GPS monitoring is likely one of the most necessary applied sciences in at the moment’s world. From parcel updates to navigation and many various fields, we depend on GPS.
Nevertheless, if we wish to monitor smaller gadgets comparable to baggage or monitor the situation of youngsters, or if we intend to watch somebody discreetly, we regularly require a compact and inconspicuous system that may be simply hooked up with out occupying a lot house.
As we speak, we are going to design the smallest GPS tracker that you need to use as a key ring or connect as a small tag to baggage to trace kids, affix to the necks of animals, or combine with autos, parcels, or people for monitoring functions.
In our design, the first requirement is to take care of a compact dimension inside 3cm. Due to this fact, we opted for the Indusboard Coin as the bottom.
Moreover, to make sure the GPS unit stays small, we chosen the L86 GPS module, measuring just one.5 cm and geared up with an built-in GPS antenna.
For transmitting information by way of GSM, we included the SIM800l module, which operates on the 2G band. Nevertheless, if increased community speeds are desired, it’s attainable to substitute this with a 4G or 5G GSM module.
Invoice of Materials
Indusboard-based Smallest GPS Tracker – Design
In our design course of, we determined to make use of the L86 GPS module. It communicates via a serial port with a pace of 9600 baud. The Indusboard, which we’re utilizing, helps each software program and {hardware} serial.
We will configure any pins for this objective, however by default, pins 43 and 44 function RX and TX serial pins on the board. So, we’re utilizing this {hardware} serial connection for the L86 GPS.
The L86 GPS module wants energy within the vary of two.8V to 4V, and it usually makes use of round 100mA when it’s working. Fortunately, the board we’re utilizing already has a pin that may deal with this energy. So, we’re connecting the GPS module to the three.3V and GND pins on the Indusboard for energy.
The GPS module comes with an RTC backup energy pin. This characteristic, in keeping with the datasheet, permits the Actual-Time Clock (RTC) to maintain monitor of time even when the principle energy is disconnected. Sometimes, you’ll be able to connect any 3.3V coin cell battery to this pin for backup energy.
Nevertheless, in our design, we determined to simplify issues by utilizing the identical voltage supply for the principle energy and the RTC backup. So, we’re connecting this RTC backup energy pin to the identical 3.3V supply that powers the GPS module.
Subsequent, we included the GSM module into the design. Most GSM modules, together with the SIM800l, SIM808, and others, additionally make the most of serial communication. For this objective, we designated pins 43 and 41 because the serial pins.
Just like the GPS module, we powered the GSM module utilizing the identical 3.3V and GND energy provide of the board.
Moreover, for those who want to view community standing, obtain SMS and entry location coordinates comparable to latitude and longitude, you’ve gotten the choice to incorporate the SSD1306 OLED show.
Nevertheless, it’s necessary to notice that this addition will enhance each the invoice of supplies and energy consumption of the system. Though not included right here, our design accommodates this characteristic by offering the mandatory connections for the SSD1306 OLED show.
Now you’ll be able to solder all of the parts in keeping with the circuit diagram. (Fig 4).
After soldering the parts collectively, we’ll place the GSM module and safe it both on the highest or backside of the board. Equally, we’ll place the GPS module in the identical method as depicted in Determine 5 and Determine 6.
Now you’ll be able to design the keyring and tag case over the system and fasten it wherever to make use of it.
Code for GPS Tracker utilizing Indusboard
Firstly, we’ll set up the Async message library. Then, we’ll outline the serial pins and baud charges for each the GPS and GSM modules. The default baud charge for GSM is 4800, and for GPS, it’s 9600.
Subsequent, we’ll create a operate to retrieve the GPS location and ship it to the predefined quantity at a one-minute time interval. You’ve got the pliability to regulate this time interval in keeping with your necessities.
Moreover, you’ll be able to implement options comparable to responding with a location map hyperlink when a selected message is acquired by the system. The code gives numerous customization choices to tailor it to your wants.
Testing Smallest GPS Tracker utilizing Indusboard
As soon as the system is powered utilizing a 3.3V rechargeable battery, insert a SIM card with a message pack into the GSM module. After a couple of minutes, when the SIM module establishes a reference to the community supplier, it begins sending real-time location updates to your cellphone.
Once you faucet on the hyperlink acquired, you’ll be able to view the situation on Google Maps, offering you with correct monitoring info.
