DIY Arduino GPS Tracker With Real-Time Location on Web Dashboard

Ever thought of building your very own GPS tracker, one that does NOT need a $30/month subscription?

If that’s your next Arduino project, you’re exactly where you need to be. I'll walk you through building a real-time GPS tracker using Arduino UNO, a SIM800L GSM module, and a NEO-6M GPS module.

Further, we'll hook it up to a free cloud dashboard (called GeoLinker) where you can watch your tracker move around on a map in real time. No shady apps. No fees. Just code, hardware, and full control.

The Working of the Arduino GPS Tracker

1. The GPS module talks to satellites and spits out your current coordinates.
2. The Arduino reads that data and formats it neatly.
3. The SIM800L GSM module then sends that info over mobile data to a free cloud dashboard we built called GeoLinker.
4. You can open a browser and see the live location on a map, or share it with someone.

Neat, right?

1. Arduino UNO R3 × 1 (the main controller)
2. SIM800L GSM Module × 1 (for 2G data communication)
3. NEO-6M GPS Module × 1 (gets GPS coordinates)
4. Breadboard × 1 (for prototyping)
5. Resistors 4.7kΩ and 10kΩ × 1 set (for voltage divider)
6. Jumper Wires × As needed (for connections)
7. Power Bank (5V, 2A output) × 1 (for powering the setup)

Also, grab a 2G-compatible SIM card. If you’re in India, go for Airtel, Vodafone, or BSNL. Avoid Jio as it’s 4G-only and won’t work with SIM800L.

Let’s wire up the modules. Don’t worry, it’s mostly plug-and-play.

NEO-6M GPS → Arduino UNO

1. VCC → 5V
2. GND → GND
3. TX → Pin 0 (RX)
4. RX → (Not needed)

Important: Disconnect the TX wire from the GPS before uploading code, as it messes with the bootloader.

SIM800L GSM → Arduino UNO

1. VCC → 5V (drop it through a diode to ~4.3V)
2. GND → GND
3. RX → Pin 8 (via voltage divider: 10kΩ + 4.7kΩ)
4. TX → Pin 9
5. RST → Pin 2 (this helps manage memory)

Power Tip: Don’t run this setup from your laptop’s USB port, 'cause the SIM800L draws up to 2A when sending data. Make use of a power bank that can handle 2A output.

To make things as simple as possible, we built a lightweight Arduino library just for this. It handles:

1. GPS parsing
2. SIM800L communication
3. Cloud integration via HTTP

Install It:

1. Open up Arduino IDE
2. Go to Sketch > Include Library > Manage Libraries
3. Search for GeoLinker Lite
4. Hit Install

Or download it from GitHub: GeoLinkerLite GitHub

Just replace the placeholders with your own APN and API key.

You can grab your free API key from CircuitDigest Cloud. It’s free, and you can track multiple devices too.

Once your code is uploaded and everything's connected:

1. Head outdoors as the GPS needs a clear sky.
2. Open the Serial Monitor at 9600 baud.
3. You’ll see GPS lock → GSM connect → data upload.
4. Then open GeoLinker and see your tracker’s location live.

We placed the setup on a car dashboard and drove around. GeoLinker updated every 20 seconds. You’ll even see tighter waypoints in traffic. Not bad for a basic setup, huh?

Can’t upload the code?

Unplug the GPS TX wire from Pin 0 first.

Your Arduino keeps resetting?

This is a power supply issue. Use a power bank with 2A output.

No GPS data?

Go outside, wait 2–5 mins for satellite lock. Check the antenna too.

HTTP 401 error?

Double-check your API key. Make sure there are no spaces or typos.

SIM800L not working?

Make sure:

1. SIM card is 2G (Jio won’t work)
2. You’ve got the voltage divider in place
3. The antenna is attached properly

And there you have it. A working Arduino GPS tracker you built from scratch.

It’s cheap, reliable, and gives you full control over your data.

Here are some ways to expand this project:

1. Add a buzzer or motion sensor
2. Use it for pet tracking
3. Build it into a vehicle with a proper enclosure
4. Or even integrate with home automation

A more thorough guide is available here: Arduino GPS Tracker