Ask HN: (What) would you use a sub $9 disposeable location tracker for?

2 pointsdynofuz7y ago5 comments

I have a prototype location tracker that costs <$4 to build. It can track any item's location every hour in urban areas for 30 days world wide (connects via wifi). Its smaller than a walnut. Would you use it? If so what for?

5 comments

crobertsbmw7y ago

If it could work in rural areas, then cows... my uncle spends several days on horseback every year trying to round up his cows. If he could know exactly where the cows were it could save him days. If I’m stuck to urban areas, maybe look at dogs cats and carrier pigeons.

matt_the_bass7y ago

This seems like a solvable problem. Can you tell me more about the use case? For example:

- how accurate would you need?

- how often an update?

- updates all the time or only after X days, then start updating?

- every cow or a representative from the herd?

- how much would this market pay?

airbreather7y ago

How much longer could it run for it used some energy harvesting and/or only reported once every 6 hours?

What if an open wi-fi network is not close?

Seems it will only work around your house or maybe Maccas, really needs 3G to be useful.

caio19827y ago

My dog's collar. My car. My camping backpack.

hirundo7y ago

Stalking.

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