Thieves detecting GPS in cars?

proctog · Regular Visitor Joined: Oct 28, 2004 Posts: 100

Hi

Recently I've heard, from friends and, last week, on the BBC news, that thieves can use 'sophisticated tracking technology' to detect a sat nav device in a car, even if it's switched off and (say) in the glove box.

Is this possible? I would have thought a powered-down TomTom unit, or any of the others, wouldn't have been detectable.

Intrigued!

Glenn.

Andy_P · Posted: Mon Feb 05, 2007 12:28 pm Post subject:

Nah...
The TT does not transmit anything recognisable as data, unless it is actively paired via bluetooth. Like any electronic gear it will "emit" radio frequency noise, but there's nothing the average thief could find that would specifically identify a sat nav, especially if it is on standby with the screen off.

proctog · Regular Visitor Joined: Oct 28, 2004 Posts: 100

Andy_P · Posted: Mon Feb 05, 2007 12:44 pm Post subject:

Much the same being said Here. Someone has fired off a rude email to the Beeb.

JockTamsonsBairn · Posted: Mon Feb 05, 2007 1:00 pm Post subject:

Andy_P · Posted: Mon Feb 05, 2007 1:13 pm Post subject:

Load of rubbish, IMHO.

Skippy · Posted: Mon Feb 05, 2007 1:43 pm Post subject:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/6325173.stm

Oldboy · Posted: Mon Feb 05, 2007 6:53 pm Post subject:

Probably got the date wrong. Thought it was April 1st. Laughing

_________________
Richard

TT 910 V7.903: Europe Map v1045
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chartman · Occasional Visitor Joined: Dec 22, 2006 Posts: 5

I think it has substance.... In any radio receiver device ( inc. GPS) the incoming signal is 'mixed' with a local oscillator to produce a usable signal. A picture in the case of a TV and Music in the case of a radio. Same for a GPS- it produces data as a usable signal.
It is this local oscillator ( read transmitter) that can be detected by the TV detector vans. Same for a GPS.

JockTamsonsBairn · Posted: Tue Feb 06, 2007 1:33 am Post subject:

mike007 · Regular Visitor Joined: Sep 13, 2004 Posts: 70

they must mean that the BLUETOOTH can be searched for,just like on your mobile phone you can "search for devices"
the new tomtom's have bluetooth connection on them. Smile

I keep my bluetooth switched off as i dont use it.

Skippy · Posted: Tue Feb 06, 2007 10:12 am Post subject:

Arimus · Posted: Tue Feb 06, 2007 10:57 am Post subject:

Doubtful but it depends whether off is a proper off or a standby type mode. I suspect the TT range off is a proper off though Smile

As to Bluetooth - (as pointed out in other posts) it is not the only signal pattern your PND will radiate... it is the only 'intentional' signal but as all electronic components to some degree or another emit low levels of electronic noise than by no means is bluetooth the only detectable signal.

neil01 · Posted: Tue Feb 06, 2007 11:01 am Post subject:

I'm not an expert here, but if I understand it correctly, if you totally turn off your equipment it will often loose all the data (as when the battery goes totally flat) so what people term as turning off is nothing more than putting in standby - ie it is still technically switched on and potentially detectable.

As I said, I am not an expert, but perhaps one could comment with authority rather than opinion.

Eldar · Posted: Tue Feb 06, 2007 11:23 am Post subject:

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