Review of a beacon for tracking a person. Radio tags and beacons will not allow you to forget or lose things. Selection from Medgadgets Search beacon
How do GPS beacons help find stolen cars? Most of the time, such devices are in a sleeping position and practically do not consume battery energy (the charge usually lasts for 1.5-3 years, depending on the chosen model). When devices are in this state, they cannot be “detected” by any device used by hijackers. They turn on once a day in order to determine their location. You can “contact” the GPS beacon by sending an SMS with a command. Having received such a message, the device will be able to send you the necessary data, such as the coordinates of its position, speed and direction of movement, and also, often, a link to a map. All this information makes it much easier to catch the thief and return the car. At the same time, by sending additional commands, you can change the frequency at which the GPS tracker turns on and receive messages once every 10 minutes or once an hour (but remember that if the device turns on too often, it can be detected using a signal detector).
Therefore, the use of GPS beacons together with a good alarm system reliably protects your car from car thieves. And even if the attacker managed to drive away in your car, you can always track the location of the car and return it. GPS beacon is a search device designed to periodically determine the GPS coordinates of an object’s location.
A GPS/Glonass tracking beacon is installed in a car (or any other movable object) so that it is hidden from prying eyes. The search beacon is usually no larger than a matchbox, so it can be hidden anywhere.
The beacon can operate both from the on-board network and autonomously for up to 3 years - depending on the model and operating conditions.
The summer season is coming. Millions of cats are moving from city apartments to summer cottages. Many of them disappear there - some for a while, and some forever. Modern gadgets - radio beacons and GPS trackers for cats - will help you not to lose your cat. All these devices are similar in appearance: they consist of a beacon and a receiver. The beacon can be attached to a collar, or it can be a ready-made collar with a built-in transmitter. Either a separate small device or a smartphone with a special program installed on it is used as a receiver.
A large selection of GPS beacons and trackers is presented in foreign online stores, but for some time now buying such devices via the Internet has turned into Russian roulette. Buying a harmless beacon can turn into a criminal case for the buyer, we even wrote a special article about this -!
Therefore, at the end of the review we will talk about the beacon, which can be officially purchased in Russia.
1. Cat Caller
The simplest device for locating “lost” cats consists of a beacon and a key fob. The beacon is attached to the collar, and you can carry the keychain with you or put it by the door. If the cat is out of sight, you press a button on the key fob, after which the beacon starts beeping loudly and the LED flashes. All you have to do is follow the sound.
You can connect three beacons to the key fob and “call” each animal individually or all at once. The beacons come with stickers on which you can write the cat’s name and your contacts.
Products webpage: thecatcaller.com. The price of the device is from $30 to $60, depending on the number of beacons. There are no direct deliveries to Russia.
2. “Girafus Pro-Track-Tor” and analogues
A simple device using RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology. It works on the principle of radar: the receiver receives a signal from the tag and indicates the direction in which to look for the cat. The direction is shown by LEDs, and the built-in “squeaker” reports the distance to the “object” - the closer the cat is, the more often it beeps.
Detection range is up to 500 meters in a straight line (in the absence of interference in the form of walls, trees, etc.) Each beacon weighs just over four grams, and up to 4 beacons can be connected to the receiver. In “sleep mode,” the battery built into the beacon lasts two months. But in search mode (up to 10 minutes daily), the beacon’s battery lasts for 2 – 4 weeks.
"Giraffus Pro-Track-Tor" sells for $69 to $111 (depending on the number of beacons included). There are no deliveries to Russia, but on amazon.com you can buy its analogue with two beacons and free shipping for $89: Ardi Pro-Track-Tor.
3. Pawscout Smart Tag
"Social" GPS tracker for cats and dogs. The beacon of this device is made in the form of a cute pendant on a collar. The device also comes with its own plastic collar with a special mount for a beacon. The diameter of the beacon is 4 cm, thickness – 1 cm, weight – 10 grams. On the back of the pendant you can engrave contact information (cat's name, your address and phone number). The beacons are available in different colors, and the receiver is a smartphone with a “social” application installed on it. The guaranteed detection range of a cat using the built-in radio radar is low, only 60 meters, but with the help of a “social” application it can be significantly expanded.
This mobile application is installed on a smartphone and allows you to determine the last location of the cat on the map, as well as configure useful functions:
- “virtual leash”. If the animal leaves the area you specified, the smartphone sounds an alarm.
- community of “defenders”. Your family and neighbors can install the same application and also track the movements of your animal. It is likely that the cat that “disappeared” from the field of view of your smartphone is clearly visible on the smartphone of Baba Valya from the neighboring house. In turn, you can see on the map which of the “defenders” is currently closest to the cat.
- a digital “passport” of your pet, which contains its photo, name, your contacts, as well as information about dietary preferences and health status.
- digital “leaflet”. In the event that the cat is still lost, you can send an “SOS” signal, which will be received by all users of the application.
The price of the beacon is only $30, the application for iOS and Android is free. Products webpage: pawscout.com. There are no direct deliveries to Russia.
4. Tabcat Cat Tracker
A simple but stylish radio beacon for cats allows you to locate an animal at a distance of up to 120 meters with a location accuracy of up to 2.5 cm. The set includes two beacons, multi-colored silicone cases for attaching balls to the collar and a stylish remote control the size of a credit card. The search direction is shown by LED indicators on the remote control, and the distance to the cat is indicated by a beeper. Another beeper is built into the beacon - if you wish, you can teach the cat to return home according to its signal. How to do it? Very simple. Attach the beacon to the cat's collar and every time you give him a treat, turn on the search on the remote control. Very soon the cat will get used to the fact that the beacon’s beeping means a treat, and will come to the “call.”
Products webpage: mytabcat.com. Buy on amazon.co.uk with delivery to Russia: £70
5. “Tractive” GPS tracker (Tractive GPS Pet Tracker)
The waterproof GPS beacon on the collar works in conjunction with a mobile application. Using Traktiv, you can track the movements of the animal on the map in real time, and if you set up a “safe” zone on the map, the application will notify you every time the cat tries to go beyond its limits. The coordinates are updated every second. The application stores the history of movements for a day - this gives you the opportunity to study all the routes of your pet’s adventures.
You can buy Traktiv on the manufacturer’s Russian-language website: tractive.com/ru. Prices range from $100 to $129 (a “discount” is announced periodically). The mobile plan depends on the chosen tariff and ranges from 3.75 to 4.15 euros per month.
6. "Pod"
The device’s GPS beacon is attached to the collar and communicates with a smartphone on which the corresponding mobile application is installed, via WiFi or a cellular network. The mobile plan for cellular networks is valid in Russia and is free for the first year of use, and for each subsequent year you will have to subscribe for $49.
Using a mobile application, you can determine the current location of the cat, monitor its activity and view the history of “adventures” for the last 8 hours. If you set up a “safe zone” on the map, the application will warn you every time the cat goes beyond its boundaries.
The large 29-gram beacon is powered by a built-in battery that can be recharged using the included USB docking station. In standby mode, the battery charge lasts for 6 days, in the “safe zone” control mode - for 2 - 3 days, and in active surveillance mode - for only 8 hours. The package includes 2 batteries, so you can charge one battery while the second one is working.
The price of the device on the manufacturer’s website, including an annual subscription to a mobile plan, is $199. Delivery to Russia – from $20. The manufacturer promises a discount of up to 50% on a new device if something happens to the old one, or if the manufacturer itself releases a new version. Products webpage: podtrackers.com.
8. PawTrack
The GPS collar, created specifically for cats, uses both the American GPS and the Russian GLONASS system. The collar weighs only 70 grams and is charged via a micro-USB port from a computer or a standard power supply for smartphones. One charge is enough for about 3 days of operation - provided that you set up a clever plan for the operation of the device. And the cunning plan is that the cellular and GPS transmitters are automatically turned off when the cat enters the range of the home WiFi network. But as soon as the collar loses contact with the home network, the transmitters turn on again, the PowTrack servers begin tracking, and a message is sent to the mobile application that the cat has left the building.
The accelerometer (motion sensor) built into the collar also helps save battery power: if the cat falls asleep and does not move, the accelerometer turns off the transmitters. But as soon as the cat moves, the tracking immediately resumes. The collar communicates with the smartphone’s mobile application via WiFi and the cellular network.
Information about the cat’s location is updated every 10 minutes, and the company’s servers allow you to view it on Google maps from anywhere on Earth where there is Internet access. A complete history of the animal's movements over the past 30 days is also available. The mobile application can warn you when a cat leaves a specified “safe zone” and when the battery in the collar is low.
The collar does not require a SIM card to communicate with the cellular network. Moreover, it can automatically switch between cellular networks when crossing regional and state borders. PowTrack operates in 171 countries around the world, including Russia, Europe, North and South America, Africa, Asia and the Middle East. In Russia, PowTrack uses the MTS network, the mobile plan is issued through the application and costs $20 per month.
The price of the device for Russia on the manufacturer’s website is $200, including postage. The mobile application is free. Products webpage: .
8. Futureway
An advanced GPS collar that can be bought in Russia for only 3,580 rubles. At the current dollar exchange rate, this is a more than generous offer.
In the box with Futureway you will find the beacon itself in the form of a pendant, a collar, a charging cable, setup instructions and a case. A collar with a beacon serves as a transmitter. To communicate with him, you will need a SIM card with the Internet and a special application on your phone. A SIM card (micro-SIM) from any mobile operator will do, but it is better to choose the one that provides maximum coverage in your area. After installing the SIM card and setting up the application, you will have access to all the functions of the beacon.
What the Futureway GPS tracker can do:
- determines the location of the cat with an accuracy of 5 meters;
- allows you to configure accessibility zone restrictions: if the cat goes beyond the boundaries you define, you will receive a corresponding notification;
- tracks the trajectory of movement and saves it on the map. You can always see on your smartphone screen where your cat wandered;
- keeps statistics on the speed of movement of the cat and the distance it covers.
The Futureway beacon is not afraid of bad weather, dust and dirt - the IP67 protection level allows the device to operate when immersed in water up to 1 m.
What about size and weight? Will the cat be uncomfortable? No, Futureway is fine with this too. With compact dimensions of 43x36x16 mm, the beacon weighs only 21 grams.
Even in foreign stores, GPS trackers with similar characteristics cost from $100 plus delivery and... possible problems with customs and the FSB. And here is a ready-made solution out of the box, with a 1-year warranty and courier delivery throughout Russia.
Let's take a look back at what you can do with this GPS tracker.
Firstly, you can see where your cat is on your smartphone at any time.
Secondly, you can study all the cat’s routes on the map: where he was, where he went, where he ran, and where he hunted or slept for two hours straight. Not only is it fascinating, but it is also extremely educational. Believe me, you will learn a lot of new things about your cat!
Thirdly, you can draw a virtual “border” on the map and receive an alert every time your cat violates it. For example, you don't want him to go into the yard of angry neighbors or some unsafe place. Draw a border, and the beacon will notify you that your animal is under threat.
You can buy a Futureway GPS tracker with delivery throughout Russia here: gps-dogs.ru.
And may your cat never get lost!
MS application TX-9 justified in cases where the main beacons cannot work for such simple reasons as the lack of a GSM mobile network or deliberate long-term jamming of these signals, or the presence of a stolen car in an area where it is not possible to determine exact satellite coordinates, or if it is a completely enclosed room. The MS TX-9 can operate autonomously, but its range is quite limited. Therefore, you should know that the most effective use of the device is achieved when working with other components of the search system.
The beacon is made in the form of a compact unit with additional power, which is installed in a secret place. In a quiet state, the unit only acts on reception and does not emit virtually any radio signals, which makes it impossible for scanning equipment to find it. If a request is received from a special device via an encrypted radio channel, TX-9 broadcasts a special secret signal, which is received and decrypted by the search key fob; the distance between the TX-9 and the search key fob is oriented according to the signal strength. It is recommended that every car owner acquire such a device, for his own safety and for complete peace of mind for his vehicle, which every driver values very much.
Search radio beacon operating without the use of GSM communication technology. Can be used as an addition to traditional beacons and bookmarks using GSM networks. Uses its own radio channel, completely protected from jammers or jammers.
Application TX-9 justified in cases where standard GPS/GSM beacons cannot work for objective reasons, for example: a complete absence of GSM cellular network signals or deliberate long-term jamming of these signals, or the presence of a stolen car in a place where it is impossible to determine exact satellite coordinates (enclosed spaces). The beacon can operate independently, but its range is limited. Therefore, it should be understood that the most effective use of TX-9 is achieved when working together with other components of the MS-Search system, using the available GPS/GSM security data.
Operating principle
- Search beacon TX-9
The TX-9 is a compact, back-up power unit that is discreetly installed in a vehicle. In its normal state, the unit only works for reception and does not emit any radio signals, which prevents it from being detected by scanning equipment. If a request is received from a special device (search key fob) via an encrypted radio channel, the TX-9 begins to broadcast a special encoded signal, which receives and decrypts the search key fob. The signal strength determines the distance between the TX-9 and the search key fob. - Search keychain
The search key fob is a transceiver with an LCD display and control buttons. This keychain is included in the set of the Griffin security and anti-theft complex. Any Griffin keychain can be used to work with any TX-9 search beacon.
If it is necessary to search for a stolen car, the TX-9 radio beacon code is entered into the search key fob and a search command is executed, after which a coded radio signal is emitted into the air. If it is possible to receive this signal, the TX-9 begins to emit a response coded radio signal. The search key fob receives this radio signal and displays on the LCD display the distance to the car in conventional units corresponding to the level of the received signal in a specific place and under specific reception conditions. Thus, following the readings of the LCD display of the search key fob, you can determine the location of the wanted car with high accuracy without the use of GPS/GSM technologies. - Working as part of the MS-Search system
In the event of a car theft, the owner can act in two scenarios:- Contact a service company, which will use special means (a digital multi-channel receiver, more powerful and functional than a standard search key fob) to try to detect the encoded radio signal.
- Contact the owners of the Griffin system (and, accordingly, search key fobs) through a specially created online community and search for a car with their help.
Further steps to find the car using the above scenarios will allow you to detect the location of the car with an accuracy of 10 meters.
It should be understood that the TX-9 search beacon complements, but does not replace, the existing anti-theft complex with GPS/GSM technology, although it can work independently.
Keys, phone, backpack, glasses case, wallet, business card holder - there are many small things in our lives that make life easier and get lost at the most inopportune times. How many times, when getting ready for work in the morning, have you rushed hysterically around the house, trying to remember where you threw your car keys the day before? Have you ever come home in the evening, poured a cup of hot tea and sat down in a chair in anticipation of a calm, relaxing TV viewing... and couldn’t find the TV remote control. Not to mention the cats, dogs, and, to be honest, small, curious children who are always trying to escape. This will never happen again. In our store you can find various models of search key fobs (beacons, tags), buy miniature devices and make life easier for yourself and your loved ones.
With the help of tiny beacons, the user is able to track the location of objects in real time. For a search key fob, radio beacon, or tag, the price is determined depending on the functionality. Search devices differ in operating frequency ranges, reading device power, reading errors or omissions, signal range, number of codes, type and power source, design and execution. When purchasing, activate the promotional code and receive discounts on the search key fob and radio beacon.
The characteristics recommended for search key fobs, tags, and radio beacons are based on radio frequency and acoustomagnetic identification technology, providing a high probability of tag identification. The review posted on our website for each search key fob and radio beacon examines in detail the capabilities of the devices.
Search key fobs and radio beacons are sold in the form of a set consisting of a receiving and reading device and radio tags or radio stickers synchronized with a mobile device. Thanks to convenient fixing methods, the tag can be attached to almost any surface. Household search systems have a wide range of applications - in industry, warehouses, medicine, libraries, for tracking pets, luggage, and localizing a variety of objects online. Read the descriptions of search key fobs, radio beacons, and customer reviews before making your final choice.
A wireless communication module is integrated into the search tag, key fob, and radio beacon. Most often, manufacturers implement an energy-saving Bluetooth module of the Bluetooth Low Energy standard version 4.0 into the sticker. The radio beacon interfaces with the mobile gadget and is detected through the application interface.
In the search kit application settings, you can set critical range values. As soon as the reading device moves away from the object to which the tag is attached beyond the programmed limits or range of the Bluetooth signal, a warning alert is sent to the owner’s phone. This function can be disabled and only manual search initiation can be left. In this case, to find the lost item, the user needs to enter the application and click the “Search” button.
If the tag is within the “visibility” of the receiver, the application displays information about the location of the lost one. The program can implement audio prompts for detecting a tag, which work on the principle of increasing or decreasing the volume of the signal depending on the approach to the radio beacon. Visual indicators operate on a similar principle; they become brighter and fuller if the user moves towards the mark and, conversely, fade and become smaller if the seeker moves away from the target. Most of all, this technology is reminiscent of the children's game of “hot and cold.” Our website presents budget models of search key fobs and radio beacons, which can be purchased in various versions and configurations.
The most affordable models of search kits operate on replaceable, non-rechargeable batteries that provide several months of operation for search key fobs and radio beacons. In the application settings, you can identify from one to several dozen tags. Some models of search kits carry out two-way interactive data exchange between the tag and the receiver, the ability to save the last known coordinates on the map. Even more advanced search beacons can be used to search third-party smartphones, even without the knowledge of their owners. The principle of operation is based on the activation of an alarm signal when the tag is removed from the reception area. In this case, the signal from the lost tag is picked up by any device on which a proprietary application is installed that happens to be in sight. The coordinates of the beacon are sent to the Internet, and from there they are forwarded to the owner of the tag. The price for such search key fobs and radio beacons is higher than for other search systems, but the level of security of such kits is higher.
Modern search stickers have the advantages inherent in industrial search beacons, but at the same time they have a price accessible to the average consumer. The latest models of search kits offer systems in which the location of the tag is determined using cellular communications. For such a sticker, the distance from the receiver is not a priority - the tag will be detected in any place where there is a signal from a cell tower.
Search key fobs and radio beacons with a built-in GPS module will undoubtedly be appreciated by pet owners. This tracker can be attached to a bicycle, backpack, scooter and other valuable items. Car owners will appreciate radio beacons that operate via a GSM network and support the GPRS protocol. Our store sells search key fobs and multifunctional radio beacons that combine the capabilities of a search sticker, charger, and flash drive.
Anyone who flies a lot knows how difficult it can be to find a model, not even in the forest, but in tall grass.
That's why I also use similar beacons on my models.
If you wish and have a little patience, you can make such a buzzer-signal loss controller yourself.
I would like to offer you two options for schemes.
I’ll say right away that the diagrams were borrowed from the Internet.
They have been used by me with various additions and changes for a long time and with success.
Both were implemented in various versions from all available components, which are available in the nearest industrial electronics store.
The first (incredibly simple) does not require any scarce components at all.
If you want to work with a soldering iron, you can make it the same size as the proposed alarm.
It can also be assembled by hanging installation. First wrap the buzzer with tape or heat-shrink tube and fill it with sealant.
The operation of the circuit is simple and clear and does not require much explanation.
If there is no transmitter signal for more than 30 ms, the composite transistor will open and the buzzer will begin to squeal very loudly.
The beacon is connected to any free channel or in parallel via a V cable.
This version of the scheme works flawlessly and has helped me out more than once.
It starts squealing if there is no transmitter signal.
When flying in the 35 MHz range, it immediately made it clear if interference appeared, which often helped to save the model.
The cost is 40-50 rubles (a buzzer costs 10-20 rubles, I buy it at a radio parts kiosk) or almost nothing if you use secondary components.
I'm making it for friends, it takes an hour to an hour and a half to make.
The second option is more complicated and requires some skills.
It is assembled from commercially available components, just like the first one.
The retail cost of components is also not high, from 50 to 90 rubles.
A distinctive feature of this option is that, in addition to the beacon of loss of communication signal with the transmitter, it is also an on-board battery voltage indicator.
Capacitor C2 smoothes command pulses.
C3- sets the delay time for a voltage drop -1/3 second.
C4- sets the delay time for loss of the input channel pulse - 30 ms, .
As a result, you will hear a continuous signal when the power drops below the threshold and a pulsed intermittent signal when you lose connection with the transmitter.
Resistor R2 should be placed two at once, and I added a 3-pin connector.
Using a regular jumper, you can select the voltage on board the model.
It is necessary to solder the middle point of the connector to the soldering point of resistor R1, and solder two resistors R2 to the outer pins of the connector and set the jumper in the required position.
I would like to add that when using BEK, the power control function will be unclaimed.
When using on-board power of 6.6 or 7.2 volts directly from the batteries, it can also be controlled by selecting the values of resistors R1 and R2 or by adding a pair of diodes to the power supply circuit of the alarm.
You can make a board for both options manually.
Cut or scratch the tracks with a cutter, or use ironing technology to make the board.
Why do you need to print an image of this board using a laser printer on a 1:1 scale in the best quality? The drawing should first be “mirrored” in any graphics editor.
It is better to use polished or chalky paper for printing. A coated page from PLAYBOY or another “glossy” magazine will do. Or, as smart people advise, a film backing.
It is necessary to transfer the design onto the prepared and degreased foil fiberglass laminate. Using a layer of paint, press the design onto the surface of the workpiece and iron it with an iron (cotton mode).
After the board with the paper has cooled, gently soak the paper under running warm (not hot) water.
Use a cotton swab or your finger to remove anything that is not a pattern.
When using a film backing, the design should easily transfer to the copper foil.
After etching, rinse with water and remove printer paint from the surface.
The board should be tinned, but not necessary.
After installing the components and checking their functionality, I recommend applying a protective layer to the board with any available varnish. For example, scratch with varnish. At worst, nail polish. Only without various metal additives and sequins.
Put on the heat shrink tube.
I hope that the information will be useful to you.
I am ready to answer your questions, write.
