We are now proudly officially part of the Arduino AtHeart program!

What is OpenTracker v2?

The OpenTracker v2 is the first 100% Arduino compatible, fully open source, commercial grade GPS/GLONASS vehicle tracker that comes with a free web interface for tracking it on Googlemaps or OpenStreetMaps.

Ready to track out-of-the-box after 5 simple steps

1. Insert a microSIM card in the tracker. Any pre-paid or contracted card with data connection.
2. Connect the GPS/GPRS Antenna.
3. Power it up.
4. Send a few pre-defined configuration SMS to the inserted SIM card.
5. Register the tracker for free tracking at http://opentracker.tigal.com.

Free-to-use online interface for tracking

The OpenTracker v2 includes a free-to-use online tracking service. No fee for this service will ever be charged. The maps are available either from Goolgemaps or OpenStreetMaps.

The interface allows you to add as many tracked devices as needed, and it is also possible to divide the devices into groups or fleets for easier management of larger fleets.

Fully customizable

The OpenTracker v2 software is 100% Arduino compatible, making it possible to easily create custom tracking- and other applications by using the free Arduino IDE.

Plenty of power and versatility in a small package

The OpenTracker v2 hardware includes the same powerful 32-bit ATMEL SAM3A8C ARM Controller as the Arduino DUE, a GSM/GPRS modem for wireless connectivity, a GPS/GLONASS module with Assisted-GPS, CAN-BUS, plenty of I/O, and a wide operating temperature range of -35°C to +80°C.

Endless application possibilities

The OpenTracker v2 is not only limited to be used as a tracker device. The included CAN-BUS, plentiful I/O access and on-board GSM/GPRS modem can be utilized for many interesting applications. 

Some application examples include:

1. Vehicle tracking and fleet management.
2. Remote vehicle monitoring with attached sensors.
3. Container tracking and monitoring with sensors.
4. Geofencing with SMS alerts (get SMS alerts when tracker leaves a specified area).
5. Home Alarm System with SMS Alerts.
6. GPS Logger
7. CAN-BUS logger
8. SMS Gateway
9. SMS remote controller - GSM to CAN/Serial Gateway (control machines with SMS commands).
10. Weather station with SMS notifications (using sensors).
11. Outdoor GPS clock.

What is included and how much does it cost?

The OpenTracker v2 will be priced at 99 Euro for the ready-to-run solution. Additionally, individual components will be available for those who only want the board, or the enclosure or antenna etc.

Bill of materials:

1. OpenTracker v2 Board
   
2. OpenTracker v2 Aluminium Enclosure
   
3. Two-in-one magnetic, adhesive or through-hole GSM/GPS antenna
   
4. Cable for external power and I/O
   

Why OpenTracker v2?

Adding GPS functionality to an Arduino application can be a tedious process and requires at least an additional GPS Shield and a GPS antenna. This adds considerable cost and size to the application. Additionally, this setup only allows the creation of rudimentary GPS data logging applications without real-time tracking.

All-in-one solution

The OpenTracker v2 was designed to take GPS tracking with Arduino to the next level and provide a fully customizable Arduino tracker that works straight out-of-the-box. Additionally, we wanted to add the possibility to wirelessly transmit tracking data through GSM/GPRS and provide an easy and free way to track that data on a map in real-time.

The on-board GSM/GPRS modem also allows for the ability to change the tracker settings remotely using a mobile phone as well as the ability to transform the OpenTracker v2 into a completely different application where wireless data transfer is useful.

The complete package of OpenTracker v2 saves makers the expense and trouble of compiling the bill of materials and working through the challenging online interface development.

Cost savings in more detail:

If you wanted to create an Arduino-based GPS tracking application with a rich feature-set like the OpenTracker v2, you would need at least the following items and over 190 Euro investment:

• Arduino DUE
• GPS Shield
• GSM/GPRS Shield
• GSM/GPS Antenna
• CAN-BUS Shield
• Various Cables
• Enclosure
• Power supply
• Server
• Domain Name 
• Advanced programming skills
• A lot of time to develop the application and web-interface

Even if you were to purchase all of the items listed above, you would still need to do a considerable amount of custom wiring and hardware modification to the Arduino and the shields. Essentially, there is no plug'n'play solution available at the moment.

Detailed example of costs:

What We Need

We have completed the development and testing of the hardware, the software and the web-interface and we are now gearing up for manufacturing. 

To keep component and manufacturing costs as low as possible, we need to manufacture at least 1000 units as the first production run. Keeping the costs low will allow us to offer the targeted retail price of 99 Euro and this way make the OpenTracker v2 accessible to as many makers as possible. This is where we need your help. 

What if we don't reach our target?

Any funds raised will be used for the manufacturing of the first production run, and thus making the 99 Euro targeted retail price possible. If we do not reach our targeted goal, we will still proceed with the production, as stated in the schedule below, and you will receive your entitled perks on time. Not reaching our goal may impact the eventual targeted retail price in the beginning, but we are determined to be able to keep this target price.

What if we exceed the target?

If we exceed our target, any extra pledged funding will be channeled to speed up our development cycle for adding new out-of-box features to the free-to-use web interface. All of the new features will be available to all old and new OpenTracker users. 

New features currently in development include:

• Remote I/O Control through the web-interface.
  
• Console type output for messages and sensor reading through the web-interface.
  
• SSL Secured web-interface (will not be supported by OpenStreetMaps)
  

What You Get

Apart from giving you that warm, cozy and fuzzy feeling of delight that you get when you help someone, we have a variety of excellent perks, such as generous early-bird discounts for you to get in exchange for your contribution. Have a closer look below and in the perk lists on the right.

Support Credit - 5 Euro

• We'll include your name in the support credits on the OpenTracker website

Free Postal Shipping and Credits - 15 Euro

• You'll get free shipping via post to anywhere in the world when you purchase the OpenTracker v2, or just the OpenTracker Board.
• We'll also include your name in the support credits on the OpenTracker website.

Free Fast Shipping and Credits - 25 Euro

• You'll get fully insured free shipping via FedEx or DHL to anywhere in the world when you purchase the OpenTracker v2, or just the OpenTracker Board.
• We'll also include your name in the support credits on the OpenTracker website.

Early-bird Board - 50 Euro

• Get 1 x OpenTracker v2 board. This constitutes a 20 Euro early-bird discount. The Board alone will retail at 70 Euro (shipping charged separately) 
• We'll also include your name in the support credits on the OpenTracker website. 

Early-bird Single Set - 89 Euro

• Get 1 OpenTracker v2 Complete set. This constitutes a 10 Euro Early-bird discount. (shipping charged separately)
• We'll also include your name in the support credits on the OpenTracker website. 

Early-bird Double Board - 90 Euro

• Get 2 x OpenTracker v2 boards. This constitutes a 50 Euro early-bird discount. The Board alone will retail at 70 Euro (shipping charged separately) 
• We'll also include your name in the support credits on the OpenTracker website. 

Early-bird Double Set - 168 Euro

• Get 2 x OpenTracker v2 Complete sets. This constitutes a 30 Euro Early-bird discount. (shipping charged separately)
• We'll also include your name in the support credits on the OpenTracker website. 

Fleet Manager - 395 Euro

• Get 5 x OpenTracker v2 Complete sets. This constitutes a 100 Euro Early-bird discount. (shipping charged separately)
• We'll also include your name in the support credits under Fleet Manager category on the OpenTracker website. 

Fleet Captain - 740 Euro

• Get 10 x OpenTracker v2 Complete sets. This constitutes a 250 Euro Early-bird discount. (shipping charged separately)
• We'll also include your name in the support credits under Fleet Captain category on the OpenTracker website. 

Fleet King - 1035 Euro

• Get 15 x OpenTracker v2 Complete sets. This constitutes a 450 Euro Early-bird discount. (shipping charged separately)
• We'll also include your name in the support credits under Fleet King category on the OpenTracker website. 

Fleet Emperor - 1920 Euro

• Get 30 x OpenTracker v2 Complete sets. This constitutes a 1050 Euro Early-bird discount. (shipping charged separately)
• We'll also include your name in the support credits under Fleet Emperor category on the OpenTracker website. 

What the World Gets

• The world's first 100% Arduino Compatible, OpenSource, commercial-grade vehicle tracker at a very affordable price.
  
• A versatile, highly cost-effective, Arduino compatible, open source application board with wireless connectivity and the ability to control and manage machines through the CAN-BUS and generous I/O connectivity.
  
• All of the design files, schematic and BOM to be able to replicate the OpenTracker v2 and develop it further.
  
• Free-to-use tracking online interface.
  

Help Us Spread the Word

If you are unable to pledge in monetary terms, but would still like to support this project, please help us spread the word by letting your friends and colleagues know about us. Remember to use IndieGogo’s fantastic sharing tools at the top of this page.

Background - Evolution of OpenTracker

The OpenTracker v2 builds on the features and capabilities of the original OpenTracker. With the OpenTracker v2 we wanted to dramatically reduce the price for the end user, and add a number of new very useful features and continue improving the free-to-use web interface.

Some of the main improvements to the original include:

1. Price: 99 Euro for single unit retail price instead of 139 Euro
   
2. Much more powerful controller: 32-bit Atmel ARM Cortex-M3 (84MHz) CPU vs. the original ATMega 2560 (16MHz) CPU.
   
3. CAN-BUS - for extended connectivity and applications.
   
4. Vastly higher number of I/O options.
   
5. Much more powerful L76 GPS/GLONASS module for better tracking capabilities.
   
6. Half the thickness - with better design and component placement we were able to make the OpenTracker v2 half the thickness of the original. 
   

OpenTracker v2 on the left. Original OpenTracker on the right.

OpenTracker v2 Key Features

• Arduino Compatible – same ATMEL SAM3A8C ARM Controller as Arduino DUE
• Fully Customizable
• 100% Open Source (see download section at the bottom)
• Bill of Materials – GitHub
• Board Design – GitHub
• Schematic - GitHub
• CAN-BUS
• Ready-to-track straight out of the box – no programming required to get the tracker running
• Integrated Quectel M95 Quad-band GSM/GPRS Modem
• Integrated Quectel L76 GPS/GLONASS Module with Assisted-GPS
• Simultaneous GPS/GLONASS tracking ability for improved performance and accuracy.
• Remotely control tracker settings with SMS commands
• Operating temperature: -35°C – to +80°C operating temperature
• Free online interface for tracking:
• Coordinates
• Speed
• Altitude
• Direction
• Address
• Number of GPS/GLONASS Satellites
• Time and Date
• Waypoints
• Selectable Map Provider: Google Maps and OpenStreet Maps
• I/O Control (currently under development)
• Console Type Output for Messages / Sensor Reading (currently under development)
• SSL Secured Webinterface (Currently under development)

OpenTracker v2 Full Technical Specifications

• ATMEL SAM3A8C ARM Cortex-M3 CPU (datasheet). Same controller as in theArduino DUE.
• 84MHz 32-bit ARM Core microcontroller
• 512 kbytes embedded Flash (2 x 256 kbytes)
• 96 kbytes embedded SRAM (64 + 32 kbytes)
• Quectel Quadband M95 GSM/GPRS Modem (details)
• GPRS data uplink transfer: max 85,6kbps
• Quad-band:
• GSM850
• GSM900
• DCS1800
• PCS1900
• Quectel L76 GPS/GLONASS Module (details)
• Multi-MGSS engine for combined GPS, GLONASS and QZSS
• Easy™, self-generated orbit prediction for instant positioning fix
• Assisted-GPS to enable fast Time-To-First-Fix (TTFF)
• Ultra low tracking power consumption – 18mA
• Always Locate™, an intelligent algorithm for power saving
• 99 acquisition / 33 tracking channels, up to 210 PRN channels
• Supports DGPS, SBAS(WAAS/EGNOS/MSAS/GAGAN)
• Anti-Jamming, Multi-tone Active Interference Canceller
• External I/O
• 1 x CAN BUS Interface
• 2 x Open Collectors (relay connection)
• 2 x Inputs
• 1 x Input Voltage Detect (ignition detection)
• 1 x Customizable
• Internal I/O
• USB Interface
• JTAG Interface
• 22-pin Expansion connector
• 1 x SPI
• 2 x UART
• 1 x I2C
• Analog
• PWM
• GPIO
• (nReset)
• (Erase)
• 3.3V
• 4V
• VIN
• GND
• Operating temperature: -35°C to +80°C
• Storage temperature: -45°C to +°90C
• 9-32 VDC Power Supply

Downloads

• OpenTracker source code
• OpenTracker schematics
• 3D Model files
• Arduino Program
• Gerber Files
• Proteus Project Files (Schematic)

Campaign Schedule

Risks & Challenges

We have produced several production batches of the original OpenTracker and we have a working prototype of OpenTracker v2 ready, so there should be no issues here. Additionally, we have reliable production partners ready to get going with manufacturing upon our request. 

However, that being said, there is always the possibility of unforeseen hiccups, such as a sudden larger production lot taking longer than expected and us having to wait for the free capacity or shortage of a key component of the BOM that we may need to wait for longer than anticipated. We have good experience in handling these types of situations. In the worst case, there may be a delay of a week or two until we get all the perks shipped out. Naturally, we will keep everyone appraised on any changes to our planned schedule.

GPS Tracking with OpenTracker v2

OpenTracker web interface showing a car being tracked with GPS Satellites on the streets of Vienna, Austria. The interface is displaying the speed, altitude, current heading and the number of recognized satellites. 

For a live demo of the web interface visit OpenTracker.tigal.com 

GLONASS Tracking with OpenTracker v2

OpenTracker web interface showing a truck being tracked with GLONASS Satellites in Vladivostok. The interface is displaying the speed, altitude, current heading and the number of recognized satellites.

For a live demo of the web interface visit OpenTracker.tigal.com 

GPS/GLONASS Tracking with OpenTracker v2

Two tracked vehicles shown on the world map. One vehicle is in Vienna, Austria, the second vehicle is in Vladivostok, Russia.

For a live demo of the web interface visit OpenTracker.tigal.com