Introduction

The purpose of my MySigFoxTracker is to raise an email event when a motion or a shock is detected

I designed this product because I was not satisfied with several products I bought to track my car or to detect a package in my mailbox.

My challenges were :

• Build a low power module that can work several months / years with the same battery
• Keep safe my personal data (Localization / Object to follow) as far as possible
• Build something that is robust with a life cycle management reduced at maximum, as an application that will not work anymore due to an IOS upgrade ;-)
• Use as far as possible an international network to transmit the data (to follow a car stolen in your country and exported to another country)
• Pay a minimum fee to use a network
• Easy to install and can offer the possibility to deport the antennas (0G and GPS [active antenna 3V])

How does the module work ?

Phase 1 (module) : Motion detected  Data Transmission , Battery Level & Localization  Message received by the Sigfox Backend (not guaranteed> push and not request reply) -> 10 minutes (Freeze)  Motion Enabled

Phase 2 (Sigfox) : Message received by the Sigfox Backend -> An email (CALLBACK) is sent with the data (Battery Level & localization)

0G -> Low Power, that means you have to choose the best place to hide the module. The module works with an internal antenna for the GPS that is very sensitive, it is able to receive data even under a car seat. The issue is always linked to the 0g transmitter, as it is possible to deport the Sigfox antenna (with the right cable), it is always possible to find a solution if you are stuck.

I designed a lot of solutions, by SMS (2G and 4G), CAT-M,..., with the Lora network, there are always pros and cons, functional or technical. No solution perfectly met my requirements. And of course this is the case for the 0G, the white zones due to the number of antennas in place can be an issue in some cities.

The module works with the RC1, RC6 and RC7 Sigfox network https://build.sigfox.com/sigfox-radio-configurations-rc

The module can send a maximum of 140 events (emails) over 24h The email contains the battery level (to be alerted when the batteries need to be replaced) and its localization (done by GPS), via a link to google map. If the GPS cannot grab the position, the link will point to nothing.

When a motion is detected, an event is raised, then the module will wait for 10 min before sending another event if a motion is detected. Ok, it is not perfect, but for 12$ per year, an internal network coverage, low power consumption, I think it not possible to expect more ;-)

I designed a box to protect the module, I used PTEG as material, so the module can stay in a car or can be exposed to UV. I have not removed the stringing because it is not relevant here. My purpose was to build a sturdy box.

!!!!!! Be Careful !!!!!!

• Reversing the polarity ( +/-) will destroy the module
• Do not reverse the batteries cables
• Do not reverse the batteries when you install them

2x batteries are used : LS14500 3.6v

How to configure the module ?

1. You need to check if you are able to use the Sigfox Network https://www.sigfox.com/coverage/ https://backend.sigfox.com/welcome/coverage (more accurate, an address can be checked) -> A free account must be created

2. You need to check if you are able to buy a Sigfox Connectivity from your country with 140 messages / day : https://Buy.sigfox.com

3. You need to buy a contract (a service contract) that will be attached to the module in order to enable its 0G connectivity https://Buy.sigfox.com

4. You need to configure your module, this step is mandatory and you must do it yourself to keep your personal data under control

https://youtu.be/Kphi4j1JGec

1. You need to configure the callback method to receive the email with all information from the Sigfox backend.

When the module is linked to a contact, assigned to a group, a user, then a device type, and finally a device with the callback configured, you will receive an email event in case of motion.