Finally, my new Xexun TK102-2 tracker arrived. It’s a small and portable GPS tracking unit that you can either carry or put in a car. Note that fake trackers are being sold. You can check the IMEI on the Xexun website.

Package contents
1x Xexun TK102-2
1x Power supply with normal and micro USB plug
2x 860 mAh batteries
1x desktop battery charger
1x Magnetic battery cover for TK102 (easy mounting)
1x Manual

<insert pics here>

 

 

Mobile

The tracker requires a SIM card for connectivity. The cheapest mobile integration I have found is using Simyo Netherlands. This KPN subsidiary is also available in Belgium, Germany and Spain. Don’t know if the rates in these countries are just as good.

The most interesting part about their prepaid offering are the rates: € 0.10 per 100Kb, paid per Kb.
So 10Kb = € 0.01. At the end I only spend between €7,50 and €10 per year!
Disadvantage: No data connection outside the country where you ordered the SIM.

 

Power

12 volts. The question is: how do you want to connect it: permanent 12v or switched 12v.
Permanent: it will always work but could drain your battery
Switched: it will never drain your battery but it might take some time before the device starts sending its location.

 

Mounting

Have to think about it. With previous cars my experience was that a GPS device mounted between the glove box and the top of the dash is good enough for the GPS signal.
Have to check where it can be mounted easily and (optional) removed very easily. Don’t want it to be visible in case the car gets stolen (people don’t expect a GPS tracker in such a small car).
It will also depend on the availability of switched 12v power connections.

Something else to keep in mind: Do you want to mount the tracking device with the battery inserted or not?
– With battery: it will keep sending data for up to 8hrs (until the battery runs empty)
– Without battery: it will stop sending data the second power is switched off (when you leave the car)

 

Homeseer Integration

I will integrate this tracker using the same method as with my other tracker, the TK103.

 

 

Configuration

I will integrate this tracker using the same method as with my other tracker, the TK103.

First, put the SIM in a normal phone and make sure it does not ask for a PIN code.
Next, make sure voicemail is switched OFF.
begin123456 (clears configuration of tracker)
> BEGIN ok
(optional) password123456 XXXXXX (if you want to change 123456 to something else)
> PASSWORD ok
adminXXXXXX 0611223344 (your cellphone number – so it knows that commands send by your phone are valid)
> ADMIN ok
apnXXXXXX basicinternet (APN of your provider)
> APN ok
adminipXXXXXX 193.193.165.166 20157 (IP and PORT number of GPS-TRACE tracking service)
> ADMINIP ok
t030s***nXXXXXX (t030 = every 30 seconds, s***n = unlimited messages, replace *** with number of messages it may send)
> T030S***N ok
trackerXXXXXX (enable sending of location via IP)
> tracker ok!
nobatteryXXXXXX (optional: to disable low battery messages – trust me, you want this!)
> no response
tlimitXXXXXX 200 (only report location when moved >200 meters)
> TLIMIT ok!

(optional) imeiXXXXXX (will return the IMEI of your device)
> 493949292294872

 

More info

• GPS Tracking script for homeseer
• TK103 tracker information
• Geofence configuration
• Car Tracking info

• Nikingstore website describing the TK102 configuration (nice)
• Discussion thread on Xexun trackers
  (note: worst forum I’ve ever seen. Only 1 thread with 175 pages. No structure at all. But.. IF you take the time to go through it you might pickup some valuable info)