Folks, just some FYI on GPS. I bought a GPS tracking device for the car. Works GREAT, cost about $95, downloads to the 'puter and shows the track on Google Earth, no monthly fees. I was SURE my wife was sneaking out of work, driving to see the OM... but so far she's clean <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> What a huge relief. I can tell the exact parking space where she parks, time, date, everything. Only a small piece of the puzzle but worth every penny!!!

There are several available, the one I got is a Wintec G-Rays 2, WBT-201 from http://www.semsons.com. Software was kind of not-very-self-explanatory, but once you figure it out works so great.

Its tiny, it has a rechargeable battery and charger, but I just wired it to the cars 12 volt system so its always on. It has Bluetooth wireless to download if you have a bluetooth device, but I don't so I have to use the USB cable. Very simple... GPS is a wonderful thing, ain't it???

Thanks!

Is this it? http://www.semsons.com/wiwbmu3gpsre2.html

Can you explain exactly how this works and how it is installed?

Where did you place it in the car?

Did you have to remove it to download the data?

I take it this is not real time data, but has to be downloaded later?

Since this is an info piece on GPS please know that in many areas...and especially if the car is crossing state lines that the use of a GPS tracking device without the knowledge of the person being tracked is a crime. In some areas it is a crime EVEN IF YOU OWN THE CAR. People should be aware of the risks of using these devices before making the decision to do so.
And while on the subject...it is always illegal to install a voice activated recorder in a vehicle to capture the conversations of others. The same holds true for phone conversations of others. This violates federal and state wiretap laws and could result in stiff fines and possibly jail time.
I am not against using these devices...I am for people being aware of the pros and cons of doing so.

Melody - yes thats the one. Its very simple to use, you charge the battery, turn it on, and place it someplace in the car. I put it in the jack compartment and it got signal just fine. I assume some locations may get better signal than others, but every place I tried worked fine.

If you wire it to the 12 volt system, you don't have to remove it to charge the battery. Battery life is supposed to be 10+ hrs, which seems to be accurate.

If you have a bluetooth wireless device, like a PDA or something, you can download it wirelessly within like 10 meters. Otherwise, you do have to pull it out to download it with the USB. This is not real-time data, no. There are ones that do that but they are expensive ($300?) plus there is usually a monthly fee like a cell phone.

There is a post on the Spying 101 thread where someone describes how to get real-time tracking using a cell phone with built in GPS, if I can find it I'll post a link to that also. Real time would be nice... but this GPS tracker is cheaper and very, very helpful.

MK - Thanks for pointing that out. You make some good points... I guess in my mind, when you commit to a marriage, you forfeit many of your rights to secrecy... especially a secret affair. Yes, you are right, the law would probably interpret "secrecy" as "privacy", but in my ethical world I don't feel bad about using these type of devices once I know the values have been broken. Every time I spy I truly pray that I do NOT find anything.

Good post though. I agree with your last statement: I am not against using these devices...I am for people being aware of the pros and cons of doing so. Thanks.

Wiring the device into the car's 12 volt system is by far the best option. I had a device in WW's car that was powered by internal batteries. These only lasted 3 or 4 days before needing to be replaced. Always having to root around replacing batteries dramatically increases the odds that it will be discovered. Also, these things have gotten MUCH less expensive recently. Pretty soon you will be able to secretly track almost anyone for free. That's cool if you are a BS, but it is a little disconcerting from a personal privacy standpoint.

MEDC - My attorney told me that a GPS tracker on a vehicle that was owned by me, or my husband and I jointly is not illegal, at least in California. The same is true of a keylogger installed on the family computer.

keyloggers are fine.
GPS trackers vary from state to stae...so if a car is being driven across state lines...the other state and FEDERAL laws will apply.

here is a Colorado case where a H was convicted of stalking for placing a GPS in wifes car. Not that the issue of ownership is addressed in the arson aspect of the case. State laws will vary... I will say that any spouse NOT residing with a WS should NEVER record conversations, use a key logger or GPS. This would not be well received by the court.
http://www.courts.state.co.us/coa/opinion/2001/01CA0121.doc

http://crime.about.com/b/a/146431.htm

here's another one

On the keylogger-- unless it's in your own home where the spouse has NO "reasonable expectation of privacy" especially on a computer the spouses shared in the past.

On the GPS -- unless you OWN the car and it's not unlawful in your state

On the recorder -- unless you are a party to the conversation and your state has the "one-party rule".

Note that the article says it was "the first ever arrest" there for that device... I think its pretty uncommon.

Stalking, invasion of privacy, whatever. Lets think about: your wife/husband f****** another person. Destroying your marriage. Losing your best friend for life. Losing your house.. kids... cars... friends.. family....

Makes invasion of privacy seem kinda immaterial <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

You're right though, it is most likely illegal. Its a choice everyone has to make.

not only is it a choice everyone has to make...but I am beginning to question... at least for myself...if it requires that I break the law, act like detective in my own home and give up my peace of mind, is it really worth it?

Laws are in place to protect the innocent. I suspect stalking would be the primary reason of such a law.

How many vehicles come equipt with GPS receivers for direction assitance, On Star, or after market companies such as Lojack, and countless others.

In my state anyway, the news reported the rising number of parents who place GPS recorders in vehicles to monitor their teens driving habits.

I would be shocked to read of someone being prosecuted for using a GPS device for the reasons posted here.

not me. especially if they are not living together. Children do not have the same rights as an adult when looking at parents behavior. So, a parent placing a GPS to monitor teen behavior is a valid use.
A spouse tracking their estranged partner is stalking.

There are big differences between surveillance, and stalking.

Stalking would require the person being followed fear injury or death from the person "stalking".

not true...at least in most states...emotional distress was always enough for me to lock someone up...and my check of other state statutes indicates the same criteria.

MEDC,
Just curious, what then is the difference to doing this type of survailance on your own, versus legalizing it with a PI?

Does their licence give them more privalige than the average citizen, just curious?

All Blessings,
Jerry

A PI is NOT allowed to use a GPS to track someone unless the state law specifically indicates that a GPS can be used on a jointly owned vehicle.