GPS Treasure Box Will Only Open Up in Specified Location

January 12th, 2011 by: Lambert Varias

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By reversing the rules of geocaching, Arduino Forum member RickP has come up with a great way to hide treasure or play a game. In case you’re not familiar with the game, geocaching involves looking for hidden containers – geocaches – using GPS devices. It’s a more precise way of treasure hunting. RickP’s brilliant idea is a lot more cruel – you’re given the box right away, but you won’t be able to open it unless you’re at the right coordinates.

The box has a GPS module, a couple of LEDs and a servo, all mounted on an Arduino board. RickP used nixie tubes to display the distance. The box will search for a GPS signal for three minutes, after which it will display (in kilometers) how far it is from the target location. If it can’t get a signal, the Error LED will light up. Four D batteries power the box.

So what’s the prize? When you open up the box, you’ll find “instructions inside on how to reprogram it via USB and a serial console.” And the game begins anew. I wonder if the box can be programmed to open not just at the right coordinates, but also after a set period of time has passed. That way the game can be more interesting – even if you’ve found the spot, you’ll have to stay and defend the box for some time while other players try to take it from you. Check out Arduino Forum for more info.

[via Fashionably Geek]