Build a Real-Time GPS Tracker with Raspberry Pi Pico & SIM800L GSM Module

Breadboard Jumper Wire Pack (200mm&100mm)

70 Solid core jumper wires,

Raspberry Pi Pico W

Breadboard wire bundle

GPS Antenna

GSM Antenna  

GSM Module SIM800L with MIC & Headphone Jack

NEO-6M GPS module

Grove - RGB LED Stick (15-WS2813 Mini)

Arduino IDE

<html><body><h3><strong>Project Description</strong></h3><p>This project demonstrates how to build a real-time GPS tracker using the Raspberry Pi Pico microcontroller, Neo-6M GPS module, and SIM800L GSM module. The system transmits precise location data over cellular networks and visualises tracking information on an interactive web map through the GeoLinker API. </p><p></p><p></p><div id="gallery"><img id="gallery" src="https://projects.arduinocontent.cc/ca5be49b-fa9c-4bda-bbc2-8ddc171253e6.png"/><figcaption>Raspberry Pi Pico GPS Tracker Circuit Diagram</figcaption></div><p></p><h3><strong>Key Components</strong></h3><ol><li>Raspberry Pi Pico: Core microcontroller for data coordination and processing</li><li>Neo-6M GPS Module: Provides real-time latitude/longitude coordinates via satellite</li><li>SIM800L GSM Module: Handles cellular communication and data transmission</li><li>Status LEDs: Visual feedback system (Green=Success, Yellow=GPS Error, Red=GSM Error)</li><li>CircuitDigest Cloud &amp; GeoLinker API: Cloud platform for data visualisation and mapping</li></ol><h3><strong>Core Features</strong></h3><p><strong>Real-Time Location Tracking</strong></p><ol><li>Continuous GPS coordinate collection and transmission</li><li>Live map visualisation through a web interface</li><li>Cellular network communication using HTTP requests</li><li>3-second update intervals for real-time monitoring</li></ol><p><strong>Offline Data Handling</strong></p><p>One standout feature is the intelligent offline storage system:</p><ol><li>Automatically detects network connectivity loss</li><li>Stores GPS data locally in a buffer (up to 20 records)</li><li>Uploads buffered data first when the connection is restored</li><li>Ensures no location data is ever lost during network outages</li></ol><p><strong>Visual Status System</strong></p><p>Three-LED feedback system provides instant status updates:</p><ol><li>Green LED: Successful data transmission (1-second blink)</li><li>Yellow LED: GPS-related errors (no fix, parsing issues)</li><li>Red LED: GSM/network errors (modem timeout, registration failures)</li></ol><h3><strong>Technical Implementation</strong></h3><p><strong>Hardware Connectivity</strong></p><ol><li>GPS Module: Connected via UART1 (GPIO 4/5) at 9600 baud</li><li>GSM Module: Connected via UART0 (GPIO 0/1) at 9600 baud</li><li>Power Requirements: SIM800L requires stable 3.7-4.2V supply with 2A peak current</li><li>Shared ground connection between all modules</li></ol><p><strong>Software Architecture</strong></p><p>The project uses the GeoLinker library, which abstracts complex operations:</p><ol><li>GPS data parsing (NMEA sentence handling)</li><li>GSM AT command management</li><li>HTTP request formation and transmission</li><li>Error handling and retry mechanisms</li><li>State machine coordination</li></ol><h3><strong>Power Considerations</strong></h3><ol><li>Critical: SIM800L is voltage-sensitive and requires proper power management</li><li>Recommends LiPo battery with &gt;1.5A discharge capability</li><li>Suggests adding a 470µF+ capacitor near the SIM800L for power stability</li><li>Warns against direct 5V connection without voltage regulation</li></ol><h3><strong>Cloud Integration</strong></h3><p><strong>GeoLinker API Setup</strong></p><ol><li>Requires registration at the CircuitDigest Cloud platform</li><li>API key generation for device authentication</li><li>10,000 GPS data points per API key limit</li><li>Real-time map visualisation with timestamp tracking</li></ol><p><strong>Data Payload Structure</strong></p><p>The system transmits:</p><ol><li>GPS coordinates (latitude/longitude)</li><li>Timestamp information</li><li>Battery level status</li><li>Custom sensor data (temperature, humidity, for example)</li><li>Device identification</li></ol><h3><strong>Testing &amp; Validation</strong></h3><p>The project includes comprehensive testing scenarios:</p><ol><li>Network Loss Simulation: Confirms offline data storage functionality</li><li>Real-time Tracking: Validates continuous location updates</li><li>Error Recovery: Tests automatic reconnection and data sync</li></ol><h3><strong>Applications &amp; Use Cases</strong></h3><ol><li>Vehicle fleet tracking</li><li>Asset monitoring systems</li><li>Emergency location services</li><li>Pet/personal tracking devices</li><li>Delivery route optimisation</li></ol><h3><strong>Key Advantages</strong></h3><ol><li>Cost-effective: Uses affordable, readily available components</li><li>Robust: Built-in error handling and offline capability</li><li>Scalable: Cloud-based visualisation supports multiple devices</li><li>Open-source: Complete code and documentation provided</li><li>Educational: Excellent learning project for IoT and GPS technologies</li></ol><p>This<a href="https://circuitdigest.com/microcontroller-projects/raspberry-pi-pico-gps-tracker"> Raspberry Pi Pico GPS Tracker project </a>serves as both a practical GPS tracking solution and an educational platform for understanding IoT device development, cellular communication, and cloud integration.</p><p></p><figure><iframe src="https://youtu.be/g9GbZXjA9XU"></iframe></figure><p></p><p></p></body></html>

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Build a Real-Time GPS Tracker with Raspberry Pi Pico & SIM800L GSM Module

Build a professional-grade GPS tracker for under $30 that never loses your location data