Hidden GPS tracker for car. Portable GPS trackers. Digital video recorder RS820

When choosing a car tracking system, you need to take into account many points, firstly, what kind of vehicle the tracker will be installed on, what type of power is needed, and the accuracy of location determination.

Main factors influencing the choice:

1. battery – the battery life of the equipment depends on its capacity. Some models have a battery charge indicator;
2. fastening – fastening methods are very different: magnets, screws, without fasteners. Basically, the option for attaching a GPS tag for a car depends on the location;
3. tightness - protection from moisture, dust and dirt is very important for devices placed outside the car - non-sealed devices can be used inside;
4. method of data transfer from the device - this can be SMS messages, a special mobile application or a website on the Internet;
5. accuracy - the permissible error is no more than 2.5 m;
6. manufacturer - when buying models from well-known brands, you don’t have to worry about the quality of the products, but such equipment is much more expensive than Chinese analogues of unknown production.

Having decided on the necessary parameters, we proceed to the search for a specific model.

Model overview

Let's look at a few of the most popular models. The first will be the StarLineM15 vehicle tracking beacon. It has a lot of advantages compared to its analogues.

Advantages of StarLineM15:

• durable and sealed housing;
• tight fixation of the cover with 6 screws;
• protective silicone gasket;
• 2 powerful batteries;
• the microphone and power button are protected by film;
• slot for any SIM card;
• a sensitive accelerometer that indicates when the car starts moving;
• Online software update available;
• built-in LED indicator;
• One button switch on.

The tracker comes with detailed user instructions. The only downside to this device is that it does not have a mobile app.

Content

For many transportation business owners, purchasing tracking equipment becomes a necessity. A GPS tracker for a car helps monitor fuel consumption, movement, and online location determination. There are many options for this equipment, the devices differ in characteristics and cost.

GPS tracker for a car - what is it?

Visually, the device looks like a black box the size of a pack of cigarettes, but expensive models can be even smaller. A car GPS tracker is installed in the car’s cabin and helps to accurately determine the coordinates of an object. The error of such devices rarely exceeds 2.5 meters. The entire system consists of a receiving and transmitting device. The beacon on the car for tracking movement transmits data to the computer, which is received by the GPS receiver.

To track the movement of the car, GLONASS or GPS is used; the computer has special software that receives data from the car beacon. The tracker can be connected through the dashboard or run independently on batteries. A GPS beacon for a car receives a signal from several satellites that are in orbit and, based on the delay in the response, the system determines the location of the car, then transmits the data to a computer or phone. In addition to determining coordinates, a car tracking beacon can:

• transmit and receive sound through a microphone;
• record the route taken;
• track drainage and fuel refilling.

GPS tracker for a car without a monthly fee

In addition to purchasing a tracking system (beacon), there may be additional costs for software, server support, etc. For this reason, people are looking for a GPS car tracker without a subscription fee. You can find many offers that offer such conditions, but a reasonable person should understand that the company must make money from something. It is possible that the conditions will indeed not include monthly payments, but additional costs will be hidden in other clauses, for example:

1. A GPS tag for a car does not require a monthly fee, but to use the software you must connect to a specific tariff for your phone, for which you will have to pay. The company will then receive its share of the sold stake.
2. The entire monitoring and tracking system only works on special software that needs to be purchased. It will not be possible to combine a beacon for a car with other software and there is no choice left.
3. In some cases, you sign an agreement in which there really is no monthly fee, you can install a transmitter module, and they will give you the necessary software. After a year, you need to renew the contract, then they tell you that you need to pay for using the services, but you no longer want to change the tracking system.
4. There are real offers in which car tracking is carried out without monthly payments. The software is provided for one computer; it can only be used from that computer. This is acceptable for a private individual who wants to protect their car from theft, but it is absolutely inconvenient for companies where several managers and more than one car work.

GPS tracker for car with microphone

The catalog of these products can offer many options. Different countries produce trackers for cars, some are of good quality, others are of poor quality but at a low price. Another distinctive feature is the presence of additional functions in the tracker, for example, some options help track fuel consumption (draining/refilling the tank). Sometimes company owners and individuals decide to buy a GPS tracker for a car with a microphone from an online store. This will allow you to hear everything that happens in the vehicle cabin. The hearing radius is usually 8 m.

GPS tracker for a car on a magnet

There are several options for mounting this device. The magnetic GPS tracker for a car is a stand-alone version of the device and is an improved version of the clip-on model. This car beacon has a powerful magnet, which helps to attach it discreetly to any part of the car. In case of theft, hiding the tracker well is an important condition so that you can then track the movement of the car. The device is powered by rechargeable batteries, holds well on any iron surface, and does not fall off when driving. Detecting a tracker on a magnet is much more difficult.

Installing a GPS tracker on a car

As a rule, this procedure is carried out by specialized employees who will configure the device correctly. Installing a GPS tracker on a car is inexpensive, but if you wish, you can do it yourself. If you are not sure that the settings are correct, you should entrust the matter to professionals. The tracker is installed on the car in several stages:

Preparation

You need to insert a SIM card into the special slot on the car tracker. If the beacon is placed in a company car, then the parts of the device that can be opened should be sealed to avoid unauthorized access by another person. This will help monitor the integrity of the device and the reliability of the data from it. Next, you need to connect the device to the vehicle’s on-board network. As a rule, 3 wires are used for this from the dashboard terminal block or from the cigarette lighter.

It is better to hide the device from prying eyes in the car so that it is not possible to dismantle it. Typically, the tracker is installed inside the dashboard. The tracker must not come into contact with any moving parts of the machine. Please note that the device's antenna must be directed towards the sky for better reception. Some models have a removable antenna, so keep in mind that the distance between it and the tracker should not exceed 30 cm.

Connection

After the previous steps, you need to properly connect the device to the panel. For this you need 3 wires from the cigarette lighter or on-board network. Connect the constant positives and negatives to the block in series. The last wire is the ACC line with a non-permanent positive, it must be connected to the backup battery. After this, it will install GSM and GLONASS/GPS antennas.

DIY GPS tracker for a car

Some people do not trust the manufacturers of these devices and want to make a GPS tracker for their car with their own hands. The easiest way is to use a smartphone. All modern models of these devices are equipped with a GPS modem, which can become a beacon for the car. This is a convenient way to protect against theft for individuals. You can create a beacon yourself as follows:

1. Download a special program from the Internet on your mobile phone.
2. Go to the "Gpshome" resource.
3. Register and go to your personal account.
4. Next, you need the “Settings” section, where you can add the necessary data about the object to be tracked.
5. You'll need to look under your phone's battery to rewrite the IMEI (cell phone's unique numeric identifier).
6. Enter your data into the form on the website.
7. Launch the installed program on your mobile and see if tracking has started in your personal account on the website.

How to choose a GPS tracker for a car

There are many offers from manufacturers of these products, so it becomes difficult to decide which tracker to order. There are some parameters that will help you decide on your purchase. GPS beacon for a car, which one is better to choose:

1. Ask a consultant about location accuracy. If the error is more than 2.5 meters, then even a low price is not a reason to buy such a device. The tracker must correctly and accurately determine all parameters.
2. Find out the speed at which the beacon is able to receive a signal and transmit it to the computer. The lower this value, the better.
3. Give preference to models that can pick up reflected satellite signals. This is true for cars that move within the city. The absence of this function will lead to an error in displaying the route (as if the vehicle was not moving on the road).
4. Availability of additional functions. If you need a microphone, a fuel sensor, then inexpensive models do not have them.

Price for a GPS tracker for a car

If you want to receive accurate data about the location and route of your car, you should buy a good tracker. The price of these devices is in approximately the same segment. Here are some popular device models:

1. Starline Mayak M17. The device is connected using a wire, the price is from 6,000 rubles.
2. GPS Marker M100. There is a cable for connecting the device to the panel, there is also an emergency battery, price - from 4,500 rubles.
3. Voyager 4. The device is connected to the car's network, but can operate temporarily from the built-in battery, price - from 6,200 rubles.
4. Proma Sat 1000. Magnetic autonomous tracker for a car, which holds a charge according to the manufacturer for about 2 years. Price – from 11,200 rub.

After several experiments with Arduino, I decided to make a simple and not very expensive GPS tracker with coordinates sent via GPRS to the server.
Used Arduino Mega 2560 (Arduino Uno), SIM900 - GSM/GPRS module (for sending information to the server), GPS receiver SKM53 GPS.

Everything was purchased on ebay.com, for a total of about 1500 rubles (about 500 rubles for the arduino, a little less for the GSM module, a little more for the GPS).

GPS receiver

First you need to understand how to work with GPS. The selected module is one of the cheapest and simplest. However, the manufacturer promises a battery to save satellite data. According to the datasheet, a cold start should take 36 seconds, however, in my conditions (10th floor with a window sill, no buildings close by) it took as much as 20 minutes. The next start, however, is already 2 minutes.

An important parameter of devices connected to the Arduino is power consumption. If you overload the Arduino converter, it may burn out. For the receiver used, the maximum power consumption is 45mA @ 3.3v. Why the specification should indicate the current strength at a voltage other than the required one (5V) is a mystery to me. However, the Arduino converter will withstand 45 mA.

Connection

GPS is not controlled, although it has an RX pin. For what purpose is unknown. The main thing you can do with this receiver is read data via the NMEA protocol from the TX pin. Levels - 5V, just for Arduino, speed - 9600 baud. I connect VIN to VCC of the arduino, GND to GND, TX to RX of the corresponding serial. I read the data first manually, then using the TinyGPS library. Surprisingly, everything is readable. After switching to Uno, I had to use SoftwareSerial, and then problems began - some of the message characters were lost. This is not very critical, since TinyGPS cuts off invalid messages, but it is quite unpleasant: you can forget about the 1Hz frequency.

A quick note about SoftwareSerial: there are no hardware ports on the Uno (other than the one connected to USB Serial), so you have to use software. So, it can only receive data on a pin on which the board supports interrupts. In the case of Uno, these are 2 and 3. Moreover, only one such port can receive data at a time.

This is what the “test stand” looks like.

GSM receiver/transmitter

Now comes the more interesting part. GSM module - SIM900. It supports GSM and GPRS. Neither EDGE, nor especially 3G, are supported. For transmitting coordinate data, this is probably good - there will be no delays or problems when switching between modes, plus GPRS is now available almost everywhere. However, for some more complex applications this may not be enough.

Connection

The module is also controlled via the serial port, with the same level - 5V. And here we will need both RX and TX. The module is shield, that is, it is installed on the Arduino. Moreover, it is compatible with both mega and uno. The default speed is 115200.

We assemble it on Mega, and here the first unpleasant surprise awaits us: the TX pin of the module falls on the 7th pin of Mega. Interrupts are not available on the 7th pin of the mega, which means you will have to connect the 7th pin, say, to the 6th pin, on which interruptions are possible. Thus, we will waste one Arduino pin. Well, for a mega it’s not very scary - after all, there are enough pins. But for Uno this is already more complicated (I remind you that there are only 2 pins that support interrupts - 2 and 3). As a solution to this problem, we can suggest not installing the module on the Arduino, but connecting it with wires. Then you can use Serial1.

After connecting, we try to “talk” to the module (don’t forget to turn it on). We select the port speed - 115200, and it is good if all the built-in serial ports (4 on mega, 1 on uno) and all software ports work at the same speed. This way you can achieve more stable data transfer. I don’t know why, although I can guess.

So, we write primitive code for forwarding data between serial ports, send atz, and receive silence in response. What's happened? Ah, case sensitive. ATZ, we get OK. Hurray, the module can hear us. Should you give us a call out of curiosity? ATD +7499... The landline phone rings, smoke comes out of the arduino, the laptop turns off. The Arduino converter burned out. It was a bad idea to feed it 19 volts, although it is written that it can operate from 6 to 20V, 7-12V is recommended. The datasheet for the GSM module does not say anywhere about power consumption under load. Well, Mega goes to the spare parts warehouse. With bated breath, I turn on the laptop, which received +19V via the +5V line from USB. It works, and even the USB didn't burn out. Thanks Lenovo for protecting us.

After the converter burned out, I looked for current consumption. So, peak - 2A, typical - 0.5A. This is clearly beyond the capabilities of the Arduino converter. Requires separate food.

Programming

The module provides extensive data transfer capabilities. Starting from voice calls and SMS and ending with GPRS itself. Moreover, for the latter it is possible to execute an HTTP request using AT commands. You'll have to send several, but it's worth it: you don't really want to create a request manually. There are a couple of nuances with opening a data transmission channel via GPRS - remember the classic AT+CGDCONT=1, “IP”, “apn”? So, the same thing is needed here, but a little more cunning.

To get a page at a specific URL, you need to send the following commands:
AT+SAPBR=1,1 //Open carrier (Carrier) AT+SAPBR=3,1,"CONTYPE","GPRS" //connection type - GPRS AT+SAPBR=3,1,"APN","internet" //APN, for Megafon - internet AT+HTTPINIT //Initialize HTTP AT+HTTPPARA="CID",1 //Carrier ID to use. AT+HTTPPARA="URL","http://www.example.com/GpsTracking/record.php?Lat=%ld&Lng=%ld" //The actual URL, after sprintf with coordinates AT+HTTPACTION=0 //Request data using the GET method //wait for response AT+HTTPTERM //stop HTTP

As a result, if there is a connection, we will receive a response from the server. That is, in fact, we already know how to send coordinate data if the server receives it via GET.

Nutrition

Since powering the GSM module from an Arduino converter, as I found out, is a bad idea, it was decided to buy a 12v->5v, 3A converter on the same ebay. However, the module does not like 5V power supply. Let's go for a hack: connect 5V to the pin from which 5V comes from the arduino. Then the built-in converter of the module (much more powerful than the Arduino converter, MIC 29302WU) will make from 5V what the module needs.

Server

The server wrote a primitive one - storing coordinates and drawing on Yandex.maps. In the future, it is possible to add various features, including support for many users, “armed/unarmed” status, the state of the car systems (ignition, headlights, etc.), and possibly even control of the car systems. Of course, with appropriate support for the tracker, which smoothly turns into a full-fledged alarm system.

Field tests

This is what the assembled device looks like, without the case:

After installing the power converter and placing it in the case from a dead DSL modem, the system looks like this:

I soldered the wires and removed several contacts from the Arduino blocks. They look like this:

I connected 12V in the car, drove around Moscow, and got the track:


The track points are quite far from each other. The reason is that sending data via GPRS takes a relatively long time, and during this time the coordinates are not read. This is clearly a programming error. It is treated, firstly, by immediately sending a packet of coordinates over time, and secondly, by asynchronously working with the GPRS module.

The search time for satellites in the passenger seat of a car is a couple of minutes.

conclusions

Creating a GPS tracker on Arduino with your own hands is possible, although not a trivial task. The main question now is how to hide the device in the car so that it is not exposed to harmful factors (water, temperature), is not covered with metal (GPS and GPRS will be shielded) and is not particularly noticeable. For now it just lies in the cabin and connects to the cigarette lighter socket.

Well, we also need to correct the code for a smoother track, although the tracker already performs the main task.

Used devices

• Arduino Mega 2560
• Arduino Uno
• GPS SkyLab SKM53
• SIM900 based GSM/GPRS Shield
• DC-DC 12v->5v 3A converter

But people, as we know, are insatiable. And every day newer and more complex devices appeared, which became available to almost anyone. We have already written about “lighter-dictaphones” and “tie-video camera”. However, this is only a small fraction of the devices available on the market. Just think about the fact that today more than two-thirds of our capital is under video surveillance, crimes are being revealed, the evidence of which is based on recordings of telephone conversations made with the help of spyware. Devices that help collect information quickly and quietly, that are capable of making a video recording of the desired event, that are able to control the territory at a distance from you are available to anyone today. And it is simply necessary to know more about such gadgets. After all, forewarned means forearmed!

The most complete and clear evidence of what was happening was always a video recording. Indeed, if you need to monitor what is happening in your office in your absence, then a hidden voice recorder is unlikely to help you, because the only thing you will hear is the voice of an uninvited guest. Video recording is a completely different matter. After all, even if a person is silent, not a single movement will escape a properly installed video camera. Therefore, we will begin today's review with spy video cameras.

Puppy Wireless Spy Camera

At first glance, this gadget will cause you nothing but bewilderment. “Is this toy a hidden video camera?” - you ask. Yes this is true. The place in which it is necessary to conduct covert video shooting can be very diverse. If your work office is a potential “film set,” then a white plush puppy would be completely out of place there. But if you want to control, for example, a newly hired children's nanny, then this puppy will not arouse absolutely any suspicion. You just need to put the puppy on the shelf next to other plush toys, and now you have the opportunity to monitor what is happening in the room. All information is transmitted at 2.4 GHz frequency. The dimensions of the toy are 7.5 x 12.5 x 2.4 cm. It weighs only 182 grams. The peculiarity of this hidden camera is that video can be shot in two ways: in PAL with a resolution of 628 × 582 and NTSC with a resolution of 510 × 492. Puppy Wireless Spy Camera is not cheap, $150, but, in my opinion, this gadget is worthy of such a price. The toy comes with everything you need. You can buy it at the CR Direct Market store.

Belt with built-in camera

This spy gadget is truly convenient because you can always carry it with you. At the same time, it will not take up space in your pocket, you will not have to carry it in your hands, and only you will know that this item is a hidden video camera. We have all encountered a situation many times when it was necessary to film a video secretly from the subject of this filming. In this case, neither a video camera nor a mobile phone with a built-in camera will be suitable. What to do? And here a belt with a built-in digital camera comes to our aid. Convenient, isn't it? Now, if you go to an important meeting or interview, you will have a great opportunity to record everything that happens. And even if you are asked to empty the contents of your pockets, you will keep your video camera on your belt. The main thing is that you are not asked to take off your belt. The camera is built into the belt buckle and allows you to shoot color video in 3GP format with a resolution of 176x140. A 1GB card can hold 33 hours of video recording, but the built-in battery only lasts for 3 hours of shooting. The only negative of this gadget is the design. It is unlikely that such a belt will suit your formal suit, so you will have to wear something simpler when meeting with competitors.

Multifunctional spy glasses

It would be a stretch to call this gadget a spy. The thing is that, in addition to the ability to discreetly record video, multifunctional spy glasses can be used as an mp3 player or FM radio. In addition, such a bright and provocative design is unlikely to help you remain unnoticed. However, if you still decide to wear such glasses for your next task, then you are guaranteed high-quality video recording of what is happening. In addition, these glasses can be used as a camera. You will only need to press certain buttons at the right time. Just pretend that you are adjusting the glasses on your face, and press the small button on the temple of the glasses, and the photo will be instantly saved in the memory of your gadget. For all its visual flaws, the beauty of this gadget is that you don't have to worry about focusing the lens on your subject; the camera will capture what you see. You can control these miracle glasses thanks to simple manipulations with the included remote control. If we talk about the built-in camera, it takes pictures with a quality of 1280x1024. The camera itself has 1.3 megapixels. Once you have fully charged the battery, you can use the glasses for nine hours without additional battery charge. While listening to an MP3 player, you can also perform various manipulations with it. You can independently scroll songs forward or backward, as well as pause and adjust the sound volume. You can create a media library to your taste using a USB port and, accordingly, using a computer. This glasses gadget has a lot of memory. You can choose the volume that is more suitable for you, which varies from one to four gigabytes. The price of this gadget is small, considering its functionality - $99.

Digital video recorder RS820

If you need a device that is capable of recording large volumes of video with sound and in high quality, then you need to purchase a device like the RS820 video recorder, which, using a built-in or connected camera, can conduct long-term video recording and save the result of the work in its memory. This portable mini-video recorder has the ability to connect an external microphone and four memory cards, recording on which occurs alternately as it is full. The device can be powered either from the mains or from the built-in battery. Thus, when using removable memory cards with a capacity of 32 GB, this portable mini DVR becomes one of the most convenient stand-alone and high-capacity digital audio video recorders that you can buy today. This portable mini video recorder has a built-in LCD display and a convenient user menu, with which you can control and configure the device. The menu is written in both Russian and English. Convenient controls, a huge amount of memory, the ability to connect external cameras and microphones, as well as complete autonomy make this device one of the best digital audio video recorders that can be purchased on the market today. However, such a solid gadget has a corresponding price; for all the fun you will have to spend up to 16,000 rubles.

Very often there are moments in life when you simply vitally need to know what is happening in a place where you are not. Sometimes you need to control several places at the same time, and, alas, you cannot be in two places at the same time. However, for all these problems there is one very convenient solution. These are devices and transmitters of GSM, GPS, GPRS systems.

GSM audio transmitter

Finally, gone are the days when, in order to find out what was happening in the next room or apartment, you had to double over and listen for a long time to what was happening behind the door. Now you have a simpler, more convenient, and most importantly, reliable way. Meet GSM audio transmitters. This gadget with a SIM card input is a special device designed for audio surveillance and control. The wireless GSM spy is capable of transmitting any conversations and sounds in crystal clear quality. The GPS spy's coverage area is up to 15 meters. Just dial the number of the SIM card that is inside the device and it will start transmitting audio through the GSM network automatically. You can listen to the sounds around you anytime, anywhere. The application of such things can be truly diverse. Now you can easily check whether everything is in order at home while you are away, what your employees are doing in the office while you are at a meeting. The peculiarity of such devices is that they can remain in standby mode for up to 5 days. They can be sound detectors: when sound is detected, the transmitter itself will call your phone. And also the GSM audio spy can work as a quad-band mobile phone without a speaker. This gadget gained great popularity among restless parents who bought similar transmitters in an attempt to keep abreast of what was happening in the children's room while they were away. The uniqueness of some gadgets is that they can be powered either by an internal battery or by a solar battery (the solar battery can be placed remotely via a connecting cable). So now parents don’t have to worry about their children.

Miniature GPS transmitter

Would you like to know where your personal driver went after taking you to a meeting, or whether anyone in your family takes your motorcycle for a ride? Simply put, if you want to be able to track the movements of the objects you need, then you simply cannot do without a GPS transmitter. And it doesn’t matter whose movements you need to track. These could be people, vehicles or even pets. If you suddenly want to know the route of your pet's evening walk, then you just need to attach the transmitter to its collar and that's it. You can use this device secretly, as it does not reveal itself in any way! The transmitter will help you track the movement of vehicles, people or other property to which it is connected, and it can also record the coordinates of movement at certain intervals! The GPS tracker will send the coordinates of the tracked object to your mobile phone in real time via SMS messages. In addition to entertainment, such devices bring truly invaluable benefits to biologists in tracking animals. Now you can monitor your property.

GSM spammers and auto dialers are in no less demand than video cameras and audio transmitters. Of course, such gadgets do not serve any good purposes in their work and belong to the category of pests. Imagine a situation where someone constantly calls you, remains silent on the phone for a couple of seconds and that’s it. The call is over, only short beeps are heard on the receiver. Not even a minute passes before the phone rings again. And then again, and again... Annoying, isn't it? What if this situation repeats itself constantly? After all, such hassle can greatly ruin the life of any person.

Such devices are especially popular among people who, in the fight against competitors, are capable of resorting to rather dubious methods. After all, by using a spammer auto-dialer, you will have the opportunity to paralyze the telephone message of an entire company.

GSM spammer auto dialer

The newest gadget based on the technology of peremptory auto-dialing - GSM spammer - is capable of calling up to 9 phone numbers specified by the owner with incredible speed. Each of these numbers will be completely paralyzed. And it doesn’t matter whether it’s a mobile number or a landline number, a private phone or a work one. It is only important to know the subscriber's phone number. Sound spam on a mobile phone can thoroughly ruin the life of your enemies, but it is also a great way to have fun by pranking a colleague or friend! It is also important that when the anti-caller ID is working, the GSM spammer-autodialer is almost impossible to detect. And finding the one who caused all the commotion does not seem realistic at all. A GSM spammer will allow you to ruin the life of any person, make fun of a boring friend, gain a significant advantage in the fight against competitors and, at the same time, remain above suspicion. It's up to you to decide whether to use such methods or not.

SpyRecord

Continuing the topic of telephone spies, we cannot fail to mention a device that is capable of recording telephone conversations. This simple but very effective device is capable of recording telephone conversations in different modes, from specific phone numbers and transmitting the processed audio directly to a connected computer. SpyRecord is capable of simultaneous recording of telephone conversations up to 128 channels. Now you can control all incoming and outgoing calls in your office or home. This device is also capable of blocking pre-programmed phone numbers. You can set a ban on outgoing or incoming long-distance calls. This device can help you combat information leakage from your company. Such gadgets serve as an excellent replacement for already outdated complexes with magnetic tape media. The device is capable of keeping records and recording the numbers of callers, as well as registering the numbers to which outgoing calls were made. Now all telephone communications will be under your control.

When using all kinds of spy equipment, it is very important that you do not get caught red-handed. All kinds of cameras hidden in ties or belts come in handy. But what if you need to obtain information that is stored on a computer, but you do not have constant access to it? You can try installing spyware that transmits data over the Internet, but this will be quickly detected by antivirus or security software. Secretly download files to external storage every time? But this is very dangerous and threatens you with immediate exposure. There is an easier way out.

KeyLlama 4MB USB. Hardware keylogger

Meet the gadget, which is disguised as something that will not arouse suspicion in any office or on any computer desk. A hardware keylogger looks exactly like a simple USB flash drive. This device monitors keystrokes on the keyboard and, accordingly, saves all these keystrokes to internal memory in text file format. Simply by installing it once on the desired computer, you will be able to obtain all the text that was printed during the period the gadget was present on the computer. These can be various kinds of invoices, contracts or letters, in general, not a single keystroke will escape your gaze. The simplicity and convenience of such devices lies in the fact that for them to work correctly you do not need to install drivers or software. In this case, the spy gadget is not detected by any programs or antiviruses.

Personal Pocket Safe: spy flash drive from Thumbs Up

It's not enough just to get information. It's much more important to keep her safe. The British company ThumbsUp has presented a solution for those who care about the security of information stored on an external drive: a Personal Pocket Safe USB flash drive with code protection. In order for someone to access the files stored on the flash drive, they will have to enter the pin code using the keys that are conveniently located on the body of the USB drive. Attackers who obtain the safe drive will be faced with 256-bit encryption and automatic locking after three unsuccessful attempts to enter the PIN code. An attempt of unauthorized access to the microcircuits will result in the deletion of all data. Thumbs Up prices the Personal Pocket Safe at £60, or about $100.

© Kovalenko Dmitry,

How do GPS beacons help find stolen cars? Most of the time, such devices are in a sleeping position and practically do not consume battery energy (the charge usually lasts for 1.5-3 years, depending on the chosen model). When devices are in this state, they cannot be “detected” by any device used by hijackers. They turn on once a day in order to determine their location. You can “contact” the GPS beacon by sending an SMS with a command. Having received such a message, the device will be able to send you the necessary data, such as the coordinates of its position, speed and direction of movement, and also, often, a link to a map. All this information makes it much easier to catch the thief and return the car. At the same time, by sending additional commands, you can change the frequency at which the GPS tracker turns on and receive messages once every 10 minutes or once an hour (but remember that if the device turns on too often, it can be detected using a signal detector).
Therefore, the use of GPS beacons together with a good alarm system reliably protects your car from thieves. And even if the attacker managed to drive away in your car, you can always track the location of the car and return it. GPS beacon is a search device designed to periodically determine the GPS coordinates of an object’s location.
A GPS/Glonass tracking beacon is installed in a car (or any other movable object) so that it is hidden from prying eyes. The search beacon is usually no larger than a matchbox, so it can be hidden anywhere.
The beacon can operate both from the on-board network and autonomously for up to 3 years - depending on the model and operating conditions.