I just came across a battery operated trackng device from (icthings.com) and they claim a 3 year battery life if left on alarm mode. Any advice on anyother products that I can use to alarm my Van when it is not tended , It must not haver to be wired in as I don't eant to drain the electrics.
Just seen your post and we are about to market a product which can allow for tracking via the mobile phone networks.
Along with this it is an alarm system which can also monitor intruder, gas leak and battery levels.
To get around low battery, it would be suggested a 500mA solar panel is connected to the battery and placed in the front window to allow for stand-by current and battery top up for around £80.
We have a Phantom Tracker on our van, wired in to the alarm. We have a 110 amp battery and it takes about 8 weeks of 'neglect' (ie - just leaving it sitting there, with alarm and Tracker switched on) to flatten the battery. As it's vey rare we go anywhere near that length of time without using the 'van, the very low power use is no problem to us. But if we are leaving it for a while, we have a second battery, so we can change them over and re-charge as needed. The Tracker is great for peace of mind - ours is fully monitored, so they tell us if the van is moving, if the alarm is triggered, or if the battery is getting low.
Have a look at http://directions.ltd.uk/vehicle-tracking/ They have a very small unit (VTU009) which measures120 x 80 x 29 mm (Thick credit card ) which includes a highly sensitive SirfStar III GPS receiver and GSM mobile phone modem (900 / 1800 MHz) for two way communication, and Li-lon internal battery
The cost is £330
In its deep sleep mode the current drain is less than 2mA.but will wake up to full mode, if the motion detector is activated ie van movements. Full mode gives realtime tracking with map.
I havent seen or use one but I am seriously considering using this one as their are no subscription charges The the only ongoing cost is for a telephone SIM card which I understand Virgin do a PAYG SIM which does not require monthly top ups.