Where in the World?!


Product Bio

Where in the World is a product to find your everyday personal items. It consists of a handheld GPS, a raw GPS, and a HAM radio. The handheld GPS is used to acknowledge one’s own location so one can know their starting coordinates. It also has a function to track and give directions to a desired location. The raw GPS is used to send out the time and coordinates of its own location, the location of the lost item. The HAM radio receives the coordinates that the raw GPS is sending out and when connected to a computer, translates the coordinates in a fashion that one can read them and understand them. Once that is all on the computer, one may input the coordinates of personal items into the handheld GPS in order to track it and find the various locations.

 
What Is A HAM Radio? 

Also called an Amateur Radio, this handheld device is used mainly for recreational purposes. Operators of HAM radios use modes of transmission in order to communicate between users. Two most common modes are FM (frequency modulation) and SSB (Single Sideband)[1]. Further than communication modes, HAM radios transmit most signals in Morse code. This is used to acquire the outputted signals and input them respectively.
 A HAM radio comes into play in Where in the World?! as it is used to pick up the transmitted signals from the raw GPS. This means, that in order to find the lost item, a HAM radio must be turned on and used to detect where the GPS is located.

 

 Do I Need A HAM Radio License?

  Mentioned above, the operators of HAM radios use different modes of transmission in order to communicate. However, in order to be able to transmit and communicate with the HAM Radio, one must acquire a HAM Radio license. This is needed to be able to display knowledge and understanding of concepts of HAM radios. Most commonly, this is seen through passing an exam but some counties recognize educational or professional qualifications (such as degrees in engineering)[2].
  Receiving a license is done through studying the AARL HAM Radio book, and taking a test at a registered testing facility. The testing facility that the “Where in the World?!” group received their license was at Blaine Minnesota’s City Hall through the Anoka County Radio Club for $15. Other locations can be found at the National Association for Amateur Radio website[3].

 

 
 What Is A Raw GPS?  

  A “raw GPS” is simply the same technology as a handheld GPS but in an unrefined form. The GPS consists of two circuit boards attached by wires and connected to a battery as a power source. The function of the Raw GPS in “Where in the World?!” is to attach to one’s personal items and is used to actually locate the item wherever it goes.

 

 

 What Does The Handheld GPS Do?  

  The Handheld GPS is a Garmin ETREX model that is commonly used to navigate hikes or local trips. The function of the ETREX in “Where in the World?!” is to be carried with the customer in order to simply locate one’s own starting coordinates, making it easier to find the lost item through a coordinate to coordinate navigation. The handheld GPS will come in a package with the rest of the product as an extra but not necessary part of the design.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[1]Ham Radio Frequently Asked Questions ARRL.org. arrl.org/ham-radio-faq-s 

[2]International Telecommunication Union, Minimum Qualifications For Radio Amateurs

[3]arrl.org/find-an-amateur-radio-license-exam-session 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Attachments:

 back.jpg
 front.jpg