need help for GPS tracking through GPRS

You could perhaps do this project in two months,but as there is so much
to learn I don't think you should attempt it.

Apart from making and programming a micro, you need to
use a GPS unit and control a GSM modem.

Then you have the Internet/GPRS side, this is often difficult
to master.

My friend will still be developing the gps receiver part.

I'm not sure how this sharing works.

The GPS plugs into the controller board.
If you are building the micro controller board, all she has to to
is buy the GPS

Can the SIM300 be able to send live tracking information to computers in a form of a map display?

Sort of..

Real time tracking uses the GPRS feature.
GPRS allows you to establish an Internet connection to another computer.
This allows your program to send a continuous stream of messages,
each giving your location.
You will have to understand how internet messages are sent,
and program your micro to do it.

You can get a similar effect by sending SMS messages giving your location
However it is slower and costs a lot more !.

It is up to the program running on your PC to create the map and show
your position on it.

Really you need quite a wide range of knowledge to make it work.

So instead of using the gsm modem, there's no other simpler way to accomplish the project? Coz the gprs feature will require the gsm modem right?

My friend is still using the same gps receiver I mentioned in one of my previous posts. I'll have to handle the tracker part. If I were to attempt the gsm modem way, I would be in charge of programming the gsm modem, internet/gprs part.

So, no other way? Like maybe together with the gps receiver & PIC, add a particular antenna that can send the message? Is that possible? Or do u have a better suggestion? If it still requires me learning a little, I can take it, as long as it is not too much to complete within 2 months. Even if the results may not be as accurate as it could be with the gsm modem.

Perhaps we need to recap your project.

I'm supposed to construct a live gps tracker, where the gps device with an LCD screen, etc. (which will be constructed by my project partner) that can be tracked in real-time through the internet.I'm incharge of handling the tracker part of it.

If your partner builds the micro board with an LCD screen and a GPS attached
you will not need to build and program a micro controller board yourself.
You only need one micro for the project.
Only one of you needs to be an expert on that.

To work over the internet you will need to use a GSM modem.
You could use simple radios to display an objects position on a nearby PC
but the range is only about 100 metres, not really much use.

You could start by using SMS messages to give the GPS location
then move onto GPRS if you have time.
As I say SMS is easier to use but not as good as GPRS.

These links should give you a good idea of how it works.
http://tinkerlog.com/2007/07/13/interfacing-an-avr-controller-to-a-gps-mobile-phone/
http://tinkerlog.com/2007/07/28/using-google-maps-with-a-mobile-gps-tracker/

Ohh tinkerlog. Yeah, I've read that before. He's good
But he uses a GPS-GSM module already integrated together.
Does that mean I still have to use the GSM modem for the SMS?
So this project should be slightly simpler than the one we approached before? How?
Okay, if I were to follow this tinkerlog project, how do I incorporate what I've already got with what he uses. Like the GPS-GSM module.

The ATmega8 is my PIC right? I already have PIC, so I don't neeed that?
I don't need to design a PCB for this one right? I can just use a simple bread board.
Thanks Phil, u've been a LOT of help. Hope u can guide me through this project

But he uses a GPS-GSM module already integrated together.
Does that mean I still have to use the GSM modem for the SMS?

VioletRock

Yes, the GPS only gives you, your position,to tell the rest of the world where you are
you need a GSM modem or phone.

So this project should be slightly simpler than the one we approached before? How?

VioletRock

Because you don't need to master the whole GPRS/Internet thing, which saves a
lot of trouble.
Plus you can copy his project.. which helps a lot

The hardware is the same for GPRS, so you can go onto GPRS later if you want.

Okay, if I were to follow this tinkerlog project, how do I incorporate what I've already got with what he uses. Like the GPS-GSM module.

VioletRock

His system has GPS and modem in the same 'box', but they are still different devices.
Once you understand how he 'talks' to them you will see that your modem and GPS are the same.
Basically if you understand his system you will see how the reproduce it.

The ATmega8 is my PIC right? I already have PIC, so I don't neeed that?
I don't need to design a PCB for this one right? I can just use a simple bread board.

VioletRock

Yes you can use your PIC instead of the ATmega8.
You don't need a PCB, but if you can solder (or learn to solder)
I would use Vero board rather than breadboard for more reliable results.

Okay, so I've already ordered the SIM300 together with its connector & sim holder.
My friend has ordered her GPS receiver and the PIC. She wants to use a 16F, is that ok?

So while waiting for the stuff to be delivered, I guess I should work on putting the circuit together & try simulating it? Can I use multisim for that? Will it have the gsm modems, etc in its library?

She wants to use a 16F, is that ok?

VioletRock

Only the PIC16F1946 and PIC16F1947 have two serial ports, and they
come in a package you can't use. (64 pin)
To use the 16F series you will need to create a software uart or multiplex,
which is okay if you want to do that.
Which 16F device does she want to use ?

Your project is very much about using the serial ports, so practice serial communications
and parsing strings.

Hello I'm also doing the same kind of project!

If I may, why didn't you use built in GPS and GSM in the same module? It would avoid you to implement mutliplexing...
I intend to use SIM 548c and it seems we found exactly the same vendor:
http://cgi.ebay.com/SIM548C-SIM548CZ-GSM-GPRS-GPS-Module-SIMCOM-Connector_W0QQitemZ140351877076QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item20ad9fafd4

I'm going to order the module very soon, could you tel mel VioletRock if you received your device without pbs.

Also you could use already made board such as arduino, but I don't know it they will appreciate this in your project

In my case I want to use sms instead of GPRS, but:

You can get a similar effect by sending SMS messages giving your location
However it is slower and costs a lot more !.

ExperimenterUK, are you sure it is less expensive to use GPRS. It seems your are from Uk, what kind of contract do you have that is cheaper than SMS?
I want to put a pay-as-you go sim with minimum top-up, but I can't use GPRS, and I have to top-up every 3 months in order to keep the sim activated.

Hey mutonic,

I i'm using separate GPS & GSM because my partner has already chosen a specific GPS that she wants to use. So I guess we'll have to do the multiplexing anyway.

It's great to know that you're working on the same project.
Maybe we could help each other out, I hope?
I'm still in the process of learning about the serial communications (RS232, or something like that right?) and string parsings. Hopefully you could help me out with it, incase I need to ask about it or whatever?

About the ebay order, I'll be sure to let you know.
I've already purchased it, and still waiting for it to arrive.

Anyway, I forgot to ask about the simcard I should use.
Is there a specific model I should get? Or can I just get any simcard from any telecommunication companies in my country, like the normal handphone sim?

Well I'm happy to work with you on this... but I have to warn you, I haven't any pratical knowledge in electronic, all I did was very theoretical things when I was in engineering school that won't help much here
But yes I'm definitely with you. I don't have any timeline, as it is a personal project but the sooner the better, I'm planning to receive my new motorbike very soon and I want it to be secured!

Concerning the simcard, I think everything is ok but I can't guarantee.
I have some questions regarding the pin-code of the simcard.I guess there is a special command with the gsm module to unlock it?