GPS Tracker for Bikes

The core of the project is a hardware and firmware solution that allows monitoring of bike’s movement and notifies a user in case the system considers that the bike might be stolen

INTRODUCTION

Snik focuses on providing a hardware and firmware solution for monitoring bike movement and notifying users of potential theft. Users can benefit from theft detection and live tracking capabilities by inserting the Snik device into the bike's steerer.

BUSINESS OBJECTIVES

The project aimed to:

Review and enhance the existing PCB solution.
Develop a firmware MVP to meet end-users' requirements.
Optimize power consumption for prolonged device usage.

BUSINESS PROBLEM/OPPORTUNITY

The goal was to provide bike owners with a reliable theft detection and tracking solution that integrates seamlessly into their biking experience. Snik aimed to offer a SMART solution that ensures user safety and provides accurate GPS tracking.

APPROACH

The project involved reviewing and improving the existing PCB solution, incorporating components like Nordic nrf9160, Silicon Labs Bluetooth chip, accelerometer, external flash memory, and fuel-gauge IC. The firmware was developed to handle theft detection, real-time GPS tracking, power optimization, and OTA updates.

TECHNICAL DETAILS

The Snik device utilizes Nordic nrf9160 SiP and EFR32BG22C112 SoC connected via UART. It supports BLE connection with the user's phone and LTE-M/NB-IoT connection with a server. MEMS sensors like LIS2DTW12TR and fuel-gauge MAX17262 enhance motion detection and battery control. The firmware, built on Zephyr RTOS, utilizes MQTT for network communication and A-GPS for faster GNSS data collection.

LESSONS LEARNED

Lessons included the importance of external sensors, flash memory for OTA updates, and protocols like MQTT and A-GPS for efficient data transfer and collection. Implementing features like HID profile and bootloaders ensured firmware integrity and enhanced user experience.

CONCLUSION

The Snik project represents a sophisticated IoT solution for bike theft detection and tracking. By leveraging advanced features and protocols, Snik offers a reliable and seamless biking experience while addressing the challenges of bike theft. Continuous improvement and adherence to project goals are crucial for future success.