LoJack Question

[ecps92]

I used to think I would come across a radio jammer however never have after decades of monitoring the LoJack frequency while driving around. A jamming signal may prevent the LoJack from being activated however a jamming signal would also provide a signal capable of being tracked by a radio enthusiast like myself directly to the stolen vehicle.

The original LoJack was a one time fee for the life of the vehicle whereas now it is a monthly fee, i.e. perpetual income for the company.

Radio technology was great back in the day prior to GPS and LTE and offered some advantages however I imagine GPS and LTE offer better results overall today over the older radio technology.

No longer the original company, couple of hostile take overs/buy outs.

Still actively used in many area, and even had some folks jam them, but then you/it can DF the jammer.

 

[rf_patriot200]

I checked 173.075mhz. last night, and there's at least one location still active here in Illinois. Probably a chicago suburb.

 

[ScannerSK]

This morning 28 FEB 2025, I still see/hear 3 LoJack base stations transmitting every 64 seconds. this is about half as many as I once hear but hearing 3 has been the same for the last couple years.

It's the same here, about 1/2 as many stations. The FCC records show the number of towers dropping off over time.

 

[ScannerSK]

I imagine the Spireon company is not under any legal obligations to continue to provide "lifetime" service to the customers of the old VHF system as those agreements would now presumably be null and void. Out of the goodness of their hearts and for the sake of the brand name (LoJack) they must be continuing the VHF service until most remaining vehicles with VHF service are junked.

But what about all the LoJack units installed in classic vehicles and in thousands, potentially tens of thousands, of pieces of industrial equipment like skid steers? These customers/businesses are just out the money? Are they even being notified that their "lifetime" service is being terminated in specific coverage areas? No refunds or anything?

"Stolen Vehicle Recovery service only. Typically purchased prior to May 2021." LoJack Owner's Hub

Are batteries even being replaced any further in the older VHF LoJack units? The e-mail I received from LoJack made it sound as if all service for the older VHF units has been terminated. A manual online states, "A battery’s useful service life can vary but is generally expected to be a minimum of five (5) years and up to ten (10) years, depending upon a variety of factors including..." https://www.lojack.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/LoJack-Owners-Manual.pdf. Is this when they plan to terminate the VHF system, as soon as May 2026?

Before long, the LoJack VHF system will just be another memory of something that once existed with a few remaining recordings online for those that come after us.

 

[ecps92]

I imagine the Spireon company is not under any legal obligations to continue to provide "lifetime" service to the customers of the old VHF system as those agreements would now presumably be null and void. Out of the goodness of their hearts and for the sake of the brand name (LoJack) they must be continuing the VHF service until most remaining vehicles with VHF service are junked.

But what about all the LoJack units installed in classic vehicles and in thousands, potentially tens of thousands, of pieces of industrial equipment like skid steers? These customers/businesses are just out the money? Are they even being notified that their "lifetime" service is being terminated in specific coverage areas? No refunds or anything?

"Stolen Vehicle Recovery service only. Typically purchased prior to May 2021." LoJack Owner's Hub

Are batteries even being replaced any further in the older VHF LoJack units? The e-mail I received from LoJack made it sound as if all service for the older VHF units has been terminated. A manual online states, "A battery’s useful service life can vary but is generally expected to be a minimum of five (5) years and up to ten (10) years, depending upon a variety of factors including..." https://www.lojack.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/LoJack-Owners-Manual.pdf. Is this when they plan to terminate the VHF system, as soon as May 2026?

Before long, the LoJack VHF system will just be another memory of something that once existed with a few remaining recordings online for those that come after us.

Keep in mind, we here are discussing the US system - Lo/Jack operated in many other countries using other frequencies allocated by that country...