GPS Tracker parts

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1

hey guys.. Im building a couple of GPS trackers to show the location of a couple of ferries we operate.

I have a website etc and can do that side, just need the GPS location from somewhere.

Was going to use an android phone but keen to try it on a raspberry pi and HAT or whatever is needed to give it GPS and 4G capability.

Can you recommend a list of parts? Thikning a pi 4 2gb will be enough, plus something for 4g and GPS ?? can you help with a list?

Thanks in advance!! :slight_smile:

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Welcome to the forum!

That sounds like a great project—using a Raspberry Pi for GPS tracking is a smart and flexible approach, especially when paired with cellular connectivity.

Here’s a list of parts that would work well for your setup:

That should give you a solid and reliable foundation for your GPS tracker project.

If you run into any setup issues along the way, feel free to reach out — we’re here to help!

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I think you are saying that the tracker will be on the ferry and you will be monitoring the position using a mobile phone. That will require a mapping app that can use call data instead of the phone’s inbuilt GPS data, and that is somewhat unusual.

You haven’t indicated the power supply on the ferry. Is 240V available? If not you will need a DC-DC adapter for powering the MCU. For instance, for a 12V system on the ferry you could use:

The larger unit will permit you to install USB charging outlets for the passengers.

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Hi Paul
Adding to Jeff’s comment regarding powering all of this.
The supply on board a ship could be anything.
DC, 24V, 110V etc
AC 24V, 110V, 240V, a mixture or very important 50/60Hz or (a trap for the unwary) 400Hz.

We must assume you know exactly what is on board in the way of supply voltages and are making suitable provisions. These days there might even be dedicated 5V DC outlets.

Whatever, the last time I had anything to do with anything on a ship you MUST NOT use any starting batteries. They must be exclusively for starting the engines. That is if electric starting is used.
Cheers Bob

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