Solar Survival Tracker : Powered by the Sun, Guided by Space

Space technology doesn't just operate beyond our planet; it also plays a crucial role in guiding us here on Earth. The Solar Survival Tracker is a compact, solar-powered GPS system designed to illustrate how GPS-based navigation and renewable energy can work together to create an independent, always-operational device. This project is intended for survival applications where you may not have contact with the outside world. The GPS provides highly accurate location data, and the device can also function as a solar power bank.

Every GPS reading we take on Earth begins in space. The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a constellation of over 24 satellites orbiting about 20,200 km above Earth, continuously transmitting time and position data. The Solar Survival Tracker uses these signals to determine its exact latitude, longitude, altitude, and speed,This GNSS module is multi-system compatible—it can access GPS (USA), GLONASS (Russia), Galileo (EU), and BeiDou (China) networks, ensuring accurate and reliable tracking even under challenging conditions.

This project celebrates how space infrastructure supports life on Earth. It bridges the worlds of space science, renewable energy, and embedded systems, showing how innovations inspired by space exploration can enable sustainable and autonomous technology.

Key Features

Real-Time GPS Tracking: Displays latitude, longitude, altitude, speed, and visible satellites on a low-power OLED display.
Solar Charging System: Integrated solar panel keeps the device running off-grid using renewable energy.
Built-in Battery: 1200 mAh lithium battery ensures continuous operation during low light.
USB Power Output: Functions as a 5 V / 1 A power source for small electronic devices.
3D-Printed Enclosure: Lightweight, durable, and compact design ideal for outdoor or educational use.

Applications:

Outdoor adventures and hiking
Emergency survival tracking

Supplies

Parts used

Tools used

Soldering kit
Connecting wires
B7000 multipurpose glue
3D printer

Designing in Fusion 360

This project focuses on the design of a water bottle. The design is divided into several levels to facilitate easy 3D printing. You can find all the design files and STL files below. We only need to 3D print two parts for this project.

Downloads

main enclosure .stl

SOLAR GPS v5.step

Top part.stl

Code

Here is the code for this project You might need to install the TinyGPSPlus library for this project. Flash this code to the XIAO using the Arduino IDE before starting the assembly

#include <TinyGPSPlus.h>

#include <HardwareSerial.h>

#include <Wire.h>

#include <Adafruit_GFX.h>

#include <Adafruit_SH110X.h>

// OLED setup

#define SCREEN_WIDTH 128

#define SCREEN_HEIGHT 64

#define OLED_RESET -1

#define I2C_ADDRESS 0x3C

Adafruit_SH1106G display(SCREEN_WIDTH, SCREEN_HEIGHT, &Wire, OLED_RESET);

// GPS setup

HardwareSerial GPS(1);

TinyGPSPlus gps;

#define GPS_RX 7 // GPS TX → ESP32 RX

#define GPS_TX 6 // GPS RX → ESP32 TX

#define GPS_BAUD 9600

void setup() {

Serial.begin(115200);

GPS.begin(GPS_BAUD, SERIAL_8N1, GPS_RX, GPS_TX);

// Initialize OLED

if (!display.begin(I2C_ADDRESS, true)) {

Serial.println("SH1106 OLED not found!");

while (1);

}

display.clearDisplay();

display.setTextColor(SH110X_WHITE);

display.setTextSize(1);

display.setCursor(0, 0);

display.println("GPS Initializing...");

display.display();

delay(2000);

}

void loop() {

// Read incoming GPS data

while (GPS.available() > 0) {

gps.encode(GPS.read());

}

// Draw UI

display.clearDisplay();

display.setTextColor(1);

display.setTextWrap(false);

// === LATITUDE ===

display.setTextSize(1);

display.setCursor(0, 3);

display.print("Lat");

display.setTextSize(2);

display.setCursor(22, 0);

if (gps.location.isValid()) {

display.print(gps.location.lat(), 6);

} else {

display.print("----");

}

// === LONGITUDE ===

display.setTextSize(1);

display.setCursor(0, 22);

display.print("Lon");

display.setTextSize(2);

display.setCursor(22, 18);

if (gps.location.isValid()) {

display.print(gps.location.lng(), 6);

} else {

display.print("----");

}

// === ALTITUDE ===

display.setTextSize(1);

display.setCursor(0, 40);

display.print("Alt");

display.setTextSize(2);

display.setCursor(22, 36);

if (gps.altitude.isValid()) {

display.print(gps.altitude.meters(), 1);

display.print("m");

} else {

display.print("--.-m");

}

// === SPEED ===

display.setTextSize(1);

display.setCursor(1, 56);

if (gps.speed.isValid()) {

display.print(gps.speed.kmph(), 1);

display.print(" kmph");

} else {

display.print("0.0 kmph");

}

// === SATELLITES ===

display.setCursor(86, 57);

display.print("Sats:");

if (gps.satellites.isValid()) {

display.print(gps.satellites.value());

} else {

display.print("--");

}

display.display();

// Serial monitor debug

if (gps.location.isUpdated()) {

Serial.print("Lat: "); Serial.print(gps.location.lat(), 6);

Serial.print(" | Lon: "); Serial.print(gps.location.lng(), 6);

Serial.print(" | Alt: "); Serial.print(gps.altitude.meters(), 1);

Serial.print("m | Speed: "); Serial.print(gps.speed.kmph(), 1);

Serial.print(" km/h | Sats: "); Serial.println(gps.satellites.value());

}

delay(500);

}

Wiring Diagram & Assembly

Before starting the wiring, we need to attach all the modules to the enclosure. Here is the wiring diagram.

XIAO PCB

The XIAO ESP32C3 lacks a screw hole, making it impossible to install directly in your project without a PCB. To solve this issue, I designed a general-purpose XAIO PCB and utilised a PCB service to bring the project to life.

The PCB files are available in my GitHub https://github.com/gokuxmaker/XIAO-PCB-

Placing Modules in the Main Body.

Position the modules in the main body as shown in the picture. Use the 3D printed tabs and align them with the screw holes in the modules. Next, melt the plastic tabs using a soldering iron; this will secure the modules in place.

1. Place the XIAO PCB.

2. Place the solar charger module.

3. Place the GPS module.

4. Melt the plastic caps using a soldering iron.

Power Switch

Install the power switch, using M2 screws, and fix it in place

OLED Display

Used some glue to install the OLED on the top panel

Final Assembly

Complete the wiring according to the wiring diagram
Solder wires to the solar panel
Close the main enclosure and top panel use some glue on the side
Install the battery
Glue in the solar panel

Operation

To power on the device, use the slide switch. If there is sufficient signal, you will begin receiving GPS data.

The device can be recharged using sunlight or through a USB power input. Additionally, it can function as a power bank with a USB output, delivering 5V at 1.5A. You can attach it to your bag using a carabiner for easy carrying.

Final Thought

It’s fascinating to think that every time we check our location, we’re connecting with satellites tens of thousands of kilometers above Earth — silent guardians orbiting in space, guiding us through mountains, oceans, and deserts alike. The Solar Survival Tracker is a reminder of how space technology, once designed to navigate astronauts and spacecraft, now guides and protects people in every corner of our planet.

From rescuers locating lost hikers to scientists mapping uncharted regions, GPS has become one of humanity’s most life-saving inventions. Powered by the same Sun that fuels our solar system, this project celebrates that connection — between space, science, and survival — showing how the technology born among the stars continues to help us find our way back home.