Athena - The Global Car Tracking System (3D Images)

Athena: The Global Car Tracking System(3D Images)
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by Jayvis Vineet Gonsalves
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Jayvis Vineet Gonsalves

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car (/tag/type-id/category-technology/keyword-car/)
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tracking (/tag/type-id/category-technology/keywordtracking/)
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gps (/tag/type-id/category-technology/keyword-gps/)
module (/tag/type-id/category-technology/keywordmodule/)
sd card (/tag/type-id/category-technology/keyword-sd
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Bring out your 3D glasses and enjoy viewing in a novel way! I have
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glasses, then you can make one yourself. The following link explains
how to make 3D glasses ( link (http://www.wikihow.com/Make3D-Glasses-With-Home-Supplies) ).
Please Note: This instructable contains 3D images which are best viewed with
Red and Cyan 3D Glasses. However, for those of you who do not have 3D
glasses, this instructable also contains 2D images.
(http://cdn.instructables.com/FD5/3D6X/HNVJ0OS0/FD53D6XHNVJ0OS0.LARGE.jpg)
Every year about 700,000 vehicles get stolen in US. In fact, a car is stolen every
45 seconds.
We all love our cars and whether it is a roaring Lamborghini or a purring Prius,
(http://cdn.instructables.com/FRD/53E5/HO22Z7F9/FRD53E5HO22Z7F9.LARGE.jpg)
we are attached to it and wish that it never gets stolen.
I am very attached to my family car and take lots of precaution that I do not park
my car in secluded places or double check that I always lock my car when I park
it anywhere and always carry my car keys with me. However, I am still worried
whether my car is safe. In order to get rid of these genuine worries, I decided to
design my own low cost car tracking system.
In this instructable, I have explained the process of building one's very own
Global Car Tracking System -'Athena' - for a cost of just 100$. The steps for
building this device is very simple and explained in a lucid manner. The skills
required for you to build this is minimum (Basic knowledge about electronics
and the Arduino IDE).
Related
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Arduino+GPS+SD+Accelerometer
to log, time-stamp, and
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Arduino GPS Datalogger
(/id/ArduinoGPS-Datalogger/)
by jonnyboy323 (/member
Version 2.0 Arduino
Controlled Car Tracking
System based on SMS
(/id/Version-20-ArduinoControlled-Car-TrackingDarkness Map Data
Collection Device
(/id/Darkness-Map-DataCollection-Device/)
See More (/tag/type-id/?q=)
I have christened this device by the name 'Athena' because Athena is the Greek
Goddess of navigation.
So what are we waiting for.....let's get started.......
Step 1: Parts Needed:
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(http://cdn.instructables.com/FAJ/W0C4/HNVJ0P3S/FAJW0C4HNVJ0P3S.LARGE.jpg)
(http://cdn.instructables.com/F9X/OAFT/HO22Z8C3/F9XOAFTHO22Z8C3.LARGE.jpg)
(http://cdn.instructables.com/FU5/UZ50/HO22Z89W/FU5UZ50HO22Z89W.LARGE.jpg)
Show All 12 Items
(http://cdn.instructables.com/F92/66VI/HNVJ0P3Y/F9266VIHNVJ0P3Y.LARGE.jpg)
The following is a list of parts needed to build 'Athena' :-
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
(http://cdn.instructables.com/F8F/D9F7/HNVJ0P45/F8FD9F7HNVJ0P45.LARGE.jpg)
Supplies
:
Arduino Uno
Arduino GSM Shield (I have used a SIM900 GSM/GPRS Shield Module)
GPS Module
Adapter Plug for powering the Arduino
4pcs of LM7805 IC
PCB
Wires (http://cdn.instructables.com/F2M/7RAP/HO22Z8DC/F2M7RAPHO22Z8DC.LARGE.jpg)
Male Header Pins
Female Header Pins
Project Enclosure
Tools :
1. Soldering Iron
2. Solder
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3. Soldering Wax
4. Drill
5. Hacksaw
Step 2: The Circuit: Voltage Regulator Circuit
(http://cdn.instructables.com/FXK/NC9J/HNVJ0Q5M/FXKNC9JHNVJ0Q5M.LARGE.jpg)
(http://cdn.instructables.com/FVB/NN67/HO22Z8HT/FVBNN67HO22Z8HT.LARGE.jpg)
(http://cdn.instructables.com/FHY/2JUA/HO22Z8HO/FHY2JUAHO22Z8HO.LARGE.jpg)
The Arduino and GSM shield operate at voltages between 5 volts and 12 volts.
Although the car has a 12 volt battery and electrical system, the voltage can
sometimes(http://cdn.instructables.com/FV9/XM1B/HNVJ0QAO/FV9XM1BHNVJ0QAO.LARGE.jpg)
spike up and damage the Arduino if connected directly. Hence to be
on the safer side, I have decided to use an LM7805 Voltage regulator to regulate
(http://cdn.instructables.com/F78/Z4DJ/HNVJ0Q5P/F78Z4DJHNVJ0Q5P.LARGE.jpg)
the 12 volts input voltage to 5 volts. The LM7805 IC generates an output of 5
volts 0.5 amps. Since the GSM module can sometimes draw upto 2 Amperes of
current, I (http://cdn.instructables.com/FH1/RMP0/HNTTG7Q6/FH1RMP0HNTTG7Q6.LARGE.jpg)
have used 4 pcs of LM7805 IC to meet the requirement.
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The Circuit :
1. Cut the PCB using a hacksaw into a piece large enough to fit the 4pcs of
LM7805 IC (Refer to Pic. 1).
2. Arrange the LM7805 in a parallel connection on the PCB (Refer to Pic. 1)
and bend the leads of the IC to connect them in parallel(Refer to Pic. 3)
3. Solder Wires to the 12v Input of LM7805, Ground Input, 5v Output of LM7805
and Ground Output.
4. Connect the Adapter plug to the 5v Output and Ground Output Wires. The
final product should look like Pic. 5
Step 3: Preparing the Project Enclosure: Drilling Holes
(http://cdn.instructables.com/F8E/773O/HNVJ0QSH/F8E773OHNVJ0QSH.LARGE.jpg)
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(http://cdn.instructables.com/FTN/LGSW/HO22Z8LF/FTNLGSWHO22Z8LF.LARGE.jpg)
In this step you will drill the holes to mount the Arduino and the GSM Antenna to
the project enclosure.
1. Drill four holes at the bottom of the project enclosure to secure the Arduino
Uno in it.
2. Drill a hole on the left wall of the enclosure big enough for the USB cable to
connect to the Arduino.
3. Drill a hole on the right wall for the GSM Module Antenna.
4. Drill two holes on the right wall for the Power Input wires.
Step 4: Wiring the GPS Module
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(http://cdn.instructables.com/F0C/0UQX/HNVJ0RCL/F0C0UQXHNVJ0RCL.LARGE.jpg)
(http://cdn.instructables.com/FRI/YYI8/HO22Z8M0/FRIYYI8HO22Z8M0.LARGE.jpg)
(http://cdn.instructables.com/FW2/AZT2/HNVJ0RCW/FW2AZT2HNVJ0RCW.LARGE.jpg)
The GPS module must be connected in a detachable manner to the Arduino

(http://cdn.instructables.com/FDB/8GEP/HNVJ0RCQ/FDB8GEPHNVJ0RCQ.LARGE.jpg)
Uno. If wires
are soldered to the module, then the module cannot be reused for
some other application or project. Hence I have used header pins to create a
detachable connection between the GPS module and the Arduino. The following
are the steps to create a detachable connection:(http://cdn.instructables.com/FS8/B319/HO22Z8MB/FS8B319HO22Z8MB.LARGE.jpg)
1. Cut four pieces of wire and solder the male header pins to one end of the
wire. Wrap the soldered ends of the wire in insulation tape(Refer to Pic. 3).
2. If female header pins are available, then solder the other ends of the wire to
the female header pins. (Top tip: If female header pins are not available,
then briefly heat the ends of the wire over a candle to partially melt and
loosen up the insulation on the wire. Then force each of the wires into the
Vcc, Gnd , Tx and Rx pins of the GPS Module. Refer to the Pic. 4)
(http://cdn.instructables.com/F9A/5JP8/HNVJ0RD2/F9A5JP8HNVJ0RD2.LARGE.jpg)
3. After connecting
the wires to the Vcc, Gnd , Tx and Rx pins, the GPS
module should look like Pic. 6
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Step 5: Final Assembly
(http://cdn.instructables.com/FET/Q8IV/HNVJ0T5J/FETQ8IVHNVJ0T5J.LARGE.jpg)
(http://cdn.instructables.com/FPV/N3RX/HO22Z8PA/FPVN3RXHO22Z8PA.LARGE.jpg)
(http://cdn.instructables.com/FKG/YL9T/HO22Z8P7/FKGYL9THO22Z8P7.LARGE.jpg)
Show All 13 Items
(http://cdn.instructables.com/FQQ/3B1R/HNVJ0T55/FQQ3B1RHNVJ0T55.LARGE.jpg)
Now you can assemble all the parts of the Global Tracking System.
1. Place the Arduino Uno in the project enclosure and fasten it with screws or
(http://cdn.instructables.com/FPR/W48C/HNVJ0T5U/FPRW48CHNVJ0T5U.LARGE.jpg)
zip tie(Refer
to Pic. 1).
2. Insert the Adapter plug into the Arduino and place the Voltage Regulator
Circuit into the enclosure. Insert the Input Voltage wires through the two
holes drilled in the enclosure(Refer to Pic. 3).
3. Screw the GSM antenna in place(Refer to Pic. 5). Insert SIM card into the
GSM module and place the module over the the Arduino Uno( Refer to Pic.
7).
4. Place the
GPS module in the project enclosure and connect it to the GSM
(http://cdn.instructables.com/FKD/0PMB/HO22Z8P3/FKD0PMBHO22Z8P3.LARGE.jpg)
shield in the following manner. Connect the Vcc pin from the GPS module to
5v on the GSM Shield. Connect the Gnd pin from the GPS module to Gnd
pin on the GSM Shield. Connect the RXD pin from the GPS module to Pin
5 on the GSM Shield. Connect the TXD pin from the GPS module to Pin 4 on
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the GSM Shield.
Step 6: Programming the Arduino:
(http://cdn.instructables.com/F7M/ACDY/H0OJ2UXG/F7MACDYH0OJ2UXG.LARGE.jpg)
Before you can program the Arduino Uno, you must first install the Tiny GPS
library for the GPS Module.
These are the steps to install the library :1. Download the Tiny GPS library for the Arduino. (link (https://github.com
/mikalhart/TinyGPS/releases/tag/v13))
2. Extract the zip file to the folder: " Libraries/Documents/Arduino/libraries "
3. Now you would see the library under " Sketch --> Import Library " in the
Arduino IDE.
4. You can proceed with the Arduino Uno programming.
The following is the source code for the Arduino. Copy the code below and load
it on the Arduino ://Program written for Global Car Tracking System by Jayvis Gonsalves
#include <SoftwareSerial.h>
#include <string.h>
#include <TinyGPS.h>
SoftwareSerial Sim900Serial(2, 3);
byte buffer[64];
// buffer array for data recieve over serial port
int count=0;
// counter for buffer array
SoftwareSerial GPS(4, 5);
TinyGPS gps;
unsigned long fix_age;
long lat, lon;
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float LAT, LON;

void gpsdump(TinyGPS &gps);
bool feedgps();
void getGPS();
void setup()
{
Sim900Serial.begin(19200); // the SIM900 baud rate
GPS.begin(9600);
// GPS module baud rate
Serial.begin(9600);
// the Serial port of Arduino baud rate.
delay(500);
Sim900_Inti();
}
void loop()
{
Sim900Serial.listen();
if (Sim900Serial.available())
// If date is comming from from GSM
shield)
{
while(Sim900Serial.available())
// reading data into char array
{
buffer[count ]=Sim900Serial.read(); // writing data into array
if(count == 64)break;
}
Serial.write(buffer,count);
// if no data transmission ends, write
buffer to hardware serial port
Cmd_Read_Act();
//Read the 'COMMAND' sent to SIM900
through SMS
clearBufferArray();
// call clearBufferArray function to clear
the storaged data from the array
count = 0;
// set counter of while loop to zero
}
if (Serial.available())
// if data is available on hardwareserial port
==> data is comming from PC or notebook
Sim900Serial.println(Serial.read());
// write it to the GPRS shield
}
void clearBufferArray()
// function to clear buffer array
{
for (int i=0; i<count;i )
{ buffer[i]=NULL;}
// clear all index of array with command
NULL
}
void Sim900_Inti(void)
{
Sim900Serial.println("AT CMGF=1"); // Set GSM shield to sms mode
Serial.println("AT CMGF=1");
delay(500);
Sim900Serial.println("AT CNMI=2,2");
delay(500);
}
void Cmd_Read_Act(void)
//Function reads the SMS sent to
SIM900 shield.
{
char buffer2[64];
for (int i=0; i<count;i )
{ buffer2[i]=char(buffer[i]);}
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if (strstr(buffer2,"INSTRUCTABLES")) //Comparing password entered with

password stored in program
{
Serial.println("Password Authenticated.");
Serial.println("Sending reply SMS. ");
SendTextMessage();
}
}
void SendTextMessage()
{
Sim900Serial.print("AT CMGF=1\r"); //Sending the SMS in text mode

delay(100);
Sim900Serial.println("AT CMGS = \"**********\"");//The predefined phone
number
delay(100);
Sim900Serial.println("Please wait while Module calculates position");//the
content of the message
delay(100);
Sim900Serial.println((char)26);//the ASCII code of the ctrl z is 26
delay(100);
Sim900Serial.println();
int counter=0;
GPS.listen();
for (;;)
{
long lat, lon;
unsigned long fix_age, time, date, speed, course;
unsigned long chars;
unsigned short sentences, failed_checksum;
long Latitude, Longitude;
// retrieves /- lat/long in 100000ths of a degree
gps.get_position(&lat, &lon, &fix_age);
getGPS();
Serial.print("Latitude : ");
Serial.print(LAT/1000000,7);
Serial.print(" :: Longitude : ");
Serial.println(LON/1000000,7);
if (LAT == 0 && LON == 0)
{
continue;
}
counter ;
if (counter<30)
{
continue;
}
Sim900Serial.print("AT CMGF=1\r"); //Sending the SMS in text mode
delay(100);
Sim900Serial.println("AT CMGS = \"**********\"");//The predefined phone
number
delay(100);
Sim900Serial.print("Latitude : ");
Sim900Serial.print(LAT/1000000,7);
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Sim900Serial.print(" :: Longitude : ");

Sim900Serial.println(LON/1000000,7);//the content of the message
delay(100);
Sim900Serial.println((char)26);//the ASCII code of the ctrl z is 26
delay(100);
Sim900Serial.println();
counter=0;
break;
}
}
void getGPS()
{
bool newdata = false;
unsigned long start = millis();
while (millis() - start < 1000)
{
if (feedgps ())
{
newdata = true;
}
}
if (newdata)
{
gpsdump(gps);
}
}
bool feedgps()
{
while (GPS.available())
{
if (gps.encode(GPS.read()))
return true;
}return 0;
}
void gpsdump(TinyGPS &gps)
{
gps.get_position(&lat, &lon);
LAT = lat;
LON = lon;
{
feedgps();
}
}
Step 7: Testing
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(http://cdn.instructables.com/FVN/ILN7/HNVJ0WFA/FVNILN7HNVJ0WFA.LARGE.jpg)
(http://cdn.instructables.com/F8D/XLPQ/HO22Z8SX/F8DXLPQHO22Z8SX.LARGE.jpg)
Now that you have built the 'Athena', it is time to install it in your vehicle. The
device can be installed anywhere in the car: the hood, cabin or trunk.
Remember that the device must be hidden from view and difficult to locate by a
car thief. The device must directly be connected to the 12v Car battery as it
must run even when the car is switched off.
Steps to track down your vehicle using 'Athena' :1. When your car is stolen and you wish to track your car, simply send a text
message containing the password to your car.
2. Athena then verifies the password you entered with the password stored in
its program. If the password matches, then Athena sends an
acknowledgment SMS to the predefined phone/cell number stored in it.
3. Athena then begins to calculate its GPS position and once a GPS lock is
3/31/2014 1:43 AM
acheived, it sends the coordinates of its location to the number stored in its
program.
4. After you receive the Coordinates in your message, copy them to the search
bar in google maps to reveal the position of your stolen car.
And there you go...congratulations!!! You have built your very own Global Car
Tracking System.
If you have any difficulties building this instructable, do feel free to ask.
GREAT!!!!! NOW GO AHEAD AND CONSTRUCT ONE YOURSELF!!!!! : )
Make Comment
builder43 (/member/builder43/)
21 hours ago
Reply (CNXUJY2HTDM272N)
What is the default pass code? How is it changed?

(/member
/builder43/)
Fabrizio Araujo (/member/Fabrizio+Araujo/)
6 days ago
Reply (CAQJ740HT2U2AQX)
Can I use This ---- $3 arduino (http://www.instructables.com/id/The) --- instead of a arduino

and can u say more about how I gonna do this ... only answer me with few words
if u dont want to waste u time... Please answer me?
(/member RRRRRRRRRRBA-or-What-They-Dont-Teach-You-in-/
/Fabrizio+Araujo/)
hcarneiro (/member/hcarneiro/)
23 days ago
Reply (CSC9JT4HSHDR7ND)
I need the Arduino to send a signal to 12v relay, something like that.
(/member
/hcarneiro/)This
picture says it has to send a negative signal to activate the relay.
http://imagem.clubedovectra.com.br/images/2014/03/07/5572305708.png
For example, I send an SMS with the word "relay call," and it sends a negative
signal to activate the relay.
I need such a system to cut power to the fuel pump on my car
Someone you help me?
gandyman (/member/gandyman/)
1 month ago
Reply (C3Q4NJ4HRPBAIGG)
Was having the same issues as Mashup and Albarra.

(/member
Got
/gandyman/)
14 of 26
it working but without Read Command. Still trying to get that part working. I
needed to add a few ++'s and things I added were software turn on commands
for the GPRS and now the ams comes as a link to google maps that you can just
click on and see the location. Code I used was :
#include <SoftwareSerial.h>
3/31/2014 1:43 AM
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#include <string.h>
#include <TinyGPS.h>
SoftwareSerial GPRS(7, 8);
byte buffer[64]; // buffer array for data recieve over serial port
int count=0; // counter for buffer array
SoftwareSerial GPS(4, 5);
TinyGPS gps;
unsigned long fix_age;
long lat, lon;
float LAT, LON;
void gpsdump(TinyGPS &gps);
bool feedgps();
void getGPS();
void SIM900power() // software equivalent of pressing the GSM shield "power"
button
{
digitalWrite(9, HIGH);
delay(1000);
Sim900_Inti();
}
void setup()
{
GPRS.begin(19200); // the SIM900 baud rate
SIM900power();
GPS.begin(4800); // GPS module baud rate
Serial.begin(19200); // the Serial port of Arduino baud rate.
delay(500);
}
void loop()
{
GPRS.listen();
if (GPRS.available()) // If date is comming from from GSM shield)
{
while(GPRS.available()) // reading data into char array
{
buffer[count++]=GPRS.read(); // writing data into array
}
Serial.write(buffer,count); // if no data transmission ends, write buffer to hardware
serial port
SendTextMessage(); //Took out Read the 'COMMAND' sent to SIM900 through
SMS
clearBufferArray(); // call clearBufferArray function to clear the storaged data from
the array
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count=0; // set counter of while loop to zero

}
if (Serial.available()) // if data is available on hardwareserial port ==> data is
comming from PC or notebook
GPRS.write(Serial.read()); // write it to the GPRS shield
}
void clearBufferArray() // function to clear buffer array
{
for (int i=0; i<count;i++)
{ buffer[i]=NULL;} // clear all index of array with command NULL
}
void Sim900_Inti(void)
{
GPRS.println("AT+CMGF=1"); // Set GSM shield to sms mode
delay(500);
GPRS.println("AT+CNMI=2,2");
delay(500);
}
void SendTextMessage()
{
GPRS.print("AT+CMGF=1\r"); //Sending the SMS in text mode
delay(100);
GPRS.println("AT + CMGS = \"+19999999999\""); //The predefined phone number
delay(100);
GPRS.println("Please wait while Module calculates position"); //the content of the
message
delay(100);
GPRS.println((char)26);//the ASCII code of the ctrl z is 26
delay(100);
GPRS.println();
delay(5000);
int counter=0;
GPS.listen();
for (;;)
{
long lat, lon;
unsigned long fix_age, time, date, speed, course;
unsigned long chars;
unsigned short sentences, failed_checksum;
long Latitude, Longitude;
// retrieves /- lat/long in 100000ths of a degree
gps.get_position(&lat, &lon, &fix_age);
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getGPS();
Serial.print("Latitude : ");
Serial.print(LAT/1000000,7);
Serial.print(" :: Longitude : ");
Serial.println(LON/1000000,7);
GPRS.print("AT+CMGF=1\r"); //Sending the SMS in text mode
delay(100);
GPRS.println("AT + CMGS = \"+19999999999\""); //The predefined phone number
delay(100);
GPRS.print("maps.google.com/maps?q=");
GPRS.print(LAT/1000000,7);
GPRS.print("+");
GPRS.println(LON/1000000,7);//the content of the message
delay(100);
GPRS.println((char)26);//the ASCII code of the ctrl z is 26
delay(100);
GPRS.println();
delay(5000);
counter=0;
break;
}
}
void getGPS()
{
bool newdata = false;
unsigned long start = millis();
while (millis() - start < 1000)
{
if (feedgps ())
{
newdata = true;
}
}
if (newdata)
{
gpsdump(gps);
}
}
bool feedgps()
{
while (GPS.available())
{
if (gps.encode(GPS.read()))
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return true;
}return 0;
}
void gpsdump(TinyGPS &gps)
{
gps.get_position(&lat, &lon);
LAT = lat;
LON = lon;
{
feedgps();
}
}
MechanicalMashup (/member/MechanicalMashup/)
1 month ago
Reply (CEVBTDIHRGP5XZ8)
I am having the same issue as Albarra.

(/member
One thing
/MechanicalMashup/)
I had to do to get text recieving to

work on my shield was to go into
SoftwareSerial.h and change the buffer from
64 to 128 to get all the text through. Would it
make sense to change the byte buffer[64];
line to 128 as well then?
Albarra Harahap (/member/Albarra+Harahap/)
1 month ago
Reply (CS5EKS4HR3EM1AY)
I also have tried to sketch fromhttp://www.instructables.com/id/Athena(http://www.instructables.com/id/AthenaThe-Global-Car-Tracking-System/)
(/member The-Global-Car-Tracking-System/
/Albarra+Harahap/)
But just the same, the results in the serial monitor shows only from :
just :
AT CMGF=1
AT CMGF=1
as if the another AT command not be executed by GSM Shield.
PS: Arduino Uno, ICOMSAT V1.1 - SIM900 GSM / GPRS
(http://www.famosastudio.com/icomsat-gsm-gprs-shield-v1-1
(http://www.famosastudio.com/icomsat-gsm-gprs-shield-v1-1))
brenryan (/member/brenryan/)
1 month ago
Reply (CVRSZT1HR0AXHZU)
Sorry if somebody has mentioned it before.

(/member
/brenryan/)But
18 of 26
instead of making the *debatable* iffy voltage regulation circuit.
Wouldn't it be much better to take apart one of these Car Cigarette Lighter to USB
things and let that do all the work. They are fused as well so that is a bonus.
http://www.miniinthebox.com/dual-usb-cigarette-charger-for-iphone-4-and4s-2100ma-black_p270947.html?pos=ultimately_buy_2
(http://www.miniinthebox.com/dual-usb-cigarette-charger-for-iphone-4-and4s-2100ma-black_p270947.html?pos=ultimately_buy_2)
3/31/2014 1:43 AM
Would surely take a lot of hassle out of the process...
(http://cdn.instructables.com/FR5/UU2G/HR0AXHZO
/FR5UU2GHR0AXHZO.LARGE.jpg)
Swagata1 (/member/Swagata1/)
2 months ago
Reply (C5TDMZKHQLO4YZB)
while(Sim900Serial.available()) // reading data into char array

(/member
{
/Swagata1/)
buffer[count ]=Sim900Serial.read(); // writing data into array

}
i had a doubt in that part of the code isn't there a need for count++
2 months ago
Reply (CTP7Y6LHQDLYSIQ)
And also please please supply a link for all the components.Would be very
(/member helpful
/Swagata1/)
2 months ago
Reply (C7UVBRZHQDLYSEE)
hey I too am from India(Bangalore).Could you let me know to how much the total
will come in INR.
(/member expenditure
/Swagata1/)
Thanks in advance
rootxion (/member/rootxion/)
2 months ago
Reply (C9VOTAMHQCPMORT)
Very nice and interesting project. I'm just getting started with this Arduino stuff
your project was my motivation. Specifically I'm using:
(/member and
/rootxion/)
19 of 26
Arduino Uno r3, IComsat GSM/GPRS v1.1, Parallax PMB-688 GPS

I even got a 16x4 Samsung LCD to test displaying coordinates on the LCD.
So far I have tested the GPS, LCD separately successfully. I'm trying the IComsat
to send simple text messages for testing but it's not working. I'm trying the
examples on the supplied library (https://github.com/jgarland79/GSM_Shield
(https://github.com/jgarland79/GSM_Shield)) but I receive a SIM900 error (will
post pics on next message). I can see the power, status and net LEDs on the
board turned on and blinking. The SIM card I'm using is from AT&T.
As I can see on you code you don't use any special library to deal with the GSM
other than the SoftwareSerial.h
Will try some other examples today and let you know if it works.
rootxion (/member/rootxion/)
rootxion
2 months ago
Reply (C6PPLQJHQCWGOKF)
As Skipper (Madagascar
(/member Penguins) would say "proublema
/rootxion/)
resueltou".
Used a library I found at:
3/31/2014 1:43 AM
https://gsm-shield-arduino.googlecode.com/files/BE... (https://gsm-shieldarduino.googlecode.com/files/BETA_GSM_GPRS_GPS_IDE100_v305.zip)
And also had to set the jumpers on the shield TX pin to #2 and RX pin to
#3. Loaded one of the examples and it's now working fine. Now that
everything is working I'll start putting it all together. Once I get everything
working I'll post procedure, code, etc.
instructable1234 (/member/instructable1234/) 2 months ago
Reply (C5NULM9HQBR6982)
I may have missed it but is there a list with links to buy these materials, preferably
Some of the materials I saw on the supplies list are very vague.
Thanks a lot.
(/member on Amazon?
/instructable1234/)
Jayvis Vineet Gonsalves (/member/Jayvis+Vineet+Gonsalves/) (author)

Reply (CX2DUZ8HQBX7QKI)
instructable1234
2 months ago
(/member Can you specify
for which items should I post the link
asalvatierra (/member/asalvatierra/)
2 months ago
Reply (CN35S3WHQ8XYLS7)
Hi, great tutorial! Congratulations! Could you please tell me if the IComSat v1.1 GSM/GPRS Shield, should be an alternative for this project? The wiring
of the GPS to the pins it's the same? Thanks!!
(/member SIM900
/asalvatierra/)

Reply (C144WO1HQ9K7KX4)
asalvatierra
2 months ago
(/member Thank you asalvatierra,
The IComSat should work well as an alternative.
asalvatierra (/member/asalvatierra/)
Jayvis Vineet Gonsalves

Reply (CSMRNR5HQ9OLW1U)
2 months ago
Hi! Thanks for your reply! What is

specification of the pins 4 and
5 that connect to GPS? IComSat
have different pin order in the
shield, so i very confused about
the connections from GPS to GSM
shield. Thanks!
(/member the
/asalvatierra/)

Reply (CGHDUCWHQAQDL2H)
asalvatierra
2 months ago
(/member Can you provide
me the specification sheet of IComSat
mahesh94 (/member/mahesh94/)
2 months ago
Reply (CE6ZKY1HQ0HS23U)
iam planning to use sim300, the same program can be used for tat also?
(/member
/mahesh94/)
20 of 26

mahesh94
If SIM300 supports AT Commands (which I think it should), then the same
3/31/2014 1:43 AM

program should
run.
2 months ago
Reply (CULBKRBHQ9K7KKG)
(/member
c1c2c3 (/member/c1c2c3/)
(/member
/c1c2c3/)
3 months ago
Reply (C31QZSBHPQO9H9I)
Could you please give me the exact name of your GSM shield
Also, which sim did you use?
One more thing, do you think the adafruit gps will work for this project
Jayvis Vineet Gonsalves (/member/Jayvis+Vineet+Gonsalves/) (author) c1c2c3

Reply (C8IV44ZHPQO9JDD)
3 months ago
I had ordered the GSM shield from

is a link to the
product (link (http://www.ebay.com
/itm/NEW-SIMCOM-SIM900Quad-band-GSM-GPRS-Shieldfor-Arduino-with-micro-SD-cardslot-/151121095914?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&
hash=item232f84ecea)).
(/member Ebay USA. Here

I am from Mumbai, India and have

used a prepaid SIM from MTNL.
The adafruit gps shield should work
for this project. But I suggest that
you have a look at this GPS module
on Ebay which is available for about
half the price of the adafruit one.
(link (http://www.ebay.com/itm/NewUART-Serial-GPS-ModuleFor-Arduino-uController-w-BreakoutBoardPins-/330725788211?pt=GPS_Devices&
hash=item4d00cb0a33))
jiannisgreece (/member/jiannisgreece/)
3 months ago
Reply (C57OUWZHPQ47JN7)
thanks for the reply!!!

question is, how can i learn the commands in order the arduino to
communicate with the gsm/gprs module, for future use? Did you use any e-book?
do you have any suggestions?
I have some intermidiate knowledge in c programming
thanks !
jiannis from greece
(/member another
/jiannisgreece/)
21 of 26

Reply (COU79GRHPQO9IOZ)
jiannisgreece
3 months ago
(/member Hi Jiannis, The commands used
are known as 'AT Commands'. If
for communicating with the GSM module

you google the word AT commands it will
throw up a lot of info about it. Here is a link of some other AT commands
that you could use (link (http://www.engineersgarage.com/tutorials
/at-commands?page=4)).
3/31/2014 1:43 AM

oconnor77 (/member/oconnor77/)
3 months ago
Reply (C691R7WHPPSQCFW)
So im not quite sure I understand what kind of service fee's this thing would
besides your normal cell phone fee that you are texting from. Where did
the sim card come from?
(/member require
/oconnor77/)

Reply (CZY4F54HPQO9IFY)
oconnor77
3 months ago
(/member You do not incur any service fees. You are only charged for the SMS sent
from your mobile phone to the tracking system and from the tracking
system to your mobile phone.
drin_pogi (/member/drin_pogi/)
3 months ago
Reply (CAI037QHPOM2XOI)
3 months ago
Reply (CBZ08ABHP68868P)
"+" is missing
(/member
/drin_pogi/)
Jimmy_Kerrigan (/member/Jimmy_Kerrigan/)
Hi,
(/member Congratulations
/Jimmy_Kerrigan/)
22 of 26
for this circuit, this is clever, very inexpensive ... This is a good
proof of concept.
But I work in automotive electronics and, in my opinion, the hardware
implementation is not adapted to the use profile. Thus, in the actual state, the
reliability and lifetime of this circuit will be extremely bad.
First, for me, the power supply circuit is not only awfull, but also totally not
acceptable for automotive use.
In general, it is impossible to use linear regulators with quiescent currents above
100mA, even with body controllers (Tmax=85C) because of the heating of the
component. For information, I used a LM7805 in a design, for external sensor
supply. With a D-PAK package we never manage to obtain more than 300mA
without having thermal shutdown, at ambient temperature (~25C).
In addition, the reliability of this solution is very bad.
- If the 4 ICs are not exactly matched, the current won't be equally distributed
between them.
- If one of the 4 ICs breaks or goes in thermal shutdown, the others will have to
withstand a bigger current, then they will heat more, and will be more likely to
break or go in thermal shutdown -> avalanche, failure of one compromises the
whole power supply.
- I'm not 100% sure about this one : there is a high risk of oscillation with such
parallel circuitry.
- No additional output capacitor for the regulators ? -> High oscillation risk.
- No additional input capacitor for the regulators ? -> Noise rejection on the
on-board battery network, in paticular with high-frequency / high-current MCU
modules ! This is not strictly dangerous because the requirements on this point
are mostly normative, but it is a risk for oher ECUs in the car - I think the radio is
the weakest victim. On automotive ECUs, it is strongly advised to have an input PI
filter.
- Regulators are packed close to each other -> bad heat dissipation. The
regulators should be at least mounted on a metalic heat dissipator.
- No transient protection -> The 7805 IC can withstand the load-dump 35V
voltage, but must be protected against transient voltage (100Vautomotive
transients, ESDs ...). A TVS is the roxor solution, ceramic input capacitors can
also do the job (2x X7R 22nF minimum, in serial, 90C from each other in order to
avoid aggraved short-circuit in case one of the two breaks because of mechanical
flexion). Note : having a big electrolithic capacitor on the input isn't enough,
because they can't absorb all the transients.
- Power consumption : Vbatt x Iquiescent : 24W nominal / 32W max ! (note :
battery voltage can rise up to 16V DC) Is there a sleeping mode ? Or is it
connected on the APC (switched battery voltage) ? It is quite high for a circuit that
3/31/2014 1:43 AM
must be supplied permanently ... Car batteries have a good capacity, but if the
car is left stopped a long time, there is a little risk of having the battery depleted.
- You say that the module consumes up to 2A, but is it DC ? If it is just a transient,
it is more wise to design a proper L-C filter - or PI filter - in order to absorb this
current peak, better than over-sizing the whole power supply. It would be more
reliable, and safer since a short-circuit will drain less current, then avoid current
leaking from the battery when the car is stopped, and limiting the risk of fire (wires
or PCB tracks burning ...).
I think a power supply with linear regulators could be used, with proper
protections and heat dissipation, if the circuit is supplied on a switched battery
voltage, or if it has a sleeping mode. If it is connected to the permanent battery
voltage, the circuit will be even more exposed to failure, because it will constantly
heat. Reliability and lifetime of ICs lower when temperature raises ...
This is what I think about the power supply. About the rest, don't forget that the
modules use consumer or industrial rated components. On the Arduinio UNO, the
main components are rated for 85C. It won't be a problem if the module is inside
the car, but it will if it is hidden behind the hood, close to the motor (cooling
system is regulated at 90C, for instance) ... Even below the sheet metal of the
car body the temperature can rise far higher than 70C during summer ... In this
environment, some components can go in thermal breakdown very easily. And I
am not even talking about the GPS and GSM modules and the plastic case ...
For me, the power supply should be changed, using a DC/DC switching module.
It should be connected on the switched battery voltage (not supplied when the
car is stopped).
If it has to be checking the position of the car even with the motor off (which is not
absurd : wrecker, pound ...) then it should have a sleeping mode, which cuts the
main power supply most of the time, then activates it periodically for position
checking. And it should be hidden in the cabin or in the trunk, where the
temperature is reasonnable.
I admit that these are not small modifications, but in the actual state, I don't think
that this circuit will last long in a real car ... Adapting a circuit for automotive
environment is always difficult.

Reply (C6SQTFHHPLWYTN3)
Jimmy_Kerrigan
3 months ago
(/member Thank you Mr. Kerrigan for taking the time to write such a comprehensive
comment. I will definitely work on improving the power supply circuit once
complete all my applications to the US Universities. I will upload the

updates to the circuit by the end of January.
jiannisgreece (/member/jiannisgreece/)
3 months ago
Reply (CRM51K4HPG4OL42)
very nice project!! i am new in this field, but i definately would give it a try to make
myself!!!
Jayvis Vineet Gonsalves, is it so easy as you describe? i am planning to buy the
modules from ebay.
(/member one
/jiannisgreece/)
23 of 26

Reply (C8DBUYHHPLWYTLP)
jiannisgreece
3 months ago
(/member Thank you.
Yes, this project is very easy to build.

I only need to improve on the power supply circuit and make it more
robust. I will upload the updates to the circuit by the end of January.
3/31/2014 1:43 AM
24 of 26
nbeched (/member/nbeched/)
4 months ago
Reply (CC7TM86HO7XJ3SU)
I wouldn't connect any LM7805 units in parallel, this is very bad.

(/member
/nbeched/)
You can get very inexpensive switching regulators that require no external
components.
We're talking about $10-$15 for a 5V @ 3A regulator that is connected
much the same as a 7805, but is a lot more reliable.
Awesome instructable otherwise.
DeusXMachina (/member/DeusXMachina/) nbeched

4 months ago
Reply (CLDIFIUHOHYIN4F)
I second this. If you have one of the

(/member LRs fail due to a high current load,
/DeusXMachina/)
the other 3 will likely fail immediately
after. It's much better to use a single
regulator, then chain several together
in parallel, for many reasons.
You should be able to get one for
WAY less than $10. Without much
optimizing, I found some for ~$4 on
Digikey:
http://www.digikey.com/product-detail
/en/LT323AT%23PBF
/LT323AT%23PBF-ND/888959
If one hunted around, one could get
them for even less. I've seen one to
that spec for around $2 each, even
without bulk discount.
jproffer (/member/jproffer/)
DeusXMachina
3 months ago
Reply (CDS4TD3HP7RH52O)
you could just use an outboard

(/member transistor (aka current booster),
/jproffer/)
using a darlington or 2n3055.
nbeched (/member/nbeched/)
jproffer 3 months ago
Reply (CDSELWGHPF4FLLB)
As I care too much about efficiency, I respectfully disagree :)

(/member
/nbeched/)
See using any linear regulator is wasteful of power. Adding an external

transistor turns your existing linear regulator into a more powerful one
(capable of more output current), but at the end of the day, it is still a
linear regulator.
Linear regulator acts as a series "variable resistor" that makes sure the
output voltage is regulated (to a certain extent). So if you have 5V x 2A
=10W at the output (or a 10W load), you have a 12V x 2A =24W at the
input. So you're wasting 14W, realistically car battery is at 14-ish volts, so
you'd be wasting about 18W of power. In other words, you car "sees" the
thing you connected to it as a 28W load while only 10W of that are being
delivered to the actual load.
Switching regulators act as (AC-)transformers but for DC circuits.
So if you have the same 5V@2A load, the input current consumption will
be 10W/14V=0.714A (or about 700mA).
That assumes 100% efficiency. Realistically over 90% efficiency is
achievable, so if 10W is at the load, you'll have about 10W/0.9=11.1W on
the input.
3/31/2014 1:43 AM
11.1W/14V=0.793A which is about 800mA.

So with a switching regulator, the higher the input voltage - the lower the
input current at the same load conditions.
If you add a backup battery at the input, this will become very relevant on
the battery life.
Of course, if you add one on the 5V side, you won't have to worry nearly
as much about it, but... oh well, I probably said enough :)
Merry Christmas!
jjones149 (/member/jjones149/)
4 months ago
Reply (CAVRKLCHOHYJN99)
Second the idea for a backup battery addition. Great instructable, going to build
to track golf carts... You got my vote!
(/member this
/jjones149/)
DeusXMachina (/member/DeusXMachina/)
4 months ago
Reply (C9DMCQQHOHYIN4T)
Oh and one more thing. You can drop 12V to 5V using a linear regulator, but it's
(it dissipates that voltage drop as heat). What you really want is a
DC/DC switching converter (aka buck converter) That'll run you at most $10 or
less. Here is an example:
http://www.adafruit.com/products/1385
(/member very inefficient

/DeusXMachina/)
Adafruit is awesome and I love supporting them, but again you could get more for
less if you're willing to hunt.
dingduck (/member/dingduck/)
4 months ago
Reply (CF411KKHO7XDX97)
For someone clumsy with 2 left hands like me, would you be able to offer a
solution?
(/member pre-packaged
/dingduck/)
MrE (/member/MrE/)
(/member
/MrE/)
dingduck
4 months ago
Reply (CZ75RJMHO7XJUKZ)
Try this or something like it. http://dx.com/p/mini-multi-functionalhome-monitoring-gsm-gprs-personal-position-tracker-for-child-elder-white208470
Horef (/member/Horef/)
4 months ago
Reply (CCBM21GHO7XJACU)
this is how im reading your post :D

(/member
/Horef/)
25 of 26
(http://cdn.instructables.com/FWG/0MQ0/HO7XJACT
/FWG0MQ0HO7XJACT.LARGE.gif)
Make Comment
3/31/2014 1:43 AM
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