TK102-v02 Mini GPS Auto Power Off bug Fix / Hack. tk102b

tk102 v2 is one of the most popular selling mini GPS in the world. Because of it's popularity, there are many clones of the device. Because of it's size, battery power, reliability (when on), fact that it has and uses an actual GPS antenna instead of LBS only makes it a GREAT deal at under $70.
BUT they all have 1 common issue, which is it powers down randomly requiring you to physically PRESS the power button to turn back on. THIS is a HUGE problem if device is installed inside a car or company asset making it hard to reach the power button without tearing up the machine again.
It's actually not a bug but some safety nets in place. Most of the cause is the CPU freezing,so it resets. Battery running out, power failure, the battery charger senses an error so it cuts power resetting the device, thermal shut down from over heat, and so on. All these functions cause the device to turn off.

In this Video you will see my solution / hack that repairs this problem. Making these devices reliable for asset management and long term vehicle tracking. Mod chip uses less then .1 microamps (Not milliamps). Has power save mode, watchdog fuction, multi stage checking to NOT turn device off, low voltage, built in clock and an algorithm I created myself for stable operation. Even if the whole device loses power from plug then battery, The moment the power returns, it will allow a short buffer charge period before it activates the device.
In house tests have had ZERO error and No failures.

Mod chips are selling for $14 ea. plus shipping. Instructions included. only uses 4 wires.
If you ship your tracker to me, I can install for $25 labor. Price doesn't include chip or shipping.

[TrevorDBEYDAG]

It is interesting to find someone has a same problem and same way of thinking to resolve the problem. Thumb up! Well done.

[jessehughes]

I have a coban 102b. I’m curious if I have no proprietary power cable, would I still be able to attach power by connecting leads to the GND and +5v pads on the PCB? I want to hardwire the unit to always be on in my vehicle and I have no power cable. Also I noticed that my battery connection was loose and came off, I will have to resolder that back on but I’m not sure if I even need it if I’ll be having constant power via the vehicle. Any ideas?

[TheTubeTube]

Very useful, thank you for posting. I wonder if you can advise me, Your external power wiring is of particular interest to me as I need to do the same. I need to install my Rewire Security Nano TK 102 version 1 (basically the same as your unit) in the tiller of my mobility scooter, that being the one place I can find albeit very limited space for both the tracker, its hardwire unit and a 12 volt/ 24 volt power supply. But, there is not enough space for the power plug.
I can briefly see that you have replaced the USB like power socket with a 2 core wire. I need to do the same, but I think that the circuit board in mine is either glued in, or a much tighter fit in the plastic box.
I either need to remove the circuit board somehow or to open the tin usb type power socket from above without removing the card. Can you please advise me on either option?

[stevemorgan]

Carlos are you emailing a copy of the software you wrote?

[richardnavarijo]

Question : what's the difference between = TK 102 and TK 103 ? are you still modifying TK 102 thanks Carlos . Richard

[kaydee]

I have a question. Can I directly connect 5 vdc to this unit without a regulator (hopefully it has an onboard regulator)? I want to use this as a rc plane finder and I don't like the battery hookup. I would rather hardwire it to an external battery/source. Oh, and I will be buying your watchdog timer mod as soon as I get this thing up and running. This is my first unit.

[adrian]

Hi are you selling these as a full unit. I have had my power tools stolen 3 times now and I’m looking for some sort of tracker with a long lasting battery or even a constant supply maybe connected up to an 18v battery if possible can you help

[dave]

Hello, how do I buy a chip? Or can I buy a tracker with chip already installed?

[fsh]

Hi, I hava TK10B but I could not run the product at all I could not get the location and I can not call the device and get sms reply, what can i do ?

[stevemorgan]

Hello Carlos can I still buy the install manual from you and I source my own chip if you have none to offer ?

[sleekbook]

Its that 18gps.net 2016 version ? Manual power ON and sometime auto power OFF ?

[rocketeer]

Hi there
If You wish to have TK-102B (and others maybe) switched on automatically after power connection it is enough to have on/off button pressed permanently. Mechanically or soldered shortcut.
OK to turn it off You have to off power supply but sometimes it is no matter.

[bebogamal]

My wireless tracking tk 102 tiny it is led on and not working

[Toffypops]

Hello. Sent you an e-mail but no reply. Do you still provide this fix?

[kermitinmountain]

Carlos, what kind of chip that needed to be mod and where can I get the paper and chip? Thanks in advance.

[ironguyscom]

i prefer to get this o ready fix it how much for a pc

[omarriquelme]

hola carlos, vivo en florida y queria saber donde debo enviarte mi gps y si es como tu dices, $25 dolares, ese es el precio de arreglar el problema? se apaga solo despues de un tiempo y cuando lo prendo la luz verde queda encendida y no parpadea, gracias y espero saber de ud .

[nezocasssa]

Hi,

Do you also have this chip, for the TK102 V3...???
I have opened mine, removed all shields from both side of the PCB, but mine (V3) is very diferent from yours (V2)

Regards

[HPCer]

Impressive. I would love to have your mod-chipped improved type, running your code. Sadly I wouldn't be able to upgrade a tk102 v2 myself, and I am in United Kingdom.

[winstoncrane]

Hi, wonder if you can help me, The unit stopped functioning. It was working fine.

Now it is blinking but not returning the command verifications. The card have credit and if installed in a mobile works fine.

If I send tracker123456 I receive nothing back. Basically the unit is not replying to the commands.

How can we sort this problem please?