unhuman Posted September 13, 2013 Share Posted September 13, 2013 Hey guys, Just wondering if anyone here has had any experience with running those cheap GPS trackers that use a SIM card and are activated by sending text messages to them. Two weeks ago I brought one off the tard, the instructions came in chringish but a google search tells me it’s a TK101, looks like this: After only two weeks its already drained the battery to the point where the car won't start. Since it only happened this morning I haven't yet tested the battery / alternator etc, but as the battery is only 6 months old I'm suspecting the tracker is the prime suspect. Doing a google search on the subject does bring up some discussion on this, but the verdicts are mixed. Just wondering if anyone has some first-hand experience with these and/or recommended models to use. Apparently some models come with a sleep function that can reduce battery drain. As the one I have is only in my daily driver which I installed for testing purposes before I go about installing them in my project cars, I would like to get all the bugs sorted first. Cheers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flyingbrick Posted September 13, 2013 Share Posted September 13, 2013 The gayest part of these issues is usually finding the source of the drain. Since you know what yours is it'd be easy to just measure current draw? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yowzer Posted September 13, 2013 Share Posted September 13, 2013 The unit I deal with has a motion sensor built in so it only turns on if it moves, and in standby mode it pulls less than 10mAh. It'll pull 200mAh when transmitting but that's only for a second or two, which it only does if it moves. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
logan360 Posted September 13, 2013 Share Posted September 13, 2013 Disconnect it. see if your battery is still fine after a week. if it is, problem solved. if its not check current flow and central locking/radio/boot light. they most common one's we come across at work. also the odd faulty alarm system. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RUNAMUCK Posted September 13, 2013 Share Posted September 13, 2013 It shouldn't be hard to wire a cheap ammeter into the power supply to the tracker. That's what I use to trace power leaks. It's a cheap nasty chinese fucker that cost $9 from an Auto parts shop. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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