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Inexpensive Vehicle Tracking & Mobile Wifi Hotspot

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by sternebrau, Jan 7, 2014.

  1. Jan 7, 2014 at 6:19 AM
    #1
    sternebrau

    sternebrau [OP] Member

    Joined:
    Jul 15, 2013
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    First Name:
    Danny
    Tierrasanta
    Vehicle:
    09 4x4 TRD SR5 Sport DCLB
    aFe stage 2 cold air intake
    I've wanted for a while to have a permanent Internet connection in my Tacoma without having to turn my phone into a hotspot. This would enable me to stick an old Android phone somewhere under the dash connected to an always-on 12v adapter (had to install this myself with an add-a-fuse and a couple other parts). The phone (and in turn, the truck) is trackable using the recently released Android Device manager or any of the various phone tracking alternatives.

    In addition to the old Android phone, I wanted to use my Nexus 7 as my head unit interface for audio books, topo maps, music, etc. I installed the Ppyple CD-slot tablet mount (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00C31MF0W) and reinforced it with some additional plasti-dip coated cushions to keep the tablet stable when driving on bumpy roads.

    Turns out that FreedomPop offers 500MB/month for free as long as you purchase the hardware (around $30). They offer some upgrades if you want, but I've noticed that 500MB is more than enough data for my needs.

    I can now, at any time, locate my truck from my cell phone or any computer by popping up the Android Device Manager app and selecting either my old phone or my tablet.

    I'm really happy with this setup after using it for 2 months and would be happy to fill in some more details if theres interest.
     
  2. Jan 7, 2014 at 6:21 AM
    #2
    Steves104x4

    Steves104x4 Well-Known Member

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    Steve
    Buffalo NY
    Vehicle:
    2010 RC 2.7 4x4
    BUCKLE UP! It makes it harder for Aliens to pull you out of your Truck.
  3. Jan 7, 2014 at 6:29 AM
    #3
    bldegle2

    bldegle2 OldPhart

    Joined:
    Apr 16, 2013
    Member:
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    San Francisco, Ca.
    Vehicle:
    2009 Prerunner TRD AccessCab
    New Navigation DVD/CD/TV/AV/Bluetooth Stereo and seat mod spacers, 1" hubcentric spacers, seat heaters....
    sounds good, that way after a night of bar hopping downtown you can still find your ride, obviously not advising driving while drunk....there have been times when I couldn't find my ride right away, usually in unfamiliar places...


    amazing what can be done with modern technology...
     
  4. Feb 19, 2014 at 11:26 AM
    #4
    keninsb

    keninsb "Senior", Senior Member

    Joined:
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    Ken
    Goleta, CA
    Vehicle:
    '13 Taco DC 4WD V6 LTD
    Sternebrau, thanks for the write up, that sounds VERY cool. I checked into the FreedonPop and they have three different devices to select from. From the price it looks like you are using the Protron Platinum, right?
    Thanks,
    Ken
     
  5. Feb 19, 2014 at 6:40 PM
    #5
    keninsb

    keninsb "Senior", Senior Member

    Joined:
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    Male
    First Name:
    Ken
    Goleta, CA
    Vehicle:
    '13 Taco DC 4WD V6 LTD
    I checked out the FreedomPOP web site and it looks pretty cool, almost too good to be true. I even found a few coupons on their Face Book page where you can get the Photon Platinum for $15 instead of $30! The only downside I have found so far is the coverage area. There is a coverage map HERE that shows the coverage and it is pretty limited unless you live in a larger city. Thanks again to Sternebrau for the info! Sounds promising.
    Ken
     
    Last edited: Feb 19, 2014
  6. Jun 28, 2015 at 4:41 PM
    #6
    MarcoPolo57

    MarcoPolo57 I am Groot

    Joined:
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    First Name:
    Mark
    THE O.C.
    Vehicle:
    2015 Tacoma TRD Sport V6 4x4 double cab white
    High mount LEDs , dome lite LED
    If you google Toyota wifi hotspot, you find websites saying you can purchase a Toyota wifi hotspot from the dealer. Problem is, it's available in Europe only? Wtf
     
  7. Jun 28, 2015 at 7:49 PM
    #7
    G.T.

    G.T. Official TW Burrito Inspector

    Joined:
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    G.T.
    CONUS
    Vehicle:
    2011 Pyrite Mica 4WD DCLB TRDSport w/ FlipPac
    Some stick on chrome from pep boys
    Is that the "Autonet mobile" system that Toyota NA ditched a couple years ago? I remember seeing it as an option on a few cars for a couple years but then it went away. I think at the time the subscription rate was probably a little too much for the average consumer.
     
  8. Jun 29, 2015 at 6:50 AM
    #8
    brianrride

    brianrride Well-Known Member

    Joined:
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    Vehicle:
    2014 TRD Off Road DC
    I work out of my truck a lot, so I've hard wired a Verizon Jetpack MiFi and it stays in the ebrake cubby. Works well.
     

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