I had a idea that i been thinking of doing for awhile instead of getting something like low jack...

[G+_Alex Martinez]

I had a idea that i been thinking of doing  for awhile instead of getting something like low jack for my car . I was thinking wouldn't it be possible if you hook up a old iPhone or android and get the lowest data plan for it and just stick it into your car hidden in a car  panel and just run a line where you draw power and keep it charge. and if your car ever gets stolen you can find it with one of those GPS Apps.  I also was thinking  to save even more money is it possible to pay for one of those Pre paid plans and put the sim into the phone then and not pay for it till the car is stolen then  activate it again without having the phone in hand? 

[G+_Fr. Robert Ballecer, SJ]

I thought about that too... but then I went with a hardware solution because:

 

1. I don't want a device that might lock up, freeze, need periodic rebooting, or otherwise compromise it's purpose by needing user assistance.

 

2. The lowest-cost data plan that I could find for a device that will be constantly transmitting its location is in the realm of $30/month. I can get a dedicated device with a $5-$13/mo plan.

 

3. A dedicated device (like the eZoom) is power frugal, so even if it can't pull car power for multiple days, it will still be running.

 

4. A dedicated device is much smaller than even the smallest smart phone.

 

But I absolutely love the idea of using tech you already have. :)

[G+_Steve C]

You don't need to try and adapt a phone, they sell GPS trackers like that on eBay for $20.  Then all you need is the cheapest $10 for 90 day plan from T-Mobile to activate it. They even have a relay output that can disable the car when you send it the command then just check the location and go over there and beat up the crooks and get your car back. As long as you have the unit hidden, about the only weakness in this kind of plan is if they drive out of town quickly where there's no cellular service before you can get the location or disable the car they might get away but since it uses text messages to send the command it would still catch up with them when they got back into range.

[G+_Vincent Tompkins]

And if you're a licensed Amateur Radio operator you can take advantage of APRS and track it anywhere in the world via the aprs.fi and  no data plan