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--- doc:appunti:hardware:gf22_gps_tracker [2026/07/07 16:09] – [GF22 Mini GPS Tracker with GPRS] niccolo
+++ doc:appunti:hardware:gf22_gps_tracker [2026/07/10 18:25] (current) – [It just doesn't work!] niccolo
@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 ====== GF22 Mini GPS Tracker with GPRS ======
+Purchased on AliExpress for about 18 € in July 2026, it is **totally crap**.
+  * Does not work with a generic SIM.
+  * Does not respond to SMS commands.
+    * Cannot request GPS position via SMS.
+    * Cannot set the APN for GPRS connection.
+    * Cannot set the internet server for receiving tracking data.
+  * Does not have the microphone.
+  * Does not have the SD card slot.
+There appear to be **many versions** of this GPS tracker on the market, all based on the same architecture, but with significant variations in the assembled modules (microphone, SD card slot, etc.).
+The most significant issue, however, is **the ability to program the device**, which typically requires **sending appropriate commands via SMS**. This allows, for example, to set the APN for internet access, configure the IP address of the server to which tracking information is sent, and so on. If **the manufacturer hasn't provided these features**, you'll have to hope the firmware recognizes the SIM card's carrier, and you'll be forced to rely on the vendor's tracking portal.
+There are currently **no known methods** for altering the factory-installed **firmware**.
+{{.:gf22:gf22-disassembled.jpg?direct&640|The GF-22 GPS Traker disassembled}}
+It seems that the device has a **WiFi module**, in some documentation it is reported that the device can communicate to the server (via GPRS connection) the name of the WiFi networks (ESSIDs) that //it can see//, allowing to locate it even in closed spaces. It is not clear if the device has the ability to //connect// to the internet using the WiFi.
+{{.:gf22:gf22-wifi-battery.jpg?direct&360|WiFi module and battery of the GF-22 GPS Traker}}
+===== It just doesn't work! =====
+My example **just doesn't work**! I put into a **SIM card** from the **Italian Ho-mobile** operator (including GPRS/G3/G4 plan and SMS). To be able to connect the internet using the GPRS network, the device should know the APNs of the major telco operators, but you cannot know what is in the list. If the device does not connect the network it tunts OFF the blue LED, as you can see in this photo:
+{{.:gf22:gf22-not-working.jpg?direct&360|}}
+===== Commands supported by some other similar devices =====
+You can find several examples online on how to program the GPS by sending appropriate commands via SMS. Unfortunately, my model never connected to the GPRS network (blue LED off) and never responded to any SMS commands.
+Below are some commands that may be supported on similar models.
 <code>
 domain#45.55.84.20#5010#
+</code>
+The device should respond with:
+<code>
 Domain set succsess
 </code>
@@ Line 11: / Line 52: @@
 <code>
+-- Set the server receiving tracking data:
 SERVER#your.ip.or.domain#port#
 domain#your.ip.or.domain#port#
 SERVER,0,your.ip.or.domain,port,0#
 SERVER,1,45.55.84.20,5010,0#
+-- Set the APN:
 -- apn,password,apn_name,apn_user,apn_password#
 apn,123456,internet,username,password#