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Using GPS for tracking(30 points to who helps)

 
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SPELTER



Joined: 17 Jun 2006
Posts: 25


Post28 Oct 2007 14:11   Using GPS for tracking(30 points to who helps)

Hi,
I have thought of an idea for tracking packages using GPS.My father owns a transport company and we are thinking of implementing it for our company.

Here is the idea( which i also sent to NASA design contest) with the block diagram-

http://www.createthefuturecontest.com/pages/view/entriesdetail.html?entryID=1044

Now i want to start by just interfacing a GPS(see the link above for details).So is it better to buy modules or use receiver chips?

Regards
Spelter
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blueroomelectronics



Joined: 17 Sep 2006
Posts: 1141
Helped: 57
Location: Toronto, Canada


Post29 Oct 2007 6:42   Using GPS for tracking(30 points to who helps)

Link doesn't work
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waseemsh



Joined: 08 Apr 2006
Posts: 63
Helped: 5


Post29 Oct 2007 8:21   Using GPS for tracking(30 points to who helps)

Hi,

It is a good idea but unfortunately it is very old.
It is implemented nowadays with many enhanced capabilities.

I have developed whole of this project if you still want some help send me a PM.
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steveo



Joined: 01 May 2004
Posts: 14
Helped: 1


Post06 Dec 2007 6:45   Re: Using GPS for tracking(30 points to who helps)

Delorme Blue logger
Just google it
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master_picengineer



Joined: 03 Sep 2007
Posts: 1070
Helped: 62


Post06 Dec 2007 17:09   Using GPS for tracking(30 points to who helps)

Hi All,
@waseemsh
Could you please tell us wich µc that can be used in such application and the technique used to read the speed of the vehicule ?
Thanks
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pabloec



Joined: 20 Sep 2007
Posts: 28
Helped: 2


Post07 Dec 2007 18:41   Using GPS for tracking(30 points to who helps)

i think you sould worry about the communications between the truck and the central database? is it going to be satellite? it costs vverey much. is it going to be radio? how about coverage in remote areas? and foreign radio reglations?.
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master_picengineer



Joined: 03 Sep 2007
Posts: 1070
Helped: 62


Post07 Dec 2007 18:55   Using GPS for tracking(30 points to who helps)

Hi;
In such systems it"s better to use GSM module. An not expensive solution is to use cell phones communicating (using AT command) with a good µc. Memories also can be used to store information. Also a GPS system can be used to locate the Tracks and zu wieter...
So, We have not to worry about radio reglations
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waseemsh



Joined: 08 Apr 2006
Posts: 63
Helped: 5


Post17 Dec 2007 5:14   Using GPS for tracking(30 points to who helps)

Hi,

I have used 8051/8052 Microcontroller for this project and Garmin GPS with Serial Output.

You can use any GSM Modem to communicate between The Vehicle and Database.
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gowthamn



Joined: 06 Apr 2006
Posts: 34
Helped: 1


Post17 Dec 2007 16:55   Re: Using GPS for tracking(30 points to who helps)

Hi,

I have looked into the GPS and it sounds interesting.
I have worked in GPS project for more than a year and i advise you to go for a commercial GPS receiver and then decode the information stored in the RAM and transmit using RF means for controllability.
You can find lot's of information on the GPS receivers.
Designing a receiver is an expensive solution.

Cheers
Gowtham
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bavamurali



Joined: 04 Aug 2007
Posts: 35
Location: india


Post20 Dec 2007 12:28   Using GPS for tracking(30 points to who helps)

the link is not opening
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abhi84_lucky



Joined: 27 Sep 2007
Posts: 12


Post21 Dec 2007 13:56   Using GPS for tracking(30 points to who helps)

hi
what is u r project idea, give brief decrp.
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is_razi



Joined: 06 Apr 2002
Posts: 164
Helped: 6
Location: Tabriz


Post21 Dec 2007 15:19   Re: Using GPS for tracking(30 points to who helps)

hi SPELTER,
take a look here:
http://tinkerlog.com/2007/07/13/interfacing-an-avr-controller-to-a-gps-mobile-phone/

he is doesing just what you want,
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vandelay



Joined: 16 Aug 2007
Posts: 115
Helped: 2
Location: Norway


Post21 Dec 2007 21:42   Re: Using GPS for tracking(30 points to who helps)

They are somewhat expensive, but does not require any external microcontroller.. I think this is the perfect module for your usage unless they are too expensive (will be quite cheaper in quantities thou)

http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/product_info.php?products_id=7917

quote:
"This is the latest technology available to the M2M (Machine-to-Machine) market. The GM862-GPS combines the powerful GSM engine of the GM862 with a SiRF III 20-channel high sensitivity GPS receiver. Call up the module, issue the GPS query command, and you'll have NMEA data! If this unit is within range of a cellular tower, you'll know where it is within 9 meters anywhere on the surface of the earth."
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johnyaya



Joined: 30 May 2001
Posts: 148
Helped: 16
Location: YoyoDyne


Post23 Dec 2007 17:43   Re: Using GPS for tracking(30 points to who helps)

To answer your question "is it better to buy modules or use receiver chips?", I would use a module because of the large number of manufacturers and ease of use.
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vlad53



Joined: 05 Jan 2008
Posts: 1


Post06 Jan 2008 19:50   Re: Using GPS for tracking(30 points to who helps)

Hi,
we installed some similar systems. The most difficult part of such a project is to provide GPS receiver, controller and GSM/GPRS module with electr.power if a truck does not use the only container.
It is better to purchase controller with internal GPS receiver and GSM/GPRS module plus soft from one vendor. You may need a special design of GPS antenna.
The average cost of the electronics is about 500-700 USD. And you should add almost the same for a battery, special case and other accessories.
Vlad
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badboy2007



Joined: 05 Feb 2007
Posts: 186
Helped: 9
Location: http://cambo2engineer.8.forumer.com


Post08 Jan 2008 12:48   Re: Using GPS for tracking(30 points to who helps)

GPS

Size: 6.32 MB

Download:


http://rapidshare.com/files/57918218/955HG.rar


Mirror:

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=4EPJYQ8U



Pass: www.dl4all.com
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chrismicro



Joined: 25 Jul 2006
Posts: 49
Helped: 3
Location: South Africa


Post10 Jan 2008 18:03   Re: Using GPS for tracking(30 points to who helps)

Hi People you are all overlooking the RF problem, in the first place all shipping containers is build with metal and without an external antenna no GPS receiver module will be able to log on to the satellites and a GPS needs to log on to at least three satellites to compute its location, second how is the unit going to send it's location out to the GSM network? for a test take your cell phone into one of this containers or in the back of a truck close the door an try to use your cell phone, it just don't work. and if the unit have to send the data via satellite to the control centre it need a transmitter of at least 10 watt and a propper antenna, and what about power supply? battery? how long will it last and how big will the battery be? so forget it anybody who tell jou it can be done talk nonsense. I did a tracking project for game in the Kruger National Park in South Africa and I know what I'm talking about.
I am 1.3 Km from my nearest GSM tower and in line of site with a 10 element Yagi external antenna on my 3G modem and the best signal I can get is 4/5 so GSM is totally out.
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latecomer



Joined: 06 Jun 2001
Posts: 78
Helped: 2
Location: USA


Post11 Jan 2008 7:31   Re: Using GPS for tracking(30 points to who helps)

Hi SPELTER,

Whats the status of your project ?

If you are in india, you can use the GSM+CDMA network with which you will get pretty good coverage. The running cost will be pretty high if you opt for the data mode. Look into that aspect. Otherwise use a datalogger which will keep sending the data every one hour in data mode.

I presume your trucks will be travelling on national highways most of the time, it will be pretty economical to use the GSM+CDMA network (BSNL+RELIANCE).

Keep updating the progress.

Good Luck.
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vandelay



Joined: 16 Aug 2007
Posts: 115
Helped: 2
Location: Norway


Post11 Jan 2008 16:17   Re: Using GPS for tracking(30 points to who helps)

I just stumbled across this (new) product at SparkFun, which seems to fit your needs, and I remembered this thread. Complete solution (GPS, cellular, etc), and comes with regulator for automotive applications;

http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/product_info.php?products_id=8289
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particlecity



Joined: 14 Sep 2007
Posts: 7


Post30 Jan 2008 7:12   Re: Using GPS for tracking(30 points to who helps)

I recomment you to use module. It's easy to use and If you need GPRS for the future. You can use module with GPS+GPRS.

I use SIMCOM module
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amirnoori



Joined: 30 Jan 2008
Posts: 3


Post30 Jan 2008 16:23   Re: Using GPS for tracking(30 points to who helps)

I recommend GSM/GPRS/GPS module such as wavecom, Siemens XT65/XT75 or others.
However, after finishing hardware Design process and writing some driver code, you need write a web service to send data to centeral office. However, for this purpose you can use Visual Studio and ASP.NET which is very easy and fast.

Best Regards
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hamvui2005



Joined: 07 Jul 2006
Posts: 8
Helped: 1


Post06 Mar 2008 6:03   Using GPS for tracking(30 points to who helps)

I know some module : SIM508 and GM862-GPS. They are all GSM/GPRS+GPS modules
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Henrico



Joined: 25 Aug 2004
Posts: 45
Helped: 1


Post08 Mar 2008 13:49   Re: Using GPS for tracking(30 points to who helps)

See This link for ideas,I have used the 'UBlox gps module and not expensive.
Look at EYTracker link and Opentracker link

Good luck

http://www.zs6cey.org:8080/
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headstrong



Joined: 27 Apr 2008
Posts: 1


Post27 Apr 2008 11:37   Re: Using GPS for tracking(30 points to who helps)

i have done a similar project, so here's a few pointers..

1. making everything from scratch is a pain! i know how satisfying it is, but there are so many complex problems from the selection of modules to PCB layouts and casing design. and it may end up costing more..
2. if u still want the satisfaction of doing things your way, just buy the Telit module from sparkfun. it'll cost around $300 and you still would have to program it.
3. if you just want to get this thing over with, i recommend the globalsat TR-151. its small, cheap, and battery backed. as a matter of fact, i wish i had this when i did my project. if you want something flashy, use the Geo-something from sparkfun. it costs a little more, but i am personally infatuated with sparkfun, and they can send it right to your door.
4. connection is always a problem. GPRS is a great choice for the real time applications(think small dots moving across the screen). the price per byte data is the cheapest. however, you would need a server with a public IP for this to work. so yeah, unless you are willing to invest heavily on this, this solution is out. another choice is SMS / Text messaging. cheap enough to pay, easy enough to configure, and if you just want to know where it is whenever you query, it'll work.
5. the map is another problem. detailed topographical and street maps are available, but not for everywhere. granted, you could always connect it with Google Earth, but depending on your locations, the deatils are sparse.

there are so many other problems, but those are the major ones. you can make it if you put your mind to it, but it's such a large project. anyway, that's my input. if you need any help or discouraging words Very Happy just send me a message.

cheers
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