DYI - GPS vehicle tracking $3/month

DIY - GPS vehicle tracking $3/month

I saw an article about how to use a cell phone to track a vehicles location. Here are the details I used to create this system for my truck.

I bought a prepay-pay as you go smartphone from T-mobile. I chose T-Mobile because the cheapest plan is just $3 a month. I think it cost me $50 for prepaid time and that included the phone. $3 buys 30 minutes or 30 SMS/texts a month, no broadband.

The trick now was to set up the phone using SMS/text only. There are a number of android apps that will do this. I installed and app called Locate via SMS. It automates sending the sms code but you can do it manually too. tSoSnS&1&3&120 You should get a reply with a google map link to the GPS location provided by the phone. You must have the app installed to manually use the code. I saved the burner phone number to my phone and made a contact note entry with this SMS code, now I can copy and paste when needed. Note - the 120 in code is the amount of time/seconds the phone will try to access GPS info before timing out.

Login to burner phone provider (T-Mobile) and create an account, you may need the phone to receive a verification code. Use this account to put money/time on the phone. I actually have a Verizon phone for my personal phone. I think this should work with any combination of phones.

Be sure the burner phone is set to silent for all notifications and the GPS location service are on. If you use one of the apps you will have to load it, turn on wifi and connect locally to download apps, play store etc. When you all done delete any personal applications like google etc.

Now you need a 12 volt power adapter to plug into the phone. There are many ways to do this but in the end you need to connect +/- wires to the 12 v connection end. These wires need to be connected to the battery in your truck, not the ignition key. This way your phone will be on even if the truck battery is removed for possibly 2 days.

Next hide your phone. I wrapped my phone and buried it behind the radio. Remove the bezel, just pull on it and remove the radio screws, no need to disconnect wires, pull the radio out, stuff in the phone, reassemble. It gets good GPS reception there. Wire it to 12 volts and your done.

On the first day of each month find your phone to make sure it is working.

 

Pretty cool. $36/yr plus cheap phone cost is not bad at all. I didn't think service was that inexpensive.

Sort of a cheap LoJack at minimum, probably some other tracking apps for helicopter parents (not gonna get into that).

Just be sure you turn it of if you're up to anything... That stuff can be subpoenaed....

 

Also great to have a burner phone stashed away for emergency purposes.
Subbing for this

 

great idea, will definitely look into this. Is there a certain app you recommend?

 

Any concerns burying a lithium powered device behind the radio always charging when the vehicle is running?

 

I tried one and it did not impress me. It gave me the SMS message code so I will use it as it is very simple. The one I tried was "Locate via SMS"

 

I am not too concerned. The charging stops when the battery is full. There is a over heat feature in the battery too. Are you concerned when you leave you phone plugged in all night long? It only takes a few hours to charge.

 

One other fact, Law enforcement can access your cell phone to find you or it. They too can actively ping or track it. If you truck is stolen and you tell them where it is they are more likely to pursue it right away.

 

Just asking a question.
I unplug my phone and use it during the day. Slightly different if I put it in a drawer connected to the charger and just left it there. Cool idea though.
Thanks