087579.html


    In my opinion, too expensive and in addition too obvious, the location
  • #10 16970874
    adam1952
    Level 2  
    Posts: 3
    Rate: 1
    And my Tractive GPS is already mounted and running in the car. In addition to purchase costs (about PLN 220) and PLN 5 for a one-time subscription for other costs, there were no. Self-assembly has many advantages because I did it more accurately and I installed it in an unusual place.
  • #11 16970897
    Anonymous
    Anonymous  
  • #12 16970989
    adam1952
    Level 2  
    Posts: 3
    Rate: 1
    yeah, and everyone goes with a duster. It's better to do nothing. This is an alternative to several times more expensive GPS trackers sold on Allegro and installed as if by installers willing for cash.
  • #13 16971019
    Anonymous
    Anonymous  
  • #14 16998750
    stasiu1971
    Level 11  
    Posts: 312
    Rate: 41
    buddy, show me the gsm jammer for 110 zlotys, gps yes but not gsm, because these cost over 1500 zlotys.
  • #15 16999703
    Anonymous
    Anonymous  
  • #16 17008574
    stasiu1971
    Level 11  
    Posts: 312
    Rate: 41
    the player Chojniczanka was just caught who was surprised by the police visit because the gps gave the information about the stolen car.
  • #17 17309762
    trombson
    Level 12  
    Posts: 129
    Help: 1
    Rate: 21
    I have a Locon locator in my car. Anyway, I've probably asked about it in this forum.
    My opinion on this subject is simple - there are thieves who can deal with everything, and there are also those who can beat on everything.
    And I bought the locator not only for this - for example, route monitoring is a very useful option. Same speed alerts.

Topic summary

✨ The discussion revolves around selecting a GPS locator for car security, particularly for vehicles parked in less secure areas. Users suggest various options, including repurposing an old smartphone with a 12V USB charger and a SIM card for tracking via iCloud or Android alternatives. Recommendations include specific GPS tracking devices available on platforms like Gearbest and Allegro, with users sharing links to products such as the Tytan DS512 alarm system and Tractive GPS tracker. Concerns about the visibility of devices like ODB2 connectors and the need for independent power sources are raised. Users also discuss the effectiveness of GPS trackers versus jammers, highlighting the importance of route monitoring and speed alerts in addition to theft prevention.
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FAQ

TL;DR: Want a DIY car GPS? One user hardwired a Tractive unit that “Works.” and delivers up to one week battery life off-charge. [Elektroda, adam1952, post #16962174]

Why it matters:** This FAQ helps beginners pick, power, hide, and manage costs for reliable car tracking.

Quick Facts

What’s the easiest beginner-friendly GPS locator for my car?

A plug-in OBD2 tracker. You preconfigure it on a computer, then push it into the car’s OBD2 socket. Installation takes minutes and needs no custom wiring. It’s great for quick starts or leased cars, though visibility can be a downside for anti-theft use. [Elektroda, Krzysztof Kamienski, post #16871058]

How do I set up a phone as a car tracker?

Use an old iPhone on a 12V USB charger with a data SIM and iCloud. It keeps working for days if power is cut. 1. Create an iCloud account and enable Find My. 2. Insert a data SIM and test location. 3. Hide the phone where metal won’t block signal. [Elektroda, sanfran, post #16840884]

How long will tracking continue after power is disconnected?

Expect up to one week from a self-powered tracker like the repurposed Tractive unit. That buys time to locate a parked or recently moved vehicle. Battery life varies by ping rate, temperature, and signal. “Works.” was the user’s verdict after installation and testing. [Elektroda, adam1952, post #16962174]

Is the OBD2 port a safe place to hide a tracker?

It’s convenient but not stealthy. The socket is easy to reach, so thieves might see and remove a plug-in device. Consider a hidden, hardwired or self-powered tracker instead if stealth is your priority. [Elektroda, stasiu1971, post #16872379]

Do I have to pay a monthly subscription all the time?

No. One approach is pay-as-needed. A user activated a basic €5 plan for testing and planned to pause it until needed. This reduces recurring cost but requires reactivation before live tracking. [Elektroda, adam1952, post #16962174]

Can thieves jam my GPS or GSM signal?

Yes. Portable jammers can block GPS and even GSM/UMTS, instantly cutting location and data links. This is the key edge-case failure, so combine tracking with physical security and recovery protocols. [Elektroda, 3029369, post #16971019]

Are combined alarm+GPS systems like Tytan DS512 worth it?

One user found such kits expensive and too obvious compared to a hidden, lower-cost tracker. If you choose an alarm+GPS, ensure discreet install and backup power to reduce easy defeats. [Elektroda, adam1952, post #16962174]

Where should I hide a tracker for best signal and stealth?

Place it where sheet metal won’t attenuate GPS/GSM. Avoid sealed metal cavities. Use plastics, trim voids, or interior spaces with sky view leaks. Keep wiring minimal and disguised if powered. [Elektroda, sanfran, post #16840884]

Can I log trips and get speed alerts?

Yes. Services like Locon provide route monitoring and speed notifications. These features also help coach drivers and verify trip histories beyond theft recovery. [Elektroda, trombson, post #17309762]

Do these trackers actually help recover stolen cars?

They can. A forum example cited a theft where GPS data led police to the suspect. Rapid response and active service are critical to capitalize on location pings. [Elektroda, stasiu1971, post #17008574]

What backup power options should I consider?

Use a tracker with its own battery or add a small gel motorcycle battery as backup. This keeps the unit alive if thieves cut vehicle power. Size and placement must balance runtime and concealment. [Elektroda, stasiu1971, post #16840879]

Is a pet GPS like Tractive viable in a car?

Yes. A user mounted a Tractive unit in a hidden spot, hardwired charging, and reported smooth operation with minimal extra costs. This is a budget-friendly, flexible path for DIYers. [Elektroda, adam1952, post #16970874]
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