Datatool Snitcher

[slob]

http://www.datatool.co.uk/snitcher/

Some time ago I asked about these on the forum.
http://www.ukmonster.co.uk/monster/s...ad.php?t=22347
I considered building my own using
http://www.touchline-security.co.uk/TAD-201.shtml
but couldn't really see the point in re-inventing the wheel, especially when
the Snitcher was only just over half the price, so I bought one from
http://www.elitemotorcycleservices.co.uk/mst.html
The package arrived by courier the following day like any other cellphone.
I finally got round to fitting it a couple of weeks ago.
It took a couple of hours and should be a fairly simple operation for anyone
with a bit of (auto)electrical experience and a few tools.


The package contains, fitting instructions/user guide, application form for
online GSM tracking (£29.99/year), a handy card with all the system commands,
An Orange pay-as-you-go top up card, the device itself and an aerial.


I took the seat off the bike and lifted the tank to allow 'dry' fitting,
so I could work out how much of the cable I needed.
I also ditched the underseat toolkit and cover to make room for the black-box
between the undertray and the seat.
The device can be used stand-alone or in addition to a normal alarm system.
I used the simpler three wire installation(permanent 12V/12V switched from
ignition/earth) and folded the 'to siren' and 'from alarm' into heat-shrink,
in case I want to use them at a later date.
The remaining wires were trimmed to the correct length and everything
sealed with self-amalgamating tape to ensure it all stays waterproof.


The fusebox was removed to allow cutting back the insulation to splice in the
alarm cables. You can see the red/yellow wire(permanent 12V) on the far right,
with the insulation cut away and tinned with solder. The brown wire next to it
will provide switched 12V from the ignition.


These wires were then sealed with more self-amalgamating tape and a crimp
connector put on the earth wire.


Everything was then tucked away and re-assembled...

[slob]

...and the unit and aerial fitted, with more tape to seal the aerial connector.
I used self adhesive velcro and cable ties to keep everything in place.
(You can't shorten the aerial cable, since its length is tuned to GSM
operating frequency.)


I've now been using it for a couple of weeks and on the whole I'm very happy
with it. It switches itself on 15 seconds after the ignition is switched off
and that's all there is too it. I can put it in 'VALET' mode so I can work
on the bike etc. without setting it off.
I would like to have seen a wider range of sensitivity, say 0-7, rather than
just High and Low. I have it on 'High' and if someone knocks the bike or moves
it significantly, I get a text message on my mobile. It's not so sensitive
that a passer-by sneezing will set it off, although I've had three texts due
to tossers who can't park their sh!tty scooters next me without kicking my bike.

My main gripe is with Orange, who can't tell me how much credit I have left
without calling from the SIM or registering online(which I can't do without
having the SIM in an actual phone), despite a 40 minute call to their
utterly useless call centre, ending up with them suggesting I ask my retailer.
I can query the system and get a signal strength report(0-31), so why not a
remaining credit report? Are you reading this Datatool?!
I could ring your support line but 50p/minute doesn't sound like a goer.
If I'd bought the TAD-201 and added a motion sensor myself I could possibly
have asked the developer to upgrade the system but hey-ho, you pay your money,
you take your choice.

I decided to bite the bullet and open up the sealed unit to register online by putting the SIM in my phone, only to discover an error in Orange's online system which presumably means a 5 day wait for an email response, followed by having to open the thing again to get at the SIM and then re-seal it with silicone to waterproof it. I might be on a Vodafone SIM by next week at this rate!


At least I now know that if the bike is moved I can respond without anyone
knowing I'm coming, which I figure is a whole lot better than the alarm going
off and no-one taking any notice if I'm not within earshot and even if there's
no Orange coverage, the bike will alert me as soon as it picks up a signal.
Plus it can be tracked to within a few hundred metres if it does go walkies.

I'll let you know how I get on roaming in Europe next month.

Very good review slob.

I looked at this after my KTM got nicked and might well invest now.

cheers

Does it come with a free baseball bat then?

Seriously I guess it can be tracked if it's stolen (lifted into a van) so as long as you can find a copper who will help you've got a chance of recovering the bike.

Did this make much of a difference to your insurance?

[slob]

Originally Posted by makemdan

Did this make much of a difference to your insurance?

None at all, since I've already got max. discount for the factory immobiliser.
Peace of mind is the difference to me.

Hi guys.

I see from this post that the unit was opened up. I to am finding the orange sim card a pain in the arse.

Before i go a crack open the case to get at the sim can someone confirm that the unit will work if i pop in say and o2 sim card.

many thanks

Craig

[Albie]

Interesting thread

[Yorkie]

Does it come with a free baseball bat then?

Just use your Lid!!!

Yorkie.

[slob]

Originally Posted by GSXRWallace

Hi guys.

I see from this post that the unit was opened up. I to am finding the orange sim card a pain in the arse.

Before i go a crack open the case to get at the sim can someone confirm that the unit will work if i pop in say and o2 sim card.

many thanks

Craig

I sealed it up after registering the sim in my for online credit checking.
So I haven't tried any other service providers. I don't really know the ins and outs of pay-as-you-go contracts and hardware I'm afraid. On the plus side it's waterproof enough after going back together(based on last summer's weather).

Thanks for the reply mate.

Well i have an Orange and T-Mobile pay monthly sim so i may crack it open and pop the T-Mobile one just to check.

What did you use to crack it open?

Thanks for the reply on this

[slob]

Originally Posted by GSXRWallace

Thanks for the reply mate.

Well i have an Orange and T-Mobile pay monthly sim so i may crack it open and pop the T-Mobile one just to check.

What did you use to crack it open?

Thanks for the reply on this

I just used a medium flat-blade screwdriver (8mm?) to just ease the clips apart without overstressing the plastic.

Excellent i will give it a go.

Hi guys.

Hope someone can give me some advice. My Snitcher is not working at all in that no matter where i am it will not ring when i call it and i never get a message back when i text ?

I opened the box took the card out and put another chip in did not work put the PAYG chip in still does not work.

Anything you think i can try?

thanks in advance

Also whats the number for Datatool support line??? i cant find it anywhere

Thanks

[slob]

I'll have a look at the docs and see if i can find one.

there's a support page

and a mail link

I'd temporarily disconnect the permanent positive connection to turn it off and on again properly.

you might get more help ringing Orange

hope you get it sorted