Before anyone gets the wrong idea I am one of those peoples who’s mantra is “I would rather have it and not need it than the other way around”.
In that vein I daily a backpack that has thousands of dollars in tools, electronics and survival stuff in it at all times. I’m talking I could survive a complete collapse of society for quite some time with what I keep in that bag every day kinda deal.
The one thing that concerns me is the bag getting grabbed one day. I could replace everything in there but I would prefer to avoid spending all that money and time setting it all up again. I keep it with me as much as I reasonably can, but obviously I can’t take it with me into places like concerts or events. During those times I have it stashed in a hidden compartment in my trunk so it’s unlikely it would get taken in a smash and grab, but I would feel much better if I was able to keep track of the bags location at all times.
It seems like the small gps tracker market is basically small tags like the tile or air tag and then it immediately jumps to like thousands of dollars and subscriptions.
I am aware that this mythical tracker might not exist at all, but if anyone would know of one it’s you nerds (I call yall nerds lovingly).
Active GPS burns through battery pretty quickly. AirTags and the like work because any iPhone that walks within range will share the location anonymously.
I have no problem charging the tracker as long as it can last like 3 days between charges.
Maybe a LoRa node with a GPS module and install Meshtastic on it? It’s got a “tracker” mode.
Heltec makes fairly inexpensive ones, but you’ll need to supply your own GPS module.
The RAKWirelss Wisblock is modular and basically snaps together; they’re a little more expensive, but they’re also more power efficient and can be smaller when adding the GPS.
You’d need to be in range, but with a decent antenna (can possibly sew it into the bag), range can be several km.
Hmmmm… I appreciate the ideas. I don’t think I’m technically proficient enough to make my own custom system. I can build computers and repair electronics, but I have never made anything on my own unfortunately.