|
Cellular forums Home > Archive > Garmin GPS > March 2008 > Freeware for covert tracking of another vehicle
You are viewing an archived Text-only version of the thread.
To view this thread in it's original format and/or if you want to reply to
this thread please [click here]
| Author |
Freeware for covert tracking of another vehicle
|
|
|
| Is there any freeware or low-price solution (say less than a hundred bucks)
that an individual can obtain in order to perform real-time covert (as in
spying) tracking of a vehicle?
| |
| Mike Easter 2008-03-13, 4:33 am |
| johac wrote:
> Is there any freeware or low-price solution (say less than a hundred
> bucks) that an individual can obtain in order to perform real-time
> covert (as in spying) tracking of a vehicle?
Are you going to do it with GPS or can you (the tail) stay close?
--
Mike Easter
| |
|
| On Wed, 12 Mar 2008 20:40:48 -0700, Mike Easter wrote:
> Are you going to do it with GPS or can you (the tail) stay close?
I'm not sure what you're getting at, but, yes, I can "stay close" in so
much as the vehicle is owned by me. It's just not driven by me.
Is that what you mean by "stay close"?
| |
| zephyr 2008-03-13, 4:33 am |
| Might be a bit more, as a device is needed to track and record/transmit =
the data:
http://www.alltrackusa.com/compare.html
http://www.brickhousesecurity.com/r...kingsystem.html
"johac" <jhachmann@remove.sbcglobal.net> wrote in message =
news:fra7c3$u68$1@ai
oe.org...
| Is there any freeware or low-price solution (say less than a hundred =
bucks)
| that an individual can obtain in order to perform real-time covert (as =
in
| spying) tracking of a vehicle?
| |
| Pegleg 2008-03-13, 10:33 am |
| On Wed, 12 Mar 2008 20:35:00 -0700, johac
<jhachmann@remove.sbcglobal.net> wrote:
>Is there any freeware or low-price solution (say less than a hundred bucks)
>that an individual can obtain in order to perform real-time covert (as in
>spying) tracking of a vehicle?
You've been watching too many spy movies! Software doesn't "track"
anything...there has to be a device in/on the vehicle that in real time
transmits/sends the position data to a "receiver" of some type that then
sends that information through an internet connection which is accessed
by a computer that is running mapping software that can display the
information.
| |
| Ban Spam 2008-03-13, 12:33 pm |
| Not in real-time. Why don't you buy a GPS that
has a "bread crumb" feature, install it covertly,
then remove it each night and see where the bread
crumb trail shows the vehicle has been?
| |
| iNcReDuLoUs 2008-03-13, 12:33 pm |
| johac <jhachmann@remove.sbcglobal.net> wrote:
> Is there any freeware or low-price solution (say less than a hundred
> bucks) that an individual can obtain in order to perform real-time
> covert (as in spying) tracking of a vehicle?
The people you want to ask, j, are Donna Ohl and Tara Glidden. They've
been collaborating on a freeware solution to your problem.
--
I lurk, therefore I am. If I post, I am iNcReDuLoUs.
| |
|
| On Thu, 13 Mar 2008 06:20:06 -0700, Pegleg wrote:
> there has to be a device in/on the vehicle that in real time
> transmits/sends the position data to a "receiver" of some type that then
> sends that information through an internet connection which is accessed
> by a computer that is running mapping software that can display the
> information.
Yes. That's EXACTLY what I'm talking about! Where is there a review of the
best tracking packages (transmitter/receiver plus software)?
I can't find a single decent review on the web. That implies that these
devices really do not work since the only thing I can find are scores of
advertisements but no reliable reviews.
| |
|
| On Thu, 13 Mar 2008 11:35:11 -0500, Ban Spam wrote:
> buy a GPS that has a "bread crumb" feature
I had not thought of that but I would think the greatest disadvantage of a
standard GPS device is that the antenna might not work while the GPS is
inside the hood or inside the wheel well.
That brings up an interesting point.
HOW do the tracking devices handle hiding the tell-tale antenna?
| |
|
| On 13 Mar 2008 16:37:59 GMT, iNcReDuLoUs wrote:
> The people you want to ask, j, are Donna Ohl and Tara Glidden. They've
> been collaborating on a freeware solution to your problem.
Do you utilize social engineering or header-information?
| |
| John Tserkezis 2008-03-14, 4:33 am |
| johac wrote:
> I had not thought of that but I would think the greatest disadvantage of a
> standard GPS device is that the antenna might not work while the GPS is
> inside the hood or inside the wheel well.
That limitation is not unique, ALL receivers will have that issue.
> That brings up an interesting point.
> HOW do the tracking devices handle hiding the tell-tale antenna?
Ahem. You hide it where they're unlikely to look, and has a good view of
the sky at the same time.
From there you have to get creative. Just sticking it under the gas tank or
wheel well like the do in the movies, only ever works in the movies.
--
Linux Registered User # 302622
<http://counter.li.org>
| |
|
| On Fri, 14 Mar 2008 16:01:05 +1100, John Tserkezis wrote:
> Ahem. You hide it where they're unlikely to look, and has a good view of
> the sky at the same time.
Where would a spot that can't be seen yet can see the sky be in a Ford
Explorer?
The driver is tall so he can look over the top so the roof racks can't hold
it.
Where do you hide a GPS tracking device on an SUV?
| |
| John Tserkezis 2008-03-14, 4:33 am |
| johac wrote:
> Where would a spot that can't be seen yet can see the sky be in a Ford
> Explorer? The driver is tall so he can look over the top so the roof
> racks can't hold it. Where do you hide a GPS tracking device on an SUV?
You can take advantage of the fact that if the driver is almost always the
only one to drive the vehicle, they're unlikely to wander over, or to even
look at the passenger side.
This is risky of course, but should buy you a bit of time without spending a
lot of effort in hiding it.
Perhaps stuck to the bumper (along the side) might be an option. If you're
careful with the positioning and colour matching, they may even miss it. It's
surprising how one can "miss" things that are the same day in day out. You're
brain doesn't register small changes.
You also might be able to get a good enough lock with the antenna positioned
on it's side. You obviously lose half the birds because it's on the side of
the car anyway, but if it's a decent receiver, it can still get a lock, and
still have options for covert-ish positioning.
If you have access to the inside, against the glass is an obvious choice,
but also hide it behind things that are already in the vehicle. Take
advantage of headrests, carpets, mats, whatever, if they're large enough and
in the right place.
--
Linux Registered User # 302622
<http://counter.li.org>
| |
| Charles 2008-03-14, 4:33 am |
| On Thu, 13 Mar 2008 22:13:32 -0700, johac
<jhachmann@remove.sbcglobal.net> wrote:
>On Fri, 14 Mar 2008 16:01:05 +1100, John Tserkezis wrote:
>
>Where would a spot that can't be seen yet can see the sky be in a Ford
>Explorer?
>
>The driver is tall so he can look over the top so the roof racks can't hold
>it.
>
>Where do you hide a GPS tracking device on an SUV?
Put it inside a Garfield thing stuck to a window.
http://cgi.ebay.com/GARFIELD-CAT-PL...ViewIt
em
I've been thinking that the delorme blue logger would be a good device
for this application.
| |
| John Tserkezis 2008-03-14, 4:33 am |
| Charles wrote:
> Put it inside a Garfield thing stuck to a window.
Nice idea, but don't you think the owner would notice a new Garfield doll on
their window? :-)
Or is the plan something like the trojan horse, where you give the doll as a
"gift" with ulterior motives?
Would only work if you know the target, or, have access to someone on good
terms with the target, who can pass it on to them, and preferably fit it too,
as the doll would be much heavier than normal.
Impossible if you can't get someone to pass it on, or if they are not
willing participants to the tracking of the target.
It thus makes things difficult generally to rely on this technique.
--
Linux Registered User # 302622
<http://counter.li.org>
| |
| Krazee Brenda 2008-03-14, 4:33 am |
| On Fri, 14 Mar 2008 18:46:01 +1100, John Tserkezis wrote:
> Charles wrote:
>
>
> Nice idea, but don't you think the owner would notice a new Garfield doll on
> their window? :-)
I would I hate the yellow XXXXer.
--
See Brenda's UniWorldWare
http://tinyurl.com/nm2yt
| |
| Edwin Pawlowski 2008-03-14, 7:33 am |
|
"johac" <jhachmann@remove.sbcglobal.net> wrote in message
news:frd096$hcj$1@ai
oe.org...
> On Thu, 13 Mar 2008 11:35:11 -0500, Ban Spam wrote:
>
>
> I had not thought of that but I would think the greatest disadvantage of a
> standard GPS device is that the antenna might not work while the GPS is
> inside the hood or inside the wheel well.
>
> That brings up an interesting point.
>
> HOW do the tracking devices handle hiding the tell-tale antenna?
The one I had was integrated right into the unit, the entire unit was
mounted under the dash. Nothing at all visible,but it took 30 minutes to
install. Many trucks have tracking devices like that.
| |
| Blank Field 2008-03-14, 10:33 am |
| Hide it inside the grill at the front of the vehicle. Or
use the existing front bumper license plate bolts. The
antennas are small enough that it probably will not be
seen. If there is no metallic content window tint film,
you might be able to place it atop the plastic work near
a rear window. If the vehicle is not well-kept, you could
throw some dust on it so it will blend in and look like
it's been there for awhile. Your mark may even think it
was there since the vehicle was new and not even think
about it. What are you trying to do- trap a cheating
husband/wife? Just hire a PI and pay them for a few days
work! Then you'll have a reliable witness who can testify
in court too!
> HOW do the tracking devices handle hiding the tell-tale antenna?
>
| |
| iNcReDuLoUs 2008-03-14, 10:33 am |
| johac <jhachmann@remove.sbcglobal.net> wrote:
> On 13 Mar 2008 16:37:59 GMT, iNcReDuLoUs wrote:
>
> Do you utilize social engineering or header-information?
That would be off-topic here. You'll have to ask Donna and Tara or one of
their many friends.
--
I lurk, therefore I am. If I post, I am iNcReDuLoUs.
| |
| ellis_jay 2008-03-14, 10:33 am |
| johac wrote:
> Is there any freeware or low-price solution (say less than a hundred
> bucks) that an individual can obtain in order to perform real-time
> covert (as in spying) tracking of a vehicle?
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&...G=Google+Search
--
He that cometh to seek after knowledge, with a mind to scorn, shall be
sure to find matter for his humour, but no matter for his instruction.
__Francis Bacon..Advancement of Learning, Book I(1605)
Ellis_Jay
| |
| ddebar 2008-03-14, 10:33 am |
| Put a GPS, in the tracking mode, in a cardboard box like a small box of
candy or a Kleenex box with several tissues on top of it. Card board,
paper, cloth and most glass it transparent to radio waves.
Attaching an external antenna opens many possibilities. Only a few inches
of the end of the wire need to have a view of the sky. You will need some
time alone with the car to plant the device.
I bet you could just jam it under a back seat and run the external antenna
wire near the rear window, tucked into the back rest. Use lithium batteries
to get long life from the batteries.
Test it out by installing it in your own car first to make sure it works.
I'm sorry you feel the need to do this.
Dave
"johac" <jhachmann@remove.sbcglobal.net> wrote in message
news:fra7c3$u68$1@ai
oe.org...
> Is there any freeware or low-price solution (say less than a hundred
> bucks)
> that an individual can obtain in order to perform real-time covert (as in
> spying) tracking of a vehicle?
| |
| Richard Steinfeld 2008-03-14, 3:34 pm |
| ddebar wrote:
> Put a GPS, in the tracking mode, in a cardboard box like a small box of
> candy or a Kleenex box with several tissues on top of it. Card board,
> paper, cloth and most glass it transparent to radio waves.
>
> Attaching an external antenna opens many possibilities. Only a few inches
> of the end of the wire need to have a view of the sky. You will need some
> time alone with the car to plant the device.
>
> I bet you could just jam it under a back seat and run the external antenna
> wire near the rear window, tucked into the back rest. Use lithium batteries
> to get long life from the batteries.
This is good.
What I want is software that tells me, at all times, where Dick Cheney
is, what he's doing, and his conversations.
All this one-sided secrecy and spooking is just not fair! These bullies
are spying on us illegally and working in the shadows all the time. And
it began from the moment they went to work. I'm just not safe from them
"in my person and effects." If they can spy on me against the law, it's
time for us to be able to spy on them. After all, they work for us, right?
What would you do with an employee who kept you, his employer, in the
dark, claiming all the time that it was for "security?" You'd fire the
bastard, right? You'd kick his XXX out the door in a heartbeat, right?
Hmmmm.
Richard
| |
|
| On Fri, 14 Mar 2008 11:19:46 -0400, ddebar wrote:
> Put a GPS, in the tracking mode, in a cardboard box like a small box of
> candy or a Kleenex box with several tissues on top of it.
This sounds like a GREAT idea!
I wonder what the legality is of putting a tracking device on another
person's car, whether you own it or not. Do you know?
| |
| John Tserkezis 2008-03-16, 4:33 am |
| johac wrote:
[color=darkred]
> This sounds like a GREAT idea!
I've already mentioned this, don't you think the owner is going to notice
something like a new tissue box in their car? More so, if they move it out of
the way, the extra weight and rattling of a GPS unit within the box will most
certainly be noticed too.
--
Linux Registered User # 302622
<http://counter.li.org>
| |
| user@invalid.invalid 2008-03-16, 4:33 am |
| On Sun, 16 Mar 2008 00:36:00 -0700, johac
<jhachmann@remove.sbcglobal.net> wrote:
>On Fri, 14 Mar 2008 11:19:46 -0400, ddebar wrote:
>
>This sounds like a GREAT idea!
>
>I wonder what the legality is of putting a tracking device on another
>person's car, whether you own it or not. Do you know?
Nothing's illegal unless you're caught...
| |
| Nicolaas Hawkins 2008-03-16, 4:33 am |
| On Sun, 16 Mar 2008 00:36:00 -0700, johac <jhachmann@remove.sbcglobal.net>
wrote in <news:L54Dj.757$p24.434@nlpi061.nbdc.sbc.com>:
> On Fri, 14 Mar 2008 11:19:46 -0400, ddebar wrote:
>
> This sounds like a GREAT idea!
>
> I wonder what the legality is of putting a tracking device on another
> person's car, whether you own it or not. Do you know?
Stop and think for a moment: If you own it, it is not another person's
car; regardless of who may drive it, it is still your car to do with as
you will. End of argument.
--
- Nic.
| |
| Pegleg 2008-03-16, 10:33 am |
| On Fri, 14 Mar 2008 13:05:09 -0700, Richard Steinfeld
< rgsteinBUTREMOVETHIS
@sonicANDTHISTOO.net> wrote:
>This is good.
>What I want is software that tells me, at all times, where Dick Cheney
>is, what he's doing, and his conversations.
Boy! Please adjust your tinfoil hat to a different angle!
| |
| Edwin Pawlowski 2008-03-16, 3:33 pm |
|
"johac" <jhachmann@remove.sbcglobal.net> wrote in message
>
> I wonder what the legality is of putting a tracking device on another
> person's car, whether you own it or not. Do you know?
If you own it, do as you please. If you don't own it, you are trespassing
and possible other charges for damage would apply.
| |
| Richard Owlett 2008-03-16, 10:33 pm |
| johac wrote:
> On Fri, 14 Mar 2008 11:19:46 -0400, ddebar wrote:
>
>
>
> This sounds like a GREAT idea!
>
> I wonder what the legality is of putting a tracking device on another
> person's car, whether you own it or not. Do you know?
What about local "anti stalking" laws????
| |
| Dale DePriest 2008-03-20, 12:33 pm |
|
johac wrote:
> On Fri, 14 Mar 2008 16:01:05 +1100, John Tserkezis wrote:
>
> Where would a spot that can't be seen yet can see the sky be in a Ford
> Explorer?
>
> The driver is tall so he can look over the top so the roof racks can't hold
> it.
>
> Where do you hide a GPS tracking device on an SUV?
A surprising amount of plastic is used these days. Sometimes a gps in a
glovebox will work fine since the dash is plastic. Other choices include
the plastic covers on tail lights etc. depending on how much sky can be
seen from that location.
Dale
--
_ _ Dale DePriest
/`) _ // http://users.cwnet.com/dalede
o/_/ (_(_X_(` For GPS and GPS/PDAs
|
|
|
|
|