Oyster 3 GPS tracker by Lone Star - anyone using it?

HardFault

Have been comparing cost of ownership of a few trackers and this one wins. Just curious if any of you folks are using it and if so, what you think of it.

Marceline

https://www.lonestartracking.com/tracking-devices/oyster3-4g-5g-waterproof-battery-powered-gps-tracking-device/

"We have created partnerships with cellular carriers across the globe to make sure your tracker works when and where you need it to."

There's nothing inherently wrong with this variety of tracker, but it's important to recognize that it won't send a fix if it can't connect to a cell tower. Something like a Spot Trace (what I use) is more expensive because it transmits fixes via satellite, not cell service. 

SLJ

You would have to be way out of cell range to have this not work. I've used it for four years and I have never had it not work through the Smokies, Adirondacks, Midwest, and New England, even when I have zero cell service on my phone. GPS location is spot on. If it's stationary for more than five minutes I get a text alert when it starts to move if my phone has cell service. If not I get the alert when I have service again.

Marceline

SLJ said:

You would have to be way out of cell range to have this not work. I've used it for four years and I have never had it not work through the Smokies, Adirondacks, Midwest, and New England, even when I have zero cell service on my phone. GPS location is spot on. If it's stationary for more than five minutes I get a text alert when it starts to move if my phone has cell service. If not I get the alert when I have service again.

This device will get fixes (location data) from satellites even when there is no cell service. It will constantly store that GPS data. But it will not transmit that data to the owner of the device until it returns to an area where there's cellphone service. In the West, especially in mountainous areas--but also in other sparsely populated areas--there are some pretty big holes where there is absolutely no cell coverage for the tracker to connect to. I'm not saying that no one should buy it, I'm just saying that a potential buyer should be aware of this limitation. Theoretically, if someone stole your trailer and took it to a place where there's no cell service you wouldn't be able to track it. If your family was worried that they hadn't heard from you in a while they wouldn't be able to track you down if there was no cell service for the tracker to connect with.

From their website: 

Your tracking device will have coverage almost everywhere in North America, unless otherwise specified.  Our trackers require a 4G/5G Cat M1 cellular signal in order to operate.  Your tracker comes with a built-in SIM and the device is working out-of-the-box within 5 minutes. No need for a local SIM card and you cannot change the SIM. It will work anywhere in North America that has a 4G/5G Cat-M1 cellular signal.