Purobu Panel from Purobu on Vimeo.
Purobu is a tiny device featuring GPS, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Magnetometer, Barometer, WiFi and Cellular. The device provides location and sensor data wirelessly, in real-time, to the user.
Made of anodized aluminum and measuring 2in x 2in (5cm x 5cm), 0.4in (1cm) thin, and weighing only 1.8oz (50g), the device is small and light enough to be deployed just about anywhere. It has a built-in lithium polymer battery, which will last up to a week (approx. 24 hours of continuous, real-time usage).
The device has multiple connection methods available including WiFi and Cellular, with automatic roaming between the two depending on signal strength and availability, providing unlimited range.
Onboard Technologies
Sensing
• GPS/GLONASS
• Accelerometer (3 axis)
• Gyroscope (3 axis)
• Magnetometer
• Barometer
• Thermometer
• Luminosity
Wireless
• WiFi (2.4GHz)
• 2G/3G Cellular
• Bluetooth (LE)
Live Data
The following real-time information is available from both the web based control panel and API.
• Device Status (Connection, Battery, Signal Strength)
• GPS/GLONASS (Latitude, Longitude, Altitude)
• Accelerometer (X, Y and Z in G-Force)
• Gyroscope (X, Y and Z in Rads)
• Magnetometer (X, Y and Z Heading + Mag/True North)
• Barometer (Reading in hPa)
• Thermometer (Reading in °F or °C)
• Luminosity (Reading in Lux)
We have developed the control panel to be as intuitive and app-like as possible. Using the latest web technologies, including HTML5, WebSockets and CSS3, we have created a control panel that displays information in real-time without needing to refresh. This includes displaying the device's current location via a moving marker on a map, as well as important device stats, such as signal strength and battery status. You can also add and remove widgets which display sensor data.
The real-time nature of Purobu makes it perfect for drone applications. You will be able to view your drone moving live on a map and view sensor data without any noticeable delays. And because Purobu uses the cellular networks, there is no range limitation. You can even monitor in real-time from another country.
We are currently asking people to back us on Indiegogo.
To this end, we are offering our Indiegogo backers a truly fantastic perk.
The Package
- 1 Purobu Probe
- Lifetime Purobu Cloud Service (with Unlimited API)
- 12 Months Unlimited Cellular (Roaming in 12 Countries)
- Micro USB Cable + US/UK/EU/AU and 12v Car Plugs
- Free Global Shipping
For $149, and as an Indiegogo backer, you won't have to pay any monthly or annual fees for the service.
We really hope that the drone community will support our project and help us to reach our goals.
There are a lot more details about the project on our Indiegogo campaign page (link below).
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/purobu-the-smart-gps-tracker
Comments
Hi Francis,
There are no plans to release the cloud software to customers for self installation.
The location and sensor data is only stored on our servers (in the UK) for a short period of time (minutes), while it's being relayed to the customer via the control panel or API. We have no plans to archive any of the information.
Of course if you feel it's essential to avoid your data passing through any 3rd party servers, under any circumstances, then I would suggest Purobu is probably not the right product for you.
Hope this helps.
Thank you
Ben
Is the cloud server code available for everyone to install on ones own server?
Meaning is it possible to use all you provide without anybody else than me seeing the data?
I would not want anyone to see or even use such sensible data.
Hi,
We don't intend to charge our Indiegogo backers any ongoing costs for the cloud service. This is a reward for backing us early on in our project. When we begin shipping Purobu, we will very likely have no choice but to charge new customers a monthly or annual fee for the cloud service (those who didn't back us early on).
As an Indiegogo backer, your only ongoing cost after the first year will be for cellular data (if you wish to use the cellular feature). This cost will of course vary depending on which network/provider you choose to go with.
Purobu will use less than 3MB per hour of cellular data (real-time, continuous tracking), and almost no data at all when not in use (in standby). Even if you decide to use Purobu 24/7 with the cellular feature (unlikely), your data usage will only be approx 2GB per month. For most users, the usage will be no more than a few MB per month.
Hope this helps.
Thanks
Ben
What's the ongoing cost after the first year ?
Yeah, I agree with Foxzilla - I was ready to buy until I hit cloud services. As a developer, I want to communicate as directly to the device as possible, and I don't want to use some 3rd party service that if it shuts down at some point, I've got a bunch of paperweights. Too many of the 'cloud' devices I've purchased in the past two years have left me high and dry.
Personally I try to avoid cloud services whenever possible, I just don't feel comfortable to rely on external services that I have no control over. Who knows whether they will be available in a few years, and then the expensive device is worthless. But this is just me and I know that cloud services can be really useful and easy to use.
Ben, sounds good. In fact, I think your cloud service will be the real benefit. I can see picking one up for other uses, and popping it on the UAV when needed. Wish you the best - it certainly looks like a well designed product!
Hi Doug,
Thank you for backing us on Indiegogo.
Ben
Hi Dan,
Thank you for the feedback and for the positive comment regarding Purobu having many applications. I agree.
We have looked at some of the $30 GSM/GPS trackers available on Amazon, and I have no doubt they work very well. However, Purobu will provide a full "cloud" service, with the device, which includes a web based control panel for the average user, and a complete developer API for more advanced users wishing to code their own apps which make use of the real-time location and sensor data.
If we were just providing a device and no attached service, then perhaps it would be too expensive.
It's worth noting that we didn't set out to create Purobu to exclusively serve the UAV community. We are actually targeting many different sectors including people/asset tracking and automotive. I accept that it may not be suitable for all users in the UAV community, but I am sure some people in the community may see a use for it.
Thanks
Ben
I believe this device will serve a purpose in the UAV community. I've been thinking of a means to locate a lost drone when one flies away. With this device and the cloud via wifi and cellular connectivity, I should be able to go directly to the spot the drone came to rest in. Obviously this won't help those who are remote as much as those who have continuous cell coverage. For the money I'm planning to purchase one and will test on my drone as a stand alone device. I like to challenge the DIY group to see how it could be integrated into the vehicle as maybe a backup to the primary GPS if not become the primary navigation and reporting unit.
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