Summary of SAFEBEE – A GPS TRACKER FOR BEEHIVES
This original GPS tracker design from Elab is a motion-activated, SMS-controlled security device intended for beehives but suitable for cars, bikes, boats, and similar assets. It prioritizes reliability, low power consumption, and ease of use, using a 3-axis MEMS accelerometer to intelligently detect motion, power on the GPS, and send location updates via SMS. Key features include remote SMS management, selectable trigger sensitivity, long battery standby (over one year on a 2500mAh battery), crash-resistant operation, and three modes: Standby, Ready, and Tracking.
Parts used in the SAFEBEE:
- Microcontroller (with internal RTC)
- GSM module
- GPS module
- MMA7660 3-axis MEMS accelerometer
- 2500mAh rechargeable battery
- Power management circuitry
- SIM card (for SMS communication)
- PCB and enclosure
This is an original design of a GPS tracker designed on Elab and it is intended to be used as a security device for beehives, but it is not limited to this. It can be used everywhere a motion-activated GPS tracker is needed, like your car, bike, or even your boat.
It is a GPS tracker controlled by simple SMS commands and it is designed for reliability, low power consumption, and ease of use. It features a MEMS accelerometer that is used to intelligently detect movement and once triggered it will power on the GPS module and will try to acquire the current coordinates. The location details will be transmitted to the owner’s smartphone via a simple SMS and then follow update the coordinates at predefined intervals.
KEY FEATURES:
- Remote management via simple SMS commands
- High reliability – no need to babysit the tracker due to crashes and resets
- Long battery life – over 1-year standby on a single charge (2500mAh battery)
- 3-axis high sensitivity MEMS Accelerometer
- Intelligent Triggering – it will not be triggered by accidental movement
- Selectable Trigger Sensitivity Level
DESCRIPTION OF OPERATION
The tracker has 3 main modes of operation, detailed below:
- Standby
- Ready
- Tracking
Standby Mode
In standby mode, the GSM and GPS modules are powered down and the microcontroller is in sleep mode, resulting in a current draw of approximately 70uA, mainly by the accelerometer (MMA7660). The accelerometer is used to detect movement caused by a possible thief.If the accelerometer is triggered 1 or 2 or 3 times (depending on the sensitivity level) inside of a 60-second window then the device will enter tracking mode. While in standby mode the tracker will also enter ready mode approximately every 12 hours, triggered by the microcontroller’s internal RTC. This is to check for incoming commands and battery status etc.
Read more: SAFEBEE – A GPS TRACKER FOR BEEHIVES
- How is the SAFEBEE tracker controlled?
It is controlled via simple SMS commands. - Can the SAFEBEE be used for assets other than beehives?
Yes, it can be used for cars, bikes, boats, or anywhere a motion-activated GPS tracker is needed. - What sensor detects motion for triggering the tracker?
A 3-axis MMA7660 MEMS accelerometer detects movement. - How long is the standby battery life?
Standby battery life is over one year on a single charge with a 2500mAh battery. - What causes the device to enter tracking mode from standby?
If the accelerometer is triggered 1, 2, or 3 times (depending on sensitivity) inside a 60-second window, the device enters tracking mode. - What is the standby current draw and which component mainly consumes it?
Standby current draw is approximately 70 microamps, mainly consumed by the accelerometer. - Does the SAFEBEE periodically wake while in standby?
Yes, it enters ready mode approximately every 12 hours via the microcontroller's internal RTC to check for commands and battery status. - Is trigger sensitivity adjustable?
Yes, the tracker offers selectable trigger sensitivity levels.
