Budget vehicle trackers since 1999
Shenzhen budget GPS pioneer (since 1999). TK303 and GPS103 are the default low-cost vehicle trackers in Africa and Latin America · sold through informal reseller channels everywhere.
Coban Electronics is a Shenzhen-based manufacturer founded in 1999. Its TK303, GPS103, and 303F families are the budget classics that flooded global reseller channels in the 2010s and remain the default low-cost vehicle tracker in much of Africa and Latin America.
Start TrackingNo · different protocol and different manufacturer, though they look similar. TK303 uses Coban's own protocol (SMS commands + GT02-style server packets), GT06N uses the gt06 protocol. Traxelio reads both. Coban is typically $5-10 cheaper at retail.
Yes. Coban's classic firmware is SMS-driven · send begin123456, apn123456 internet.orange.sn, adminip123456 <traxelio-ip> <port> from the admin phone. Default password is 123456. Change it on first setup.
Yes when wired through a low-current relay to the fuel pump or starter circuit. Coban devices send stop and resume commands by SMS or platform-initiated. Best practice: cut at next ignition cycle, never while driving. Traxelio enforces this safety pattern.
TK303 series is wired (3-wire to +12V, GND, ignition) · doable but requires running cables under the dash. 303F is battery-powered and magnetic · trivial install. Traxelio installs in Dakar (Ouest Foire) for the wired models on appointment.
Coban-stamped devices from coban.com or authorized resellers run authentic firmware. Many 'TK303' units on AliExpress are clones with similar form factor but different SMS command sets and unreliable GSM antennas. Buy from a real channel · Traxelio sources direct.
Coban distributes a basic Android app (Coban GPS Tracker) that binds to a device by IMEI and connects to Coban's hosted server. Functional for live map and history but no driving behavior, no multi-vehicle dashboards. Traxelio replaces it with WhatsApp alerts, the Traxelio mobile app, and the web dashboard · same hardware, modern app.
Pricing
Wholesale to resellers · informal market pricing at retail.
Indicative retail in Dakar: TK303G ~15,000-25,000 XOF (~$25-40), GPS103 ~10,000-15,000 XOF (~$17-25), 303F ~20,000 XOF (~$33). Wholesale from Shenzhen: TK303G ~$8-12, GPS103 ~$6-10 (MOQ 10+).
See Traxelio pricingCoban at a glance
Brand profile
TK303 and 303F vehicle trackers that became the budget global reseller default
TK303 lineage with relay cut-off, SOS, and SMS commands at rock-bottom prices
Recommended
All Models
GPS103
GPS103
GPS103
GPS103
GPS103
GPS103
GPS103
GPS103
GPS103
GPS103
TK103
GPS103
GPS103
GPS103
GPS103
GPS103
GPS103
GPS103
TK103
TK103
TK103
TK103
TK103
TK103
TK103
TK103
TK103
TK103
TK103
TK103
TK103
TK103
GPS103
TK103
TK103
GPS103
GPS103
TK103
TK103
TK103
TK103
GPS103
Setup guides
Switch platforms
Full compatibility with all Coban GPS tracker models
Live location tracking with updates every few seconds
Geo-fencing with instant entry and exit alerts
Complete trip history with route playback
Kill switch to remotely disable vehicle engine
Driving behavior analysis and driver safety scores
iOS and Android mobile apps for tracking on the go
Team management to share access with your organization
FAQ