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Originally Posted by Chec704
(Post 23730251)
So I'm asking if anyone knows of any trackers for bikes whether it's a just a simple tag like an air tag or one that is meant for a bike
That people will take your money for a tracker doesn't mean they are useful. The best approach, by far, is to do something that makes the tracker unnecessary. ================= The Apple Airtags are really to track "lost" objects. At this point, any serious thief is going to know to do something about them. So, don't expect they will be that useful for tracking stolen items. In practice, Airtags seem fairly variable in being able to locate items very well. Apple Airtags have the advantage of having the best network for picking up items since every iPhone can relay the location of Airtags. Androiid/Google tags might potentially be better but I don't think it's anywhere as good as Apple's network at the moment. Tile is useless (for the OP''s purpose) because the network is way too limited. |
Originally Posted by njkayaker
(Post 23734210)
It's not likely that any tracker (at any price) is going to be that helpful to you.
That people will take your money for a tracker doesn't mean they are useful. The best approach, by far, is to do something that makes the tracker unnecessary. ================= The Apple Airtags are really to track "lost" objects. At this point, any serious thief is going to know to do something about them. So, don't expect they will be that useful for tracking stolen items. In practice, Airtags seem fairly variable in being able to locate items very well. Apple Airtags have the advantage of having the best network for picking up items since every iPhone can relay the location of Airtags. Androiid/Google tags might potentially be better but I don't think it's anywhere as good as Apple's network at the moment. Tile is useless (for the OP''s purpose) because the network is way too limited. |
Originally Posted by Chec704
(Post 23734213)
There are many methods that you can use to track and see if there any air tags near you so I would prefer not to use an ear tag and a smart thief would double check to make sure there are no air tags on the bike with his phone or an app
But nothing else is going to work as well (*). A smart thief is going to look for any tracker. ------------------------------ A tracker that is basically a cell phone might possibly work better but they are going to cost more. |
Originally Posted by njkayaker
(Post 23734228)
I’m not actually recommending Airtags to you.
But nothing else is going to work as well (*). A smart thief is going to look for any tracker. Not to mention some other security methods special screws that will be very difficult to remove without the right tools |
Originally Posted by Chec704
(Post 23734229)
I have some ideas of how to hide them depending on the shape size and materials it's made of
Not to mention some other security methods special screws that will be very difficult to remove without the right tools The problem is the tracker connecting the network (that relays it's location back to you). The Apple network is good (not perfect). The networks that any other tracker will use will be terrible. "Most" tracker have to connect to a cell phone and the cell phone relays the location. There are trackers that are basically cell phones but these are going to be larger and have battery-life issues and (likely) require a cell-phone data plan (maybe, $10/month). Trackers won't work anywhere near as well as you think they will. Is there a business near where you work where you might be able to keep your bicycle? |
Originally Posted by njkayaker
(Post 23734232)
Your smart thief looking for Airtags is likely going to find it.
The problem is the tracker connecting the network (that relays it's location back to you). The Apple network is good (not perfect). The networks that any other tracker will use will be terrible. "Most" tracker have to connect to a cell phone and the cell phone relays the location. There are trackers that are basically cell phones but these are going to be larger and have battery-life issues and (likely) require a cell-phone data plan (maybe, $10/month). Trackers won't work anywhere near as well as you think they will. Is there a business near where you work where you might be able to keep your bicycle? Then I asked one of the managers okay what do you suspect I do when because you tell me put my bike outside and it's my only source of transportation and the bicycle gets stolen what do you suspect I should do he said well you're going to have to go buy your own despite me being forced put it outside kind of angered me at my current job I had a manager previously tried to do this and we demanded him that he buy me a bike because they forced me to put it outside and it is on my only source of transportation and I didn't want to put it outside and he told me he'd buy me another one I honestly think the company that forces you to put it outside should buy you another one Or help make countermeasures to make sure it does not get stolen again |
Originally Posted by noglider
(Post 23732406)
Originally Posted by noglider
(Post 23734076)
I'm a special education teacher. As a side job, I work with an autistic young man with learning disabilities on Saturdays, mentoring him in life skills. He is not as self-aware as you are. You can say that you are anxious. I'm not sure if my friend can say that, though you got me curious, and I'll start asking him about his emotions. I'm on my way to see him now.
You might be able to find a coach who can help you reach some goals. I know how scary the idea of going back to school is. I faced similar decisions a few years ago. I never finished college because I didn't think I could do it. Eventually, I wanted to change careers, into teaching. My friends and family gave me a lot of encouragement and repeated that I really could do it. I went back to college at the age of 58 and graduated at the age of 61. I had tutors and coaches to help me through. I got accommodations for my ADHD. I just finished graduate school with my MS in Special Education and started teaching full time in September. This journey was very hard, too hard to even describe. But I'm glad I did it. One of the best lessons I learned is that it's always possible to learn more stuff. Not only that, it's a good idea for one's happiness and health. Once we stop learning, we start dying. I'm pretty old to be starting a new career, at 65 years old. I figure it might help keep me young, even though the work is physically and mentally and emotionally demanding. See what you can dream up. Maybe you'd like to help people with special needs. You might see what they need clearly. Discovering my ADHD late in life was my inspiration to be a special education teacher. I want to BE the help that I should have had when I was a kid. Once you have a dream, people can help you make it happen. |
Originally Posted by njkayaker
(Post 23734239)
The irony hurts.
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Originally Posted by Chec704
(Post 23734235)
Currently yes but I'm applying to places that have all told me repeatedly you're going to have to put your bike outside...
Originally Posted by Chec704
(Post 23734235)
Then I asked one of the managers okay what do you suspect I do when because you tell me put my bike outside and it's my only source of transportation and the bicycle gets stolen what do you suspect I should do he said well you're going to have to go buy your own despite me being forced put it outside kind of angered me at my current job I had a manager previously tried to do this and we demanded him that he buy me a bike because they forced me to put it outside and it is on my only source of transportation and I didn't want to put it outside and he told me he'd buy me another one I honestly think the company that forces you to put it outside should buy you another one.
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Originally Posted by Chec704
(Post 23734242)
why
Then, he suggested you solve your problem by going to school (which takes actual and considerable "resources" and seems fairly "impractical"). If his idea of going to school or getting a coach makes sense to you, more power to you! But it really doesn't address your current problem at all (so it's an odd suggestion especially after complaining that basic advice was "impractical"). |
Originally Posted by njkayaker
(Post 23734247)
He first complained that "watching your bike" was "impractical" because some people "might not have the resources" to do that (this doesn't make too much sense).
Then, he suggested you solve your problem by going to school (which takes actual and considerable "resources" and seems fairly "impractical"). If his idea of going to school or getting a coach makes sense to you, more power to you! But it really doesn't address your current problem at all (so it's an odd suggestion especially after complaining that basic advice was "impractical"). And when I speak of furthering one's education, I'm saying that one can sometimes ask for help and receive it, even without paying for it. States do see it as their job to educate the public, to varying degrees. That's why public school is free and public universities are subsidized. |
[QUOTE=njkayaker;23734243]I'm not talking about applying to other places. I'm suggesting you see if there's a nearby concern that would help you out. Yes, it's a long shot.
Nearby concern what do you mean by that I'm confused |
Originally Posted by Chec704
(Post 23734278)
Nearby concern what do you mean by that I'm confused
(The tracker thing is very likely to be a disappointment. It's not likely it will work anywhere near as well as you think.) |
Originally Posted by noglider
(Post 23734270)
I'm a teacher. My job is to tell people to dream big. I don't mean to set anyone up for disappointment, even though my students may not realize their dreams. Dreams are useful. Many people veer off their planned courses and find more worthwhile things to do with their time and energy. There's nothing wrong with that.
And when I speak of furthering one's education, I'm saying that one can sometimes ask for help and receive it, even without paying for it. States do see it as their job to educate the public, to varying degrees. That's why public school is free and public universities are subsidized.
Originally Posted by noglider
(Post 23732406)
I'm disappointed to see how many people don't realize how impractical this is for some folks. Some people don't have the resources to follow your recommendations.
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Originally Posted by Barry2
(Post 23732744)
I guess you have to use a different device. Maybe a Tile.?.?
The Apple Airtag is the best choice (currently) because the network it uses is very wide-spread. If I understand correctly, everybody's iPhone is part of the network (as long as BT is on). Android tags are a recent alternative but I believe people need to choose to have their smartphone be part of the network. I don't think the network is anywhere as good as that for the Airtags. Keep in mind that I don’t think trackers (even AirTags) are a good idea. You really have to put effort in avoiding having the bike being stolen in the first place. |
Originally Posted by njkayaker
(Post 23734354)
There might be another business that is nearby that might accommodate you. It's a very long shot. Note that, you might need to walk a bit from such a place to where you work.
(The tracker thing is very likely to be a disappointment. It's not likely it will work anywhere near as well as you think.) At least at my current job new job locations it's possible |
Originally Posted by Robvolz
(Post 23733951)
OK,
AirTags have the flaw where they inform a person with an iPhone (60% of the US population) that there is an AirTag near. (AirTags are very common and I’ve never been informed there are any near me. If it worked the way you supposed, I and every other iPhone user would be being informed all the time!)
Originally Posted by Robvolz
(Post 23733951)
Milwaukee tools has a thing called the TICK. Like the AirTag it has an ap that shows you exactly where it is.
This device can only be detected by a nearby phone running the Milwaukee app. Very, very few people are going to be running that app. |
Originally Posted by njkayaker
(Post 23734384)
Not quite. You get informed if a tracker you don’t own appears to be moving with you. That is, it would take a while for this to happen.
(AirTags are very common and I’ve never been informed there are any near me. If it worked the way you supposed, I and every other iPhone user would be being informed all the time!) This would be useless for the OP’s purpose. This device can only be detected by a nearby phone running the Milwaukee app. Very, very few people are going to be running that app. |
Originally Posted by Chec704
(Post 23734394)
What about other alternatives?
I’ve already said a couple of times that BT trackers are going to be close to worthless. You’d likely be much better off with a good lock in the safest location you can find. For cheap (Bluetooth) trackers (which are going to be worthless), the best current option, by far, is going to be an Apple AirTag. Your only hope of these having a slim chance of being useful is having the best network. Apple has the best network. An alternative is to have an “all in one” tracker that is basically a cell phone. They are more expensive, bigger, and require a monthly subscription (I’m repeating myself again). This is an example of that sort of device: https://cubetracker.com/products/cub...ry-amazon-shop ———————————- There is a fair amount of poor advice from some people here who don’t really know how Bluetooth trackers work (it’s all about the network). I use AirTags for tracking luggage. They are kind of meh for that purpose. I don’t expect they’d be useful to track stolen items. Any other BT tracker would be even less useful (that is, not useful at all). |
Originally Posted by njkayaker
(Post 23734407)
Do you understand why the Tick device is going to be useless for you?
I’ve already said a couple of times that BT trackers are going to be close to worthless. You’d likely be much better off with a good lock in the safest location you can find. For cheap (Bluetooth) trackers (which are going to be worthless), the best current option, by far, is going to be an Apple AirTag. Your only hope of these having a slim chance of being useful is having the best network. Apple has the best network. An alternative is to have an “all in one” tracker that is basically a cell phone. They are more expensive, bigger, and require a monthly subscription (I’m repeating myself again). This is an example of that sort of device: https://cubetracker.com/products/cub...ry-amazon-shop ———————————- There is a fair amount of poor advice from some people here who don’t really know how Bluetooth trackers work (it’s all about the network). I use AirTags for tracking luggage. They are kind of meh for that purpose. I don’t expect they’d be useful to track stolen items. Any other BT tracker would be even less useful (that is, not useful at all). |
Originally Posted by njkayaker
(Post 23734359)
You aren't getting my point. I don't have a problem with suggesting that people get education per se but it's the poster child of "impractical" and something that requires a lot of "resources".
A few years ago, a phone data plan cost might be a barrier, but I got on a plan in late 2021 that has voice, text, and unlimited data for $25/month, all taxes and fees included. Plus they gave me a free 5G phone ($300 value) in exchange for a circa 2006 dead phone I had laying around. So neither cost nor convenience are issues. If the OP can get online to post here on Bike Forums, they can get free access to great instruction. They may "not know what they don't know", and thus might require guidance, which is why I suggested seeking help from a government agency for employment or disability, to help suggest what knowledge would be most helpful in finding better employment. When used properly and with guidance, youtube is your friend, unless an agency hosts videos directly. |
Originally Posted by Duragrouch
(Post 23734498)
In the past, yes. Now, no. There are tremendous FREE resources now available online, I cited one, Kahn Academy, some with instruction that is superior to local schools, as they seek out the best instructors, and free, and can be viewed at any time of the day or night, and need not be viewed all at once, the video can be started or stopped at will, and can be reviewed repeatedly as needed. This is far better than in the past.
A few years ago, a phone data plan cost might be a barrier, but I got on a plan in late 2021 that has voice, text, and unlimited data for $25/month, all taxes and fees included. Plus they gave me a free 5G phone ($300 value) in exchange for a circa 2006 dead phone I had laying around. So neither cost nor convenience are issues. If the OP can get online to post here on Bike Forums, they can get free access to great instruction. They may "not know what they don't know", and thus might require guidance, which is why I suggested seeking help from a government agency for employment or disability, to help suggest what knowledge would be most helpful in finding better employment. When used properly and with guidance, youtube is your friend, unless an agency hosts videos directly. |
Originally Posted by Chec704
(Post 23734414)
This is my strategy get a decent lock and tracker plus Alarm separate from the tracker the tracker will be hidden and held on by very specialized security bolts or screws that would be hard to obtain elsewhere
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Originally Posted by Duragrouch
(Post 23734505)
Harbor Freight (discount tool seller) sold something like a 50 piece set of 1/4 hex security bits (plus all the standard bits) for like $10, ten years ago. The problem was, the steel was brittle as glass. Hopefully the quality has improved. But security bits are very easy to obtain, unless completely unique to the maker, like some security axle skewers, auto wheel locks, etc, but still, usually the manufacturer only makes a limited number of different keys.
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Originally Posted by Chec704
(Post 23734502)
Not always sometimes I might need a guiding hand
First, if you have been in contact with an agency that aids disabled like yourself, speak with them and ask for recommendations about what employment positions that might be a good goal for you, and have them help you in choosing educational videos to watch. For pure academics (math, sciences, writing, etc), I'd try looking within the Kahn Academy videos, I have not watched them, but they seem to have a good reputation, and not for profit. Other areas like training for skilled trades (like methods for bicycle repair!) would be elsewhere on youtube, however, Park Tools offers many repair videos that are well recommended. There are also formal schools for bike repair, I think one of them run by Park, those cost money, but like my past experience, there may be government money for scholarships available. In recent years I saw articles (either on the PBS Newshour, or CBS Sunday Morning) about unskilled workers given scholarships or loans for professional plumbing school, due to a shortage of people in that trade. I also very recently saw an article about a South Korean company that is a huge shipbuilder, and they will be setting up shop in Philidelphia I think, and they are providing free training for welding and other needed skills, high paying. Please note, the above are just examples, I am not recommending that, just using them as examples. You do what feels right for you. My particular scholarship from the state department of rehabilitation was to a small school for building musical instruments. And while I didn't stay in that trade, that course, and the instrument I built, were the first things in my life I had actually finished. And that stuck with me as I went on to other things. |
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