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Single use GPS Tracking Device

rictrajano

Hello,

I've found some devices like this in a pallet that I bought of clearance items. This are as far as I'm aware, single use tracking devices that suppliers put in containers or truckloads to make sure their items are delivered to their destination.

They don't have a charging port or any way to connect via USB.

My question is if there is any way that I could reuse them with my own SIM? What would be the steps that I have to take. Any app they might work with generic GPS trackers? I know that sometimes you have to send and sms to the SIM with certain keywords to get a response. Does anyone know what they would be?

It seems like a waste of a good GPS tracker. 

Thanks very much for your help

  • With no manufacturer name/product number or even a photo of what you've got, you're in a better position to guess than anyone else.

  • in reply to shabaz

    I forgot to attach the pictures. No brand, there is a serial number that when searched online doesn't come up with any result. Everything else is as I described. No charging port or any other information.

    Thanks for your reply

    imageimageimage

  • in reply to rictrajano

    It's not possible to see the detail (and the underside) on the board, however, it's likely you can reuse the module and antenna (the large brown square is the antenna but might also contain the GPS module, and maybe even the GSM module (sometimes they are completely integrated into one component).

    You'd need to find the datasheet of that component or components (there may be a part marking on them, or you can search for similar sized or other attribute, it may take a while though), and it should be straightforward to use it from that, together with any microcontroller (such as an Arduino etc).

    If you wished to use the existing board as-is, then that's more difficult. You could possibly reprogram the microcontroller (looks like there are pads for that) but you'll need a programming tool, and also you'd need to reverse-engineer the traces. That's likely not worthwhile use of time, if you could use an Arduino or other board you're familiar with, to control the GSM/GPS module.

  • in reply to shabaz

    Thanks very much for your reply. 

    Please find attached more pics of the module

    Sometimes you can send an SMS to this GPS and receive coordinates the problem is to know which text needs to be send so the module sends back the correct message.

    I can try and see if it works with the same words as all the generic GPS on the marked.

    If nothing works I believe I can workout something with an Arduino.

    Thanks again for your help

    'limageIimageimage