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Thread ID: 147680 2019-03-04 21:22:00 GPS tracker CAT M1 Tbird650 (6754) Press F1
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1458719 2019-03-04 21:22:00 Hi
I've been keenly eyeing GPS trackers and it appears the new CAT M1 capability is the way to go. In particular the TK319-L from Ebay/Aliexpress looks appealing.

Spark offers CAT M1 reaching 98% of the population. They say an expected 2000 devices will be added to the (IoT) network every week.

What's great about CAT M1 over conventional 4G is the power saving. A device battery could potentially last 10 years. Then there's the signal penetration advancement. A signal can penetrate buildings like never before. Also the theoretical range of signal is 62 miles (100km). It seems the whole package has been re-engineered so it's frugal on resources including data bandwidth.

So far almost no-one I've talked to has even heard of it. Indeed I only discovered it a few days ago and have been studying the subject since. Thanks to Mr.Google.

Is a special 4G SIM required or will any 4G do? Is there any good or bad experiences with CAT M1 devices or service providers out there? Is Voda's nb-IoT a better bet? Keen to hear any thoughts, tips or comment. Thanks.
Tbird650 (6754)
1458720 2019-03-05 01:24:00 OK, so there's another question.. will I need data only on the SIM or will I need sms and voice as well?
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Tbird650 (6754)
1458721 2019-03-05 10:50:00 I enquired with Skinny. No, they don't support CAT M1. Even though they resell Spark, their bundle doesn't include it.

Here is a list of things the SIM needs: A. support SMS GPRS. B. NO pin code,no password,no voice mail box. C. support caller ID display.

Aliexpress offering:
www.aliexpress.com da33c00x4W09G
Tbird650 (6754)
1458722 2019-03-05 19:31:00 We got a similar thing, its a GPS tracker, All it needs is a Standard SIM card, any pre paid will do, with some credit ;).

What you do is if you want to see where its located all you meant to do is text the Sim number with a code, a few minutes later a map appears on your phone showing its location.

That's how its meant to work, haven't tried it yet. You have to wire it into a 12V power source on the car that's always live, Either directly to the battery or most cars have a live feed somewhere, most will have plugs in the fuse box. This way, its always on and tucked up out of site someplace.

www.aliexpress.com BL

9408

From youtube www.youtube.com

Longer video complete www.youtube.com
wainuitech (129)
1458723 2019-03-05 22:02:00 Curiosity got the better of me LOL :D, put in a SIM, and used clothes pegs to connect to Battery ( testing only) sent a text -- Within a minute got a Map / location back, Damn accurate, within approx. 1Mtr of where the cars sitting. wainuitech (129)
1458724 2019-03-06 08:34:00 Thanks Wainui. Super cool!

That's a nice little tracker at a good price. Very popular. There's a lot to like about it.
Possibly I could get one in the interim and wait for the 4G CAT M1 tracker to be a bit more tested and proven. Reading some good write ups about CAT M1. Supposedly a good step forward in a number of areas.
Tbird650 (6754)
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