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kipperthedog

Member Since: 27 Jun 2013
Location: Down South
Posts: 403

Using a smartphone as a tracker

I have a functioning surplus android phone that I am going to redeploy as a tracker. I have looked at various apps for tracking and geofencing. Is anyone using ones that they would reccommend?

26th Feb 2015 1:55pm

ozzie1989

Member Since: 25 Feb 2009
Location: Wales
Posts: 282

2010 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 USW Bonatti Grey

I'd also be interested in this if you find any info, after reading some of the android forums it seems that it can be done.

I currently have one of those cheap trackers that you text and it relays it's position. Only trouble is it draws loads of power for some reason which means if I don't drive the Landy for a few days the battery voltage drops, not enough to stop it starting, but too low for my liking! Now: 2010 2.4 TDCi 110 Utility Wagon
Then: 2004 2.5 TD5 90 Hard Top (X-Tech Edition)

2nd Mar 2015 5:39pm

kipperthedog

Member Since: 27 Jun 2013
Location: Down South
Posts: 403

Experimenting is going to be the order of the day....

2nd Mar 2015 7:19pm

ozzie1989

Member Since: 25 Feb 2009
Location: Wales
Posts: 282

I've been doing just that and you don't need an app or anything.

As long as your Android version is over 2.2 you can use Google's own device locator.

The only prerequisite is that the phone has to have a data signal, has GPS turned on, location services turned on and is signed into your Google account.

Go to https://www.google.com/android/devicemanager and sign in if you're not already.

Click on the device (like me, you may have more than one) in question. Then click on "Find your Android devices with Android Device Manager". It will open up a map display.

Once on the display click on the 'Locate Device' button, it's a small icon that looks like a target.

The map will zoom in on where the phone is, and so far it seems fairly accurate.

This way you don't need to run an app and use battery life. For me I'm hoping I can just have my spare phone hidden and only charging when the engines running, avoiding the battery drain issue.

Let me know if this works for you

Now: 2010 2.4 TDCi 110 Utility Wagon
Then: 2004 2.5 TD5 90 Hard Top (X-Tech Edition)

3rd Mar 2015 3:21pm

Eduardo

Member Since: 28 Aug 2008
Location: Región Metropolitana
Posts: 2109

2007 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 SW Stornoway Grey

If it is android you can use Prey: an application to found/track stolen smartphones. Have the possibility to locate the phone, took a picture and run in stealth mode.

https://preyproject.com/ Eduardo

MY 2007 110 SW PUMA 2.4: Big Fog of 64'
MY 1994 Jayco 1207 Folding camper: "El Tremendo"

Click image to enlarge

3rd Mar 2015 6:40pm

kipperthedog

Member Since: 27 Jun 2013
Location: Down South
Posts: 403

Thanks. I have a spare Android and a spare Blackberry and was thinking very much along the lines of Device Manager or Blackberry Protect.

3rd Mar 2015 7:54pm

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