*TrackMe* GPS/CellID Tracking tool for Google Earth & Google Maps *UPDATED 10/22/08*

[staryon]

Great app, thanks for this.

Does it send back any info during standby?

either location from Cell ID or location from Sats?

thanks.

Hi gusnor,

No, if the device is in standby mode nothing is uploaded.

[gusnor]

Hi staryon,
thanks for that.

Can it be amended to to send data back in standby? I know it's running from the log screen which shows a few pages of "Cell ID has not changed, skipped" etc.

i could really do with this or something that sends back a location of either Cell ID or GPS while a device is in standby.

thanks again

[staryon]

Hi staryon,
thanks for that.

Can it be amended to to send data back in standby? I know it's running from the log screen which shows a few pages of "Cell ID has not changed, skipped" etc.

i could really do with this or something that sends back a location of either Cell ID or GPS while a device is in standby.

thanks again

If the device is in standby mode the GPS is turned off (at least on my Tilt). For that reason there is nothing that can be sent.

However (I just thought about that) if you are using Cell ID tracking, it should upload data. I need to test that though.

[gusnor]

sounds good, the cellID option is probably better for me as it will no doubt save on battery power anyway.

I have been testing this today and even though i drove over 15 miles west, the software on the PDA still insisted my Cell had not changed and so didnt send a location back, apart from the first one. So nothing received on server!

is there a way to override the option that makes the software not send back a location if the Cell ID has not changed? this way i can test without having to drive to another part of Scotland!
thanks again.
Gus

[staryon]

sounds good, the cellID option is probably better for me as it will no doubt save on battery power anyway.

I have been testing this today and even though i drove over 15 miles west, the software on the PDA still insisted my Cell had not changed and so didnt send a location back, apart from the first one. So nothing received on server!

is there a way to override the option that makes the software not send back a location if the Cell ID has not changed? this way i can test without having to drive to another part of Scotland!
thanks again.
Gus

Does your cell id change if your PDA is not in standby mode?
I will try to test this during this weekend.

[gusnor]

good question, i will check later. I have not yet gone for a drive while the unit is not in standby

[staryon]

good question, i will check later. I have not yet gone for a drive while the unit is not in standby

By the way, if you still have problems with the standby mode,
you can just try clicking 'Screen off' and it should work. That's how I usually use it.

[MrGAN]

Are you sure that you are not selecting 'Delete Positions' instead of 'Delete'?

Regarding your other problem I am afraid it has to do your server. Does it work ok on mine?

Delete: You must be right because I testet it again and it works like a charm now (last Version)

I never tested it on your server what happen if you save the first trip without a name (happen to me) and try to open then the webside to have a look at it. If you uploaded at least one trip with a name the problem vanish.

Well anyway - I will try to intergrate the topocoding, if its working I will let you know.

Thanks for the great tool - it my #1 app!!!!!
I will wired something!

[staryon]

Delete: You must be right because I testet it again and it works like a charm now (last Version)

I never tested it on your server what happen if you save the first trip without a name (happen to me) and try to open then the webside to have a look at it. If you uploaded at least one trip with a name the problem vanish.

Well anyway - I will try to intergrate the topocoding, if its working I will let you know.

Thanks for the great tool - it my #1 app!!!!!
I will wired something!

Yes, if you create a trip from the Manage Trips window it will be created in the database. However, if you do it from the Config window it won't be created unless you upload some positions.

hey... let us know about any progress integrating the topocoding. Thanks!

Regards

[rallytrack]

staryon,

Great program. I love it.

Is it possible to log the cell signal strength in conjunction with Cell ID, Lat, Lon, Date, and Time?

I want to measure and record cell reception in remote off-road and mountain areas and have it tied to GPS information. The goal is to share "good cell coverage" information for outdoors enthusiasts.

many thanks,
Craig

[staryon]

staryon,

Great program. I love it.

Is it possible to log the cell signal strength in conjunction with Cell ID, Lat, Lon, Date, and Time?

I want to measure and record cell reception in remote off-road and mountain areas and have it tied to GPS information. The goal is to share "good cell coverage" information for outdoors enthusiasts.

many thanks,
Craig

It's a good idea! I'll add it to my list.

Thanks

[tolgaulas]

I wish this great piece should work hidden, putting an icon on the lower systray, or may be as a today plugin.. Just a simple wish :)

Tolga.

[staryon]

I wish this great piece should work hidden, putting an icon on the lower systray, or may be as a today plugin.. Just a simple wish :)

Tolga.

Thanks for your comments. Yes, I have thought several times about adding an icon in the system tray. I'll do some research, maybe it's not too complicated.

[tolgaulas]

Thanks for your comments. Yes, I have thought several times about adding an icon in the system tray. I'll do some research, maybe it's not too complicated.

You may wanna check : http://www.codeproject.com/KB/cs/trayiconmenu01.aspx?df=100&forumid=3628&exp=0&select=1319957 and this http://www.pocketpcjunkies.com/Uwe/Forum.aspx/pocketpc-dev/22397/System-tray-icon

[Gibbage]

Great program BTW!!!

Im going to be riding my motorcycle from LA to Seattle in 2 weeks, and will be using this to let my friends follow my progress, and to share photo's. One thing that would be GREAT would be to have some sort of ability to post comments or something below the map, or for photo's? Both for the user (me) and the viewers (my friends).

Just an idea! Thanks for the great program!

[staryon]

You may wanna check : http://www.codeproject.com/KB/cs/trayiconmenu01.aspx?df=100&forumid=3628&exp=0&select=1319957 and this http://www.pocketpcjunkies.com/Uwe/Forum.aspx/pocketpc-dev/22397/System-tray-icon

Thanks for that. :)

[staryon]

Great program BTW!!!

Im going to be riding my motorcycle from LA to Seattle in 2 weeks, and will be using this to let my friends follow my progress, and to share photo's. One thing that would be GREAT would be to have some sort of ability to post comments or something below the map, or for photo's? Both for the user (me) and the viewers (my friends).

Just an idea! Thanks for the great program!

That would be nice. I think I'm going to be rewriting the web viewer. It hasn't been updated in months and I haven't heard from the person who was doing the latest updates (mcross) It also has some bugs that haven't been fixed either.

I would like to add the possibility to add some kind 'Friend viewers' so they will be able to access to some of your trips.

[wally80]

Hi Staryon!

Thank you for your great application! Donation soon...
I installed it on my Diamond and it works perfectly...
I have a question on the usage:

I would like to take a long walk in my city with your application running.
When I am back at home, I would like to have a log with LAC/CellID for each GPS coordinate.

I was unable to find the right settings fro doing this! :-(

Something like:
- Each X seconds upload GPS coordinates and LAC/CellID.
or
- Each time the CellID changes, upload GPS coordinates and CellID.

Thank you very much in advance...

bye,
Dany

[staryon]

Hi Staryon!

Thank you for your great application! Donation soon...
I installed it on my Diamond and it works perfectly...
I have a question on the usage:

I would like to take a long walk in my city with your application running.
When I am back at home, I would like to have a log with LAC/CellID for each GPS coordinate.

I was unable to find the right settings fro doing this! :-(

Something like:
- Each X seconds upload GPS coordinates and LAC/CellID.
or
- Each time the CellID changes, upload GPS coordinates and CellID.

Thank you very much in advance...

bye,
Dany


Hi Dany,

I'm sorry but that kind of uploading is not possible with TrackMe.

There is something similar though. If you select Configuration->Source->GPS,
and you check "Upload Cell ID to TrackMe database" this will upload a new entry in the TrackMe's community database with that GPS position and Cell ID.

Later, if you select Configuration->Source->Cell ID and 'TrackMe' database, it will probably use data that you have already uploaded before.

Hope it makes sense! it's hard to explain

[wally80]

Hi Dany,

I'm sorry but that kind of uploading is not possible with TrackMe.

There is something similar though. If you select Configuration->Source->GPS,
and you check "Upload Cell ID to TrackMe database" this will upload a new entry in the TrackMe's community database with that GPS position and Cell ID.

Later, if you select Configuration->Source->Cell ID and 'TrackMe' database, it will probably use data that you have already uploaded before.

Hope it makes sense! it's hard to explain

Thank you for the fast reply...
If I follow your suggestion, but additionally select "always offline" usage, the data is collected in the pda before being sent to the trackme community database, right? Is there a way to read them before sending?
What a pity... In three day of research, I've found only one application capable of doing it (commmgrpro), but it is really intrusive in the pda, while I really like your application...

Thanks,
Dan

[shadhman]

Is there a really cheap gps phone that I can put this on?

[staryon]

Thank you for the fast reply...
If I follow your suggestion, but additionally select "always offline" usage, the data is collected in the pda before being sent to the trackme community database, right? Is there a way to read them before sending?
What a pity... In three day of research, I've found only one application capable of doing it (commmgrpro), but it is really intrusive in the pda, while I really like your application...

Thanks,
Dan

yeah, the 'offline mode' when using cell id tracking works a little bit special...
It will store your GPS positions locally, but first it will need to get those GPS positions out of the cell id, so it needs to go to the internet. I really need to change that.
There are so many things to do that I don't know when I will end up doing this.

Regards

[staryon]

Is there a really cheap gps phone that I can put this on?

I think the cheapest would be to get a PDA with bluetooth and Windows Mobile 5 (not smartphone with Windows Mobile Standard). That should work.
Regarding a specific model... that I have no idea!

Hope it helps!

[wally80]

Hi Staryon...
Today I tried something:
I walked from home to work.
I enabled GPS, "upload Cell ID to TrackMe database", "Log GPS positions to a file", and "use Cell ID if required satellites not reached".
As soon as I entered in the underground I was expecting the automatic use of the Cell ID mode (since GPS signal was missing), but it didn't switched... It continued telling "searching for satellites". I switched manually to Cell ID mode, enabling trackme, google, and opencellid databases. I could see in the log windows all the CellID changes.
Finally I arrived at the office.

Everything was done in "offline mode". As soon as I arrived in the office I've copied the trackme folder into my harddrive to see which log was created, and I uploaded the offline positions to trackme database.

Now, what I can see in the TrackMe Display (v1.20) is the correct route before entering and after leaving the underground stations.
During the underground I have some crazy points (I believe one point in the trackme database is completely wrong because it's some km away).
In the log files I can see just the GPS coordinates.

I would have two suggestions/requests to include in the todo list. I hope you can take them into consideration:

1-Is it hard to extend the option "Log GPS positions to a file"?
It would be really nice to have a choice between:
-"Log GPS positions"
-"Log Cell-ID"
-"Log both GPS and Cell-ID"
The information should be already there because you upload it to the trackme database, so it shouldn't be so hard to implement, right?

2- Can the LAC/CellID be included in the description of the points in the trackme display map and/or kml file?

I think some users would find these features interesting. There are a lot of users of XDA-dev and modaco forums searching for an application that logs Cell-ID and GPS. None of the applications that I've found runs properly, and you have done already most of the work, but you don't log before sending.

Maybe your target now are users, who just want to track their position/trip.
But by adding these (simple?) features you also attract radio geeks who want to know cells, and why not even signal strengths...
Maybe It would boost the filling of the trackme database (people are more encouraged to upload the data to the database, if they can also see the data)...

Oh... It's really a long post... Sorry!

Anyway, It is a really great application. For sure the best I have seen so far in the context of position/location tracking.
Congratulations...

Best regards,
Danilo

[staryon]

wally80, check this thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=2703996&postcount=3235
and my answer after that.

I think that will resolve some of your questions.

Cell ID tracking was recently added to TrackMe. It really needs a lot of more functionality. I'll be adding that gradually.

[wally80]

Ok... Perfect...

I think now it is almost clear what the software is doing...
Thanks for the explaination (I think I've read 1/3 of the 331 pages ;-)).

looking forward to trying next releases... :-)

bye,
Danilo

[trbal10]

awesome program, but for some reason, when i search for satellites, it searches, but none come up. It will stay on the searching for satellites image for a very long time and nothing ends up coming up? I have 6.1 and just wondering if i need anything else to config it correctly

[staryon]

awesome program, but for some reason, when i search for satellites, it searches, but none come up. It will stay on the searching for satellites image for a very long time and nothing ends up coming up? I have 6.1 and just wondering if i need anything else to config it correctly

Did you try running a different program that uses the GPS at the same time?
If that one works, TrackMe should work too.

Does your PDA freeze or something o you can stop tracking at anytime?

[khaytsus]

Hi Staryon...
Today I tried something:
I walked from home to work.
I enabled GPS, "upload Cell ID to TrackMe database", "Log GPS positions to a file", and "use Cell ID if required satellites not reached".
As soon as I entered in the underground I was expecting the automatic use of the Cell ID mode (since GPS signal was missing), but it didn't switched... It continued telling "searching for satellites". I switched manually to Cell ID mode, enabling trackme, google, and opencellid databases. I could see in the log windows all the CellID changes.
Finally I arrived at the office.

Everything was done in "offline mode". As soon as I arrived in the office I've copied the trackme folder into my harddrive to see which log was created, and I uploaded the offline positions to trackme database.

Now, what I can see in the TrackMe Display (v1.20) is the correct route before entering and after leaving the underground stations.
During the underground I have some crazy points (I believe one point in the trackme database is completely wrong because it's some km away).
In the log files I can see just the GPS coordinates.

I had the same thing happen to me this weekend.. For some reason, not sure why, it lost sat lock in the middle of a trip, some 60 miles south of my house. I noticed it seemed to be stuck trying to get Cell ID's rather than reverting back to GPS, so I disabled the CellID fallover, then stopped/started tracking again and it picked up sats again.

When I got home and looked at the trip, the resulting data had some final positions 10-15 miles from my house in random directions. Something like point 440 was a few miles from my house, but 441-445 were all over the place with crazy altitutes etc..

I'm not sure it's related to cellids, but I know I had a lock on the way home because I was actually watching it gather the last datapoint when I stopped in the drive at home so could get that final 'home' datapoint.

First time I've ever seen it do anything like that before.. I probably should have dumped the database to keep it, but I went in and manually deleted the last few points from my database. Max speed: 445mph, max altitude: 18,800 feet. :D

[alexmagic]

Hello,

First of all, thank you for this great application. The only problem is that it doesn't work with my server.

I followed ALL steps as written in the Read_Me.txt.
When I launched install.php, the following message appeared :

TrackMe Server Side Installation
Database tables created successfully


Remember to create two folders ("routes" and "pics") in your TrackMe folder.

If there are no errors listed above then the installation of server side files and tables is complete. You MUST delete the install.php and database.sql files before the map page will display. Once you delete install.php you can click here to view your custom map.

If you have not installed the application on your Windows Mobile Professional device you can download the latest version here

I ckecked my database... NOTHING !!! :( It wasn't created.

Then, I opened database.sql. What a mess inside !!!! I had something with lots of strange letters and signs. I cleaned that and had to change some values (like the size of URL, because 512 was too big for MySQL).
When that was done, I manually created the tables.

Finally, I checked the creation of config.php. It worked well :)

So, I tried all that, but... I didn't work, again ! :mad:

Trackme! wrote on my phone :

User didn't exist and system was unable to create it

So, I went on my database, and manually create my username and password.

And... NOTHING !!!!!! Still the same message on my phone :

User didn't exist and system was unable to create it

I know that I'm not the first one to have those kind of problems. I checked any solutions on this forum, but noone explains how they manage to fix that.

Someone can help me please ?... I'm gonna be crazy !!!!!

[staryon]

Hello,

First of all, thank you for this great application. The only problem is that it doesn't work with my server.

I followed ALL steps as written in the Read_Me.txt.
When I launched install.php, the following message appeared :

TrackMe Server Side Installation
Database tables created successfully


Remember to create two folders ("routes" and "pics") in your TrackMe folder.

If there are no errors listed above then the installation of server side files and tables is complete. You MUST delete the install.php and database.sql files before the map page will display. Once you delete install.php you can click here to view your custom map.

If you have not installed the application on your Windows Mobile Professional device you can download the latest version here

I ckecked my database... NOTHING !!! :( It wasn't created.

Then, I opened database.sql. What a mess inside !!!! I had something with lots of strange letters and signs. I cleaned that and had to change some values (like the size of URL, because 512 was too big for MySQL).
When that was done, I manually created the tables.

Finally, I checked the creation of config.php. It worked well :)

So, I tried all that, but... I didn't work, again ! :mad:

Trackme! wrote on my phone :

User didn't exist and system was unable to create it

So, I went on my database, and manually create my username and password.

And... NOTHING !!!!!! Still the same message on my phone :

User didn't exist and system was unable to create it

I know that I'm not the first one to have those kind of problems. I checked any solutions on this forum, but noone explains how they manage to fix that.

Someone can help me please ?... I'm gonna be crazy !!!!!

I think something is wrong with your tables. I don't think they were created correctly. It's hard to tell you where is the problem.

I usually don't do these things, but if you give me access to your server I may take a look to see how the tables look like. I would need to access with phpMyAdmin.

Let me know what you think.

[alexmagic]

Informations sent in private message ;-)

[shadhman]

I think the cheapest would be to get a PDA with bluetooth and Windows Mobile 5 (not smartphone with Windows Mobile Standard). That should work.
Regarding a specific model... that I have no idea!

Hope it helps!

Will this program work on my HTC Dash?

[rallytrack]

HOW TO CONVERT THE "LOCAL.SDF" TO AN EXCEL SPREADSHEET

I found a method to convert the "offline" data inside the local.sdf file to an Excel spreadsheet.
I'm working on detailed instructions, but if anyone is interested here is the basic method....


1. Use Activesync to "Explore" to \Programs\TrackMe

2. make a copy of "local.sdf" in the same directory and name it "export.sdf"

3. Download and install Remote SqlServer CE from
www.GUI-Innovations.com
There is a free 30 day trial, and then about $40.

4. Connect WM device to computer and install the SQL softare

5. Open Remote SqlCeMobile on your PC, open the Help File, and read "A step by step guide to connecting"

6. Establish a connection between WM device and PC

7. Right click on the "export.sdf" file shown in Remote SqlCeMobile on your PC and "Compact" the file

8. Double click on "export.sdf" and the database will open up.
HINT: There is no password, just click on "OK"

9. Right click on the "offline" Table Name and select "Open Offline" , "Show all records"

10. Select all of the data and copy it to clipboard

11. Open an Excel spreadsheet and paste all the data into the spreadsheet.

Bingo ! ! !
You now have the local.sdf data in a spreadsheet format.

Regards,
Craig

[staryon]

Informations sent in private message ;-)

Thanks. I sent you an email back.

[staryon]

Will this program work on my HTC Dash?

That I don't know. It depends if it runs Windows Mobile Standard or not.

Anyway, I have some news... I'm going to be developing a TrackMe's Smartphone version soon!... so if it doesn't work right now, just wait until this version is released.

[staryon]

HOW TO CONVERT THE "LOCAL.SDF" TO AN EXCEL SPREADSHEET

I found a method to convert the "offline" data inside the local.sdf file to an Excel spreadsheet.
I'm working on detailed instructions, but if anyone is interested here is the basic method....


1. Use Activesync to "Explore" to \Programs\TrackMe

2. make a copy of "local.sdf" in the same directory and name it "export.sdf"

3. Download and install Remote SqlServer CE from
www.GUI-Innovations.com
There is a free 30 day trial, and then about $40.

4. Connect WM device to computer and install the SQL softare

5. Open Remote SqlCeMobile on your PC, open the Help File, and read "A step by step guide to connecting"

6. Establish a connection between WM device and PC

7. Right click on the "export.sdf" file shown in Remote SqlCeMobile on your PC and "Compact" the file

8. Double click on "export.sdf" and the database will open up.
HINT: There is no password, just click on "OK"

9. Right click on the "offline" Table Name and select "Open Offline" , "Show all records"

10. Select all of the data and copy it to clipboard

11. Open an Excel spreadsheet and paste all the data into the spreadsheet.

Bingo ! ! !
You now have the local.sdf data in a spreadsheet format.

Regards,
Craig

hey... thanks but... why do you need to do all that?

[shadhman]

That I don't know. It depends if it runs Windows Mobile Standard or not.

Anyway, I have some news... I'm going to be developing a TrackMe's Smartphone version soon!... so if it doesn't work right now, just wait until this version is released.


I will give it a try tonight.. I'll let you know how it goes. I'm currently running Windows Mobile 6.0 on it.

Can't wait for your Smartphone version! If its as smooth as this one expect a handsome donation from me:D

[rallytrack]

hey... thanks but... why do you need to do all that?

I'm not always in an area that has good cell coverage and/or I might not have a data access plan on one of my phones. Therefore, the data is only collected locally and then parsed into a spreadsheet for further analysis.

Regards,
Craig

[shadhman]

I will give it a try tonight.. I'll let you know how it goes. I'm currently running Windows Mobile 6.0 on it.

Can't wait for your Smartphone version! If its as smooth as this one expect a handsome donation from me:D


I installed Trackme onto my HTC S620 just fine but when trying to start the program I get the following error:
"This application requires a newer version of the Microsoft .Net Compact Framework than the version installed on this device."

Any advice?

[wally80]

Hi Staryon!

While waiting a new release of your excellent software I found a workaround for getting what I need...
I start your software and I start tracing in offline mode "always". I select GPS with the option "Upload Cell ID to TrackMe database".

When I finish to collect positions I access the local.sdf file with Visual Studio. I browse into the table "Offline" and I have everything I need... (lat, long, and cellID) ;-)

Of course, just afterward, I upload the offline data to the trackme community database... :-D

cheers,
Dan

[SimonEdwards2003]

ok im running my own server and have installed all the apps on my phone tytn II and webserver is up and database is ok and created the folders and since on windows does not need permissions since full. running apache 2

webserver says
One or more TrackMe tables in your database are empty. You must generate data by running the TrackMe application on your Windows Mobile device before the map display will work properly.

phone says uploading offline 40. blah
unable to create trip
offline process finished
Some positions have not been uploaded
You need to run this process again later.

my domain of server is
http://trackme.gspro2k.com:82/trackme/
i did put the 82 in the port and if i use the show position on map it works on my server http://trackme.gspro2k.com:82/trackme/gm.php?lat=blah&long=blah

im not putting my position in on purpose but it does show Gmaps at my house with zoom and up dowm buttons.

any ideas



I had exactly the same problem. The fix for me was to create a default trip. then it works fine

[deuzeff]

@gspro2000: I am facing a similar problem with my (free) hosted database and website.

During install, the PHP will tell me that everything worked fine and that I got a go. But when I check it in the mySQL database, I can see it's blank, no SQL request were accepted.
Actually, trying installing it manually showed me why: some of the request are not supported by this free hosted website (for example varchar for > 512 letters (they want a BLOB instead)) and so on.
All these small details make the automatic install impossible for me.

I have to play around with the SQL to finally get all the needed tables installed :p.

[staryon]

I installed Trackme onto my HTC S620 just fine but when trying to start the program I get the following error:
"This application requires a newer version of the Microsoft .Net Compact Framework than the version installed on this device."

Any advice?

Hi,

You need Compact Framework 3.5
You can get it from TrackMe's web page.

Regards

[staryon]

not supported by this free hosted website (for example varchar for > 512 letters (they want a BLOB instead)) and so on.
:p.

If you change it to 256, TrackMe should work ok too.

[deuzeff]

If you change it to 256, TrackMe should work ok too.

I'll give a try then ;), thanks for the hint :).

[buddymaniac]

Love the program, and I appreciate all of your hard work. I would love to see the .gpx export functionality. I am trying to use trailguru.com using this program, unfortunately they need .gpx files and the time stamps are not correct from the conversion from .kml to .gpx.

Thanks!

[staryon]

Love the program, and I appreciate all of your hard work. I would love to see the .gpx export functionality. I am trying to use trailguru.com using this program, unfortunately they need .gpx files and the time stamps are not correct from the conversion from .kml to .gpx.

Thanks!

yeah... sorry about that. I started working on that but suddenly something else came up (I think Cell ID tracking) and I stopped working on this. I think it will take a while before coming back to GPX export, but definitely I will end up adding it. At this moment I have tons of new requests :D

[wally80]

Hi!

Just a short question...
What policy do you use when you upload the data to the trackme community database?
If I have for example 10 samples inside the same cell, what is inserted in the database for that cell?
The first when I entered the cell? or the last before leaving the cell? or an average of the coordinates? or all of them? or something else?

I am asking because, if you access the RIL for the CellID, then you are also able to get the Signal Strength.
Then it would be a good idea to just upload the position with highest Signal Strength (closest to the base station).
It maybe increase the reliability of trackme database.

Of course, this is not a "request for feature", but just a "call for discussions"... :-D I am just curious how you fill the trackme community database. I know you are getting crazy with all of us in the forum...

Anyway, having the Signal Strength together with the CellID in the local.sdf would be really great. ;-)

Best Regards,
Wally

[staryon]

Hi!

Just a short question...
What policy do you use when you upload the data to the trackme community database?
If I have for example 10 samples inside the same cell, what is inserted in the database for that cell?

The first when I entered the cell? or the last before leaving the cell? or an average of the coordinates? or all of them? or something else?

It's very simple.
Every time a GPS position is uploaded, the cell id is uploaded as well.
When a user needs a GPS positions for a given cell id, the latest uploaded cell id from the TrackMe community database is used.
I didn't want it to make it too complicated. I agree we could add some more efficient algorithms though.


I am asking because, if you access the RIL for the CellID, then you are also able to get the Signal Strength.
Then it would be a good idea to just upload the position with highest Signal Strength (closest to the base station).
It maybe increase the reliability of trackme database.

Yes, that's a good idea. Maybe it's not too complicated to do it. The problem is I have huge to-do list at this moment, so I won't be working in that area at this moment.

I know you are getting crazy with all of us in the forum...

oh no! Please, I LOVE to get user feedback.I mean, this program wouldn't have gone so far if it is not because of the community. Actually when I see many posts here I have more motivation to keep adding new features. Seriously.

[timoline]

Hi,
I still love you're progam and i'm a big fan of notification on demand.
Are there any plans in the nere future to seperate the notification on demand from trackme to a new anti-theft program ?

just curious....:)
Br,

[staryon]

Hi,
I still love you're progam and i'm a big fan of notification on demand.
Are there any plans in the nere future to seperate the notification on demand from trackme to a new anti-theft program ?

just curious....:)
Br,

Yes, I would like to. But you know, at this moment it's impossible because I don't have time for that. However, aren't there other anti-theft programs that do that already?

[jameswalsh]

I am having an issue getting the COMPortTest and TrackMe to read my GPS. The GPS is getting coordinates but perhaps the GPS is not outputing the correct format. Here's is what I logged from another program using NMEA. Any ideas would be helpful.

SiRFDemoPPC Version 1.02 log file opened 07/02/2007 06:56:51

$GPGGA,160926.569,2617.1636,N,08016.3702,W,1,04,15 .4,38.1,M,-28.2,M,,0000*6C
$GPGLL,2617.1636,N,08016.3702,W,160926.569,A,A*42
$GPRMC,160926.569,A,2617.1636,N,08016.3702,W,0.00, ,081008,,,A*6A
$GPVTG,,T,,M,0.00,N,0.0,K,N*1C
$GPGGA,160927.569,2617.2103,N,08016.4361,W,1,04,15 .4,35.1,M,-28.2,M,,0000*64
$GPGLL,2617.2103,N,08016.4361,W,160927.569,A,A*47
$GPRMC,160927.569,A,2617.2103,N,08016.4361,W,0.00, ,081008,,,A*6F
$GPVTG,,T,,M,0.00,N,0.0,K,N*1C
$GPGGA,160928.569,2617.1832,N,08016.3891,W,1,04,15 .4,4.9,M,-28.2,M,,0000*5A
$GPGLL,2617.1832,N,08016.3891,W,160928.569,A,A*43
$GPRMC,160928.569,A,2617.1832,N,08016.3891,W,0.00, ,081008,,,A*6B
$GPVTG,,T,,M,0.00,N,0.0,K,N*1C
$GPGGA,160929.569,2617.2489,N,08016.4963,W,1,04,15 .4,75.7,M,-28.2,M,,0000*67
$GPGLL,2617.2489,N,08016.4963,W,160929.569,A,A*46
$GPGSA,A,3,06,23,19,03,,,,,,,,,15.5,15.4,1.0*3E
$GPGSV,3,1,12,19,76,099,37,23,51,200,39,03,49,044, 27,06,35,043,20*76
$GPGSV,3,2,12,13,61,258,35,25,59,345,,07,41,328,,2 7,31,323,*70
$GPGSV,3,3,12,11,16,175,34,16,10,059,,08,07,311,,2 8,00,259,*7B
$GPRMC,160929.569,A,2617.2489,N,08016.4963,W,0.00, ,081008,,,A*6E
$GPVTG,,T,,M,0.00,N,0.0,K,N*1C
$GPGGA,160930.569,2617.2818,N,08016.5485,W,1,04,15 .5,104.0,M,-28.2,M,,0000*5E
$GPGLL,2617.2818,N,08016.5485,W,160930.569,A,A*4E
$GPRMC,160930.569,A,2617.2818,N,08016.5485,W,0.00, ,081008,,,A*66
$GPVTG,,T,,M,0.00,N,0.0,K,N*1C
$GPGGA,160931.569,2617.2300,N,08016.4665,W,1,04,15 .5,47.2,M,-28.2,M,,0000*64
$GPGLL,2617.2300,N,08016.4665,W,160931.569,A,A*40
$GPRMC,160931.569,A,2617.2300,N,08016.4665,W,0.00, ,081008,,,A*68
$GPVTG,,T,,M,0.00,N,0.0,K,N*1C
$GPGGA,160932.569,2617.2410,N,08016.4837,W,1,04,15 .5,55.4,M,-28.2,M,,0000*6D
$GPGLL,2617.2410,N,08016.4837,W,160932.569,A,A*4C
$GPRMC,160932.569,A,2617.2410,N,08016.4837,W,0.00, ,081008,,,A*64
$GPVTG,,T,,M,0.00,N,0.0,K,N*1C
$GPGGA,160933.569,2617.1987,N,08016.4187,W,1,04,15 .5,19.2,M,-28.2,M,,0000*60
$GPGLL,2617.1987,N,08016.4187,W,160933.569,A,A*4F
$GPRMC,160933.569,A,2617.1987,N,08016.4187,W,0.00, ,081008,,,A*67
$GPVTG,,T,,M,0.00,N,0.0,K,N*1C
$GPGGA,160934.569,2617.1974,N,08016.4158,W,1,04,15 .5,11.0,M,-28.2,M,,0000*63
$GPGLL,2617.1974,N,08016.4158,W,160934.569,A,A*46
$GPGSA,A,3,06,23,19,03,,,,,,,,,15.6,15.5,1.0*3C
$GPGSV,3,1,12,19,76,099,37,23,51,200,39,03,49,044, 32,06,35,043,30*73
$GPGSV,3,2,12,13,61,258,36,25,59,345,,07,41,328,,2 7,31,323,*73
$GPGSV,3,3,12,11,16,175,40,16,10,059,,08,07,311,,2 8,00,259,*78
$GPRMC,160934.569,A,2617.1974,N,08016.4158,W,0.00, ,081008,,,A*6E
$GPVTG,,T,,M,0.00,N,0.0,K,N*1C
$GPGGA,160935.572,2617.2126,N,08016.4362,W,0,04,,1 6.1,M,-28.2,M,,0000*77
$GPGLL,2617.2126,N,08016.4362,W,160935.572,V,N*52
$GPRMC,160935.572,V,2617.2126,N,08016.4362,W,,,081 008,,,N*64
$GPVTG,,T,,M,,N,,K,N*2C
$GPGGA,160936.572,2617.2182,N,08016.4497,W,1,04,15 .6,21.5,M,-28.2,M,,0000*6A
$GPGLL,2617.2182,N,08016.4497,W,160936.572,A,A*4A
$GPRMC,160936.572,A,2617.2182,N,08016.4497,W,0.00, ,081008,,,A*62
$GPVTG,,T,,M,0.00,N,0.0,K,N*1C
$GPGGA,160937.572,2617.2343,N,08016.4793,W,1,04,15 .6,53.1,M,-28.2,M,,0000*62
$GPGLL,2617.2343,N,08016.4793,W,160937.572,A,A*43
$GPRMC,160937.572,A,2617.2343,N,08016.4793,W,0.00, ,081008,,,A*6B
$GPVTG,,T,,M,0.00,N,0.0,K,N*1C
$GPGGA,160938.572,2617.2144,N,08016.4428,W,1,04,15 .6,27.5,M,-28.2,M,,0000*6C
$GPGLL,2617.2144,N,08016.4428,W,160938.572,A,A*4A
$GPRMC,160938.572,A,2617.2144,N,08016.4428,W,0.00, ,081008,,,A*62
$GPVTG,,T,,M,0.00,N,0.0,K,N*1C
$GPGGA,160939.572,2617.2002,N,08016.4272,W,1,04,15 .6,24.8,M,-28.2,M,,0000*69
$GPGLL,2617.2002,N,08016.4272,W,160939.572,A,A*41
$GPGSA,A,3,06,23,19,03,,,,,,,,,15.6,15.6,1.0*3F
$GPGSV,3,1,12,19,76,099,36,23,51,200,40,03,49,044, 30,06,35,043,24*7B
$GPGSV,3,2,12,13,61,258,37,25,59,345,33,07,41,328, 34,27,31,323,31*77
$GPGSV,3,3,12,11,16,175,37,16,10,059,,08,07,311,,2 8,00,259,*78
$GPRMC,160939.572,A,2617.2002,N,08016.4272,W,0.00, ,081008,,,A*69
$GPVTG,,T,,M,0.00,N,0.0,K,N*1C
$GPGGA,160940.572,2617.2906,N,08016.5705,W,1,04,15 .6,107.9,M,-28.2,M,,0000*5F
$GPGLL,2617.2906,N,08016.5705,W,160940.572,A,A*46
$GPRMC,160940.572,A,2617.2906,N,08016.5705,W,0.00, ,081008,,,A*6E
$GPVTG,,T,,M,0.00,N,0.0,K,N*1C
$GPGGA,160941.572,2617.2571,N,08016.5160,W,1,04,15 .6,61.1,M,-28.2,M,,0000*6E
$GPGLL,2617.2571,N,08016.5160,W,160941.572,A,A*4E
$GPRMC,160941.572,A,2617.2571,N,08016.5160,W,0.00, ,081008,,,A*66
$GPVTG,,T,,M,0.00,N,0.0,K,N*1C
$GPGGA,160942.572,2617.1870,N,08016.4063,W,1,04,15 .7,6.1,M,-28.2,M,,0000*51
$GPGLL,2617.1870,N,08016.4063,W,160942.572,A,A*41
$GPRMC,160942.572,A,2617.1870,N,08016.4063,W,0.00, ,081008,,,A*69
$GPVTG,,T,,M,0.00,N,0.0,K,N*1C
$GPGGA,160943.572,2617.1934,N,08016.4173,W,1,04,15 .7,10.4,M,-28.2,M,,0000*63
$GPGLL,2617.1934,N,08016.4173,W,160943.572,A,A*41
$GPRMC,160943.572,A,2617.1934,N,08016.4173,W,0.00, ,081008,,,A*69
$GPVTG,,T,,M,0.00,N,0.0,K,N*1C
$GPGGA,160944.572,2617.1979,N,08016.4218,W,1,04,15 .7,-5.1,M,-28.2,M,,0000*7F
$GPGLL,2617.1979,N,08016.4218,W,160944.572,A,A*41
$GPGSA,A,3,06,23,19,03,,,,,,,,,15.7,15.7,1.0*3F
$GPGSV,3,1,12,19,76,099,34,23,51,200,39,03,49,044, 35,06,35,043,33*74
$GPGSV,3,2,12,13,61,258,37,25,59,345,34,07,41,328, 36,27,31,323,36*75
$GPGSV,3,3,12,11,16,175,33,16,10,059,,08,07,311,,2 8,00,259,*7C
$GPRMC,160944.572,A,2617.1979,N,08016.4218,W,0.00, ,081008,,,A*69
$GPVTG,,T,,M,0.00,N,0.0,K,N*1C
$GPGGA,160945.572,2617.1917,N,08016.4118,W,1,04,15 .7,-2.5,M,-28.2,M,,0000*76
$GPGLL,2617.1917,N,08016.4118,W,160945.572,A,A*4B
$GPRMC,160945.572,A,2617.1917,N,08016.4118,W,0.00, ,081008,,,A*63
$GPVTG,,T,,M,0.00,N,0.0,K,N*1C
$GPGGA,160946.572,2617.1829,N,08016.3986,W,1,04,15 .7,-3.8,M,-28.2,M,,0000*7D
$GPGLL,2617.1829,N,08016.3986,W,160946.572,A,A*4C
$GPRMC,160946.572,A,2617.1829,N,08016.3986,W,0.00, ,081008,,,A*64
$GPVTG,,T,,M,0.00,N,0.0,K,N*1C
$GPGGA,160947.572,2617.1866,N,08016.4038,W,1,04,15 .8,-1.7,M,-28.2,M,,0000*7E
$GPGLL,2617.1866,N,08016.4038,W,160947.572,A,A*4D
$GPRMC,160947.572,A,2617.1866,N,08016.4038,W,0.00, ,081008,,,A*65
$GPVTG,,T,,M,0.00,N,0.0,K,N*1C
$GPGGA,160948.572,2617.1853,N,08016.4020,W,1,04,15 .8,-4.3,M,-28.2,M,,0000*7F
$GPGLL,2617.1853,N,08016.4020,W,160948.572,A,A*4D
$GPRMC,160948.572,A,2617.1853,N,08016.4020,W,0.00, ,081008,,,A*65
$GPVTG,,T,,M,0.00,N,0.0,K,N*1C
$GPGGA,160949.572,2617.1861,N,08016.4030,W,1,04,15 .8,-5.1,M,-28.2,M,,0000*7D
$GPGLL,2617.1861,N,08016.4030,W,160949.572,A,A*4C
$GPGSA,A,3,06,23,19,03,,,,,,,,,15.8,15.8,1.0*3F
$GPGSV,3,1,12,19,76,098,33,23,51,200,36,03,49,044, 37,06,35,043,35*79
$GPGSV,3,2,12,13,61,258,37,25,59,345,36,07,41,328, 37,27,32,323,37*74
$GPGSV,3,3,12,11,16,175,25,16,10,059,29,08,07,311, ,28,00,259,*70
$GPRMC,160949.572,A,2617.1861,N,08016.4030,W,0.00, ,081008,,,A*64
$GPVTG,,T,,M,0.00,N,0.0,K,N*1C
$GPGGA,160950.572,2617.1883,N,08016.4062,W,1,04,15 .8,-4.8,M,-28.2,M,,0000*76
$GPGLL,2617.1883,N,08016.4062,W,160950.572,A,A*4F
$GPRMC,160950.572,A,2617.1883,N,08016.4062,W,0.00, ,081008,,,A*67
$GPVTG,,T,,M,0.00,N,0.0,K,N*1C

[bigdaddie]

File or assembly name 'System.Data.SqlServerCe, Version=3.5.0.0, Culture=neutral, PublicKeyToken=3BE235DF1C8D2AD3', or one of its dependencies, was not found.

[staryon]

File or assembly name 'System.Data.SqlServerCe, Version=3.5.0.0, Culture=neutral, PublicKeyToken=3BE235DF1C8D2AD3', or one of its dependencies, was not found.

Did you check TrackMe's requirements?

[jameswalsh]

GPSGate fixed the issue reading the COM Port.
http://franson.com/gpsgate/
Confirmed TrackMe works on an Opticon H19.
http://www.opticon.com/Wireless-Mobile-Computing-PDA--01022510434002.aspx

[bigdaddie]

Did you check TrackMe's requirements?

Yes I did. It's running on two of my HTC Touches. It just won't run on my Diamond.

[staryon]

Yes I did. It's running on two of my HTC Touches. It just won't run on my Diamond.

hmm... in that case either Windows Mobile thinks you have an old version of SQL Server Mobile or it wasn't installed correctly. Try it to uninstall it and install it again just in case...

[tolgaulas]

Yes I did. It's running on two of my HTC Touches. It just won't run on my Diamond.

It's running on mine.

[tolgaulas]

If the device is in standby mode the GPS is turned off (at least on my Tilt). For that reason there is nothing that can be sent.

However (I just thought about that) if you are using Cell ID tracking, it should upload data. I need to test that though.

GPS is on during standby on my Diamond.

[tolgaulas]

That would be nice. I think I'm going to be rewriting the web viewer. It hasn't been updated in months and I haven't heard from the person who was doing the latest updates (mcross) It also has some bugs that haven't been fixed either.

I would like to add the possibility to add some kind 'Friend viewers' so they will be able to access to some of your trips.

Plz check http://apps.facebook.com/whereistolga :) Guess what's been extended at the backplane? :D

[tolgaulas]

Hey, this program is really impressive!

I just started goofing around with Google Gears for Windows Mobile and it occurred to me that if TrackMe worked in Gears, it would draw quite a bit of attention.
http://code.google.com/apis/gears/mobile.html

Prob more work than it's worth though considering how well TrackMe works as it is :D

Anyway, just a thought. Cheers!
NS

There is already an app ( http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=420508 ) using this feature (although GG did not work on my Diamond).

[staryon]

GPS is on during standby on my Diamond.

If you press the Power button the GPS stays on?

[staryon]

New version available!!

- Offline mode for Cell ID tracking is now completed.

You can use Cell ID tracking even if you don't have an internet connection. You cell id will be stored locally. Once you have internet access, TrackMe will try to convert it to a GPS position using your selected databases.

Enjoy!

[babyface215]

Thats what I've been trying to figure out? Do you have the steps in order to do this?

[staryon]

Thats what I've been trying to figure out? Do you have the steps in order to do this?

TrackMe doesn't have a concept of 'Friends'. The closest thing you can do is to use the 'Find closest buddy' tool which give you the location of the closest user based on you latest uploaded position but that's not really what you want.

[khaytsus]

New version available!!

- Offline mode for Cell ID tracking is now completed.

You can use Cell ID tracking even if you don't have an internet connection. You cell id will be stored locally. Once you have internet access, TrackMe will try to convert it to a GPS position using your selected databases.

Enjoy!

Nice! Do you think that TrackMe can be used 24/7 for cell-based tracking now with little cpu/battery impact? :D

[staryon]

Nice! Do you think that TrackMe can be used 24/7 for cell-based tracking now with little cpu/battery impact? :D

Just give it a try! ;)
There are some parts in my code that I would like to optimize but overall TrackMe doesn't do almost nothing between readings. I have a couple of timers for checking a few things but nothing important.

[jenya]

Hi,

Any chance you will port your product to Windows Mobile Smartphone/Standard devices?

[staryon]

Hi,

Any chance you will port your product to Windows Mobile Smartphone/Standard devices?

Yes, I will probably be working on that soon.

[Fulcrum1]

Hi everyone, sorry to annoy you, with some newbie questions.

This is the first time I use Trackme. I took a look trough the whole thread but I was unable to find these infos.

Now I'm at my office and I'd like to use Trackme as "summary of the week events": I'll let Trackme run in background for the whole week (CellID and full offline mode), and I'll download the file in the weekend to compare it with my agenda if I need to recall some places I don't remember and store it for future use.

Here are the questions:

1) Now I'm starting Trackme: is it going to log the position (every 30 sec) right now, even if I'm not moving for 3/4 hours?
I'm trying to verify if it's running the right way: why can't I manage the "1-point-trip" file of me in the office? No data stored and no file created both with auto and custom names.

2) Set up everything "full offline" and CellID only and run the program: the status shows "no connection" and the satellites are "not found" (obviously); when I press the green play button, Trackme tells me that this operation requires a connection to a remote server. What's wrong? Shouldn't it start to log CellIDs?

Sorry for the post length.

Great program BTW: full offline + CellID is THE feature for me :)

Fulcrum.

[staryon]

Hi Fulcrum,

I'll try to answer your questions.


1) Now I'm starting Trackme: is it going to log the position (every 30 sec) right now, even if I'm not moving for 3/4 hours?


If you don't move, your cell id will probably not change, so TrackMe will skip those cell ids. For that reason, only one cell id will be uploaded.


I'm trying to verify if it's running the right way: why can't I manage the "1-point-trip" file of me in the office? No data stored and no file created both with auto and custom names.


Are you sure your data is being uploaded? If you are working in offline mode, everything will be stored locally so your data won't be accessible until you upload it.


2) Set up everything "full offline" and CellID only and run the program: the status shows "no connection" and the satellites are "not found" (obviously); when I press the green play button, Trackme tells me that this operation requires a connection to a remote server. What's wrong? Shouldn't it start to log CellIDs?

yeah... in theory you don't need your remote user data until you upload your data, but TrackMe asks you to populate before tracking. That user/pass and server will be used as soon as your offline data starts be uploaded.

Hope it helps

[Fulcrum1]

Ok! Now I set up everything and created my own server. Now the tracking works like a charm. Thank you, Thank you!!

And now the last question: if your mobile is stolen, the first thing a thief does is to substitute the sim card, so your data plan will not work anymore. Is there a way to edit the notification sms' layout? (Almost) every operator allows to send email via sms but the message must be formatted in a specific way.

Great great great software!
Thanks again.

Fulcrum

[Gibbage]

How do I delete a track thats on my own host? I did a test, and I just want to kill it now. Thanks.

[staryon]

How do I delete a track thats on my own host? I did a test, and I just want to kill it now. Thanks.

You can do it from the Manage Trips window.

[staryon]

Ok! Now I set up everything and created my own server. Now the tracking works like a charm. Thank you, Thank you!!

And now the last question: if your mobile is stolen, the first thing a thief does is to substitute the sim card, so your data plan will not work anymore. Is there a way to edit the notification sms' layout? (Almost) every operator allows to send email via sms but the message must be formatted in a specific way.

Great great great software!
Thanks again.

Fulcrum

I'm not sure if I understand. What do you mean with the notification sms layout?

[Fulcrum1]

I'm not sure if I understand. What do you mean with the notification sms layout?

In "Notification on Demand" located in Configuration menu, you can set the notification type to reply to a specific input (sim card change/a code received via sms). The reply can be a sms or an e-mail. I was asking myself if it is possible to customize the text of the reply sms.

Sorry for my bad english.
Thanks again. ;)

Fulcrum.

[khaytsus]

Just give it a try! ;)
There are some parts in my code that I would like to optimize but overall TrackMe doesn't do almost nothing between readings. I have a couple of timers for checking a few things but nothing important.

Yep, I haven't noticed any real difference in the phone usage. I have a spreadsheet at work where I've been tracking battery usage for the last few months (basically some time during the day before topping off I'll put in hours off charger and current charge percentage and save the results) and I noticed no difference.

However, I also think TrackMe isn't waking up if the phone is turned off (power button pressed). Yesterday I wasn't playing with the phone much and then when I looked at the log I would see it checked the CID 2-3 times in a few hours. If the phone is on, or "screen off", it does check every 10 minutes (my setting).

So to be a full-time cell tracker, it probably needs to do some sort of wakeup that doesn't turn the screen on, etc..

Still looking forward to it falling over to Cell tracking when it doesn't ever get Satellites too. :D

[staryon]

Yep, I haven't noticed any real difference in the phone usage. I have a spreadsheet at work where I've been tracking battery usage for the last few months (basically some time during the day before topping off I'll put in hours off charger and current charge percentage and save the results) and I noticed no difference.

However, I also think TrackMe isn't waking up if the phone is turned off (power button pressed). Yesterday I wasn't playing with the phone much and then when I looked at the log I would see it checked the CID 2-3 times in a few hours. If the phone is on, or "screen off", it does check every 10 minutes (my setting).

So to be a full-time cell tracker, it probably needs to do some sort of wakeup that doesn't turn the screen on, etc..

Still looking forward to it falling over to Cell tracking when it doesn't ever get Satellites too. :D

I'm not sure if that's possible. I haven't seen a GPS application that doesn't turn off the GPS if you press the power button. Maybe there is a way of customizing the power button using a third party application, where you can specify what to do if that button is pressed. I don't know... it's just an idea.

Actually (I just remembered) somebody said that TrackMe kept tracking after pressing the power button on his PDA. Maybe it's really how that button is configured.

[khaytsus]

I'm not sure if that's possible. I haven't seen a GPS application that doesn't turn off the GPS if you press the power button. Maybe there is a way of customizing the power button using a third party application, where you can specify what to do if that button is pressed. I don't know... it's just an idea.

Actually (I just remembered) somebody said that TrackMe kept tracking after pressing the power button on his PDA. Maybe it's really how that button is configured.

In this case I am referring to cell tracking, not GPS. When I am tracking with GPS I try to be careful and just turn the screen off. What would be nice is a way to disable whatever interrupts tracking optionally, but would likely be very device specific.

[staryon]

New version available!

- Tray icon (you can enable this option from Configuration->Display)
- Ability to show the Cell Signal Strength for each position in Google Earth when using Cell ID tracking (thanks Wally80 for his help)
- Ability to show Battery status in Google Earth

These 2 new features can be enabled by going to Configuration->Storage.
They are not visible when using the Web Viewer yet. Only works with Google Earth.

http://luisespinosa.com/temp/battery.JPG

People using their servers
Files requests.php and export.php have changed.
Database changes:

ALTER TABLE `positions` ADD `SignalStrength` INT NULL ,
ADD `SignalStrengthMax` INT NULL ,
ADD `BatteryStatus` TINYINT NULL,
ADD `SignalStrengthMin` INT NULL ;

[wally80]

New version available!


Great!!
Congratulations...
Thanks for the credits despite I helped in only 0.00000001% of the work! ;-)
Nice work, well done...

Some questions:
1 - Is the SignalStrength not displayed when using GPS, and/or uploaded to the TrackMe community database when enabling the option?

EDIT: Already checked by myself! Greeeaaat! It is showed also when using GPS and creating the kml (but the cellID is not shown, maybe it needs to be added between Altitude and SignalStrength because people could think that this is the GPS SignalStrength)... Anyway, many many many thanks for having considered my requests...

2 - I am not sure whether this is a bug or a feature: When you generate the kml, why does Google Earth center on the last collected point and not on the first?

thanks again,
bye,
Wally

[staryon]

Great!!
Congratulations...
Thanks for the credits despite I helped in only 0.00000001% of the work! ;-)
Nice work, well done...

Some questions:
1 - Is the SignalStrength not displayed when using GPS, and/or uploaded to the TrackMe community database when enabling the option?

EDIT: Already checked by myself! Greeeaaat! It is showed also when using GPS and creating the kml (but the cellID is not shown, maybe it needs to be added between Altitude and SignalStrength because people could think that this is the GPS SignalStrength)... Anyway, many many many thanks for having considered my requests...

2 - I am not sure whether this is a bug or a feature: When you generate the kml, why does Google Earth center on the last collected point and not on the first?

thanks again,
bye,
Wally

1. Yes, it shows the signal strength of your current cell id. Just keep in mind that value it's not the signal strength that was used when that information was stored in the database.

The cellid is not shown because it's not stored in the Positions table.

By the way, something that I need to do when using the TrackMe's database is to get the gps position based on the best signal strength (at this moment it's taking just the last one updated)

2. It's normal. It's centered in your last position.

[staryon]

I found a bug.

If you select GPS tracking and the position is taken from the GPS but you have selected to upload the information to the TrackMe database, the signal strength will be stored in the position table as well. This doesn't make sense because those fields should only be populated when the Cell ID is used.

[wally80]

I found a bug.

If you select GPS tracking and the position is taken from the GPS but you have selected to upload the information to the TrackMe database, the signal strength will be stored in the position table as well. This doesn't make sense because those fields should only be populated when the Cell ID is used.

Why is this a bug? To me it seems to be a feature...
If you don't populate the table also with these values, how would you upload them to the trackMe database when always offline is checked?
Remember that in future you could improve the accuracy of the trackMe database by using the SignalStrength...

Anyway... This is how I use it:
1 - I switch on GPS tracking, always offline, and upload info to the TrackMe database.
2 - I save the local.sdf before uploading the data.
3 - I look at the local.sdf. Now I have both GPS and CellID/SigStrength data to look at.
4 - I upload the offline data
5 - I generate with your software the kml for having a nice view of the points.

Step 2 and 3 are required because in the kml file I have everything but Cellid, while in the local.sdf is everything.

wally

[staryon]

Why is this a bug? To me it seems to be a feature...
If you don't populate the table also with these values, how would you upload them to the trackMe database when always offline is checked?
Remember that in future you could improve the accuracy of the trackMe database by using the SignalStrength...

Anyway... This is how I use it:
1 - I switch on GPS tracking, always offline, and upload info to the TrackMe database.
2 - I save the local.sdf before uploading the data.
3 - I look at the local.sdf. Now I have both GPS and CellID/SigStrength data to look at.
4 - I upload the offline data
5 - I generate with your software the kml for having a nice view of the points.

Step 2 and 3 are required because in the kml file I have everything but Cellid, while in the local.sdf is everything.

wally

I'm talking about the Positions table on the server. That table doesn't need to contain the signal strength information if you are using your GPS.

local.sdf file is an internal TrackMe file. Regular users don't need to do anything with it.

[wally80]

I'm talking about the Positions table on the server. That table doesn't need to contain the signal strength information if you are using your GPS.
Ah... Sorry... I misunderstood!


local.sdf file is an internal TrackMe file. Users don't need to do anything with it.
Well, I am a user (Ok, I admit, a strange user ;-)) and I need it, because that's the only place where I can see the cellID after having tracked with GPS...
Is there a particular reason why SigStrength and Battery are included in the kml, but CellID is not?

Anyway, I love the program now!
TrackMe database will soon have a big part of my city... That's my small contribution to your big effort... ;-)

bye,
Wally

[staryon]

Well, I am a user (Ok, I admit, a strange user ;-)) and I need it, because that's the only place where I can see the cellID after having tracked with GPS...

Actually I edited my post. I changed 'Users' to 'Regular Users' :p


Is there a particular reason why SigStrength and Battery are included in the kml, but CellID is not?

Same reason Latitude and Longitude is not shown. That's data that doesn't say anything to the 'Regular' :) user.

[MrGAN]

excellent!!!

The CellID table is gone - any particular reason?

[tekhna]

Hey, I can't seem to get this darn thing to work, and this looks like the best app going on Windows Mobile. When I open it I get an unexpected error has occurred. MissingMethodException at System.Windows.Forms.Control.set_Parent() and it keeps going for a while.
This is on an HTC Touch. I installed all the packs, so I'm a little confused.

[staryon]

Hey, I can't seem to get this darn thing to work, and this looks like the best app going on Windows Mobile. When I open it I get an unexpected error has occurred. MissingMethodException at System.Windows.Forms.Control.set_Parent() and it keeps going for a while.
This is on an HTC Touch. I installed all the packs, so I'm a little confused.

Do you know if that PDA runs on Windows Mobile Standard (Windows Mobile for Smartphones)?
If it does, TrackMe is not compatible yet. I will probably be working on that soon.

[staryon]

excellent!!!

The CellID table is gone - any particular reason?

Sorry. I forgot. I will add it later.

[tekhna]

Do you know if that PDA runs on Windows Mobile Standard (Windows Mobile for Smartphones)?
If it does, TrackMe is not compatible yet. I will probably be working on that soon.

It shouldn't be standard, it should be Pro. In Settings-> About it says Windows Mobile 6.1 Pro.

[staryon]

New version available
- Fixed: When using GPS tracking the Signal Strength was also stored in the database.
This should only happen when you use Cell ID tracking.


People using their servers
- File requests.php have changed.

[staryon]

It shouldn't be standard, it should be Pro. In Settings-> About it says Windows Mobile 6.1 Pro.

You're right. I forgot that. Actually there are other users using the same model with no problems.
I really have no idea why it doesn't work... In case you haven't tried before, uninstall CF3.5 and SQL3.5 and try again.

Sorry I cannot give you more information.

[tekhna]

You're right. I forgot that. Actually there are other users using the same model with no problems.
I really have no idea why it doesn't work... In case you haven't tried before, uninstall CF3.5 and SQL3.5 and try again.

Sorry I cannot give you more information.

I got it to work finally.
So now my question is is there a way to track total elevation gained? Not elevation gained minus lost, but just total gained?

[staryon]

I got it to work finally.
So now my question is is there a way to track total elevation gained? Not elevation gained minus lost, but just total gained?

How did you got it to work? Please let us know to help other users.

Regarding your other question, TrackMe just shows whatever is received from the GPS. Sorry but I don't have plans to include the elevation gained as well.

Regards

[MrGAN]

Thanks staryon for the swift update.
But I guess as the new 3 colums: SignalStrength,SignalStrengthMax and SignalStrengthMin were added to the cellids table we need something like (not tested yet):

People using their servers
Database changes:

ALTER TABLE `cellids` ADD `SignalStrength` INT NULL ,
ADD `SignalStrengthMax` INT NULL ,
ADD `SignalStrengthMin` INT NULL ;


Right?

[staryon]

Thanks staryon for the swift update.
But I guess as the new 3 colums: SignalStrength,SignalStrengthMax and SignalStrengthMin were added to the cellids table we need something like (not tested yet):

People using their servers
Database changes:

ALTER TABLE `cellids` ADD `SignalStrength` INT NULL ,
ADD `SignalStrengthMax` INT NULL ,
ADD `SignalStrengthMin` INT NULL ;


Right?

oh yes! I forgot that. It's correct.
Thanks!

[tekhna]

How did you got it to work? Please let us know to help other users.

Regarding your other question, TrackMe just shows whatever is received from the GPS. Sorry but I don't have plans to include the elevation gained as well.

Regards

I didn't really do anything that might help anyone else-I uninstalled everything, all three pieces, and then soft reset then reinstalled everything. For whatever reason that makes it work now.

[gusnor]

By the way, if you still have problems with the standby mode,
you can just try clicking 'Screen off' and it should work. That's how I usually use it.

My PDA now has the correct settings to allow GPS and GPRS while in standby, i've proven this with another piece of software so i know it works.

I also have my own trackme server and i see the location being sent back however once in standby, the feed stops. When turned back on, the feed starts.

I think there must be a small tweak the setup to allow the trackme software to function in standby?
cheers

[staryon]

I didn't really do anything that might help anyone else-I uninstalled everything, all three pieces, and then soft reset then reinstalled everything. For whatever reason that makes it work now.

tekhna, thanks for the information.

Regards

[khaytsus]

My PDA now has the correct settings to allow GPS and GPRS while in standby, i've proven this with another piece of software so i know it works.

I also have my own trackme server and i see the location being sent back however once in standby, the feed stops. When turned back on, the feed starts.

I think there must be a small tweak the setup to allow the trackme software to function in standby?
cheers

Curious, what did you change? Sleep mode on your GPS com port?

[gusnor]

Curious, what did you change? Sleep mode on your GPS com port?

I added the regkeys gpd0: nav1: and com4:

if you don't know the exact details, i will look them out for you.

[wally80]

Hi Staryon!

I've a short question:
Is there a limit in the amount of position data collected in offline mode?

I am taking a 500km trip on the weekend, and I plan to set 5s as interval for the collection... (I know it is meaninglessly short, but I do it... :-D)
Do you think I'll reach some sort of limit?

thanks,
cu,
Danilo

[tolgaulas]

As a usual spoiled-who-keeps-demanding-more-features user of the forum, i like to raise an additional request.

Time interval position checking is great saver of power. How about adding the g-sensor activity on top? I.e if there is movement and/or after time interval than activity. or, if the g-sensor is active then reduce time interval from 60 min to 1 min.. etc.

What do you think?

[staryon]

As a usual spoiled-who-keeps-demanding-more-features user of the forum, i like to raise an additional request.

Time interval position checking is great saver of power. How about adding the g-sensor activity on top? I.e if there is movement and/or after time interval than activity. or, if the g-sensor is active then reduce time interval from 60 min to 1 min.. etc.

What do you think?

What about the option 'Don't store consecutive points if distance is less than... feet?

Doesn't do that almost the same thing?

[tolgaulas]

What about the option 'Don't store consecutive points if distance is less than... feet?

Doesn't do that almost the same thing?

Indeed it does, but to do so it activates the gps which consumes power. Say, i have set interval of 5 sec? It drains Diamond's humble battery quickly.

But, if there was a sensor check (whether the phone is on the move) then no need to do so unless the phone is moving. (i.e during the night)

I hope it's clearer now :)

T.

[tolgaulas]

Indeed it does, but to do so it activates the gps which consumes power. Say, i have set interval of 5 sec? It drains Diamond's humble battery quickly.

But, if there was a sensor check (whether the phone is on the move) then no need to do so unless the phone is moving. (i.e during the night)

I hope it's clearer now :)

T.

And you may like to read this on how to embed the sensors :) http://www.koushikdutta.com/2008/10/using-samsung-omnia-accelerometergsenso.html

[staryon]

And you may like to read this on how to embed the sensors :) http://www.koushikdutta.com/2008/10/using-samsung-omnia-accelerometergsenso.html

that's very interesting. So you don't need your GPS or Cell ID to find out if you are moving, right?

[tolgaulas]

that's very interesting. So you don't need your GPS or Cell ID to find out if you are moving, right?

Well, it would be nice to give the option for those who likes to assume it so..

[wally80]

Well, it would be nice to give the option for those who likes to assume it so..

Hi Tolgaulas!

G-sensor is an accelerometer, it does not detect if you are moving or not...
G-sensor is not able to differentiate if the phone is moving constantly at 100km/h or if it is just on a table!
So, I believe what you are saying does not work...

The only think Staryon could do in this regard could be to use RIL notifications instead of polling the cellID at each interval...
But is it really worthy in terms of effort vs energy saved?

ciao,
Danilo

[tolgaulas]

Hi Tolgaulas!

G-sensor is an accelerometer, it does not detect if you are moving or not...
G-sensor is not able to differentiate if the phone is moving constantly at 100km/h or if it is just on a table!
So, I believe what you are saying does not work...

The only think Staryon could do in this regard could be to use RIL notifications instead of polling the cellID at each interval...
But is it really worthy in terms of effort vs energy saved?

ciao,
Danilo

Thank you Danilo for the explanation and i appreciate if you can tell more; wouldn't the g-sensor's changes help the application decide whether the phone is still (no change in acceleration) or not? If the phone is not still then shouldn't it be most plausibly moving? And if it's moving may not we like to know (& record) where is it now, what's the speed, direction etc?

Assuming the phone is still for the 60% of time and gps is all active during the period, then this means by sensing the movement (or stillness) you can save 60% of gps usage attempts.

Regarding the efficiency concern, i believe it would be apple and orange to compare users' battery power and Stayron's development efforts.

After all we are just debating, it's up to application owner to apply it or not :)

T.

PS: Cellid can change while the phone is still.

[staryon]

PS: Cellid can change while the phone is still.

yeah... I can confirm that! It happened to me sometimes.

[khaytsus]

yeah... I can confirm that! It happened to me sometimes.

I'm apparently equidistant to three towers... Watching my logs here I bounce between the three of them frequently at the house. I don't quite understand why, but the logs are proof. :-/

Even during the night when the phone hasn't moved at all this happens frequently.

[wally80]

Thank you Danilo for the explanation and i appreciate if you can tell more; wouldn't the g-sensor's changes help the application decide whether the phone is still (no change in acceleration) or not? If the phone is not still then shouldn't it be most plausibly moving? And if it's moving may not we like to know (& record) where is it now, what's the speed, direction etc?

Assuming the phone is still for the 60% of time and gps is all active during the period, then this means by sensing the movement (or stillness) you can save 60% of gps usage attempts.

Regarding the efficiency concern, i believe it would be apple and orange to compare users' battery power and Stayron's development efforts.

After all we are just debating, it's up to application owner to apply it or not :)

T.

PS: Cellid can change while the phone is still.

Forums are made for debating... :-) I agree with you. ;-)
Of course it's up to Staryon to apply what he is interested into and what could improve his software...

Back to the g-sensor:
What I wanted to say is that the G-sensor cannot say if you are still or if you are moving at constant speed...
So, there is a risk that if I am driving my car and I don't have any acceleration (frontal or lateral) the G-Sensor notifies that I am still.

So... Let's take this example:
1) I am on a parked car -> G-sensor does not detect any acceleration and notify I am still.
2) I start driving -> G-Sensor detects changes in speed and notify I am moving.
3) I reach a cruise constant speed on the highway -> G-Sensor does not detect any acceleration and notify I am still

I have no idea how could we differentiate phase 1 and 3...
Do you have any?


bye,
Danilo

[wally80]

I'm apparently equidistant to three towers... Watching my logs here I bounce between the three of them frequently at the house. I don't quite understand why, but the logs are proof. :-/

Even during the night when the phone hasn't moved at all this happens frequently.

Hi Khaytsus!

Can you report the cell reselection parameters of your operator?

If you have a Diamond you can access them by typing:
*#*#364#*#*
and going into group->3G Reselection Parameters.
and group->2G Reselection Parameters.

Qhyst, Qqualmin, Qrxlevmin, SIntraFreqSearch, and Treselection are the most important and used in the algorithm for cell reselections (if you want, I wrote a simple pseudocode of this algorithm some time ago).
Actually you can't do anything about it... But understanding where does the problem lie is always worthy... ;-)

Sorry Staryon, for being a bit OT in your thread now...

bye,
Danilo

[staryon]

Sorry Staryon, for being a bit OT in your thread now...


not a problem. I like these types of discussions :)

[tolgaulas]

Forums are made for debating... :-) I agree with you. ;-)
Of course it's up to Staryon to apply what he is interested into and what could improve his software...

Back to the g-sensor:
What I wanted to say is that the G-sensor cannot say if you are still or if you are moving at constant speed...
So, there is a risk that if I am driving my car and I don't have any acceleration (frontal or lateral) the G-Sensor notifies that I am still.

So... Let's take this example:
1) I am on a parked car -> G-sensor does not detect any acceleration and notify I am still.
2) I start driving -> G-Sensor detects changes in speed and notify I am moving.
3) I reach a cruise constant speed on the highway -> G-Sensor does not detect any acceleration and notify I am still

I have no idea how could we differentiate phase 1 and 3...
Do you have any?


bye,
Danilo

I love team works :) And your points all are valid (and i am assuming you ride a perfect car on a perfect road without letting any force applying on the g sensor)

Let's extend the scenario: I've checked-in the imaginary option "use G sensing to switch y sec interval" while my normal interval is set x interval for GPS reading. (x>y). Phone is in the same car.

1- Phone is still. No force on g sensor and gps polling is at x secs.
2- Phone is moving 'coz g sensor is sensing movements for sometime. gps polling is now at y secs
3- Phone is still. (assumption). No force on g sensor and gps polling is at x secs.

If the situation #2 is valid for the half of the total duration (of all three situations) then you can decrease your power consumption dramatically while having more frequant readings along the total duration.

[ViGilant_spb]

hi! thank you for your great program!

I've such a problem: I need to test wi-max coverage, so I configured TrackMe for uploading data to server and store offline data (not upload)/ But when I export this offline data - it's the same as online..Or almost the same, but exactly NOT all offline track points.

Perfectly would be if program puts red marker when offline and green when online.. And We are thinking how attach data transfer speed and ping time to every online track point =)

[unclemonkey77]

I get this error every time, no matter which of the databases I try. I searched for the error throughout the forum and couldn't find anything. Am I missing something easy? Thanks!

[khaytsus]

Hi Khaytsus!

Can you report the cell reselection parameters of your operator?

If you have a Diamond you can access them by typing:
*#*#364#*#*
and going into group->3G Reselection Parameters.
and group->2G Reselection Parameters.

Qhyst, Qqualmin, Qrxlevmin, SIntraFreqSearch, and Treselection are the most important and used in the algorithm for cell reselections (if you want, I wrote a simple pseudocode of this algorithm some time ago).
Actually you can't do anything about it... But understanding where does the problem lie is always worthy... ;-)

Sorry Staryon, for being a bit OT in your thread now...

bye,
Danilo

I finally got a chance to try this today and I can't get that code to work, nor do I see anything in the Options on my Tilt (ROMeOS, not stock dialer).

I do have the "Field Test" program, however, and I found them there:

Qhyst1s = 1db, Qhyst2s = 0db
Qqualmin =20db
Qrxlevmin = -20dbm
SIntraFreqSearch = 6db
Treselection = 1s

[khaytsus]

I added the regkeys gpd0: nav1: and com4:

if you don't know the exact details, i will look them out for you.

Sorry, I just noticed your reply! If you don't mind. I've found a few things related to these that are GPS defaults for when something goes wrong, but not sure how they are in relation to power.

Thanks! :)

[staryon]

hi! thank you for your great program!

I've such a problem: I need to test wi-max coverage, so I configured TrackMe for uploading data to server and store offline data (not upload)/ But when I export this offline data - it's the same as online..Or almost the same, but exactly NOT all offline track points.

Perfectly would be if program puts red marker when offline and green when online.. And We are thinking how attach data transfer speed and ping time to every online track point =)

Hi there,

I'm not sure if I understand. What do you mean when you say 'not all offline track points'?

Thanks

[staryon]

I get this error every time, no matter which of the databases I try. I searched for the error throughout the forum and couldn't find anything. Am I missing something easy? Thanks!

Could you post an example of Cell ID that doesn't work?

[staryon]

Web Viewer update!

pammetje, a TrackMe user is helping redesigning the web interface and fixing some bugs.

You can test the beta version by going to:
http://luisespinosa.com/trackme2

I really appreciate all his hard work. Thanks a lot.

[khaytsus]

Web Viewer update!

pammetje, a TrackMe user is helping redesigning the web interface and fixing some bugs.

You can test the beta version by going to:
http://luisespinosa.com/trackme2

I really appreciate all his hard work. Thanks a lot.

Looks pretty good! It's a little too wide on my 1280 monitor, the righthand section has a little bit of a horizontal scrollbar. And the pop-up calendar isn't quite right, it just pops up over the cursor with red text, no background, and hard to read.

Something I've never been able to get to do is to actually limit the view to a given range, such as 4-5pm when the track is actually 4-6 and only seeing the first hour of points, etc.. Could that possibly be fixed, or have I been doing something goofy and it works for everyone else?

I can't seem to get "Bearing Arrows" to show in the new interface. and when you first enter, it doesn't show the last trip, it shows the whole planet.

Just sayin', in case you were looking for some input. :)

[wally80]

Qhyst1s = 1db, Qhyst2s = 0db
Qqualmin =20db
Qrxlevmin = -20dbm
SIntraFreqSearch = 6db
Treselection = 1s

I have never seen a so low hysteresis...
Hysteresis is the margin that is used for avoiding the ping pong effect...
The mobile selects a new cell only if the power of the new cell is Qhyst dB higher than the current cell (+ an offset) for Treselection seconds.
If you have a low hysteresis the algorithm is more reactive but more ping pong happens.
1dB is really low... Even moving a chair close to your mobile could change this small power value...

In my case I have 6dB and 5dB as hysteresis in my two operators.
It would be interesting to survey the values from other users...

Additionally... Are you sure that Qqualmin is positive?
The reselection algorithm is performed only when the received power is less than Qqualmin+Sintrasearch (and in your case it would mean ALWAYS)...

mhmmm...
anyway, thank you for posting your values...
I gain day by day the idea that operators leave most equipments with their default values without a real planning...

ciao,
Dan

[khaytsus]

I have never seen a so low hysteresis...
Hysteresis is the margin that is used for avoiding the ping pong effect...
The mobile selects a new cell only if the power of the new cell is Qhyst dB higher than the current cell (+ an offset) for Treselection seconds.
If you have a low hysteresis the algorithm is more reactive but more ping pong happens.
1dB is really low... Even moving a chair close to your mobile could change this small power value...

In my case I have 6dB and 5dB as hysteresis in my two operators.
It would be interesting to survey the values from other users...

Additionally... Are you sure that Qqualmin is positive?
The reselection algorithm is performed only when the received power is less than Qqualmin+Sintrasearch (and in your case it would mean ALWAYS)...

mhmmm...
anyway, thank you for posting your values...
I gain day by day the idea that operators leave most equipments with their default values without a real planning...

ciao,
Dan

You're right, qqualmin is -20db, not 20db. :)

Interesting info on the values, and certainly matches what I am seeing here. :( I wonder if I could call 'em and complain. I'm sure I'd get a big fat "HUH?" out of 'em.

[kilrah]

Could you post an example of Cell ID that doesn't work?

Same here, are the databases US only?
228-2-17000-31401

[bobsys]

What is the average size of one GPS position upload ? I am merely trying to calculate the cost of GPRS traffic for a 500 km trip sending a position every 30 seconds. At 100 km/hr average speed that would be 5 hours or 600 positions uploaded.

[blufade]

cool :)
works like charm on my diamond

[pimmie87]

First i also have to say that your program kicks ass :)

Second a question, I have logged some gps positions but they aren't stored (on-line) as a trip. Now i want to remove them out of the database on your server by using the "manage trips" option in trackme on my ppc.

But the problem is that i can't remove the points because i can only remove the points by removing the trip that there in. But as said they aren't in a trip.....
Is there a way to remove them, or store them in a trip so i can remove them that way.


And now about the "battery saving / accelerometer option" On the LEM forum is a topic from philg (http://www.luisespinosa.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=1702) where he gives a suggestion about it.

You (staryon) mention that you don't understand it totally. I think he means the following:

1. A position is tracked by gps/cellid
2. A second position is tracked
3. Difference is compared
4. If difference is less then say 10m trackme can assume that your not moving and will set update time to say 3 minutes.

If difference is more than 10m trackme can assume that your moving and sets updates time to default (30sec).

5. After update time (3minutes or 30 sec) has passed start at point 1 again.

The "don't upload when less then xx meter" can still be used of course.

This way the gps is activated ten times less when not on the move. It is a lot simpler then the accelerometer version and it works just fine i think. And it will work on any phone also when it doesn't have the accelerometer. And last but not least, by changing the update time settings you can choose between battery saving or fast updating.

I hope its clear this way and of course its just an idea, staryon is free to use it how he likes.

[bobsys]

I stumbled onto this TrackMe program just yesterday. What a beautifull project! In minutes I had it running on a very old QTEK2020 which I had flashed last week to WM6.1 WWE ROM. This in combination with a BT GPS Holux GPSslim236. Did a test run in my neighborhood while my son was tracking me life on his PC.
I have read about 100 pages of this thread and had set a 30 second upload cycle. It gave me a fair track but why not set the rules for uploading somewhat like OZIexplorer ? That would give a more accurate track on street maps. Like 1) Upload when driving straight every so many meters or seconds whichever comes first and 2) Upload when heading changes more than x degrees. This would upload a position at every turn and look better I would think ?
Anyway this is the kind of project I feel deserves a little sponsoring from everybody and I will do so right away

[bobsys]

I tried the Paypal link in your signature. Had to try 3 times before it worked. Just in case you receive 3 payments instead of one, dont worry it's still worth it. I will just not pay as frequently later on... ;^)

[khaytsus]

What is the average size of one GPS position upload ? I am merely trying to calculate the cost of GPRS traffic for a 500 km trip sending a position every 30 seconds. At 100 km/hr average speed that would be 5 hours or 600 positions uploaded.

I've estimated here sending GPS data (not Cell ID) to my own server and watching the traffic.. This will vary a few bytes based on the tripname of course, but I think a pretty close estimate is 789 bytes per transaction. This includes some of the initial packet handsoffs, post, and transaction tear-down, but I could be missing a little. None the less, it's a pretty small transaction.

So I estimate 462k total for your 600 positions, give or take.

Unless you need live tracking you can always save the positions offline and then upload 'em when you have access to WiFi or something.

Cell ID stuff would be higher, because it does a lookup on the CID info, get the coordinates back, then posts those coordinates back to the website (as I understand it? It might not post them back, so potentially it could be a wash on packet sizes..)

[staryon]

Same here, are the databases US only?
228-2-17000-31401

Google is not. I don't know about the others.

By the way, I checked that cell id with Google and it worked fine.
This is the command sent to the server from TrackMe:
http://luisespinosa.com/trackme/cellid_google.php5?myl=228:2:17000:31401

Maybe your problem is a connection issue...

[staryon]

I tried the Paypal link in your signature. Had to try 3 times before it worked. Just in case you receive 3 payments instead of one, dont worry it's still worth it. I will just not pay as frequently later on... ;^)

bobsys,
Thanks a lot! I really appreciate your contribution.
I got one donation of $20. Let me know if it's wrong and I will refund it to you.

Thanks again.

[staryon]

pimmie87,

Thanks for your comments!

First i also have to say that your program kicks ass :)

Second a question, I have logged some gps positions but they aren't stored (on-line) as a trip. Now i want to remove them out of the database on your server by using the "manage trips" option in trackme on my ppc.

But the problem is that i can't remove the points because i can only remove the points by removing the trip that there in. But as said they aren't in a trip.....
Is there a way to remove them, or store them in a trip so i can remove them that way.



Yeah, I noticed that the other day. If you want to delete positions that are not assigned to a specific trip, you can go to Tools->Delete positions and select <None>




And now about the "battery saving / accelerometer option" On the LEM forum is a topic from philg (http://www.luisespinosa.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=1702) where he gives a suggestion about it.

You (staryon) mention that you don't understand it totally. I think he means the following:

1. A position is tracked by gps/cellid
2. A second position is tracked
3. Difference is compared
4. If difference is less then say 10m trackme can assume that your not moving and will set update time to say 3 minutes.

If difference is more than 10m trackme can assume that your moving and sets updates time to default (30sec).

5. After update time (3minutes or 30 sec) has passed start at point 1 again.

The "don't upload when less then xx meter" can still be used of course.

This way the gps is activated ten times less when not on the move. It is a lot simpler then the accelerometer version and it works just fine i think. And it will work on any phone also when it doesn't have the accelerometer. And last but not least, by changing the update time settings you can choose between battery saving or fast updating.

I hope its clear this way and of course its just an idea, staryon is free to use it how he likes.

Thanks for the explanation. I think it makes sense.
I'll think about it, I will probably be adding that feature.

[staryon]

I stumbled onto this TrackMe program just yesterday. What a beautifull project! In minutes I had it running on a very old QTEK2020 which I had flashed last week to WM6.1 WWE ROM. This in combination with a BT GPS Holux GPSslim236. Did a test run in my neighborhood while my son was tracking me life on his PC.
I have read about 100 pages of this thread and had set a 30 second upload cycle. It gave me a fair track but why not set the rules for uploading somewhat like OZIexplorer ? That would give a more accurate track on street maps. Like 1) Upload when driving straight every so many meters or seconds whichever comes first and 2) Upload when heading changes more than x degrees. This would upload a position at every turn and look better I would think ?
Anyway this is the kind of project I feel deserves a little sponsoring from everybody and I will do so right away

Yes, I think it's doable. I will add it to the to do list.

Thanks

[bobsys]

bobsys,
Thanks a lot! I really appreciate your contribution.
I got one donation of $20. Let me know if it's wrong and I will refund it to you.

Thanks again.


No it's right and it did work as intended. It means you have more coming as the project progresses or whenever another romantic dinner becomes mandatory to keep the misses happy ;^)

[bobsys]

I've estimated here sending GPS data (not Cell ID) to my own server and watching the traffic.. This will vary a few bytes based on the tripname of course, but I think a pretty close estimate is 789 bytes per transaction. This includes some of the initial packet handsoffs, post, and transaction tear-down, but I could be missing a little. None the less, it's a pretty small transaction.

So I estimate 462k total for your 600 positions, give or take.

Unless you need live tracking you can always save the positions offline and then upload 'em when you have access to WiFi or something.

Cell ID stuff would be higher, because it does a lookup on the CID info, get the coordinates back, then posts those coordinates back to the website (as I understand it? It might not post them back, so potentially it could be a wash on packet sizes..)

Excellent information. Exactly what I was looking for. I have 5 MB per month to use for this purpose sso enough for roughly 6000 KM. Thanks.

[staryon]

No it's right and it did work as intended. It means you have more coming as the project progresses or whenever another romantic dinner becomes mandatory to keep the misses happy ;^)

lol.... yeah! that would help a lot!

thanks again

[hedphelym]

Thanks, i will definately use this software alot.
i drive my motorcycle every single day, and i really love that you can view it in google maps and such.

Keep up the good work!

[tolgaulas]

Yes, I think it's doable. I will add it to the to do list.

Thanks

Oh! I've thought that it's (= when the cellid changes, it updates the gps position) already there.

[Gibbage]

OK. so i used trackme to track my progress on my recent motorcycle trip from LA to Seattle. I dont know if its my host or the program but viewing the map is very slow and everyone gets script errors. can someone take a lok? www.gibbageart.com/TrackMe hb

[khaytsus]

OK. so i used trackme to track my progress on my recent motorcycle trip from LA to Seattle. I dont know if its my host or the program but viewing the map is very slow and everyone gets script errors. can someone take a lok? www.gibbageart.com/TrackMe hb

Almost 2300 points is likely going to be slow in several respects.. Lots of stuff going back and forth to google, lots of data in the browser, lots of points to plot, etc...

Maybe best to break it up in to daily trips, at least that'd 'only' be maybe 2/3 or 1/3 as many points.

How often did you have it updating? You could probably extend the period on your next trip. Just a quick estimate looks like you were updating every 10-15 seconds, seems very short for such a long trip. Especially if you're on pretty straight roads, 30-45s is probably more appropriate. :)

[staryon]

Oh! I've thought that it's (= when the cellid changes, it updates the gps position) already there.

It's not exactly the same. He meant to upload the position when heading changes more than x degrees.

[ViGilant_spb]

Hi there,

I'm not sure if I understand. What do you mean when you say 'not all offline track points'?

Thanks

Sorry =) That's my hands growing from the wrong place =)
Everything's working, option "Never" was enabled (instead of "if unable to upload").

[MrGAN]

Hi,

I noticed that all pictures uploaded going to be fix cropped to 4:3 800x600
so if you use a digital camera and want to add those pictures to the trip as well,
you should pre crop it to 800x600. Otherwise the aspect ration maybe violated...

[MrGAN]

Is the GPX format still on the agenda? I ask because I have some strange effects converting the existing kml file to gpx...


PS: I tried to use gpsbabel (http://www.gpsbabel.org/) to convert the generate kml file into nma, nmea or gpx to load it into copiks (http://software.copiks.com/photomapper/) I used as pgeotagger till now, but with out any luck. I will try next geosetter (http://www.geosetter.de/en/) recommended by a friend, but this is a huge tool doing much more then I need and not very intuitive to use in my opinion.

[staryon]

pammetje made a new Web viewer update.

You can check the new viewer from here:
http://luisespinosa.com/trackme2

[staryon]

Is the GPX format still on the agenda? I ask because I have some strange effects converting the existing kml file to gpx...

Yes, it's in the to-do list. Actually I started working on that but something else came up (I think cell id tracking) and I gave it up.

[lextendo]

Staryon, you made a great piece of software!!! love it :)

Just one question: I can't seem to delete positions? Using settings -> Delete positions, I hit the get existing button, select a trip and hit delete. I get a confirmation the trip was deleted, however refreshing my trip list with the get existing button the trip which supposed to be deleted is still there?

It's a minor thing and I don't know if it's a server (yours at luisepinosa.com) or a client (version 4.11.7.103) thing?

[staryon]

Staryon, you made a great piece of software!!! love it :)