GPS Satalite Tracking Security Systems

[ZerOne]

Due to insurance requirements, I will need to fit a GPS tracking device to my vehicle.

This thread is a primer to a dedicated document for this topic.
The GPS tracking device that I have chosen to fit is a Generic TK-103 12V Vehicle model you can buy now on eBay for around $100.

The specific model that I have chosen has optional dual SIM card support, Micro SD card logging capability, and battery backup.

I have written GPS tracking software before, specifically for Bluecard GPS tracking modules, and a couple of guard tour RFID/GPS tracking devices for security guards.

The plan is to,
1) Wire and fit the unit to my VE Commodore,
2) Program the unit for SMS functionality.
3) Write an IP Protocol Daemon possibly in C#, so as it can run under linux, mac, or Windows as a service.
4) Write front end software in php to allow tracking via a web browser.
5) Optionally write iOS software for live tracking information on an iPhone / iPad.

[ZerOne]

GPS Tracking unit wiring information

Black wire : Ground (-)
Red Wire : Constant Positive 12V (+)
Purple Wire : Acc Power (+) (Active when key is in the accessories position)
White Wire : Alarm Input (+) Connect to existing alarm siren output.

Microphone : Allows listening in to cabin communications when the unit is dialled
Relay Output : Allows remotely disabling power to critical vehicle components such as fuel pump or ignition
SOS Input : Push button switch, when pressed will send an SMS message / GPRS packet alerting the receiver that the SOS button has been pushed.

The unit also has two antennas.
1) A GPRS/GSM antenna used for SMS and GPRS communications
2) A GPS Receiver / Antenna, used to obtain a GPS fix.

[ZerOne]

TK-102 & TK-103 GPRS Data string.

GPS tracking data is sent using the following format, (NOTE data is separated using a comma)

[GPS Date and Time] : 12 Chars (Eg 090907070718)
[Tracker Authorised Number] : 11 Chars ?? (Eg 13145826175)
[NMEA GPS Location String] :
[Tracking Alarm Type] : 1 Chars
[IMEI NUMBER] : 20 Chars (Eg imei:354776030042714)
[Number of Sat Fix] : 2 Chars (The number of satellites used for the GPS fix)
[Altitude] : meters above sea level.
[Battery Status] : 6 Chars (Eg F:5.00V for full battery, L:1.00V for low battery)
[Charging Status] : 1 Char (Eg: 1= Charging, 0 not charging)
[GPS String Length] : The length in chars for the NMEA GPS String
[CRC16 Checksum] : 5 chars
[Mobile Country Code] :
[Mobile Network Code] :
[Mobile Location Code] :
[Cell ID] : Mobile Cell tower ID