At Blue Chameleon Tracking – we utilize three different configurations of trackers:
1. Battery-Powered Trackers
2. OBD Trackers
3. Hard-Wired Trackers
Your choice will depend on your use case, and level of access.
Battery-Powered Trackers
These are a popular choice for clients who do not have a way to provide constant power to the tracker, or do not have access to (or do not want to tamper with) the wiring itself. They are also used by private investigators for tracking subjects depending on jurisdiction. Being private investigators ourselves, we only use the best trackers available with the longest battery life. The tracker we currently use can last approximately 5 weeks with heavy use if set up for live tracking. But battery life isn’t everything, it also has to be easy to attach and mount securely. Our current device has a very strong magnetic connection, an included adhesive plate, and tabs for cable ties allowing for three different installation methods. It does not require a case as it is reasonably waterproof to IP65 standards. It also features a tamper alert, which can notify the user if a light sensor has been exposed.
Advantages
- Tracking unpowered assets such as trailers, containers, bicycles, kayaks, construction equipment etc.
- Even with powered assets (cars, trucks, boats etc), the ability to hide wireless a tracker can be advantageous as it can be placed in locations that may be more difficult for thieves to find.
- Ease of installation.
Disadvantages
- Must be recharged periodically.
OBD Trackers
OBD Trackers are best used for fleet or family tracking. These devices plug into the OBD2 port (typically just referred to as “OBD”) of any year model 1996 or newer vehicle, and receive power from the vehicle’s battery. They are also intelligent enough not to drain a vehicle’s battery if it drops below a certain voltage level. These are very easy to install, depending on the location of the OBD port itself. We use these trackers for our company vehicles as well as fleet customers.
Advantages
- Potentially very easy to install, simply find the OBD port and plug it in.
- No need to recharge the tracker.
Disadvantages
- Depending on the location of the OBD port, it can be difficult to install. There could be an access door that prohibits a protruding tracker, or it could be in the way of the driver’s feet and/or knees. You can purchase OBD extension cables to mitigate these factors, allowing you relocate the tracker nearby.
- The OBD port is one of the first places a smart thief would check for a tracker once they have access to the interior of a vehicle.
- This is not an optimal location for placing a tracker if the intention is to keep it concealed from the driver, particularly in the case of a young or inexperienced driver.
Hard-Wired Trackers
These trackers are either hard-wired directly to the battery of the vehicle itself, or anywhere 12 volts can be tapped. Similar to the OBD trackers, they are smart enough to not drain a vehicle’s battery if it drops below a certain voltage level. These trackers are ideal for permanent installations in daily-driven cars, weekend cars, trucks, watercraft, ATVs, UTVs, tractors, golf carts, or anything else with a sustainable 12 volt battery.
Advantages
- Since these trackers are typically installed near a battery, there should be plenty of space for the device giving you a “cleaner” install.
- No need to recharge the tracker.
- Since these trackers are typically less obvious than an OBD tracker, they can take longer for a thief to find. Power can be taken from almost anywhere to hide these trackers as needed.
Disadvantages
- Installation typically requires stripping and/or connecting wires and terminals. Trackers typically include a small positive and negative lead with small eyelets. Professional installation recommended.