NaviGadget

open source GPS tracking system

Apr 5, 2009 gps navigation

If you don’t feel like shelling out hundreds of dollars for a GPS tracking system you’ll have to check out this open source GPS tracking system called Open GPS Tracker.

The Open GPS Tracker is a small device which plugs into a $20 prepaid mobile phone to make a GPS tracker. The Tracker responds to text message commands, detects motion, and sends you its exact position, ready for Google Maps or your mapping software. The Tracker firmware is open source and user-customizable.

The most important here to note is that the monthly cost this GPS tracking system will be about $10 – which is what you need to pay for 1000 text messages with the Motorola GoPhone.

The firmware is new and under development but some of the things you can do with it include:

• sends latitude, longitude, altitude, speed, course, date, and time
• sends to any SMS-capable mobile phone, or any email address
• battery life up to 14 days, limited by mobile phone. Longer life possible with external batteries
• configurable over-the-air via text message commands
• password security and unique identifier
• manual locate and automatic tracking modes controlled via text message
• alerts when user-set speed limit is exceeded.
• retains tracking messages if out of coverage, and sends when back in coverage
• remote reporting of mobile phone battery and signal status
• switches phone on and off to save battery life

Come on, you know you’ve been waiting for such project. You need a hobby anyways. Just do it. Then come here and let us know how it went.

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