In this project, I built a portable offline GPS tracker using a Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W, a 7.3-inch color E-Paper display, and a GPS module. The system runs entirely without WiFi or cellular — just preload the map and go!
You can use this project for hiking, biking, travel, or any outdoor adventure. It’s battery-powered, sunlight-readable, and fully open source. I walk you through the entire process: from setting up the Pi, connecting the GPS and E-Paper, to mounting everything on a wooden board for portability.
Hardware Used:
- Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W
- Waveshare 7.3-inch Color E-Paper
- Reyax GNSS GPS Module
- 2x 18650 (4000mAh) battery pack
- Wooden board + standoffs (DIY-friendly)
Features:
- Live GPS coordinate tracking
- Visible in direct sunlight (E-Paper!)
- Runs all day on battery
- No internet required
- Lightweight and portable
Software Highlights:
- GPS data via UART serial
- Python script to update screen
- Screen only updates when location changes
In the next video, I’ll show how to add offline map tiles (MBTiles) to display your real-time location on an actual map!
(Next Project)[
https://youtu.be/ggmhJsFT2ZE]https://youtu.be/ggmhJsFT2ZE[7.3inch E Ink Spectra 6 (E6) Full Color]
https://www.waveshare.com/7.3inch-e-paper-hat-e.htm?&aff_id=116255https://amzn.to/3ZhvdDc[18650 Battery Shield]
https://amzn.to/3H6OrVY[REYAX GNSS Module]
https://amzn.to/4kldao2https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/reyax/RYS352A/22206992