[time-nuts] question for expert time guys

[Rick Harold]

Yes, we would need to address that as best we can.  I thought of using two
different frequencies to combat that to provide additional data.
There is also the aspect that the mobile device is not expected to move too
fast so if we see a big change we look at it with suspicion.
Most likely one distance would be way off from the other two.
The accuracy of 3 feet over 150 or 200 feet too should also allow for some
error.
But I'm not the expert here.

Rick

On Mon, Feb 4, 2013 at 11:35 AM, James Peroulas <james at peroulas.com> wrote:

> About this subject, are you concerned with multipath? The signal from two
> of the basestations might arrive over a line-of-sight path whereas for the
> third basestation the signal might bounce around before arriving...
>
> JP
>
>
> -------------------------
>
>
> To time experts/EE's.
>
> I would like to triangulate a position of a device which moves using 3
> fixed positions devices of known location.
> The idea is to have these operate on 915mhz or 434mhz or 2.4ghz or
> appropriate frequency.
> These two type of devices (fixed and mobile) are all under my control and
> thus customized as needed.
>
> The mobile device (not a phone, custom device) would be the least expensive
> item.  I'd like a range of 150 feet or better and accuracy of 3 feet or
> better.
> When manufactured these items they can be calibrated in order to adjust for
> any variation in IC's, discrete components etc...
> We can assume for now the temperature is constant 70 degree temperature.
> Cost is the key design factor.
>
> The general flow is:
>
>    1. base station 1 indicates we are determining position of device A.
>    2. Each base station 1, 2, 3 take turns pinging the device to determine
> distance.
>    3. A ping consists of (something like, e.g. frequencies as examples)
>         -send 915mhz signal from base station to device
>         -device response ASAP on different frequency
>         -station waits and counts 'time' for return
>         -this is repeated N? times to get best avg/accuracy.
>         -The mobile device does not move very fast
>    4. Since delays of the process on each unit is calibrated the device and
> base station would subtrack that time out from the results.
>    5. obviously with 3 distances we can determine the 2D position of the
> mobile device
>
> I know the time accuracy is the key to count time =  feet, 1ns.  This
> overall project is not new concept.   How to make it "inexpensive" is key.
> how inexpensive, very ;-)   no OCXO or expensive components like that.
>
> That's my goal, and I'm looking for help on the design/thought process of
> getting there.
> I am open to a consulting arrangement for a fee, please email if you like.
>  I've worked with 'regular' EE's (I'm a software guy) but this time
> accuracy is too much for them.
> Esp. finding a way to do it inexpensively.
>
> Thanks for any thoughts.
>
>
>
> --
> Integrity is a binary state - either you have it or you don’t. - John Doerr
>