REVIEW – GPS trackers have become small enough to tuck into a bag, clip to a pouch, wear on a lanyard, or hide in a vehicle, while still providing the kind of location data that used to require much bulkier hardware. That makes them useful for watching over pets, elderly relatives, kids, luggage, drones, vehicles, and nearly anything else that can carry a little extra weight. The Trackimo 3G Guardian GPS Tracker stands out because it is one of the smallest trackers I have used that also relies on 3G cellular service. It sells for $198.90 and includes the first year of cellular location service at no additional cost.
Tracker Overview
The Trackimo 3G Guardian GPS Tracker is a personal location device that reports its position through either the Trackimo mobile app or the Trackimo website. Its accuracy comes from using WiFi, GPS, and 3G GSM Cellular technology together instead of depending on only one positioning method. The catch is that the included service is not free forever. After the complimentary year ends, continued cellular location access costs $60 per year, which works out to $5 per month. For what the hardware and software provide, I still consider that a very reasonable fee.
CES Tech Show Gets Underway in Las Vegas
The tracker arrives in a simple white Trackimo box. Most of what you need is included, although a USB wall power block is not in the package.
Included in the Box
- 1 Trackimo 3G Guardian GPS Tracker
- 1 Lanyard
- 1 Carrying pouch
- 1 Micro USB to USB A charging cable
- 1 Trackimo Quick Start Guide
Specifications
- GSM Platform: MTK6276
- GPS Platform: MTK3337
- Bands: GSM GSM 850/ GSM900/ DCS1800/ PCS1900 WCDMA850/900/1900/2100
- Sim Card: Included in unit
- App Interface: iOS and Android
- Dimensions: 47 mm (1.85 in) x 41 mm (1.61 in) x 17 mm (.67 in)
- Weight: 30 grams (1.06 ounces)
- Active battery life: 48-72 hours
- Stand-by time: > 144 hours
- Battery Type: Rechargeable Li-ion 520mAh
- Functioning temperatures: -20°C (-4°F) / 60°C (140°F)
- Attachment Options: Included lanyard and soft case
- Power Consumption: Acquisition 24 mv / Track 17mv
- GPS Antenna: Ids-passive antenna
- Channels: 22 tracking / 66 acquisition
- Accuracy: < 5 meters open sky
- Acquisition mode: Hot start < 2 seconds / Cold start < 24 seconds
- Hosted Storage: On board capacity for 1000 tracking points
Hardware and Controls
The 3G Guardian has a polished black plastic shell with a raised diamond pattern that gives it more personality than a plain plastic puck. On the face are three diamond shaped buttons, with green, red, and blue status LEDs positioned above them.
One edge of the device has two small speaker openings. The opposite side contains the hard reset port, the Micro USB charging port, and the main power button.
The left and right face buttons can be configured to send custom alerts to contacts that you select in advance.
The SOS button is meant for urgent situations. When pressed, it sends an alert with your exact location to the emergency contacts you have already set up.
Before first use, the Trackimo needs to be charged with the included Micro USB to USB A cable. I was disappointed that no USB power block is supplied. At almost $200, I think one should be in the box.
A full initial charge takes 12 hours. During charging, the red light blinks. When the battery is full, the red light stays on while the unit remains connected to power. One useful detail is that the tracker continues operating while plugged in, which makes permanent or semi-permanent vehicle use much easier.
At the top of the Trackimo are two small attachment holes for the supplied lanyard.
The thin end of the lanyard loops through the device and then back through itself to secure it.
With the lanyard attached, the Trackimo can be worn by someone you want to keep track of, such as a child or an elderly person.
If a lanyard is not the right option, Trackimo also includes a small soft case.
The GPS unit fits snugly into that case, and the velcro flap helps keep it from slipping out.
The back of the pouch has both a metal loop and an elastic belt loop, so it can be attached to a person, an item, or a pet.
Setup Process
After the tracker is charged, setup begins by creating a Trackimo account and pairing the unit with that account. Registration can be done from the Trackimo website or through the Trackimo app for IoS and Android devices.
To connect the hardware to your account, you enter the unique device ID number printed on the back of the unit.
App and Web Tracking
Once the account is active and the device is linked, the app opens up a long list of controls. You can rename the tracker, and I named mine “Tracky.” You can also create a Geofence so the app alerts you when the device leaves a zone that you have defined.
The app feels carefully thought out. Features are clearly labeled, the controls are where I expected them to be, and location viewing uses Google Maps inside the app. Along with changing settings and alerts, you can check the tracker’s current position at any time.
The Trackimo website mirrors the app’s capabilities, so you can manage the same core settings from a browser. The site also adds a few extra options beyond what is available in the mobile app.
For a couple of weeks, I used the Trackimo to monitor my FJ Cruiser as a budget-friendly Lo-Jack style setup. Each time I checked the app or the website, the location was accurate. I kept the device powered while driving, and battery performance was solid, although update frequency matters. Shorter update intervals reduce battery life. The system also stores battery alerts with the location data and the rest of the alert history.
Since registration, the Trackimo has been steady and trouble free. I like it enough that I plan to pay for the location service once the included year is over.
Pros
- Very easy setup
- Consistently acquires accurate location
- Full-featured well-designed companion app and website
Cons
- Requires paid subscription after one year complimentary access
- Battery life dependent on update interval
- Doesn’t include a USB power block
Final Thoughts
The Trackimo 3G Guardian GPS Tracker is a well-made and fairly priced location tracker that can be used in a lot of different ways. Its biggest limitation is that cellular tracking is only included free for the first year. Without that service, the device loses the feature that makes it more useful than many other GPS trackers in its price range. Fortunately, the annual service fee is inexpensive. For my needs, the Trackimo is an excellent choice for keeping watch over things, people, and vehicles that I do not want to lose track of.
Price: $198.90
Product Link: Trackimo
Source: The sample of this product was provided by Trackimo.
