DIY stolen car tracker

[zerix01]

So I have two T-Mobile G1's, now replaced with far superior phones, just laying around. I have been a big fan of the lost phone apps Mobile Defense and Prey. I know Lookout is a popular one as well but I have never tried it. So why not use these as a car tracker in case the car gets stolen?

Now I know this is not an original idea since I have read stories of people being car jacked, in the heat of the moment they realize they left the phone in the car, get to the nearest computer and bam, they know exactly where the car is within a matter of feet.

For this specific phone you need a SIM card and you can use T-Mobile or AT&T, just no 3G for AT&T which I don't think will matter much. In the case of Mobile Defense the phone is only sending GPS coordinates which their web site simply tacks on to Google maps.

T-Mobile Pre-Pay
From this link it looks like T-Mobile will charge you a one time fee of $10, then once the app is activated (by way of a text message) it will only then use data which looks to be $1.50 per hour. So $36 if you are chasing someone for 24 hours, not bad if you get the car back. I need to call them and double check that this will work on an Android phone and it includes text messages. If it will work and is this cheap, then why not add two or more in case the thieves are wise to this and find one. You could even have one T-Mobile and one AT&T to get better coverage.

Now the part that I am stuck on is how to keep it powered and where to hide it. The included battery may last with GPS and data going for 4 hours or so. It wouldn't be too hard to connect a secondary battery that charges the G1 by USB and then charges itself through the cars 12v. Just how should the battery be connected to the 12v and in an inconspicuous way?

A little background on these apps. Mobile Defense (mobiledefense.com) will use both GPS and triangulation of near by cell towers to determine the location. So if the car is not in line of sight of the GPS satellites it will still be able to give a rough idea of where it is to around a few thousand feet or less as long as there is a cell signal (better than nothing). I'm new to Prey (preyproject.com) but it can be used at the same time. It also uses various ways to determine the location but the interesting one is it will scan for WiFi connections and if one or more are open it will give you geolocation info from the local IP address. It can also use this connection to send the data back to you in the case of no cell signal. Prey can also be used with a laptop which if equipped with a web cam, you could even take pictures of the guy stealing the car! Just link the laptop to the phone's WiFi.

Looks like Mobile Defense is still in closed beta but I got lucky and signed up for it when it was in open beta. Might need to try out Lookout for similar functionality.

[Cobb]

There is a diy on this for the fit online with another phone. The person used a wire in the back that is powered to tap into to power the car charger and left the phone on 24/7. Sounds like a "great" idea. You still got to pay something to keep it going.

Knowing my luck the car would be drive out of the coverage area or garaged where it cant get a signal. I used metal based window tint, so its hard to steal wifi with my windows rolled up and my gps only works in the windshield area.

[zerix01]

There is a diy on this for the fit online with another phone.

Interesting. I'll have to look for that.

Sounds like a "great" idea. You still got to pay something to keep it going.

Yes but it is pretty cheap. I looked at the fine print for T-Mobile pay as you go. Looks like you pay $10 and the card is good for 90 days. Then you need to renew it. Still $40 a year? Not bad at all, plus I might want to test it out every month or two to make sure it is working so add in the 1.55 each time. Also I didn't look hard enough earlier, some of the prepaid phones are Android phones and text messages are like 5 cents each, so good to go.

This got me thinking about more possibilities. I'm new to Android programing but I think I can piece together a service app that will run on the phone and monitor the gyroscope for movement. Once over a certain threshold it will send you a text that the car is in motion. There can be a "key" app on your normal cell phone linked to this with Bluetooth. So if you are in the car and the two are synced then there is no alarm, otherwise it assumes the car is moving and you are not in it. This will help with response times as well. You will know immediately when something isn't right. This also could increase your chances of finding out where it is or where they are going before you lose a connection with it.

[Cobb]

DIY Low-Cost Vehicle Locator - Unofficial Honda FIT Forums

Go for it, sounds like a great idea.

[Jayemtee]

I have automobile insurance. If someone steals my car, I don't think I really want it back.

OTOH, I am a computer nerd and interested to hear the various ways to accomplish the task.

[Cobb]

You make a good point, a stolen car in process isnt high on the priority list for most PDs. Now if you see the suspect with a gun, thats another story. Better yet, did he kidnapp a little boy or girl?

The good ole boys security system used a toggle switch between the power and fuel pump or ignition so the vehicle would not start. Although that is clever, I know that it does not take much effort to grab a car with a tow truck and then it doesnt matter if it runs or not.

[JimJohnD]

What happens if you text the message "Zero-Zero-Zero Destruct Zero"?

OK, OK, I've watched too much StarTrek

[zerix01]

Originally Posted by Cobb

You make a good point, a stolen car in process isnt high on the priority list for most PDs.

Umm what? So you're saying if I call 911 and say my car has been stolen and I know where it is, they will do nothing? I would think a stolen car report to them would be like "crap now we need to find this thing" then not make it a high priority. But if they know right where it is, then hey, easy day quick case closed.

[firsthonda]

No one is going to steal your Insight. Fortunately for us, it's not the type of car thieves want.

[Cobb]

Ill ask a cop when I get a chance later this week. Its an interesting idea and as the price of gas goes up our cars become more valuable. I got a recent trac fone I am not using as well as a virgin.