Hidden tracker for vans, caravans, tools, and equipment
£20-30 on eBay or reuse one from a drawer
£6 Giffgaff Goodybag recommended
Free app sends location by SMS/Email
Professional GPS trackers use two systems:
This is exactly how MyBuddy works - and why it needs a SIM card with texts.
⚠️ Bluetooth Trackers Are Different:
Bluetooth trackers (like Tile or AirTag) have NO GPS and NO cellular. They only work within ~30 metres of your phone or rely on strangers' phones to detect them.
Not suitable for: Vehicle tracking, equipment in remote areas, or anything that moves beyond your immediate vicinity.
Your MyBuddy tracker uses GPS + cellular - the same method professional recovery services rely on.
When you ping them, you get:
Then you have to:
⏱️ Time lost: 2-3 critical minutes
When you ping it, you get:
Then you:
⏱️ Time lost: 10 seconds
💡 Why this matters when your van is stolen:
Every minute counts. With TK103A, you're decoding coordinates while the thief drives away. With MyBuddy, you get a readable address instantly and forward it to police. Same GPS technology, but MyBuddy does the hard work for you.
Runs on O2 network • No contract • Monthly rolling
✅ Unlimited texts - send unlimited location alerts
✅ 1GB data (2GB with auto-renew) - covers background updates
✅ No credit to run out - fixed monthly cost
✅ EU roaming included - track across Europe
✅ 4G/5G ready - works now and in future
💡 With proper settings, 1GB lasts 2-3 years:
Each location check uses ~0.05MB → 1GB = 20,000 location checks
Runs on Three network • £17.50/month • No contract
✅ Truly unlimited data - no caps, no throttling
✅ Unlimited texts & calls
✅ 5G included
⚠️ More expensive - £210/year vs £72/year
Only needed if you can't control background data
Many cheap commercial trackers (like TK103A) only work on 2G networks. This is a serious problem:
UK 2G Shutdown Timeline:
Real User Warning:
"THIS THING ONLY WORKS ON 2G NETWORK... anyone with a 2G system will be SCREWED when 2G is gone, that's why the good price on these units"
✅ MyBuddy uses 4G/5G - future-proof and works on all modern networks.
This is where most cheap trackers hide their true cost:
| Aspect | TK103A (2G Wired Tracker) | MyBuddy Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Wiring required | ✅ YES - must connect to: | ❌ NO WIRING |
| • 12V/24V constant power | • Just plug into any USB charger | |
| • ACC/ignition detection wire | • Cigarette lighter, USB port, or power bank | |
| • Ground wire to chassis | • Hide under seat, glovebox, or tool box | |
| Professional install? | Often needed (£50-100) | DIY - 2 minutes |
| Tools needed | Wire strippers, multimeter, soldering iron | None - just hands |
| Risk | Short circuits, blown fuses, void warranty | Zero - plug and play |
| Move to another vehicle? | Uninstall completely, rewire everything | Pick up phone and move it |
| Hidden installation cost | £50-100 EXTRA | £0 |
Your £30 phone + MyBuddy: Plug into any USB charger, hide it, done. No wires, no electrician, no risk, no extra cost.
Professional SMS-based GPS trackers use the same technology - but look at the real costs including installation:
| Tracker Type | Hardware | Monthly | Year 1 (basic) | + Installation | Year 1 (TRUE COST) | Future-proof? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Netstar Tracker | £100 | £14 | £268 | £75 | £343 | ✅ 4G |
| Cube GPS Tracker | £90 | £15 | £270 | £75 | £345 | ✅ 4G |
| GlobalSat GTR-129 | £75 | £11 | £207 | £75 | £282 | ✅ 4G |
| TK103A Tracker | £35 | £10 | £155 | £75 | £230 | ❌ 2G ONLY |
| MyBuddy Method | £30 | £6 | £102 | £0 (DIY) | £102 | ✅ 4G/5G |
⚠️ Why TK103A's true cost is £230, not £155:
✅ MyBuddy: £30 phone + £72/year Giffgaff + £0 installation = £102 total. No wiring, no electrician, no risk.
Settings → Network → Data Saver → ON
Blocks background data for all apps
Settings → Apps → MyBuddy → Mobile data → Enable "Unrestricted data"
Lets MyBuddy work while Data Saver blocks everything else
Play Store → Settings → Auto-update apps → "Over WiFi only" (or disable)
Prevents app updates from eating data
⚠️ Note: This is NOT like wired trackers. No wiring needed. Just plug into any USB charger and hide it.
£230 / year
£102 / year
💰 You Save £128-240 Every Year Compared to Wired Commercial Trackers
Same GPS + cellular technology. Same SMS alerts. Just without the wiring, installation costs, and 2G network problems.
Perfect for: Work vans • Trailers • Caravans • Generators • Site equipment • Tool boxes