Is there a reliable GPS luggage tracker?

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Mike OTDP

Mike OTDP

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I am trying to compete at the World Muzzle-Loading Championships...and the airlines have lost my gun case. Lost it two days ago, no idea where it is. Does anyone make a GPS tracker for baggage? Not a “where is it on the conveyor belt” job, but a “where is it in the world?” unit. I desperately need it...in 11 trips, this is the second time this has happened.
 
Ugh, sorry to hear that. Too late for this trip, but there are dozens of luggage trackers available. Some are GPS only, some are Bluetooth only, and some combine both. Most require activation and/or monthly fees.

I've been using the tiny Tilemate trackers in my range bags and cases when I'm competing locally in case something gets "misplaced" while my back is turned. These won't help you when a bag flies to another city without you, but this is an example of inexpensive tech.

It really depends on how much you're willing to pay and what your needs are. Some of the top names out there that may be of interest to you (in no particular order) are TrakDot, LugLoc, Spytech, and Smart Unit Blue. Good luck in the future!
 
The only thing that I know of like what you are describing is a Lojack type device for cars that requires a cell phone type service and a big battery.

A GPS only device would be worthless, it would know where it is but it would have to have some cell or satellite type service to tell YOU where it is.
 
Toss a charged cell phone in the case, then use Google to find your device. Not sure how legal this is in an airplane, but it would otherwise work so long as it can find a tower or open wifi.
 
I doubt it would work. A GPS has to be able to receive signals from satellites. Mine won't pick up a signal indoors, or even outdoors in a thick canopy or a steep canyon. Tracking a vehicle, or shipping container is a lot easier than trying to get a signal to an object inside a vehicle, shipping container, or warehouse.
 
Search for Cal Amp LMU0200CV on e-bay or any search engine. I see one there for ~$23. If you can find a 12V battery, and you can connect a few wires, it might work very well for you. Use them on all my ATVs & vehicles. Also you might look into the pet tracker collars.
 
I fly all over the place and have never had a bag lost. I mean a lot. I am flying about once week every week. Closest I came was at CDG last year on the way back from Stuggart. Luggage made it back home after a couple weeks. It may very well be what are you are carrying that is causing you the loss. Compared to my suitcase full of clothing and other unwanted items.

There are many possible problems with trackers, some already covered. A bag that is inside a building can't always reach the GPS satellites. Cell service may be worthless in the same metal lined rooms or the belly of an airplane. And then as mentioned there is battery life. Someone who has stolen your stuff, may also just discard the tracker.

There are products that advertise themselves as workable solutions. Just have to think through the ups and downs.
 
I recall something from a radio commercial for one of the Tiles-type trackers that mentioned finding luggage through some sort of crowdsourcing or “hive” feature where other people’s phones will report the location of a tracker that’s been declared as lost. It might be worth investigating.
 
jmr40 covered it very well. I worked with GPS for about 20 years. If you can't visibly see the sky it won't work. It doesn't like canopy or buildings. It will work in dense fog though and it sees through some types of glass. It's a weak UHF signal at 1575.42 MHz.
 
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