Trackers

[Teutonic_Tamer]

Got this from a search on a car security installer's website:

"This is the system that monitors the vehicle that it is fitted to 24hours a day, hence the name Tracker Monitor. This system works on a mercury switch that is activated when the ignition is turned off. If the vehicle is started without the ignition key, or is moved, whether it has been broken into or not, the Tracker control centre will inform both the owner of the vehicle and the Police that the car has been moved without the ignition key being used and the process of recovery can then start. As this is monitored 24Hrs a day it doesn't matter when or where the vehicle is stolen from (UK Only), Tracker will let you know as soon as the vehicle is moved."

That is for the older, but still current system.  The newer units use even more advanced technologies. 

I believe that Monitor will activate if the vehicle is moved without the ignition on.  I.e. towed or lifted.  I think it's more applicable to motorbikes, jet skis etc that can be towed and lifted more easily.  For a theft with keys then you have to inform tracker (works like the basic one).  I don't think the tag is used on Monitor.  I wouldn't mind a definitive answer though as this is still all speculation.

The Monitor and the Horizon work in exactly the same way, and they don't use key tags.

[kidad]

It was a straightforward question; your childish rant is wholly uncalled for TT, but I hope you got something out of it anyway.

The answer seems to be that it doesn't actually detect all illegal movement at all. The website is incredibly unclear (to the point of being misleading) on this point, presumably as it highlights a shortcoming in the lesser systems, in that if your keys are gone the system does nothing until you notice the car is gone. Living near to one of Europe's major docks, this would be a concern. Unlikely they could be quick enough, but still a concern.

I think itÂ’ll have to be the premium system then.

[Teutonic_Tamer]

It was a straightforward question; your childish rant is wholly uncalled for TT, but I hope you got something out of it anyway.

It may well have been a straightforward question that you posted, but my reply certainly was not a childish rant.  Nobody else, appart from your good self seems to have taken an issue with my stance.  Shall we just agree to disagree on that issue, and call a truce?   

The answer seems to be that it doesn't actually detect all illegal movement at all.

Oh, all the Tracker units detect "illegal movement", but some units only detect certain types of illegal movement (moved without the keys), whereas the more expensive/comprehensive units detect additional methods of illegal movement (including movement with the keys).

The website is incredibly unclear (to the point of being misleading) on this point,

I sort of agree with you, but maybe Tracker themselves wish to be slightly cautious on the info they offer.  However, if you phone them directly, rather than, say trying to get the info from your VW stealer, they are much more helpful (usually!!!!).

presumably as it highlights a shortcoming in the lesser systems, in that if your keys are gone the system does nothing until you notice the car is gone.

Well, you are right to a point!  But not every car which is stolen, is taken with the keys, and in that respect, the "lesser" Tracker systems are still very, very good, with a proven track record.  Sadly, the crims are now aware that to steal the keys before the car itself, means it is so much easer to take your P&J.  However, one thing to bear in mind when choosing which type of Tracker would have to be the type of car you own:  is it highly desireable in terms of its' potential for resale, or merely just because it is a fast car with less value for resale!

Living near to one of Europe's major docks, this would be a concern. Unlikely they could be quick enough, but still a concern.

Now that would be one very important issue to weigh up when considering which unit to fit.  Bear in mind though, that all the major ports and docks have the Tracker detectors on them! 

I think itÂ’ll have to be the premium system then.

Wise move! 

[synnea]

I am picking up my R32 in about 2 weeks time. I intend to get a tracker fitted simply as piece of mind. To be honest the main way I feel she would be nicked will be a car jacking or someone breaking into my house. In both cases the theives will have my keys. Now can someone please clarify how these trackers work with the tags. Assuming that I keep the tag in my wallet, I assume the tracker will pick it up when im in the vehicle? So if someone takes my keys and not my wallet, tracker will flag unauthorised movement and phone me etc. I take it the key tag is reasonably small that it could fit in your wallet?

Or, if it get robbed and both my wallet and keys are taken, I would have to manually notifiy tracker the car has been stolen?

On another note, have any of you seen the Tracker RESPONSE system working. Does the website really allow you to log and in see the location of the car on a map at any time?

[Teutonic_Tamer]

I am picking up my R32 in about 2 weeks time. I intend to get a tracker fitted simply as piece of mind.

Well, that is the only reason, really - unless you know somebody who actually "plans" on getting their car stolen.!!! 

To be honest the main way I feel she would be nicked will be a car jacking or someone breaking into my house. In both cases the theives will have my keys. Now can someone please clarify how these trackers work with the tags.

No tag near the car, at any time the ignition is on, or whenever the battery is disconnected = immediate alert to Tracker secure data centre!

Assuming that I keep the tag in my wallet, I assume the tracker will pick it up when im in the vehicle? So if someone takes my keys and not my wallet, tracker will flag unauthorised movement and phone me etc.

Correct.

I take it the key tag is reasonably small that it could fit in your wallet?

It depends.  They arn't credit card size! 

Or, if it get robbed and both my wallet and keys are taken, I would have to manually notifiy tracker the car has been stolen?

Correct again! (you learn fast!  )

On another note, have any of you seen the Tracker RESPONSE system working. Does the website really allow you to log and in see the location of the car on a map at any time?

Yes, and yes!

[synnea]

Thank you for the above. Quick learner yes lol, im just trying to justify the price.

"Well, that is the only reason, really - unless you know somebody who actually "plans" on getting their car stolen.!!!  "

Just suddenly realised how that must of read lol oops.

Didnt know much about the trackers at all so I appreciate you info and clarification of my points 

[synnea]

Thank you for the above. Quick learner yes lol, im just trying to justify the price.

"Well, that is the only reason, really - unless you know somebody who actually "plans" on getting their car stolen.!!!  "

Just suddenly realised how that must of read lol oops.

Didnt know much about the trackers at all so I appreciate you info and clarification of my points 

[Teutonic_Tamer]

Thank you for the above. Quick learner yes lol, im just trying to justify the price.

No worries. 

They arn't cheap, but with a "proper" Tracker fitted, you are nigh-on guarenteed (99% actually) of a complete recovery.  When you compare the cost of the Tracker against any insurance excesses, inevitable premium increases, and general out of pocket uninsured expenses - then, should you be unlucky enough to have it stolen, the Tracker cost would pale into insignificance! 

"Well, that is the only reason, really - unless you know somebody who actually "plans" on getting their car stolen.!!!  "

Just suddenly realised how that must of read lol oops.

Sorry, I was just being a bit pedantic, 'cause another poster didn't like the "tone" of some of my previous comments.  No offence, mate!   

Didnt know much about the trackers at all so I appreciate you info and clarification of my points 

Any more Qs, then just as away. 

[synnea]

Any more Qs, then just as away. 

Dont worry mate it was all taken in good spirit. 

[Teutonic_Tamer]

Any more Qs, then just as away. 

Dont worry mate it was all taken in good spirit. 

OK, cool!

So which one are you going for?

Oh, and another tip for you - don't let the VW stealer fit it, instead, go to a Tracker-recognised independent Auto Electrician (who is also accredited by the VSIB).

Rgds