Open source remote monitoring/control/tracking device
Announcement of my new open source project: a generic remote monitoring/control/tracking device
It has been a while since I have blogged anything. What better way to return than by announcing a new open source project!
In the next few months I will be developing a remote monitoring/control/tracking device. Both the hardware and the software/firmware shall be available under the Apache License 2.0.
Whats it all about?
Basics
This project is for two purposes: to satisfy my long need to run an open source project, and to present the world with an open sourced solution device that can be used to remotely monitor, control and possibly GPS track devices over long distances.
For now the project is codenamed RemoteHawk
What would it be used for?
Remote access
The device will have a number of communications interfaces. In the next few days I will iron out the specs, but for now I envisage that there will be GSM/GPRS, possibly some proprietary RF interface and optionally a satellite modem interface, possibly Iridium or OrbComm.
The development will also include the tools to remote access the devices. This might possibly take the form of a website interface.
Remote control
The device will have a number of outputs that can be set up remotely. I might also try to incorporate some rules by which the device will activate its outputs.
Remote monitoring
The device will have inputs, possibly analog and digital (on/off) inputs that will be able to be viewed on the web interface.
Remote location
The device will be able to report its location, possibly through the use of an onboard GPS device.
Who would use it?
With open source projects it is always hard to predict how people will use it, but here are a few ideas of my own:
- It could be used in remote sensor applications, ie to monitor the level of a dam or reservoir remotely
- To remotely control pumps etc.
- It could possibly even be used as an asset tracking device
- It could have uses in mining operations
- it would also have uses in remote villages to monitor and control basic services to the village, such as water and sanitation.
Why would anyone use it?
Such a device could potentially save a lot of money for a lot of people. For instance, in South Africa, there are water reservoirs where the water level is moitored manually, and then someone drives a few kilometers to go and start a pump. When the resrvoir is full, the pump has to be stopped again. This system is prone to human error, and often result in empty or overflowing reservoirs. A open source system like this could solve this water problem for communities.
And lastly ....
Next steps
Keep an eye on this blog in future. I will soon release specs and announce a github repository for the project.
Contributors
I would gladly welcome any contributors to this project. I know its still early days but do not hesitate to contact me for collaboration of the project.
Thanks for sharing amazing features here. I just like the valuable info you provide for your articles. I’ll bookmark your weblog and take a look at once more right here regularly. I am reasonably certain I’ll learn a lot of new stuff proper here. I save it on my site= http://cheapessaywritingservice.us/