Computer running constatly?

Scruit · 08-04-2003, 09:58 PM

Is it possible to have a carputer running constantly? How long wouold a carputer run after the engine is turned off? 5-10 hours? more?

I'm building a GPS vehicle locator and I need it to work even when the car is turned off. Using a laptop was one option, but after reading through here is looks like I'd drain my battery before morning... :-(

frodobaggins · 08-05-2003, 01:43 AM

yeah, you would probably drain it before morning

there is a product that may help you, I'll see if I can find it

Scruit · 08-05-2003, 11:50 AM

Thanks for the reply.

The locator device I'm designing will use a standard GPS antenn with serial output, and a Kyocera 2035a cellphone with built-in cellmodem, that also plugs into a serial port.

I can't hook them together directly because the deluge of serial data confuses the modem. Plus even if it did work then if the car has no GPS signal when I try to locate it them I'm out of luck.

I'm also considering a Basic Stamp that would listen to the GPS antenna on one port,buffer the last good GPS signal, and wait for a data connection on the other port. When I make a data call to that cellphone the basic stamp will begin to relay GPS data (or last good data if no current signal) through the modem.

I can't find a basic stamp with two serial ports though.

Is there a third option?

wizardPC · 08-05-2003, 06:42 PM

http://www.thespystore.com/gps-usa.htm

go to the second unit.

Methinks you are trying to build one of these.

You are aware that the driver of the vehicle being tracked must be INFORMED that their vehicle is equipped with a tracking device?
Else you will go to prison...no stalking your ex.

SiGmA_X · 08-05-2003, 08:00 PM

I think he wants to use it on his car to know where it is.. Theres a few people I would like to track with those, but they are too spendy for 'casual' monitoring (stalking? Not quite like that I think..), lol jk

Scruit · 08-05-2003, 09:06 PM

yup - I'm tracking my own car... I should be able to throw this together for about $100 - not the 700-1200 most places charge

wizardPC · 08-06-2003, 01:49 AM

it kinda sent a red flag up for me--I could see the headline:

Man who killed Ex used homemade GPS he made from internet plans

frodobaggins · 08-06-2003, 03:09 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by wizardPC
it kinda sent a red flag up for me--I could see the headline:

Man who killed Ex used homemade GPS he made from internet plans

Peetu · 08-06-2003, 03:49 AM

It is called fleet management among professionals. Here´s a link where is a commercial solution for you. I don´t know if there are US retailers for this but i think oe could order t from Germany internationally. The price is about 350e(~400$). http://www.falcom.de/produkte.html (select STEPP). It combines cellular phone and GPS. It can be programmed to send SMS with NMEA data by ie. if car alarm is started and ever since and normally when powered from ignition switch it can be used as a GPS for your car pc. Theres a two way programmable sms modem so one could use it so that when car alarm goes on and module sends sms´s where nmea is differential (so the car moves) one can send sms to the module that cuts off the power from the car via relay. Also it has audio communication so it can be as a car phone. I used to have one till one of my friends bought it. Very useful.

/pete