Do you think that an RFID sticker would work right on a metal tool?

Sure would/could..
http://blog.atlasrfidstore.com/rfid-tags-on-metal-surfaces

 

Sure would/could..
http://blog.atlasrfidstore.com/rfid-tags-on-metal-surfaces

Thanks for the link. It even answered my next question as to whether an RFID tag would work on a curved surface. (It can).

 

This will give you an idea for how rfid works. The topic isn't exactly the same, but you get a pretty clear idea for how rfid tags work.

 

What you speak of has already been invented/done..
Its used by many large companies for tool/inventory tracking,etc...

Commonly done via RFID but other technologies are there too..
http://blog.atlasrfidstore.com/rfid-tool-tracking-examples
https://www.omni-id.com/industrial-rfid-tags/
http://www.cribmaster.com/solutions/rfid
http://toolhound.com/
and on and on..

As I see it you will need a RFID reader...
I want to to be seen on a app/computer program with a map of the contry.. Is that possible with the RFID without that RFID reader..?

You might want to explain your reason for wanting this too..
There are many "low tech" ways to deal with tool problems... shadow boards/5s programs/library like checkout procedures,etc..

I want it to find all out working tools in a construction company some tools are really expensive. So would be nice to track them if they get stolen..


Nice to see so many replys! Sure helps me a lot! Thanks guys!

 

So for how long time have you been working on this #12?

I never worked on RFID or GPS, but I'm willing to learn from you. When you can fit a GPS receiver in an aspirin tablet or a postage stamp, please post your method on this site.

 

here is a GPS based product (and there are tons more)..
https://www.thetrackr.com/
Depending on the size of the tools I suspect the size there is tiny enough (attached to tools battery pack,etc..)

google "gps tracking tag" and see whats out there..

 

here is a GPS based product (and there are tons more)..
https://www.thetrackr.com/
Depending on the size of the tools I suspect the size there is tiny enough (attached to tools battery pack,etc..)

google "gps tracking tag" and see whats out there..

I believe this product is similar to a few others that solve the GPS and communication challenges in an interesting way. If it's what I think it is, then the device itself is just a low energy beacon. Probably using bluetooth due to the energy efficiency and the fact that 99% of phones have bluetooth radios. It depends on the phone that it's near for long distance (internet) communication and for GPS data. They use basically crowd sourcing to get wide area coverage. i.e. if your bike is stolen and the tag is out of reach of YOUR phone, it will still communicate with any phone within range that is also running their app. That phone will report it's GPS location when it communicates with the tag. This info is relayed to you, and you get the approximate GPS location of your stolen bike. It depends on someone running their app eventually being near your stolen or lost object. Pretty cool idea, but it only works well if enough other people are also using it.

 

What about installing a gps cellular tracking device inside the battery of a power tool.

You need a dc to dc step down converter to turn 18v into 4v mini USB.

And you would need an off the shelf gps cellular tracker.

You'd also need to modify the battery case to fit in the module. You might need to actually make the shell of battery slightly bigger. Get some injection moulded or 3D printed.

Gps receiving signal is an issue, but sooner or later it would turn up.

Thiefs love stealing the cordless power tools... had my van done the other day and started thinking about this idea. There is definitely a market for it. And if you can power the module from a working battery then it will have a long battery life. And even if it runs out of power, sooner or later someone's gong to charge it again and bingo, you know where it is!

 

What about installing a gps cellular tracking device inside the battery of a power tool.

You need a dc to dc step down converter to turn 18v into 4v mini USB.

And you would need an off the shelf gps cellular tracker.

You'd also need to modify the battery case to fit in the module. You might need to actually make the shell of battery slightly bigger. Get some injection moulded or 3D printed.

Gps receiving signal is an issue, but sooner or later it would turn up.

Thiefs love stealing the cordless power tools... had my van done the other day and started thinking about this idea. There is definitely a market for it. And if you can power the module from a working battery then it will have a long battery life. And even if it runs out of power, sooner or later someone's gong to charge it again and bingo, you know where it is!

Stole power tools are easy to find. Crooks are lazy so they don't need power tools. Since they don't need them, they convert them to cash on craigslist or pawn shops. Look at this two locations over the next three months and you'll find them. Note, pawn shops in some states have to hold what they buy for a month before putting it on the shelves.

 

I am using Nut Find3 Bluetooth tracking device. Its range is 150 Foot and the battery is replaceable. The design of the Nut Find 3 focuses on loss prevention, so you never lose your items in the first place.

 

I would like a device to track bounce houses, waterslides, and other inflatables that are rented across the biggest US city to prevent theft any suggestions. I probably have about max 50 out at a time.