Wireless Navigation (GSM/3G GPS/GLONASS) extension

[wim llc]

Hello Guys,

We would like to bring to market navigation extension for Raspberry PI board. It will include GSM/3G module with embedded SMD antenna, GPS/GLONASS module receiverwith embedded SMD antenna, compass/accelerometer, Power Management unit and LCD touch + some buttons for UI.

Plus all drivers and fw support.

Device will have ability to receive navigation data (NMEA0183), Also 3G modem will give ability for wireless internet. And device could be used as wireless realtime navigation system (for Taxi as example).

Do you think it is interesting device? Target cost for device could be 120 - 150 USD (depends on HW content).

We have huge experience with similar device manufacturing already.

Regards,
Alexander A.

[ripzay]

I'm sure there will be lots of people here interested in the individual modules (3G, GPS, Touch Screen) if you can make them stand alone and for sale in built or kit form or schematics / software / drivers available. (I for one would be interested in all of these things as bare hardware (built or kit) with drivers and example code)

Now to play devil's advocate..

Sure, there is a market for such a device (currently dominated by a certain company), but I can't imagine that a finished, out of the box RPi based nav system would be of much interest.. anywhere.

[alexchamberlain]

Why would you bundle the touch screen on the same board? Separate expansion boards, yeah interesting. Same board, too expensive and not flexible enough.

[wim llc]

Similar devices are in production already.

http://smartprecision.ru/rus/products/w ... _kits.html

Sorry,,, it is not an English version.

Regards,
Alexander A.

[wim llc]

LCD could be just option to make composite device ready to use.

Not all components could be soldered... for each device.

Regards,
Alexander A.

[wim llc]

Guys,

Embedded DC/DC to navigation extension module will give ability to supply all device (including RPI) from DC 3,3 - 5v (from two USB ports, like hard drive, with load up to 1A.).

Does it make sense for RPI applications?

Regards,
Alexander A.

[GreGorGy]

I'd be interested. Hello, I'm new here. Currently, friends are working on a road safety product where the biggest cost factor is the head unit. Part of the function requires such a device, although we have found this:
http://www.simcom.us/product_detail.php?cid=1&pid=38

I will be acquiring one of those shortly to see the proof-of-concept prototype developed.

[wim llc]

Hello,

We prefer to use separate modules for GSM/3G and GPS/GLONASS. I know it could not be cost effective solution, but from, at least power consumption, and navigation quality it is the optimal way.

Now we use SIM900/SIM900R, SIM5320E, SIM5212 /SIM5218 and BGS-2 modules.
For GLONASS/GPS we use wide range modules from manufactures: Navis, Geos, G-Top, SkyTraq, Telit.

More our products could be found http://smartprecision.ru/

Regards,
Alexander A.

[mvsopen]

It could prove very popular if you were able to add a function for paperless geocaching. See http://www.geocaching.com if you're not familiar with geocaching. Basically, the Pi would have to parse an XML file, then take you to those coordinates, plus integrate logging, etc. Many Garmin GPS units support paperless geocaching, but they are all quite expensive. If you could do it for 1/2 their price, many people might be interested in purchasing one.

-mvs

[Step_7]

It could prove very popular if you were able to add a function for paperless geocaching. See http://www.geocaching.com if you're not familiar with geocaching. Basically, the Pi would have to parse an XML file, then take you to those coordinates, plus integrate logging, etc. Many Garmin GPS units support paperless geocaching, but they are all quite expensive. If you could do it for 1/2 their price, many people might be interested in purchasing one.

-mvs

Whilst I like the idea of a Pi doing Geocaching things it's going to be hard to compete with the existing units from the likes of Garmin in terms of price, portability and ruggedness - i'm not saying it can't be done as a really cool project but as a low budget alternative I'd say it will be tricky! (I'm comparing to an Etrex 20 under £150)

[maksm]

Well, Geocaching is well supported by mobile phones, since there are free apps like cGeo for Android and probably for iPhone too. So a Geocaching Raspberry would probably not be so interesting to a wider public. Still, making all the parts work alone and then together, would make a great achievment

[wim llc]

I agree.
We are looking for automotive and telematics markets... not for personal use (may be just Starter Kits, like developed before and shown at our site http://smartprecision.ru/rus/products/w ... _kits.html).

Regards,
Alexander A.

[qassoom]

Hello. Did you release any solution of such alike? I am interested in getting one.

Please update