A professional GPS-based vehicle tracking system built with Raspberry Pi Pico, GSM module, and Neo-6M GPS receiver. This project enables real-time vehicle location tracking via SMS and Google Maps integration, offering an affordable and efficient solution for vehicle monitoring.
- ✅ Real-time GPS Tracking - Accurate location tracking using Neo-6M GPS module
- ✅ GSM Communication - Send/receive location data via SMS
- ✅ Google Maps Integration - View tracked location on Google Maps
- ✅ Low Power Consumption - Optimized for battery-powered applications
- ✅ MicroPython Based - Easy to understand and modify code
- ✅ Cost-Effective - Affordable alternative to commercial trackers
- ✅ Remote Monitoring - Track vehicles from anywhere via SMS commands
- ✅ Compact Design - Small form factor suitable for vehicle installation
- Hardware Requirements
- Software Requirements
- Circuit Diagram
- Installation
- Wiring Guide
- Configuration
- Usage
- SMS Commands
- Troubleshooting
- License
- Contact
| Component | Specification | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| Raspberry Pi Pico | RP2040 Microcontroller | 1 |
| Neo-6M GPS Module | GPS Receiver with Antenna | 1 |
| GSM Module | SIM800L / SIM900A | 1 |
| SIM Card | Active cellular SIM | 1 |
| Power Supply | 5V 2A adapter | 1 |
| Breadboard | Standard size | 1 |
| Jumper Wires | Male-to-Female, Male-to-Male | 20+ |
| USB Cable | Micro USB for programming | 1 |
- External antenna for better GPS signal
- Battery pack for portable operation
- Enclosure/case for weatherproofing
- Thonny IDE (v3.3.3 or later) - Download Here
- MicroPython firmware for Raspberry Pi Pico
- Python 3.7+ (for development)
machine- Built-in MicroPython librarytime- Built-in MicroPython libraryutime- MicroPython time utilities
Neo-6M GPS → Raspberry Pi Pico
-----------------------------------------
VCC → 5V (VBUS - Pin 40)
GND → GND (Pin 38)
TX → GP1 (UART0 RX - Pin 2)
RX → GP0 (UART0 TX - Pin 1)
SIM800L → Raspberry Pi Pico
-----------------------------------------
VCC → 5V (VBUS - Pin 40)
GND → GND (Pin 38)
TXD → GP5 (UART1 RX - Pin 7)
RXD → GP4 (UART1 TX - Pin 6)
⚠️ Important: Ensure proper power supply to GSM module (SIM800L requires stable 3.7-4.2V with peak current up to 2A). Consider using a separate power source or voltage regulator.
- Download Thonny IDE from https://thonny.org/
- Install for your operating system (Windows/Mac/Linux)
- Launch Thonny IDE
- Download MicroPython firmware for Pico: MicroPython Downloads
- Hold the BOOTSEL button on Pico while connecting to PC
- Pico will appear as a USB mass storage device
- Drag and drop the
.uf2firmware file to the Pico drive - Pico will automatically reboot with MicroPython
git clone https://github.com/ShahbazCoder1/GPS-Vehicle-Tracker-using-Raspberry-Pi-Pico-MicroPython-Thonny-IDE.gitOr download ZIP from GitHub and extract.
- Open Thonny IDE
- Go to Tools → Options → Interpreter
- Select "MicroPython (Raspberry Pi Pico)"
- Open the main Python file from the repository
- Click Run → Save to Raspberry Pi Pico
- Save as
main.py
Raspberry Pi Pico Pinout:
┌─────────────────────────┐
│ GP0 (TX) ──→ GPS RX │
│ GP1 (RX) ←── GPS TX │
│ GP4 (TX) ──→ GSM RX │
│ GP5 (RX) ←── GSM TX │
│ VBUS ──→ GPS VCC │
│ VBUS ──→ GSM VCC │
│ GND ──→ Common GND│
└─────────────────────────┘
- Double-check all connections before powering on
- Use a multimeter to verify voltage levels
- Ensure GSM module has adequate power supply
- Keep GPS antenna away from electronic interference
Edit the main code file and update the phone number:
# Replace with your phone number
ADMIN_PHONE = "+9186********"# Update interval in seconds
GPS_UPDATE_INTERVAL = 10- Connect all hardware components as per wiring guide
- Insert active SIM card into GSM module
- Power on the Raspberry Pi Pico
- Wait for GPS to acquire satellite lock (blue LED on GPS module)
- Wait for GSM module to register on network
- GPS LED: Blinking = Searching, Solid = Lock acquired
- GSM LED: Blinking = Network registered
Send the following SMS commands to the tracker:
| Command | Description | Response |
|---|---|---|
LOCATION |
Get current GPS coordinates | Lat, Lng, Google Maps link |
STATUS |
Check system status | GPS status, GSM signal strength |
HELP |
List available commands | Command list |
Send: LOCATION
Receive: Lat: 37.7749, Lng: -122.4194
Google Maps: https://maps.google.com/?q=37.7749,-122.4194
- Ensure GPS antenna has clear view of sky
- Wait 2-5 minutes for initial satellite lock (cold start)
- Check UART connections (TX/RX not reversed)
- Verify 3.3V power supply to GPS module
- Check power supply (needs 3.7-4.2V with sufficient current)
- Verify SIM card is active and has credit
- Check antenna connection
- Ensure correct APN settings for your carrier
- Try AT commands manually to test module
- Verify phone number format (include country code)
- Check SIM card has SMS capability
- Ensure GSM module is registered on network
- Check signal strength in your area
- Ensure MicroPython firmware is properly installed
- Check USB cable connection
- Try different USB port
- Restart Thonny IDE
This project is licensed under the GPL-3.0 License - see the LICENSE file for details.
Shahbaz - @ShahbazCoder1
Project Link: https://github.com/ShahbazCoder1/GPS-Vehicle-Tracker-using-Raspberry-Pi-Pico-MicroPython-Thonny-IDE
- Raspberry Pi Foundation for the amazing Pico board
- MicroPython community for the excellent firmware
- Thonny IDE developers for the user-friendly IDE
- All contributors and users of this project
If you find this project helpful, please give it a ⭐ on GitHub!
Made with ❤️ by ShahbazCoder1