DIY gsm tracker device

[pookie]

With a few bikes going awol recently I was reviewing my bike security requirements. I know you can buy professional trackers but I still think they are a premium.

With PAYG sims and long lasting credit on these sims I thought about using a mobile phone type solution. There are programs on phones that track the mobiles movements google lattitude for example. But the idea of a full on iphone / android phone in the bike seemed a tad expensive.

You can get the system to sms its current location, send a report of location periodically and geo fencing which texts you when it moved from a safe location ( ie garage)

Here are a few solutions I found that might help

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/GPS-Tracker-Ph...ht_1698wt_1137

Seemed like a bit of money and then

http://www.dealextreme.com/search.dx....gps%20tracker

much cheaper. My questions are

a) can I get the unit wired up permanently to the battery without killing the bike thus rendering useless or use some kind of optimate for the gps ?

b) power it from solar panels to continuous charger system

c)another solution ..open to suggestions

[yorkie_chris]

Depends how long you need to leave it for. I can't see a 12v charger taking up much current. You could install some sort of protection so if the battery voltage drops it stops charging.

[L3nny]

If you go down the mobile phone route a program called wavesecure is good as a tracker.

You could probably get something like a Nokia N95 with a scratched screen for £40 then power it from the bike. Doubt it would use much more power than an alarm.

Keep us updated on your progress mate...