Which GPS tracker for a car is better to choose? Which GPS tracker for a car is better to choose? Top GPS tracker for a car

A device that tracks the position of a car and optimizes its route is called a GPS tracker or a kind of beacon. Manufacturers of devices are, as a rule, manufacturers of car alarms. In the article we will look at what are the best GPS trackers offered by retail chains last year, and what awaits car owners this year.

The purpose of GPS trackers is to protect your car from theft

Stable operation of the beacons is ensured by receivers paired with GSM modems in the GPS device. The coordinates of the car's location are determined using satellite signals from GLONASS and other compatible systems. Beacons are used to control the speed of moving vehicles.

The position of vehicles on the ground and their speed are monitored in real time. Data transfer between trackers and the satellite system is carried out via GPRS mobile communication channels. Reliability of operation and timely transmission of signals by the beacon are supported by the SIM card of the mobile operator in the region, built into the device.

The best devices supplied by manufacturers in 2017 and 2018 have increased functionality. Additional equipment allows you to obtain information from the sensors about the remaining fuel, its consumption, engine life, and other indicators. The price of the beacon depends on the configuration.

The best devices installed on cars are used to prevent theft. The machine parameters are monitored and controlled by a smartphone, data is received via SMS messages. Functionality of tracking systems:

• Information is transmitted in GSM / GPRS mode;
• The route is recorded on a microSD card;
• The beacon notifies when the power source is turned off;
• The engine is blocked;
• They arm and disarm.

Tracking systems remotely control the electronic components of vehicles. The owner of the car, using an SMS command, can turn off the engine while driving.

Important characteristics of the best GPS tracker models

An important factor that determines the price when purchasing a beacon is reliability. The best reliable devices of 2017, 2018 must meet a number of requirements:

• The location coordinates are determined by GPS trackers with an accuracy of no more than 2.5 m. A large value indicates the age of the model;
• 40 sec. – this maximum time should be spent by the beacon on a cold start. The indicator affects the accuracy of the device’s determination of the location of the object;
• Trackers are selected based on hot start. Characterized by a period of resumption of movement after stopping. For reliable ones it is no more than 15 seconds;
• Minimizing errors when beacons provide route deviation data.

High-quality communication with satellite navigation systems is the key to the reliability of GPS trackers chosen by customers.

Rating of the best GPS beacon models

When choosing the best modern beacon for a car, the car owner is primarily interested in its capabilities. The main thing that interests the car owner is autonomous operation, the presence of GSM and GPRS modules. Motion sensors and minimum dimensions play an important role. The top five in 2017, 2018 are:

• StarLine M32CAN-LIN T;

The price of each of them is regulated by functionality. A brief analysis of these best GPS tracker models is presented below.

GPS beacon StarLine M32 CAN-LIN T

The module of the model in question is considered one of the best in the 2017 and 2018 ratings. Experts highlight it due to its many positive and high-quality features. The security monitoring system tracks the vehicle and determines its location with high accuracy. The tracker controls most security options via the mobile network. One of the most important functions of the beacon is to control the advance of the vehicle within certain limits. The notification occurs after leaving the controlled area. Car owners have no complaints about the model. Price over 11,000 rubles. matches the quality.

GPS tracker FindMe F2

The device is suitable for installation on any vehicle and is very compact. The main advantage of a GPS beacon is that it detects vehicles after theft. Alerts are sent to a mobile phone, a specialized website of the monitoring service. The module is powered by an autonomous battery. The vehicle's on-board network can replace the battery. In offline mode, the device can operate for 2-3 years. Operation is maintained at ambient temperatures of -400 – +700 C. The beacon body is made in a dust- and moisture-proof version. The reliability of the device is ensured by high-quality components. The cost ranges from a little over 5,000 rubles. up to 8,500 rub.

GPS tracker Autophone Alpha-beacon XL

The device, located in the third top position in the period under review, operates from 2 satellite systems GLONASS and GPS, ensuring high accuracy of coordinates. It operates exclusively from an autonomous power source. The battery capacity lasts for more than 4 years. Automatic and manual beacon modes ensure smooth operation. A smartphone application developed by the manufacturer allows you to track and save incoming information from the GPS tracker. The beacon regularly transmits information about the ambient temperature during each communication session. The compact device, with a price of up to 7,000 rubles, makes it in demand among car owners. Reliability is confirmed by multiple communications using a special chip.

GPS beacon X-Keeper Invis DUOS

In the list of the best, in the past 2017 and the current 2018, a GPS beacon is included due to the simple setup of the device. Instructions for getting it into working order are located on the device itself. 2 SIM cards of the device make it possible to work through different operators. Duplication reduces the risk of not receiving information about the car. The car owner receives information from the device via SMS messages or email. The tracker in question is connected to a car alarm via an adapter. The interior of the car can be heard through the built-in microphone of the beacon. Cost up to 7,500 rubles. corresponds to functionality.

GPS tracker AutoFon D-Mayak

A distinctive feature of the device is the spatial controller, which simplifies navigation. This sample tracker has a firmware update option. High accuracy of position on the ground is determined by joint work with satellite systems. Through the beacon's built-in SIM card, alerts are sent to the phone. The device is activated once daily in automatic mode. After half an hour it is triggered upon receiving a specific command. The tracker's sealed housing protects it from the vagaries of the weather and prevents dust from getting inside. The price of the top version of the lighthouse exceeds 13,000 rubles.

The samples of devices under consideration, model range 2017, 2018, increase the protective functions of the machines. They optimize the performance of transport companies. A large selection of GPS trackers for cars from Russian and foreign manufacturers allows you to choose a suitable beacon that meets the requirements for functions, in terms of price and quality indicators.

Parental worries about children, maternal and paternal fears... all this is absolutely natural. As one famous TV presenter would say - “THIS IS THE NORM!” Well, how could it be otherwise: every week TV shows us a parade of pedophiles and perverts, newspapers talk about the crimes of kidnappers and emergency situations involving too hooligan boys and girls. The fear for children does not go away even when they turn from mischievous little ones into independent teenagers. The first motorcycle, a trip to the mountains, friendship with dangerous guys... Sometimes you really want to follow up and make sure: is your son or daughter not risking their health?

Satellite tracking technologies and the development of mobile applications have given this opportunity to parents around the world. Over the past 10-15 years, hardware developers have developed a wide variety of GPS balls and people tracking devices. The irony of fate: it all started with devices designed to control prisoners and suspects ordered by US courts... and ended with an extensive system of gadgets for children, the elderly and subordinates.

At one time, we talked about special devices for tracking people, cars and animals. But today we are interested in the specifics of kid-trackers - children's trackers. Are they safe? How can they be useful for parents and how do they work?

The best children's GPS trackers

It's time to tackle the most popular segment of children's trackers: GPS gadgets, smart watches, SOS buttons (life buttons).

Let's start with the price segment "up to 5000 rubles". For this price it’s possible to find even a very decent model. Moreover, there are even cheaper devices on the market.

Tracker REDMOND SkyTracker 08S

REDMOND SkyTracker 08S is a smart tracker that allows you to ensure the safety of small items and luggage during trips, as well as the safety of pets and young children. It can be easily attached to your keys, or put in your pocket to track your child's position on a map when using the special Ready for Sky app. After synchronizing with a mobile device using Bluetooth, the device operates at a distance of up to 15 m indoors, and up to 50 m in open spaces. When the connection between the smartphone and the tracker is interrupted, an alert is sent to the phone.

Smart Baby Watch G10

Smart Baby Watch G10 is a wrist device with an original design that can be used as a phone. The gadget allows you to determine the child’s location, the route he has taken throughout the day, and also set the radius of the permitted boundaries. The watch comes with a hypoallergenic silicone strap that is adjustable in length and has a built-in high-power battery that provides long-lasting operation. To remotely control the gadget, you can install the SeTrecker application on your smartphone.

Smart Baby Watch W9

Smart Baby Watch W9 is a smart wrist device. Allows you not only to track your child’s movements, but also to stay in touch with him throughout the day. The model is controlled via a bright OLED touch display. The device is equipped with a loud microphone and high-quality speaker, which ensures comfortable communication during calls. The watch is water-resistant, so a child can bathe, wash or swim in the pool continuously for up to 30 minutes and at a depth of up to 1 m, without removing it from his or her hand. If necessary, you can install the SeTracker application on your mobile phone, with which you can easily control the device remotely.

Watch Life Button Aimoto Ocean

Watch Life Button Aimoto Ocean is a multifunctional children's device that contains not only watch and mobile phone options, but also an organizer and GPS tracker. The device provides the opportunity to stay in touch with the child throughout the day, and also see all his movements and current location with an accuracy of 6 m. The watch has a touch display and is equipped with a built-in camera through which the child can take photographs. Due to the absence of a USB port, the model’s case is completely sealed and fully protected from dust and water. The device also has an SOS button, which, when pressed, sends push messages to parents through a special application.

Comparison table of children's GPS trackers and Smart watches

Popular trackers in Western countries

Tracker GlobusGPS GL-TR1-m. The simplest sensor available for $20. This is one of the many Chinese fantasies on the theme of a children's tracker. It only works in conjunction with SIM card: A SIM card is needed to provide feedback to parent-clients. The device is not able to transmit data about the location of an object constantly. He only sends them when you... call him. At this moment, Lemonbest will send you an SMS with the child’s coordinates.

It looks like a simple black box, not the smallest - but it fits in the palm of your hand. It should be placed in the child’s pocket or backpack, from where the device will “broadcast.” True, there is one thing: this tracker does not use the strongest UBLOX Chip sensor. And too thick walls can kill its signal 100%. So manufacturers recommend using the sensor only outdoors. For example, while walking.

We agree, the device is rather weak. But it has a “panic button” and a function for determining “home” and “foreign” zones, and normal water protection. And the accuracy is not the worst - 5 meters. True, he can spend up to 45 seconds determining the location... and this is no good.

Among similar Chinese “inventions” there are models that are 5-10-15 bucks more expensive. They all have similar characteristics. Perhaps someone has learned to “break through” walls and send messages by e-mail. But still, buying them is risky. After all, they can break at any moment. They also don’t have their own “battery”; you need to insert replaceable batteries several times a day... - a huge drawback for modern devices.

More expensive option - ATian GPS Tracker Mini for 44 dollars. At least this is a gadget with a design... The round coral-colored device can be used as a pendant for girls and even girls. And guys... guys, they can just keep it in their pocket or backpack.

We have before us a clearly more modern device, which is even compatible with the Android OS and the Google Maps service. It is also waterproof and has an S.O.S button. and an emergency call key. Such a baby definitely won’t take up much space: its diameter is 4 centimeters with a slight thickness of a few millimeters. It's funny, but this neatness attracted not only young parents to the gadget. In various reviews you can find gratitude from the owners of cars, drones, quadcopters who equipped them with ATian. They say: “light, compact and works well - thank you for that.” It also works well with third-party navigation software for parents. In general, the best for your money.

Still not impressive? Let's take a look at another price category for trackers - $100 and up. Here, for the borderline sum of $119, we find one of the most popular tracking gadgets: Pocket Finder. The secret to the success of this device lies in its simplicity and minimalism. The sensor itself is given to the child in the form of a miniature keychain without a screen or even LEDs. Even an experienced thief wouldn’t notice it if something happened: well, there’s a plastic thing hanging there, it doesn’t look like a gadget at all. Such a device is very difficult to lose, it does not bother the “keeper”, and does not attract unnecessary attention. There’s not even anything to break: the device has no wires or buttons.

In fact, this thing is not so simple. It conveys enough information to parents that the company's Pocket Finder software can turn it into useful infographics. We are talking about very extensive data: this is constant tracking of a child’s movements on a map with a decent memory, a report on how much and where he went, recognition of “walking”, driving and public transport... The gadget pays attention to the time a person is idle in one place, the beginning and end of its movement... All this is done on the screen of a smartphone under Apple OS or Android. With Pocket Finder you can view the tracking log for 60 days, and charging the gadget lasts for about a week.

There is one BUT: Most gadgets from $100 and above require more than just a one-time investment when purchasing the device. You have to pay for them every month, like a mobile phone. We are not talking about the largest amounts ($13 per month in our case). They are used to provide branded service. By the way, both the website and the software for this thing are really wonderful. Here you can actually enlarge the city map to maximum size: you will see on it the place where the “object” is located from a height of 10-12 meters! You can also control at least your entire family in one application: the main thing is to buy a “key fob” for everyone

There are a lot of gadgets of this type on the market: but the Pocket Finder has a very advantageous shape, and people somehow fell in love with it.

Classification of children's trackers. How do child tracking gadgets work?

The vast majority of tracking devices use GPS technology. As a rule, it is supported by GSM antennas, but their presence is not essential. Less often you can find search beacons that “contact” with GLONASS satellites. But such models can already be found in Russia, China and Eastern Europe. Although, let's be honest, they will not be included in our review.

This does not mean that there are no alternatives in the world. The universe of gadgets knows examples of using GSM frequencies and radio waves to track people. And today we will tell you about a couple of such devices. But still, satellite technologies will be at the center of the material.

All GPS gadgets have distinctive features: they are compact, have an autonomous and relatively powerful power supply system, and are also equipped with at least the simplest thematic software from the developer. Usually these are very primitive programs with a weak interface.

All devices created to monitor children have two key abilities: they can:

• determine the child’s current location online or upon request (you receive his coordinates with a minimum time delay);
• control the child’s movement in permitted and prohibited zones, which parents program independently.

What kind of zones are these? Let's explain with a simple example. You literally divide the entire city into locations: “yard”, “school”, “neighbor’s yard”, “dangerous forest full of pedophiles”, “ditch”, etc. And, as soon as the baby gets into one of the designated zones - a corresponding notification is sent to your PC or smartphone.

Then the differences between kid trackers begin. They relate to the form, software and functions of gadgets. We will tell you about the additional capabilities of such devices below, but for now let’s pay attention to the more noticeable differences.

Form. Most often, child tracking devices come in three versions. In the first case, we are talking about the form factor of a wearable gadget: either a bracelet, or a watch, or even a pendant for girls. Usually these are bright and cool models, however, made from the simplest materials like plastic and rubber. Such a device will always be next to the child (literally - on him). But here’s the problem: a fashionista girl can quickly get tired of a bright bracelet, and some idiot will give it to her friend. You can’t escape the connection to style and fashion with this thing.

The second option is miniature GPS beacons. Such boring boxes or pencil cases that you can put in your son’s backpack or daughter’s jacket pocket. In some cases, they are also painted or even disguised as objects familiar to children. But the point of these devices is their miniature size. They hide conveniently, no one knows about them... in general, almost a spy gadget. Unlike their wearable counterparts, they are less likely to break, get scratched, or get lost. Although no one guarantees that your child will not forget his backpack or jacket anywhere.

Well, what stands apart from the other two options... are smartphones! Mobile phones can also perfectly function as a GPS beacon (if they have a geolocation function). You just need to launch a special application. The child will certainly not get tired of this toy, and he will be afraid of losing his smartphone. If desired, you can even achieve complete secrecy of tracking: install the service without the knowledge of the little “owner” of the phone. And he will already work “underground”. Although we will leave this opportunity to your discretion and your conscience.

Accuracy. The model description must indicate the approximate accuracy of the object definition. The coolest trackers find the child’s coordinates with an error of 3-5 meters; less effective models are not so accurate - they can be off by 10, 30 or even 100 meters. However, in practice this difference is often leveled out. Moreover, the quality of coordinate determination is directly affected by the number of satellites that the tracker “sees” at that moment.

Carrier age. Everything is simple here. For children under 4-5 years old, manufacturers offer bright, cheerful wearable devices with high detection accuracy. They can be used to install an “alarm zone” several meters in size. That is, the child moved from one room to another (for example, to the kitchen - where there are a lot of sharp objects and the oven is working), and his parents have already received a notification about this. Older children do not need such precision.

Schoolchildren can already be trusted with a smartphone with a GPS application, a wearable gadget, and classic “boxes.” Manufacturers often add various social and interactive functions here: like the ability to chat with your favorite child or “family monitoring.” With its help, the child can now see on the map of the city where his parents are currently located.

Older kids, college students and high school graduates are a different story. They get behind the wheel of a motorcycle, and sometimes a car. GPS gadgets with speed level detection have been developed especially for such “children.” As soon as your child exceeds the required speed threshold, you will know about it! Well, of course, plastic watches with Mickey Mouse will not suit older brothers and sisters at all. You can also purchase a GPS bracelet or smart watch for them. This is now fashionable among young people. Fortunately, tracking functions are also provided there.

Are trackers legal for children? Are GPS beacons legal?

Any reasonable person, before starting to follow someone, should think about the legality of his action. Moreover, many countries are actively fighting against all spy technologies (including those related to GPS). The solution to this issue must be sought based on three factors. On the one hand, from the human right to freedom of personality and movement, written in ALL world constitutions. On the other hand, you need to remember about the feasibility factor of tracking and judicial precedents. Let us explain what we are talking about.

If someone decides to spy on an adult with whom he is not related, this will be a significant reason for legal proceedings. There have already been cases in the world when the court sentenced individuals to large fines for installing GPS trackers on the vehicles of their friends. This action is contrary to a person's right to personal freedom and pursues the interests of another person. A well-known portal gives an example: one of the American employers monitored the movements of subordinates without their knowledge... and ended up in the dock. I forgot that his employees are individuals too!

However, this rule does not apply in cases where “big brother” carries out surveillance with the permission of the “victim”. Thus, owners of large transport companies often ask truckers to sign consent to install “beacons” in their cars. After this, it will be difficult for lawyers to find fault with such “espionage.”

But what to do when it comes to the control of minors? Shouldn't we sign contracts with them? Here we need to look for another expediency. For example, geolocation becomes relevant when it comes to state control over deviant individuals. The IBLS legal portal provides an example of an interesting trial. In one of the US states, a 16-year-old teenager was required to carry a GPS tracker with him: he often misbehaved and got into trouble. And the police decided to force him to go to school. The teenager went to court for infringement of personal rights... and lost. The judge ruled that both society and the boy himself benefit from this surveillance.

The second case of expedient surveillance concerns tracking that ensures the safety of the life of a minor. Until the age of legal capacity, parents are responsible for the health, safety and actions of their children. This means that it will be very difficult for the court to prove their guilt in spying on their own daughter or son. And what? They decided so for them - they have the right!

To justify such actions, the child’s verbal consent or weighty arguments about the danger existing in his life will be sufficient. In any case, so far there have been no judicial precedents in the world refuting this fact. Even if you imagine that some rowdy boy or girl gets offended and decides to sue his family mom and dad... it will be very difficult for him to convict them. Indirect proof of the legality of “children’s GPS tracking” is the free sale of specialized gadgets throughout the world. If the authorities were against it, they would suffer the fate of FM beacons and spy cameras. which we have already discussed in our review of spy gadgets.

True, one caveat needs to be made here too. When purchasing child tracking devices, check to see if they have a built-in camera or voice recorder. In this case, the gadget is already classified as a prohibited spy device. There are a lot of such gadgets on various Chinese online markets. So, be careful.

Panic button for children and other useful functions of children's trackers

In addition to the main functions, a kids tracker should have all sorts of nice bonuses. One of the most popular features of children's trackers is the "panic button". When the owner of the gadget gets into some kind of trouble, the “alarm” calls his parents for help. Or sends an SMS with the exact coordinates of the “trouble”, or connects their phones with a direct call signal.

A less important, but very common service is a movement log. In it you can see directly on the city map all the routes of movement of the tracker’s owner during the day. With the help of the journal, parents check whether they missed any dangerous actions of the child during the day, whether he always did what he was supposed to do, etc. This memory is not dimensionless: as a rule, the “history of walks” is enough for a couple of weeks . For the best models, this period is extended to 2-3 months.

We have already written about determining the speed of an object. With the help of an electronic speedometer, you can find out not only whether your young cyclist follows the traffic rules, but also how well the school bus driver can drive. Well, or the neighbor whom you asked to take your child home.

Some, very advanced devices, search on the map... for sex offenders. In the USA and a number of countries there are electronic databases of pedophiles and child abductors. These bases “remember” the criminal’s place of residence, as well as the areas of his work and habitat. So, for a fee, any US or UK citizen can set an “alarm alert” to their tracker. It will be sent to the parents’ phone, even if the son or daughter simply walks past the old pedophile’s house.

Of course, the interactive 21st century has not left kids trackers clients without communication. Their software can connect geolocation data with similar social networking services. Kids love checking in on maps on Facebook and Twitter! Why not do this with a tracking app? And they feel fashionable, and their parents take care of their peace. For the most friendly families, children's trackers provide chats, dialers and the exchange of short text messages.

Which models combine all these delights, and which have only a minimum of useful functions? Let's try to figure it out in a review of specific family trackers.

Monitoring children without GPS

We promised to introduce you to models that do not rely on the GPS standard in their work? Please! Manufacturers of baby trackers regularly turn to old radio wave technology for help.

Parents of the smallest children are best familiar with such devices. It is clear that radio waves are not capable of controlling the movement of a person over long distances. But they can keep track of a child in one house or even a small yard. And the best example in this area is Guardian Angel. This is a real bestseller and a favorite of caring mothers.

The creators of this device worked for a long time with statistics on child accidents and disappearances. And they found out that babies very often get into trouble in close proximity to their parents. In their opinion, either parental attention or their “Guardian Angel” can prevent loss. GA monitors the site from a distance from 10 to 50 meters from parents, who still have the remote control key fob in their hands (in new versions - up to 160 meters). And a baby with a cute pendant toy can calmly crawl around them. But as soon as he gets out of the permitted zone, the parents will hear a corresponding signal. If they do not see the child at this moment, then the light indicator will show them which direction to move. Like a game of hot and cold, it will only glow when they are on the right path. This device costs about 40-50 dollars.

It’s interesting that the developers also took care of large families. At a bargain price you can purchase a set with 4 beacons for kids at once.

Another example of how a children's tracker works without GPS - project LociLoci. The program works on a principle known to iPhone users using the “Find My iPhone” service as an example. This application can be installed on absolutely any smartphone for a small amount (in Britain - 5 pounds). At the same time, the phone may not have the notorious GPS sensor. The program will still calculate the location of the object: this principle will be effective only if the child begins to carry the gadget with him! Well, the second condition is that you must have the same program. After all, this is an online service, and to search for a daughter or son, parents will have to go online. Everything seems simple, but there is also a significant drawback: unlike many classic sensors, LociLoci will be completely useless if you have a negative Internet account on your mobile phone.

Trackers for smartphones, tracking applications

Finally, here are a couple of popular examples of mobile child tracking systems. Their main advantage is their relatively low price and the availability of new special features linked to your smartphones and your child’s phone. There are two types of mobile trackers: they are either provided by your mobile operator or by independent application developers. The option of “friendship” with a cellular operator seems more tempting to us. Although such applications do not have an “average price,” they can already be found in almost all countries of the world. In this review, we would not like to advertise to any of the giants of the communications market, so we will simply tell you how the “operator tracking” system works.

Typically, such applications work at the intersection of GPS and GSM standards, and at the same time are supplemented with some kind of internal mobile statistics. Geolocation here is quite standard: the customer receives the same coordinates, the same warnings about dangerous areas as on the “classic”. But this case is framed quite interestingly. So, the operator can tell you about the child’s calls, his activity on the Internet and SMS correspondence. You will know even from a distance whether the battery of his phone is low, whether the mobile phone is turned off or working, whether there is money in the account. Are you finished? The same application will help parents to throw a “dollar or two” into the student’s account. He definitely won't mind.

The advantage of such programs is the wide variety of types of notifications: from old SMS to fashionable pop-up messages on the mobile phone screen, visible even in sleep mode. As with Pocket Finder, you will have to pay a monthly subscription fee. But you won’t have to buy any separate sensors, and this is already a certain saving.

Do you want independence from large corporations and do not plan to monitor your child’s SMS correspondence? Then take a closer look at free mobile applications like Life360, Canary, Children Tracker. In America, for example, there are dozens of similar services. Yes, not all of them reached Russia, but experts predict the appearance of analogues on the Russian market ( Locator-tracker, Tracker-plus- have already appeared). Fortunately, you don’t need to invent anything: these programs work on the same geolocation principle and are similar, like twin brothers. You also have to pay for them, but an order of magnitude less than for mobile operators. And a little less - than for the developers of advanced trackers from the last part of our text.

What are the disadvantages, you ask? They are also available: firstly, phones discharge much faster than special GPS devices. And they don’t “catch satellites” so well: in big cities they can glitch. But it is these programs that have gone the furthest in matters of interactivity: each service has turned into a small social network where the whole family and the child’s friends can communicate. And what? More fun together!

Summarize

Most often, parents of primary schoolchildren and teenagers think about buying children's trackers. These people are the target audience of most tracking device manufacturers. And for them we can recommend, first of all, separate GPS devices. When we talk about child safety, we mean the maximum reliability of technology. But a mobile phone and inexpensive applications cannot always give us this. Another thing is gadgets like Pocket Finder. Yes, you will have to spend 100, or even 200 dollars + a regular subscription fee. But it was the developers of these devices who thought through all the details that can calm an overly excited and even the most worried parent!

Well, for parents of little ones who want to rely on a radio transmitter, let us remind you once again that at a very early age the best tracker will still be... their own attention!

The emergence of private enterprises and farms encountered such a relic of Soviet times as the love of workers to solve their own problems during working hours.

And the fact that at a state-owned enterprise was considered a common occurrence for an entrepreneur can threaten bankruptcy. Therefore, modern employers pay great attention to discipline in production.

The best solution currently is to use special tracking devices, one of which is a portable GPS tracker. This is a miniature device capable of monitoring an object using satellite communications and reporting all its movements.

Scope of application

These devices managed to quickly gain their place in the market. Today, the main users of such devices are entrepreneurs.

Many of them have to maintain a large staff of sales representatives, couriers, and sales agents who spend most of their working day outside the office.

And in order to control them, you have to resort to using portable GPS beacons. Many may argue that there is a mobile phone. But control through him is possible only if the manager completely trusts the employee. But even in this case, timely verification is necessary.

There is an even greater need for such a device among the owners of transport companies, when they not only have to track the movement of vehicles according to the route, but also know whether they have actually been stuck in a traffic jam for a long time? By installing a mini GPS tracker on your cargo, you don’t have to worry about its safety and timely delivery.

Watch a video about tracker watches:

However, private individuals also use such equipment to monitor their child’s attendance at school, timely attendance at a club or section, and also to be aware of all his movements. And this is not total surveillance, but concern for his safety in the first place.

There is another category of users - older people. They often have health problems, and if this happens on the street, it is not always possible to find compassion from others in such a place today. And if an elderly person has a GPS tracker in his purse, then you can always know where it is.

Miniature GPS beacons are no less popular among outdoor enthusiasts. And when going to the mountains, forest or fishing and taking the device with you, you can always locate a member of the tourist group who is behind or lost.

Miniature GPS beacon device

The operation of the device is monitoring. That is, it determines the coordinates of an object using GPS and sends them to the server at specified time intervals.

Once in the computer, they will be available to the person monitoring the facility where the portable GPS beacon is installed.

Thanks to special software installed on the server, the path will be marked with dots on the map. Moreover, the information will be available from any computer connected to the Internet or mobile device.

In addition, this tracking system has additional functions. One of them is a geo-event or violation of the boundaries indicated on the map. If it’s portable, then this could be his way out of school. Moreover, it is possible to program the device so that in this case it sends an emergency SMS message to a specific phone number.

Let's watch a video of how this device works:

In terms of design, this is a device based on two modules:

In addition, it includes a rechargeable battery, non-volatile memory and internal or external antennas.

Where are the smallest trackers used?

The scope of application of such equipment is very wide. Having miniature dimensions, the tracker can be hidden in a car or luggage, allowing you to monitor vehicles and valuable cargo.

It is convenient to use such devices for monitoring children. They may be in a clothing pocket or purse.

Mini GPS trackers are also used to ensure the safety of pets. Due to their miniature size, they can be attached to a collar.

Review of the smallest tracking devices

Let's start getting to know the kids with the Stickr TrackR tracker. Its dimensions are comparable to a medium-diameter coin.

This device works great with smartphones, allowing their owners to track the movement of any objects on which this miniature device is attached.

It can be installed on a bicycle or a dog's collar. The smallest GPS tracker can be easily sewn into clothing or attached to a key fob. The battery installed in it lasts for a year of operation. The device works by determining the coordinates of an object with just one click on a button in a smartphone application. In addition, the signal may indicate the loss of an object if the distance to the tracker is exceeded.

The device is placed in a housing whose dimensions are:

1. 2.5 cm diameter;
2. 0.5 cm thickness.

The range of the portable device reaches 40 meters, and connection to a smartphone is carried out using the Bluetooth 4.0 module. The device costs about $25.

Another interesting little one is the miniature GPS tracker Pchela-5. It allows you to track any object: from a car to a pet.

It has a built-in SKY-TRAQ chip, which allows you to quickly determine the coordinates of a child or vehicle. Moreover, they will be installed at the weakest signal. Data transfer is carried out via SMS or GPRS to your home computer. Unlike the previously discussed model, a portable GPS tracker can track the entire route.

Its operation is controlled using SMS commands. The presence of an SOS button on the tracker body allows you to immediately transfer the coordinates of the object to the owner’s phone. The device package includes:

• USB cable;
• Battery;
• Adapter;
• Disk with software.

And the last model that will be discussed in our review is the smallest GPS tracker Amber Alert GPS 2G. Its dimensions are: 1.77 x 1.68 x 78 inches.

It does not have a power switch, which means using it to monitor children will allow parents to know where their child is.

Since the device always remains on, it will transmit coordinates to the specified phone.

On the front side of the body of the smallest GPS tracker there is a button that can be used to send an SOS signal. It is necessary in case of an emergency and will allow the child to send SMS.

There is a USB port on the side of the miniature device. It is used to charge the battery through the included adapter. The device is so small that it can be easily carried in your pocket. In addition, it is resistant to mechanical stress, since its body is made of high-strength plastic.

The battery charge of the smallest GPS tracker lasts from 8 to 24 hours, depending on the number of packets sent. The device has good sensitivity, which makes monitoring stable and stable.

What users say

An increasing number of parents, worried about their children, are purchasing special devices for them that allow them to control their movement around the city. After all, cases of missing children are becoming more and more every year and it is better to be safe than to regret later that we could not help in time.

Watch the video and review the models:

Miniature GPS trackers are currently considered the most effective devices. They can be easily attached to a belt or backpack, or can be attached to clothing. And then, wherever the child goes, you will always know about his whereabouts. In addition, many tracker models have an SOS button, by pressing which the baby can send an alarm message.

Those parents who have already purchased such devices note that now they are completely calm about their children. Portable GPS trackers are ready to send coordinates at any moment, and many models and the route of your child’s movement. In addition, they do not interfere with the child at all, as they are miniature in size and negligible in weight. And the cost of such equipment is quite low, so every family can afford it.