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Makes And Models => Zero Motorcycles Forum | 2013+ => Topic started by: didierm on March 30, 2020, 09:41:28 PM

Title: FST : Cellular connection & GPS tracking
Post by: didierm on March 30, 2020, 09:41:28 PM

Currently, the cellular connection of the FST platform (SR/F & SR/S) to the Zero cloud instance appears to be without additional incurred costs.
As a consumer/end-user, I do not possess any information about contractual stipulations, end-of-service, or whatever Zero's future plans with the cellular connection will turn out to be.

While, from a technical point of view, I applaud the "always connected" feature (e.g. tracking in case of theft), I do have some reservations about its privacy aspect.

For that purpose, I migrated my own GPS-tracker from my deceased DSR to the SR/F.

Example components :
* iTrackSafe MT1 (cheap, small, reliable) https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32536233599.html
* LiPo 12000 mAh battery (replaces the small built-in battery, provides longer uptimes when bike is powered off) : https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1715204459.html
* SAE connectors (cut & solder, to connect the MT1 to an SAE accessory port) :  https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32784944176.html
* JST connectors (to easily attach/detach the battery to the MT1, see below) : https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32806921250.html
* USB LiPo charger (to sideload the battery from an external source when the bike is pwoered off) : https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000860043218.html

Software :
Traccar : https://github.com/traccar/traccar

Traccar allows you to run your own GPS tracker service, at your own premises or VPS.
Particularly useful with a static IP address.

Title: Re: FST : Cellular connection & GPS tracking
Post by: didierm on March 30, 2020, 09:46:55 PM

Quote from: didierm on March 30, 2020, 09:41:28 PM

Example components :

Forgot to mention :
* LiPo safety bag : https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32973182785.html

Title: Re: FST : Cellular connection & GPS tracking
Post by: togo on March 30, 2020, 11:00:57 PM

2G SIM card required, according to the AliExpress listing.

What service do you use, and what 2G networks are expected to remain active?

Title: Re: FST : Cellular connection & GPS tracking
Post by: didierm on March 31, 2020, 01:25:48 AM

Prepaid SIM card, local operator (Belgium, Europe).


You send (password-protected) SMS codes to configure settings (password, timezone, GPRS, geofencing, ...) or acquire information (location, engine state, ....) .

With GPRS configured, the device regularly (about every 10 seconds) sends its data (location, speed, direction,  engine power state, etc.) to the configured server IP (in my case, my Traccar server) ; hence the need for a static IP.
The data traffic consumes ~ 100 KB/day, according to my operator bills.

i-Trac MT1 manual : http://www.i-trac.cn/support.asp?ID=93


I have 5 of these trackers, and they work quite flawlessly.