|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
BagTrakka A GPS Enabled Luggage Tag
Article by: Darren Griffin
Date: 21 Jul 2011
If you have ever been the victim of lost luggage whilst travelling or if you're forced to check expensive equipment as hold luggage then BagTrakka, a new design from Global Locating Systems, a UK company, could be for you.
BagTrakka is a GPS enabled luggage tag that can be tracked via the web or SMS text message courtesy of it's built-in GSM modem. To circumvent the typical issues of mobile data when travelling, BagTrakka can roam on most international GSM networks thanks to a deal with a SIM provider.
It also has an accelerometer and light sensor which allow it to power down when on-board an aircraft, necessary to comply with airline regulations as well as allowing it to conserve power. Using those intelligent sensors it has sufficient power for approximately 5 days of use.
BagTrakka is designed to look, and operate, as a standard luggage tag and can be locked onto your luggage with a sturdy, and theft resistant braided steel cable.
Global Locating Systems are currently seeking investors to further the project. If you're interested visit their web-site here.
| Comments
|
 Posted by MaFt on Thu Jul 21, 2011 7:21 am |
 |
This looks quite neat, but I fear that overzealous check-in staff and/or security staff may cause some issues... 
MaFt
|
|
| Posted by mostdom on Thu Jul 21, 2011 7:53 am |
|
One for the Dragon's Den maybe. I like it!
Dom
HERE LIES PND May it rest in peace.
Navigon 7310/iPhone Navigon&Copilot |
|
| Posted by 66Mustang on Fri Jul 22, 2011 7:00 am |
|
I would imagine that the airlines won't be happy with relying on a light sensor to power it down when on an aircraft. I can see something like this taking off (pun sort of intended) but it would need a longer battery life and better control of when it is on and off. The window for it knowing where it is appears to be on the short trip from the baggage dock to the aircraft and vice versa. If the bag is buried at the bottom of the pile it's not even going to do that.
A bit of development required, but a fantastic idea.
|
|
| Posted by divemasterza on Fri Jul 22, 2011 7:01 am |
|
The biggest hurdle will be FAA/CAA approval.
In South Africa, where luggage pilferage is a local welcome, they don't even allow cell phones in flight mode on to be used.
|
|
| Posted by madmole on Fri Jul 22, 2011 7:30 am |
|
3 digit combo lock = 60 seconds to remove the nice expensive gadget
Shuts down in dark, so only time it will be active is the 10 seconds on the conveyer belt from plane to being buried in the baggage truck = not enough time for GPS fix
An idea looking for a solution methinks
|
|
| Posted by AliOnHols on Fri Jul 22, 2011 7:30 am |
|
How about one which you could put inside your luggage that you can set to self-power-off/on at predetermined times, i.e. 1˝hr before & ˝hr after your scheduled flight times.
Garmin Nuvi 2599
Android with CamerAlert, OsmAnd+, Waze & TT Europe.
TomTom GO 730, GO 930, GO 940 & Rider2.
SatMap Active 10 & 20. |
|
| Posted by mostdom on Fri Jul 22, 2011 9:00 am |
|
I was thinking more of a big red inviting button with "PUSH ME" written on it. You know those baggage handlers wouldn't resist. Then it could cycle a 1 minute fix and sent attempt before shutting down to wait for the next hapless victim.
Of course give them something to look at like those niko cyber pets or something! 
Dom
HERE LIES PND May it rest in peace.
Navigon 7310/iPhone Navigon&Copilot |
|
| Posted by DeLorean on Fri Jul 22, 2011 9:07 am |
|
Humm…I can't see it being of any use at the bottom of a big pile of lost luggage in a warehouse somewhere 3 weeks later 
I can also see lots of security implications being a problem.
I find popping an A4 sheet of paper in your baggage with all your details on a better move.
Also, making rather nifty shapes on the sides of your case with silver duct tape also helps identifying your cases if lost or when travelling around on the conveyor for collection.
I think if you attached this gadget to your case, you could say goodbye to your luggage in a controlled explosion!
🔸🔸 Currently using TomTom GO 940 & Locus Map 🔸🔸 |
|
|
|
 |
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
