Arduino Location Tracker using SIM800L GSM Module and NEO-6M GPS Module

2025-08-04 | By Rinme Tom

Project Overview
This tutorial showcases how to construct a low-cost real-time GPS tracking system with Arduino UNO R3 by integrating the NEO-6M GPS module for satellite positioning and the SIM800L GSM module for cellular communication data transmission. The project provides an end-to-end DIY solution to commercial GPS trackers, sparing users monthly subscription costs without losing professional-level tracking functionality.

Arduino GPS Tracker
Key Technical Implementation
The design utilises a memory-optimised architecture explicitly tailored for Arduino UNO's 2KB RAM constraint. An innovative dual-mode switching mechanism employing Pin 2 on the reset pin avoids memory corruption by switching between GPS data acquisition and GSM transmission modes. The system has voltage level shifting circuits integrated into the design to safeguard the 3.3V SIM800L module from Arduino's 5V logic levels for ensuring system reliability.

Core Components & Cost Analysis
Arduino UNO R3 - Primary microcontroller
NEO-6M GPS Module - Satellite location
SIM800L GSM Module - Cellular data
Supporting components - Resistors, breadboard, jumpers

Software Architecture
The project uses the GeoLinker Lite library, a performance-tuned Arduino library for use with memory-limited boards. The library takes care of GPS NMEA decoding, GSM AT commands, and cloud API interaction with reduced function calls. The system is compatible with the GeoLinker Cloud platform, offering an industrial-strength web console for real-time tracking, historical data analysis, and multi-device management.

GPS Tracker using Arduino Circuit Diagram

Practical Features
Real-time tracking with 20-second update intervals (configurable)
Sub-10-meter GPS accuracy based on satellite triangulation
Global 2G network compatibility (except 4G-only networks such as Jio)
Web-based dashboard with access from any device
Data export in CSV format for analysis
Multi-device support with device identification
100,000 data points storage per free account

Applications & Use Cases
The tracker is used in vehicle monitoring, asset security, personal security devices, fleet management, and IoT location services. The open-source method allows customization for particular needs while keeping it cost-effective.

Technical Challenges Addressed
The tutorial offers in-depth troubleshooting information on power supply specifications (min 2A for SIM800L), programming protocols (GPS disconnection during code upload), genuine Arduino board suggestions for stable software serial communication, as well as network compatibility complications.
For more information regarding the technical aspect, you can check the source of the Arduino GPS Tracker

Conclusion
The project is an unqualified success in proving that advanced GPS tracking solutions can be constructed economically using off-the-shelf components, with full data ownership and customisation options at an instant fraction of commercial tracker costs.