Hello,
 I have been working on this device for quite some time now and I finally got it to work !!! According to the current specifications It is possible to track any object within a 1 mile radius but the range can be extended upto 40 miles. I'm currently using google maps API to track the object. I started working on this project for my final year of engineering, for a logistics company, but it can be adapted for a variety of other applications including rc aircraft tracking. The prototype is a bit heavy at about 20 -25 gms. but both the size and weight can be considerably reduced.
 Having successfully completed this project now, I will be starting work on a 2.4Ghz. radio system soon.........

Angad.

Looks promising and sounds good too!
What IC is that? the one mounted on the bread board?

That is not an IC, its the GPS receiver chip's antenna.....

Hi buzz_rc.. Nice work man!! The Xbee pro has a inbuilt microcontroller right? Where did you buy the Xbee module and how much did it cost? Does it actually give a range of 1 mile?

Hello,
Thanks, yes the Xbee does have an inbuilt microcontroller....the xbee module was purchased by a relative in the states and cost me around 3000 a piece........1 mile is just the line of sight range but I got one of my xbee with the worng anetna (wire type) so that could be one of the reason for not getting full range.... but none the less i'm very happy with the performance.

 

I have managed to get out to 5km with patch antenna on the ground and a 8db whip on the aircraft. Very happy with my setup, its very simple.

Looks exiting pal !! Did you try fabricating your own PCB instead of BreadBoards?

How much the GPS unit cost ?

Yes, this is a pic of the prototype...........the GPS chip has an update rate of 5Hz. and receives standard NMEA 0183 format.... cost me around 3000............

I just wrote a mini review of the new radios with telemetry here

http://www.suasnews.com/2010/08/815/last-dance-for-traditional-suas-controllers/