Vehicle Tracking using GSM and GPS with PIC16F877A ((SOLVED)

Papi · Joined: 08 Dec 2012 Posts: 36

Hi all,

I just want advice on what I should do, actual am using PIC16F877A with ccs c compiler with MPLAB, I really like this compiler but this time am not too sure, What I want is am planning to use GSM and GPS but for PIC16F877A there is only one port for RX and TX,

But I have tried to do research and read datasheet for CCS C compiler and they said its possible but how?? I don't know here, so the project is based on car tracking system, so I will use GSM to send message to my mobile number for car location longitude and latitude and GPS to get latitude and longitude,

Also am using LCD 16 x 2 with flex_lcd.c. connected my LCD and tested everything worked fine, I can see something on the LCD

I'm using LCD because after message sent I want to display the location on my LCD......

I have tested my PIC with two LED flashing with 20MHZ everything worked fine... controlling the PIC with 5V

Type of GSM is GSM SIEMENS TC35 (5V)
Type of GPS is GPS 9540 with (5V)

Questions

(1) So for the GPS and GSM do I need to use MAX232 to connect to my PIC?

(2) How am going to use my GSM and GPS with PIC16F877A??Advice here please, between GSM and GPS which one should I use for the RX and TX pins??

(3) Also one of them between GSM and GPS I can connect to Hardware and another one using software, so am not to sure here about software part please

I really need advice please, I have tried to do a lot of research but I haven't got any solution so far

Project Name : Vehicle Tracking System

Thank you

temtronic · Posted: Sat Dec 08, 2012 11:00 am

comments...
re 1) You should read the datasheet for the GSM and GPS. THEY should tell you the requirements.It may be TTL or RS232 compatible,but should be listed along with baudrate,databits,etc.

re 2) Whichever device is to be 'polled' by you ( GPS I'm assuming), I'd attach to the software UART, putting the hardware UART onto the GSM.

re 3) same answer as #2

other comments...

1) consider using another PIC that has 2 UARTS, like the 18F46K22. It has a LOT more code space,timers,and other peripherals. While you may not need them now...you will in the future.I still have some 20 year old 877s but upgraded to the 46k22( 40 pin dip).It's my 'standard' PIC now,big or small ,it'll do 99% of the jobs.It's not worth saving 30 cents for a smaller PIC or pcb when 'headaches' arise due to 'compatabilty' issues.

2) get familiar with the 'search' feature of this forum. Probably 99% of what you need is here but you need to look for it.You're not the first that wants to do this.

3) breakdown your program into 'units'.1st get 'polling the GPS' and display onto LCD. Then send to PC.After that work on the GSM 'unit'. This way you'll have an 'incremental program' wheree you can always 'go back' to a previous version that worked.

4) add comments !!! Sure you know ehat the code is now..but 2 days,3 weeks,a month from now, you'll ask 'WHAT did I do THAT for???'.

5) Use interrupt driven serial routines with buffers. CCS supplies examples of these in their 'examples' folder.

hth
jay

Papi · Joined: 08 Dec 2012 Posts: 36

Thank you temtronic,

Ok I have understand your comment and advice as well, so I will answer each part, About GSM and GPS I will have look the datasheet and see, so you said I should have listed with baudrate,databits, so it means if I use this I don't have to use RS232 right?? I just need more explanation here, sorry!!

re 2)Thank you for that I will do that no problem and do you have any simple software code which I might use to test and see if its working or not.....will appreciate, because here the main thing I want is to make sure my GPS is working and I can see something on my LCD then the next part is just GSM....

Thank you a lot for your OTHER COMMENT, number 1 and 2 as well I will have look for that especially number 2, but am new here that's why for a mean time I will need more help,

Really appreciate for number 3 because you gave me hints on what to do, what I was planning to do all of them in the same time which I was I was going to waste a lot of time, appreciate for that.

Also for number 4 I didn't get what you mean can you go more deeply please??then for number 5 you said I have to use interrupt driven serial with buffers... I have checked my example folder so what is the name of the file or is that possible if you could attach the code please...

Also extra question for GSM which pins do you prefer I should use? because for GPS I will use pin 26 and 27 and what about GSM?

I have checked the datasheet for GPS and I have seen this

Serial Data: RXA, RXB, TXA, and TXB
The board supports two full duplex serial channels. All four connections are at TTL levels, all support
variable baud rates, and all can be controlled from the appropriate screens in GPS Monitor software.
（TTL level should be converted to RS-232 level when communicate with PC serial port.）

so it means I have to use RS-232??

Need more help please

Thank you

ezflyr · Joined: 25 Oct 2010 Posts: 1019 Location: Tewksbury, MA

Hi,

I hate to discourage you, but I think this is not a good first project for someone with such limited hardware and programming Experience. You are going to find yourself lost each step of the way. Why this project? How about something much simpler?

John

bkamen · Posted: Mon Dec 10, 2012 1:44 am

Ttelmah · Joined: 11 Mar 2010 Posts: 19590

Or, look at the thread:
<http://www.ccsinfo.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=49549>

and use this form of interrupt driven software UART to receive the GPS.

Depending on the available clock speed, the 'first part' is then solved.

Best Wishes

Papi · Joined: 08 Dec 2012 Posts: 36

Papi · Joined: 08 Dec 2012 Posts: 36

Papi · Joined: 08 Dec 2012 Posts: 36

bkamen · Posted: Wed Dec 12, 2012 4:50 pm

ezflyr · Joined: 25 Oct 2010 Posts: 1019 Location: Tewksbury, MA

Hi,

In CCS terms do you know the difference between a hardware and a software
serial port? In your serial port defines, you are not using the hardware UART
of your PIC.

Can you provide links for the GPS and GSM modules?

An LCD, or a serial port , is always highly desirable for diagnostics during the
development of a project like this even if you don't use it in the final
implementation.

Can you post a picture of your hardware, and show us the code you've
written so far? This will give us a good idea where you stand...

John

Papi · Joined: 08 Dec 2012 Posts: 36

Papi · Joined: 08 Dec 2012 Posts: 36

Papi · Joined: 08 Dec 2012 Posts: 36

GPS link,

GPS is 5V I think

ftp://ftp.leadtek.com.tw/gps/9540/9540Manual_v1.09_20030325.pdf

for GSM you can find the datasheet for GSM SIEMENS TC35 the one am using from here

http://arduino.anunturigr.ro/forum/discutii-libere/vand-gsm-siemens-tc35-sms-wireless-module-uart232-control-board/

scroll down you will see Download documentatie si codul sursa you have to download and unzip the file

you can see the image for gsm here

http://www.amazon.co.uk/SainSmart-Compatible-Siemens-Wireless-Adapter/dp/B006CHEUSI

extra information about GSM is accepting 5V

Features :

1. The SIEMENS TC35 is a standard AT commands Based GSM module, you can easily apply it with your own embedded system to create a GSM wireless based data transfer module .

2. The SIEMENS TC35 Module is AT Command - controlled gsm modem, via Serial Port (RS232/TTL communication).

3. Common applications are (sending/receiving) SMS control, phone calling.
4. Power supply: DC 5V
5. Frequency: 900 1800

Also for programming so far I haven't done anything because I have not yet connect anything GSM or GPS to the PIC, so I haven't done any program yet, but I have got the program used to test blinking LED to see if PIC is working and for LCD as well.....

Anything else I have to provide for further help and advice?

Papi · Joined: 08 Dec 2012 Posts: 36

Any advice I will be happy to change my PIC I have searched online and seems to hard not that easy to use this kind of project with 1 UART PIC....am planning to use pic with 2 UART

Any different between PIC16F877A and 18F46K22 in terms of programming??