Chipfox IoT GPS trackers tested

Jan

Jan

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We tested IoT GPS trackers in South Africa — with good results

Testing by MyBroadband revealed that IoT GPS trackers work well on the SqwidNet Sigfox network and can be a valuable tool to track things like vehicles and other assets.

SqwidNet has been operating as the licensed Sigfox operator in South Africa since 2016 and offers low-cost access to IoT solutions and operators in South Africa.
 
The problem with DIY trackers is you still need a recovery team, the police won't help even if it's seemingly pinging directly inside a property.
 
The only reason why Sigfox 0G is suitable for vehicle tracking is the modus operandi of vehicle thieves, who park a vehicle somewhere and observe it from a distance, if no-one comes to fetch it, they take it again. If they were on the move then updates every 5m is pretty useless.

There are far better use-cases for Sigfox 0G, like a remote weather station and tracking wildlife.
 
We have locally developed product named the RAMAC P1. We have done tests across South-Africa and it works very well. We looked at the current gps and another button developed by another company abroad and our product is far superior in functionality, pricing and technical ability. It is available but we do not have an online store unfortunately. Depended on quantity the product can be white labeled as well.

We have a API for 3 party integration a mobile app (currently only android) and portal. We have integrated with a few security companies if your require linked security services. We will be launching our P2 which is much smaller with more features and wearable. For more info please contact us. As it is locally developed we can make certain firmware and design changes.
5A50F32A-FB7E-4BD2-8521-F124F141D511.jpeg
 
How do these trackers actually send the telemetry data? I assume they must somehow use the cellphone network but no mention is made about how this works? Surely a sim card needs to be inserted into these devices otherwise how do they connect to a GSM network?
 
deweyzeph said:
How do these trackers actually send the telemetry data? I assume they must somehow use the cellphone network but no mention is made about how this works? Surely a sim card needs to be inserted into these devices otherwise how do they connect to a GSM network?
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IOT - SqwidNet Sigfox
 
mister said:
IOT - SqwidNet Sigfox
Click to expand...

Sure, but how does that work? I'm guessing SqwidNet Sigfox does not have cellphone towers all over the country, so how does the data actually physically get transmitted over a tcp/ip network?
 
deweyzeph said:
Sure, but how does that work? I'm guessing SqwidNet Sigfox does not have cellphone towers all over the country, so how does the data actually physically get transmitted over a tcp/ip network?
Click to expand...
Am sure it uses a gateway much like all other IoT standards. Sigfox being on the edge.
 
deweyzeph said:
Sure, but how does that work? I'm guessing SqwidNet Sigfox does not have cellphone towers all over the country, so how does the data actually physically get transmitted over a tcp/ip network?
Click to expand...

One of the mobile networks was nearly brought down by a bunch of iot devices so they created an iot specific apn that you can subscribe to.
 
deweyzeph said:
Sure, but how does that work? I'm guessing SqwidNet Sigfox does not have cellphone towers all over the country, so how does the data actually physically get transmitted over a tcp/ip network?
Click to expand...
The Sigfox network is Low Power Radio Area Network. The technology being used is an ultra narrowband radio frequency that allows for the radio equipment to communicate over much longer distances than GSM tech. Line of sight distances of over 200km have been achieved and we have achieved 170km in the Kruger National Park with the RAMAC P1. The focus of the tech is too low power (long battery life) with long-distance communications but less data. SqwidNetis the South-African Sigfox operator but the beauty of this tech is that it will work in Europe as well as there is a Sigfox network there as well. But will not work everywhere in the world as the frequencies as split into Zones. SA being Zones 1 straight up to Europe.

So to answer your question some of the Sigfox gateways are mounted onto the GSM towers but they require much less towers due to the tech being used as explained above.
 
Gary Gasson said:
The Sigfox network is Low Power Radio Area Network. The technology being used is an ultra narrowband radio frequency that allows for the radio equipment to communicate over much longer distances than GSM tech. Line of sight distances of over 200km have been achieved and we have achieved 170km in the Kruger National Park with the RAMAC P1. The focus of the tech is too low power (long battery life) with long-distance communications but less data. SqwidNetis the South-African Sigfox operator but the beauty of this tech is that it will work in Europe as well as there is a Sigfox network there as well. But will not work everywhere in the world as the frequencies as split into Zones. SA being Zones 1 straight up to Europe.

So to answer your question some of the Sigfox gateways are mounted onto the GSM towers but they require much less towers due to the tech being used as explained above.
Click to expand...

Awesome, thanks for the answer. So SqwidNetis doesn't actually piggyback off any of the cellphone network's IP networks?
 
deweyzeph said:
Awesome, thanks for the answer. So SqwidNetis doesn't actually piggyback off any of the cellphone network's IP networks?
Click to expand...
If a Sigfox gateway site does not have internet connectivity then they would use GSM as the communication backbone to the server.
 
Jan said:
We tested IoT GPS trackers in South Africa — with good results

Testing by MyBroadband revealed that IoT GPS trackers work well on the SqwidNet Sigfox network and can be a valuable tool to track things like vehicles and other assets.

SqwidNet has been operating as the licensed Sigfox operator in South Africa since 2016 and offers low-cost access to IoT solutions and operators in South Africa.
Click to expand...
Hi there where can we buy this device and how much is it?
 
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