Handheld Wireless GPS Tracking Device Senior Design EEL 4914C : UWF, Fall 2006

Team Doug Cumbie Developed GPS Module and Wireless Transceiver Module. Assisted in development of LCD software interface. Jonathon Bean Developed User-Interface Module, Power Supply Module, and assisted with LCD software/hardware interface. PCB Design and assembly. Faculty Mentor: Dr. Thomas Gilbar

Abstract The enhanced awareness that Global Positioning Systems (GPS) provide has revolutionized the way we interact with our surroundings. Many industries today, primarily in aviation, depend upon the latitude, longitude, and altitude information that GPS provides. Commercially, GPS has become increasing popular for use in vehicles and handheld units. An enhancement to a GPS device would allow for the ability to not only track your own position, but the position of other remote devices. By utilizing wireless communication technology, the position information obtained from a GPS may be relayed to other devices for tracking and increased awareness of other remote units.

Introduction Main Goal: Develop a GPS Device with the added feature of remote position tracking/sharing. Intended Users: Various user groups Hikers Military Disaster Relief – Rescue workers Limitations GPS requirement for outdoor, sky-visible condition Limited range of wireless transceiver

Design Requirements Main Design Objectives Provide geographical present position information Provide ability to transmit present position information to a remote unit either automatically or on-command Provide ability to receive a remote units position information Present a graphical presentation of remote units position relative to self position Provide a predefined-message sending capability Present all information on a graphical liquid crystal display (LCD) Provide a minimal user-interface for simple use Package components in a compact case

Design Requirements cont… Constraints Time Product Selection and Cost Standards NMEA 0183 Interface Standard for GPS Data Retrieval UART for Module Communications FCC Approved Radio Transmission

End Product Description The Handheld Wireless GPS Tracking Device is a product that provides the user with the ability to obtain ones geographical position in the form of latitude, longitude, and altitude and wirelessly share this data with another similar device. The battery-powered device is packaged in a compact case for easy operation and portable use. The user interface consists of a graphical display and four buttons used for paging through various informative screens. The graphic LCD provides information to the user that consists of current present position, numeric position of the remote unit, graphical position of the remote unit, and a message sending/receiving capability. The device utilizes a wireless transceiver that is capable of transmitting the users position information up to 14 miles line- of-sight. The Handheld Wireless GPS Tracking Device is useful for many scenarios that require knowledge of another person or groups location.

Technical Approach Modularized Design Microprocessor Module GPS Receiver Module Wireless Transceiver Module User Interface Module LCD and Pushbuttons Interface Power Supply Module System Software Modules Main GPS Radio LCD

Component Parts Breakdown

Microprocessor Module Runs Main Loop Initializes all Modules UART Parsing Button Handling LCD Refresh LCD Screen Transitions User Message Sending

GPS Receiver Module Initializes GPS Receiver NMEA Parser Updates Present Position Structure (Latitude, Longitude, Altitude, Heading, and Speed) Slant Range and Bearing to Remote Device Calculations Formats Position Message for Sending

Radio Software Module Initializes Wireless Transceiver Sends Message Data Receives Message Data Parses Received Position or User Messages Stores Parsed Position Data in Remote Position Structure Message Structure Format: Comma-Delimited ASCII Packets

User Interface Module Pushbutton Interface Power Switch: Double-Pole Double-Throw Four User Pushbuttons

User Interface Module cont… LCD Interface Initializes MOD5213 Queued Serial Peripheral Interface (QSPI) Initializes LCD Device Provides Software API for Character Writing and Graphical Drawing to the Display Format 48x84 pixel display into 6 row x 14 column character map

User Interface Module cont…

Graphical Tracking X represents remote unit position relative to self Users heading is referenced toward top of screen, remote unit is referenced from users heading. 2 Miles Wide by Miles High Maximum Distance (1 mile = 20.5 pixels) Range (miles) and Bearing (degrees)

Power Supply Module Two DC Voltage Supplies 3.3VDC Regulated for MOD5213 and LCD 5.0VDC Regulated for GPS and Radio Modem Double-Pole Double-Throw used for Power Switch Transient Suppression Circuits for Protection Battery Life (max calculated): hrs for 3.3V Supply 9.69 hrs for 5.0V Supply Approximately 9 hour overall battery lifetime

Full System Schematic

Power Supply Schematic

Printed Circuit Board Design

Printed Circuit Board Assembly

Testing Approach Validate each individual module independently for proper operation Full System Tests Validate all modules operate as expected Radio transmission between units GPS Position Fix LCD Updates Pushbutton Events

Budget

Final Product Results - Handheld Wireless GPS Tracking Device Compact Case Design with Simple User Interface GPS Position Information Remote Device Position Tracking Predefined Message Sending/Receiving