SparkFun Forums

[ThomasKowalski]

Hi
I'd like to make a GPS tracker with an Arduino and a GPS module I could buy on Sparkfun but I have... some questions. First of all, what GPS module should I choose ? Because, I try to keep it as cheap as possible and I would like it to be ready as soon as possible. So, I found something with 506 but I had to backorder it, and I don't have the time. So I found this : https://www.sparkfun.com/products/11571 that I would use with this : https://www.sparkfun.com/products/11818. First of all : will it work ? This is the most important question . But could I use this, that I find easier ? https://www.sparkfun.com/products/10710
My other question is how to log the information ? What have I to buy to be able to write things my GPS module sends me to a text file on the SD card ?
Thank you in advance
Thomas

[jremington]

This has been done many times, so google "arduino gps tracker" to see how others have proceeded.

[Ross Robotics]

It seems to me that you need to do some research before you go head first into this project. I am not saying those components won't work with each other. This is not a trivial project and it will take time to see the end.

Some useful hints: if you want to log the data, Sparkfun does sale such a device. You also need to think about the programming. You will need to get the GPS talking a Microcontroller, then add in the data logger. Have you thought about what controller you are going to use? I am assuming that since you have linked the shield to an Arduino Uno, that is what you are going to use.

I highly recommend you follow remington's advice and start reading.

[Mee_n_Mac]

Because, I try to keep it as cheap as possible and I would like it to be ready as soon as possible.

Given the above let me suggest another possibility to you. Buy a standard handheld GPS receiver, making sure it has a data port (they all used to) and then attach a logger of some sort to it. You might need to put some interface circuit btw the two, as most GPS "talk" using RS-232/RS-422 format, but they all can be configured to send data as ASCII text w/position, etc, data in it. How long do you need to log the data for, hours, days, weeks ???
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NMEA_0183

I also believe they all will store "breadcrumbs", a history of your position, if you tell the unit to. I'm less sure if they will all allow you to download those breadcombs to a PC via the above serial link. If so, you don't even need a logger.

For that matter there are GPS units that plug into your PCs USB port. Then all you need is logging software. How small and how portable do you need this to be ?