GPS tracking in guitars...?

[Andrew Lamprecht]

Does anyone do this? I have a friend who got a guitar stolen and that **** always bums me out. It made me think about the 2 guitars I wouldn't really want to lose... Is there any good GPS system available for guitar now?

 

[Powdered Toast Man]

Re: GPS tracking in guitars...?

http://www.geekosystem.com/tile-app/

 

[Andrew Lamprecht]

Re: GPS tracking in guitars...?

The comments there don't make it seem too appealing.

 

[ehdwuld]

Re: GPS tracking in guitars...?

Carvin used to chip theirs but that was more of a radio id

*(Sent from my durned phone!)*

 

[80's_Metal]

Re: GPS tracking in guitars...?

You could use a LoJack like equipment companies use, or maybe cheaper like this implantable dog chips
I've never worried about it. Nothing worth stealing

 

[Red_Label]

Re: GPS tracking in guitars...?

If I keep cozying-up to my new LP Standard Premium... I could see me starting to fear its loss and want to do something to mitigate that.

Problem is... it's not easy to do a GPS tracking system. Needs a power source and the ability to broadcast a signal over substantial range. RFID tags are much smaller, but require you to be in very close proximity to see them. So if you want somewhat-affordable GPS tracking now, your best bet might be to find the smallest cell phone that you can find, turn on the GPS function, and squeeze it into the control cavity. Doesn't seem workable for most people. Actually... you'd probably be better-off trying to hide the phone in the hard case somewhere. But charging it would be a pain.

 

[Edgecrusher]

Re: GPS tracking in guitars...?

You could use a LoJack like equipment companies use, or maybe cheaper like this implantable dog chips
I've never worried about it. Nothing worth stealing

You cant scan a dog chip from more than about 2 feet away. You would have to be on top of the guitar with the scanner to get a reading. Which at that point you might as well just pick it up and identify it by serial number.

Better physical security is the answer not a tracking chip. Its more about awareness and planning than anything else

 

[beaubrummels]

Re: GPS tracking in guitars...?

Years ago Micron made a GPS chip for tracking but it was cost prohibitive. It was about $500.00 per chip, then you would need the tracking hardware also (in the four digit range - $,$$$.$$) It was intended for larger, industrial use, but I had considered in certain equipment that was high enough value I could not replace. It was able to find an object across state lines. Couldn't fit it in the budget, however.

Nowadays there's all kinds of GPS tracking devices from China, but I can't tell if they are suitable for tracking stolen goods that are out of your possession.

 

[blueman335]

Re: GPS tracking in guitars...?

Problem is... it's not easy to do a GPS tracking system. Needs a power source and the ability to broadcast a signal over substantial range.

+1. The power source and broadcast range make the GPS tracking completely impractical for guitars. Like Edgecrusher said, better security in the first place is how you keep your guitars. You need to keep an eye on your gear when you're at a gig and not on stage, and if you live where burglary is a concern, you ought to look into insuring it. Once it's stolen, the odds are you'll never see it again.