Mobile Technology

Coin-sized Retrievor solar-powered GPS tracking device

Coin-sized Retrievor solar-powered GPS tracking device
Retrievor is solar powered and roughly the size of a US quarter
Retrievor is solar powered and roughly the size of a US quarter
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Exploded view of the Retrievor
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Exploded view of the Retrievor
Size comparison of Retrievor's processor
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Size comparison of Retrievor's processor
Design sketch of Retrievor
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Design sketch of Retrievor
Retrievor is solar powered and roughly the size of a US quarter
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Retrievor is solar powered and roughly the size of a US quarter
Retrievor and its app
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Retrievor and its app
Retrievor prototype
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Retrievor prototype
Retrievor Geo-Zone
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Retrievor Geo-Zone
Retrievor with attachment clip
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Retrievor with attachment clip
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If you've ever wondered where you left the laptop or how your dog came home smelling like a frog pond, then a GPS tracking device might seem like a good idea. The trick is to find one small enough to be practical and doesn't need its batteries replaced every day. The Retrievor RET-100 is a self-contained, solar-powered GPS tracker no wider than a US quarter that is looking to find a way to market via a crowdfunding campaign.

According to its creators, the Retrievor tracker uses the smallest, fully integrated GPS module with on‐board antenna available. Measuring only 28 mm (1.1 in) wide with a thickness of 10 mm (0.3 in), it weighs only 12 g (0.4 oz) and tracks objects using a combination of GSM, GPRS, and GPS to provide redundancy and locate objects with an accuracy of to within 1.5 m (5 ft).

Retrievor is powered by a SiRFstarIV GPS processor, which allows the unit to work in areas that are often difficult for GPS to reach, such as indoors, thanks to firmware that detects changes in temperature and satellite signals, and updates its internal parameters to aid near-continuous navigation availability.

Retrievor and its app
Retrievor and its app

The unit is waterproof to a depth of 3 m (10 ft) and power for the Retrievor comes from an integrated solar panel and motion charger feeding a 3.7 V lithium-ion battery, which can also be charged via micro USB.

The Retrievor works with free Android, iPhone and web apps that allow users to set “Geo-Zones” and have the device send a text, email or ringtone once it moves out of a predesignated area. The app also maps the Retrievor's location, including speed, distance traveled, and route taken, and can track several units at one time. There’s also a multi-purpose attachment clip that hooks the tracker to things, such as pet collars.

Retrievor with attachment clip
Retrievor with attachment clip

A $169 pledge to the indiegogo campaign that is running through November 14 is the minimum to reserve a Retrievor device. Deliveries are expected to begin in January, provided the campaign reaches its goal. If the campaign is successful, the retail price will be set at $299.

Use of Retrievor will require a US$1.79 monthly subscription fee charged annually in advance, with tracking of additional units to cost $1.59 a month. However, supporters of the indiegogo campaign will have their subscription fee waived for the first year.

The video below introduces Retrievor.

Source: Retrievor

Retrievor - The World's Only Self-Charging Gps Tracking Device

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1 comment
1 comment
LamourLamourMaggie
I live in Uruguay South America. Is there a guarantee that all the functions of this product will work properly in Uruguay and work just as good as in the USA? What is the cellular company this device with be compatible with in UY? In UY the cellular options are Antel or Movistar. Thanks.