GPS, GRPS and Google Latitude Tracking
#1
Posted 18 October 2011 - 02:31 PM
#2
Posted 19 October 2011 - 06:06 AM
Anyway, about your project, as I am a beginner myself, I probably can not help you much. But often just discussing the topic already helps. You would somehow need to combine a GPS receiver with a way of communication, using the Netduino as the "glue" between those. The GPS receiver is not that difficult, on this forum there are several posts about people connecting a GPS receiver to the Netduino.
As far as communication, I think, but let others correct me, there are two options, both require mobile phone technology. One is using short messages (SMS), you send a message to your son's device, and it responds with a message containing its location. The other option would be using GPRS to communicate with your son's device, either from a computer or from a smartphone with internet access. On your end you could probably use a smartphone with a (homemade) app that either plots your son's location on a map, or points in the right direction or so. For inspiration, you might want to look at http://www.gpsdrive.de, which is an open source project aimed at creating a navigation solution for Linux, Max and Unix. It also includes a "Friends server", which might help you, think of your son as your friend in this case.
Also, for sure such devices must be available for sale (although creating your own is much more fun and rewarding). GPS Magazine regularly compares such commercially available devices, you might want to have a look at GPS Magazine, either to select something suitable for you and your son, or for inspiration.
With best regards, Peter
#3
Posted 19 October 2011 - 01:33 PM
#4
Posted 19 October 2011 - 02:05 PM
Before proceeding it is extremely important to remember the difference between a hobby project and a safety critical device involving life or death. The "gold standard" for being found in an emergency is a EPIRB (and it's little brother, the Personal EPIRB, or PLB that fits in your pocket). These are extremely rugged, waterproof, tested to the highest standards and have long life batteries. Unfortunately one needs to press a button to activate them, so this is probably a "show stopper" for your application.
Another common device with a built in GPS and communication capability is a cellphone or smart phone. In an emergency authorities can easily locate a cellphone provided it is turned on and within range of a tower. It is highly unlikely that you can engineer a solution with similar capabilities at a lower cost than a used cellphone.
As far as a hobby project is concerned, you might want to consider fox hunting, where you simply attach a small transmitter to your son that sends a radio tone for a couple of seconds every minute or two. To locate the transmitter one only needs a simple receiver and a directional antenna. This is how biologists track animals in the wild. See http://www.predatorc...diotracking.htm for details. Newer versions often include a GPS as well. Here is a link where someone did it on the cheap http://www.thefintels.com/aer/frs.htm to find model rockets.
Finally there are commercially available pet tracking devices such as the Garmin Astro.
- Paul Newton likes this
#5
Posted 19 October 2011 - 06:52 PM
If you are looking at smartphones then what about the iPhone "Find my iPhone" feature. Working on the assumption that if you can work out how to stop a kid from losing a home brew piece of kit you should be able to do the same with an iPhone.Another common device with a built in GPS and communication capability is a cellphone or smart phone. In an emergency authorities can easily locate a cellphone provided it is turned on and within range of a tower. It is highly unlikely that you can engineer a solution with similar capabilities at a lower cost than a used cellphone.
Regards,
Mark
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#6
Posted 20 October 2011 - 10:29 AM
#7
Posted 16 December 2011 - 01:31 PM
I know this is an old thread but for what its worth I'll throw my bit in.
At the moment I work as a program/developer for a tracking company and your very issue of tracking children comes up from time to time. The solution could be found using a Netduino. I would think that your parts list would go something like this
- Netduino
- Telit GE864-GPS
- A GSM Evaluation Board - Basic 50-Pin
Or
- Netduino
- GSM-GPRS-GPS-Shield
The Telit GE864-GPS is a good pick as it offers some solutions to other issues that you will face. It will allow you to use a single com port to access both the GPRS and GPS at the same time. It also has every thing needed to maintain a battery as well (charging and low level alerts) This means that you could run the full project of a Netduino mini.
But this leaves the bigger things to deal with such and power (how many hours between charging ?, GPS lock and drift and of course data and live time tracking.
Given this you might find that a pre-built unit might do you better. I have seen many different ones over time but at the moment I think the pick of them is the Handheld GPS/GSM Tracker GH3000 .
- Alarm button - Think panic button
- Voice calls - has some preset numbers it can dial
- Loudspeaker - You can call it direct as a auto answer hands free
- Polygonal Geofence zones - if it gets to far from your house/school it starts to send SMS's
- Silent call - Send it a SMS and it will call you back, with no lights or sounds made.
- Remote control by SMS - You can SMS it to change operational modes.
#8
Posted 16 December 2011 - 04:14 PM
#9
Posted 17 December 2011 - 12:10 AM
I also have been interested in GPS tracking. I want to put a tracker on my new motorcycle. One, for security if someone takes it. But I doubt that will happen. Two, when I go on a trip it is logged and if I need something people will know where to find me.
.
The most popular commercial products out there use GSM which probably the easiest and most effective way for a commercial product. However, being I am working on a DIY solution I am going to look at APRS. APRS is a data transfer system built on top of ham radio. That does mean I have to get a ham radio license. Check out aprs.fi to see if there is anyone using it near you.
Another option that I was thing about would be to use GPS and tie it into the ham radio APRS system using netduino. You would need a radio, but with many solutions out there already, it might not be feasable, but fun to do.
#10
Posted 17 December 2011 - 11:08 AM
In an emergency authorities can easily locate a cellphone provided it is turned on and within range of a tower. It is highly unlikely that you can engineer a solution with similar capabilities at a lower cost than a used cellphone.
If you are looking at smartphones then what about the iPhone "Find my iPhone" feature. Working on the assumption that if you can work out how to stop a kid from losing a home brew piece of kit you should be able to do the same with an iPhone.
I understand that it is a requirement in the US and EU that phones can be located by the emergency operator.
Lots of private companies are providing services based on this capability, and it does not have to be a smart phone:
The first one I found using a Google search Mobile Locate is aimed at business owners who want to track their staff - its pricey with a monthly subscription and is aimed at multiple phones.
However there are also companies that offer a service aimed at home users FollowUs - this company has a pay-as-you-go service that works out at 50p a go.
Since these services are available now and don't need any home brew development, I would make them my first option.
Paul
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