Tracking a GPS enabled cell without network coverage?

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Rollux

362 posts

Ultimate Geek

#70600 27-Oct-2010 12:36

Does anyone know if this is possible?
I do a fair bit of hunting alone and would like for my wife to be able to track my location in case I get injured and cannot get back to my vehicle. I see many solutions which work brilliantly with a cell signal via data sent over the 3G network, but most of the time i am out of signal coverage.
Phone is a nokia 5800.

Surely each GPS device must have an identifier so the satellites know which unit they are sending to at any one time?

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959 posts

Ultimate Geek

#396219 27-Oct-2010 12:40

GPS is a broadcast system with no return comms from the recievers (handset). This is not going to be possible without some other channel for the handset to communicate to the outside world. Satellite (non-GPS) would be the most likely option. Not going to work with the 5800 without some additional hardware, that's for sure.

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johnr

19282 posts

Uber Geek
Inactive user

#396222 27-Oct-2010 12:42

What you want is not possible using a Nokia mobile phone

Rollux

362 posts

Ultimate Geek

#396223 27-Oct-2010 12:44

Thanks for clearing that up. So how does an EPIRB work then? It broadcasts it's location when activated - does it do it by satellite?

EDIT: Answered my own q, EPIRB and other emergency beacons send coordinates via sat. is paid for in the purchase of said beacon and uses the international SAR sat network.

n4

959 posts

Ultimate Geek

#396232 27-Oct-2010 12:49

Rollux: Thanks for clearing that up. So how does an EPIRB work then? It broadcasts it's location when activated - does it do it by satellite?

No not satellite, it sends out a beacon signal on an emergency frequency radio band set aside for that purpose. As you say, its only when activated, not all the time, so no good for tracking. It has to be that way for efficient use of the frequency band.

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Rollux

362 posts

Ultimate Geek

#396237 27-Oct-2010 12:54

It does use sat comms according to WIKI. I remember to in 1994 when we had to abandon ship in the Tonga hurricane we were picked up by Orion spotter within 6hrs of activating - no way they couldn't do it without exact co-ordinates in that much ocean.
Still took 2 days for a container ship to pick us up tho

graemeh

2078 posts

Uber Geek

#396266 27-Oct-2010 13:39

You could get one of these http://www.spidertracks.co.nz/Home.mvc

They are not cheap though and not cheap to run.

EPIRBs do use a satellite. This is how they work

How does the 406 MHz beacon monitoring system work?

A 406 MHz distress beacon is activated.

The signal is transmitted to the nearest sub-orbital satellite.
These can be satellites that remain in stationary position over the same area of the earth’s surface or those that are constantly circling the earth in polar orbits.

The signal is transmitted from the satellites to the nearest local user terminal. These are placed around the globe, to ensure signals are received almost immediately.

The signal is passed to RCCNZ.

RCCNZ mobilises rescue resources and directs them to the coordinates of the signal.

(this is according to http://www.maritimenz.govt.nz/Recreational-Boating/Communications-equipment/EPIRBs.asp )

Madmax77

152 posts

Master Geek

#396279 27-Oct-2010 13:57

Another option would be http://www.findmespot.net.nz/

SPOT. The World’s First Satellite Messenger.
SPOT is the only device of its kind, using the GPS satellite network to acquire its coordinates, and then sending its location with a link to Google Maps™ and a pre-programmed message via a commercial satellite network. And unlike Personal Locator Beacons, SPOT does more than just call for help.

Tracking your progress, checking in with loved ones, and non-emergency assistance are also available, all at the push of a button. And because it uses 100% satellite technology.

SPOT. Vital Communication
Whether you’re just checking in, allowing others to track your progress, or calling for help SPOT gives you a vital line of communication with friends and family when you want it, and emergency assistance when and where you need it

graemeh

2078 posts

Uber Geek

#396297 27-Oct-2010 14:18

Rollux: I do a fair bit of hunting alone and would like for my wife to be able to track my location in case I get injured and cannot get back to my vehicle.

I've just re-read your original post. You should get an EPIRB. If you are injured your wife is not the best person to help you, you want search and rescue.

Zeon

3912 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#396302 27-Oct-2010 14:25

Madmax77: Another option would be http://www.findmespot.net.nz/

SPOT. The World’s First Satellite Messenger.
SPOT is the only device of its kind, using the GPS satellite network to acquire its coordinates, and then sending its location with a link to Google Maps™ and a pre-programmed message via a commercial satellite network. And unlike Personal Locator Beacons, SPOT does more than just call for help.

Tracking your progress, checking in with loved ones, and non-emergency assistance are also available, all at the push of a button. And because it uses 100% satellite technology.

SPOT. Vital Communication
Whether you’re just checking in, allowing others to track your progress, or calling for help SPOT gives you a vital line of communication with friends and family when you want it, and emergency assistance when and where you need it

That looks like it could fit the bill. Your other option could be a smartphone with Android etc. that had satellite data connections.

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Rollux

362 posts

Ultimate Geek

#396345 27-Oct-2010 16:06

graemeh:
Rollux: I do a fair bit of hunting alone and would like for my wife to be able to track my location in case I get injured and cannot get back to my vehicle.

I've just re-read your original post. You should get an EPIRB. If you are injured your wife is not the best person to help you, you want search and rescue.

I have 2 mates who are part of SaR, so the thought was she could get them to come get me, knowing exactly where I was, without having to have a full scale S&R op. But I know what you are saying.

Thanks to all for the advice, I will look into these other options.

graemeh

2078 posts

Uber Geek

#396358 27-Oct-2010 16:37

Rollux:
graemeh:
Rollux: I do a fair bit of hunting alone and would like for my wife to be able to track my location in case I get injured and cannot get back to my vehicle.

I've just re-read your original post. You should get an EPIRB. If you are injured your wife is not the best person to help you, you want search and rescue.

I have 2 mates who are part of SaR, so the thought was she could get them to come get me, knowing exactly where I was, without having to have a full scale S&R op. But I know what you are saying.

Thanks to all for the advice, I will look into these other options.

Now I understand. Two mates who are part of SaR require less beer than a full scale op.

It sounds like you know what you are doing.

Rollux

362 posts

Ultimate Geek

#396673 28-Oct-2010 09:07

And I know what an average 2 day op costs!
And considering SaR can actually (and occasionally do) seek to recover these costs if they deem the callout "unnecessary" (ill equipped, lost without nav equipment etc) it's cheap considering.
If only XT or VF 3g was 100% coverage...

graemeh

2078 posts

Uber Geek

#396715 28-Oct-2010 10:09

Rollux: If only XT or VF 3g was 100% coverage...

Even satellite is not 100%

Rollux

362 posts

Ultimate Geek

#396719 28-Oct-2010 10:19

I figured sat coverage for GPS was? (providing your not under a bridge, large tree etc)
I know hills can block the tv sat at times, but with 300 sats for gps surely you can get a fix pretty much anywhere?

nickd

447 posts

Ultimate Geek

#396881 28-Oct-2010 15:35

I may be making a stupid comment here, but GPS and communications satellites are different birds altogether. Pretty sure graemeh was talking about using communications satellites in his comment, where as you are talking about GPS.

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