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Minature Tracking Devices

06/25/2009 8:43 AM

I have a client that is having barrels of product go missing and we would like to install a small (minature) tracking device to nab the culprits. Does any one know there to access this kind of equipment. I found one site. euro track.com but they are not trading at this time. I appreciate any assistance. The units I saw are about the size of coin with antenae leads and can be encased with antenae exposed. Thanks.

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#1

Re: Minature tracking devices

06/25/2009 9:05 AM

A little bigger than a coin, but should fit in a barrel.

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#2
In reply to #1

Re: Minature tracking devices

06/25/2009 9:11 AM

I did not see any information as to where to access this type of equipment. do you have a source? Please advise. Thanks

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#3

Re: Minature tracking devices

06/25/2009 9:34 AM

Maybe a lojack system, or how about just installing video cameras?

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#4
In reply to #3

Re: Minature tracking devices

06/25/2009 10:07 AM

These are containers in multiple locations collecting waste oil and other products too many I suggest for cameras plus you have to get a good photo for police to act. The product is not too pricy but the containers are worth quite a bit. Thanks

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#5

Re: Minature Tracking Devices

06/25/2009 3:35 PM

How about a dog or child tracking device? Look here.

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#6

Re: Minature Tracking Devices

06/25/2009 3:54 PM
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#7

Re: Minature Tracking Devices

06/25/2009 4:07 PM

Getting closer to finding something in Trimble TrimTrack

I have needed something like this a few times myself, and that's why I've gone to so much trouble to find something.

later . . .

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#24
In reply to #7

Re: Minature Tracking Devices

06/29/2009 11:35 AM

Bill's recommendation is a good one. There are several companies that do this -- the issue is expense. Cost of each device can range from very low ($50-$75) to very high ($400) and will require a cell phone plan to be added as well. Mr. Google can find these companies for you if you ask him about "wireless tracking devices" or "rf tracking devices."

Unfortunately, you need one of these tracking devices rather than just a GPS chip -- because you need to have some what of having the device report it's location. It will use GPS to determine it's location, but then you need some sort of application to report where it is.

Plus, since we don't know where you are doing this (US, Europe, Asia?), you need to get something that you know will work in the area of your operations.

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#8

Re: Minature Tracking Devices

06/25/2009 11:17 PM

Let the hippies have their grease Just have a drop-off for the containers

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#9

Re: Minature Tracking Devices

06/25/2009 11:38 PM

Tape a cell phone to the side, then go to that web site that will show you where a particular cell phone is in any part of the World. It's a new service.

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#10

Re: Minature Tracking Devices

06/26/2009 12:23 AM

Check the Yellow Pages for security companies. Most will be able to direct you to one that deals in this product.

Or, Google "Canadian Society for Industrial Security, Inc." for contact coordinates. Head Office will direct you to a security company in your area that deals in this product.

Tracking systems are wide spread now and are a key security measure.

Cheers.

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#11

Re: Minature Tracking Devices

06/26/2009 12:58 AM

By the way, what is in these barrels that's so interesting that the get stolen? Hum?

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#12
In reply to #11

Re: Minature Tracking Devices

06/26/2009 2:28 AM

Read post 4

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#14
In reply to #11

Re: Minature Tracking Devices

06/26/2009 6:13 AM

Waste Vegetable oil. The container is worth more than the oil and the container goes missing also.

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#25
In reply to #14

Re: Minature Tracking Devices

06/30/2009 7:01 AM

Paint a sign on the barrels.

FEEL FREE TO TAKE THE OIL BUT PLEASE LEAVE THE BARREL.

THANK YOU.

or

PLEASE RETURN EMPTY BARRELS WHEN FINISHED.

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#13

Re: Minature Tracking Devices

06/26/2009 4:58 AM

I would suggest.

Instead of allowing someone to steal barrel and tracking them, how about installing a way to keep them from stealing it to begin with.

Electronic tracking can sometimes be unreliable. (Lost barrel and expensive tracker $$) Plus there may be multiple unrelated people involved. Catching one won't stop the next.

A heavy duty wrap around steel collar and chain with lock would help deter further theft. And may be cheaper than tracking devices.
That way only an authorized person could release the barrel.
I have seen ready made devices for 55 Gal oil drums. Or any good welder could come up with something.

Also if your client owns these barrels and they are not used on an exchange basis, consider permanent marking of the barrels by metal stamping company name or other identifiable information on them. This will allow the police to identify them later if they are stolen.

Cameras are a great idea.

Good luck

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#15

Re: Minature Tracking Devices

06/26/2009 8:38 AM

What a cool thought. Hmmm, ...yeah, only thing I can think of is a dog homing device. About $450. ea.

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#16

Re: Minature Tracking Devices

06/26/2009 7:00 PM

It's a tricky problem, because to be effective you'd need a tracking device on every barrel - that could add up pretty quick.

The most inexpensive beacon type FM tracking transmitter I found was the Beeline at $59 apiece, unless you make them yourself. They also don't look too easy to hide on the surface of a barrel, and I don't know how well they would survive being immersed in oil.

If the barrels were really worth a lot, you might get a more cost effective and lower profile solution by going to a supplier of GPS chips or modules like linx. to get a wholesale deal and customize your tracker.

RFID is a less expensive system, pretty low profile: the least expensive tags are around $20 each, and the systems have half decent capabilities for a security system, check out these affordable systems. The upper limit on range is about 300 feet so it's no GPS, but you can design a useful security system all the same.

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#17
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Re: Minature Tracking Devices

06/26/2009 10:54 PM

Excuse me, but why all the effort of tracking... Can't you and a few of your friends hide out one night with baseball bats, and just citizens-arrest the perp?!

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#18

Re: Minature Tracking Devices

06/27/2009 2:30 AM

"... tracking device to nab the culprits."

this is police work. your client should not take the law into his own hands. has he tried reporting the loss to the police? barrels are not very easy to hide and track, for that matter!

to prevent further losses, let him try any or all of the following:

  • storing the barrels in a single-door, single point-of-entry-and-exit warehouse;
  • placing the barrels in racks that can be locked;
  • posting a security guard at the door;
  • keeping the place lighted at night;
  • installing alarm(s) on the racks, that can be switched off only by authorized personnel in a locked panel;
  • install surveillance cameras in the warehouse.

HTH!

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#19
In reply to #18

Re: Minature Tracking Devices

06/27/2009 2:42 AM

OK, I'll concede this... Drive really long nails through the bats before you and your mates go out. And by the way, there's nothing wrong or illegal about a citizen's arrest.

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#20
In reply to #19

Re: Minature Tracking Devices

06/27/2009 3:02 AM

"...there's nothing wrong or illegal about a citizen's arrest."

of course. that's provided by law, too. the problem with such incidents is that the arrestor (who, in this case, happens to be the obviously irate owner), can be prone to get carried away by emotion, and do more than a harmless arrest.

I've seen several such cases of suspects beaten nearly to death by citizens who did "their duty" and actually acted like a mob. think of what those "long nails through the bats" will do. <LOL> cheers!

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#21
In reply to #20

Re: Minature Tracking Devices

06/27/2009 3:34 AM

Just like a police officer, he's allowed to use whatever force is necessary to apprehend a person in the act of committing a crime.

OK, so why not just paint a skull and cross-bones on the side of the drums, with some sort of wording regarding it's carcinogenic properties. That should make them pass it up.

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#22
In reply to #21

Re: Minature Tracking Devices

06/27/2009 4:32 AM

yes, painting the drums, IMO, is a cheaper idea. something that looks like this, too.

BTW, thanks for the GA.

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#23
In reply to #22

Re: Minature Tracking Devices

06/27/2009 11:34 PM

Put a radiation symbol on a container and you will have more problems than you could EVER deal with ............. at least in my area of the planet ( NE USA ) however an Improvised Explosive Device may be a viable option.

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