GPS Communicator + Tracker
Designed for adventure sports enthusiasts, Tether is a satellite communicator and tracker that keeps teams connected in remote and
unpredictable environments. Whether mountain
biking, trail running, skiing, snowboarding, or
however you explore the backcountry, Tether
provides location tracking, smart alerts, communication, and emergency response. From
rugged trails to alpine summits, Tether enhances safety, coordination, and peace of mind on
the most remote adventures.
Tools: Solidworks, Rhino Grasshopper, Keyshot, 3D printing, Photoshop, Illustrator
Duration: 10 weeks, Winter 2025
Modular attachments
Tether utilizes a quarter-turn lock attachment mechanism, allowing users to securely and efficiently swap between modular clips and carabiner attachments. This can also integrate with external quarter-turn lock hardware.
CMF
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UI
Tether supports device-to-device communication within the network and satellite messaging
for contacts outside the team. Users can also
report hazards—such as trail closures, preda-
tor sightings, and avalanche risks—directly to
the Tether network, enhancing awareness and
safety. The companion smartphone app allows
users to upload preset messages to the device
for quick, streamlined communication. The app
can also connect to Tether’s satellite network,
enabling full touchscreen keyboard functional-
ity for detailed messaging.
Dimensions
Colors
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Tracking
THE LIGHT-BAR
The integrated light-bar provides visual feedback of team members proximity to each other, enhancing situational awareness. A team members light will blink if they go beyond the set perimeter distance, or turn to a yellow blinking light if they report a network alert. The light bar is also used as a red blinking beacon when SOS is triggered.
GEO-TETHER
Tether connects 2-8 devices into a team track- ing network, allowing the team to monitor each other’s locations. The Geo-Tether feature en- ables users to set a geo-perimeter, triggering smart alerts if a team member moves beyond the designated range. This ensures the group remains connected and within safe proximity, even in vast and unpredictable environments. Additionally, an integrated light bar provides a visual representation of the relative distances between team members, enhancing situational awareness.
The integrated light-bar provides visual feedback of team members proximity to each other, enhancing situational awareness. A team members light will blink if they go beyond the set perimeter distance, or turn to a yellow blinking light if they report a network alert. The light bar is also used as a red blinking beacon when SOS is triggered.
GEO-TETHER
Tether connects 2-8 devices into a team track- ing network, allowing the team to monitor each other’s locations. The Geo-Tether feature en- ables users to set a geo-perimeter, triggering smart alerts if a team member moves beyond the designated range. This ensures the group remains connected and within safe proximity, even in vast and unpredictable environments. Additionally, an integrated light bar provides a visual representation of the relative distances between team members, enhancing situational awareness.
Emergency Response
SOS TRIGGER
For critical emergency, sends GPS coordinates and distress signals to search and rescue emergency services of the device’s location. Also notifies connected team members, that SOS has been triggered along with the user’s location and a request for help.
NETWORK ALERT BUTTON
For team assistance, notifies the network of team members of help needed and provides instructions to converge at the user’s location. For minor injury, mechanical failure, navigation issue, or any need of support that doesn’t require a professional rescue.
For team assistance, notifies the network of team members of help needed and provides instructions to converge at the user’s location. For minor injury, mechanical failure, navigation issue, or any need of support that doesn’t require a professional rescue.
Research - survey![]()
CONNECTION
Maintaining team connectivity in off-grid locations
Ensuring safe distances between team members with real-time tracking
Overcoming the limitations of smartphone communication in remote environments
COMMUNICATION
Enables direct team alerts for hazards, separation, or assistance
Supports device-to-device messaging without reliance on cell networks
Allows users to report environmental hazards such as avalanches or predator sightings.
Maintaining team connectivity in off-grid locations
Ensuring safe distances between team members with real-time tracking
Overcoming the limitations of smartphone communication in remote environments
COMMUNICATION
Enables direct team alerts for hazards, separation, or assistance
Supports device-to-device messaging without reliance on cell networks
Allows users to report environmental hazards such as avalanches or predator sightings.
PREPAREDNESS
Provides real-time tracking and smart alerts for team safety
Features an SOS trigger for life-threatening emergencies
Includes a Network Alert button for non-emergency team assistance
PEACE OF MIND
Empowers adventurers to explore with confidence in rugged landscapes
Reduces risks by ensuring team coordination and fast response
Works in any environment, from dense forests to alpine summits
Provides real-time tracking and smart alerts for team safety
Features an SOS trigger for life-threatening emergencies
Includes a Network Alert button for non-emergency team assistance
PEACE OF MIND
Empowers adventurers to explore with confidence in rugged landscapes
Reduces risks by ensuring team coordination and fast response
Works in any environment, from dense forests to alpine summits
Concept ideation
The Features
MESSAGING
Preset messages on device, optional AI generated responses to chose from, as well as messaging and settings in app.
MESH NETWORK COMMUNICATION
Stay connected with you team without cellular service.
PROXIMITY MONITORING / GEO-TETHER:
Set a geo-perimeter and receive alerts if a team member moves beyond the designated distance.
THE LIGHT-BAR
Linear visual representation of relative proximity.
NETWORK ALERT
Instantly notify your team of hazards or assistance requests within the mesh network.
SOS EMERGENCY BEACON
Send GPS coordinates to search and rescue services in critical emergencies.
GPS SATELLITE COMMUNICATION
Ensure precise positioning in remote locations, with optional GPS tracking reports for home contacts.
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MESSAGING
Preset messages on device, optional AI generated responses to chose from, as well as messaging and settings in app.
MESH NETWORK COMMUNICATION
Stay connected with you team without cellular service.
PROXIMITY MONITORING / GEO-TETHER:
Set a geo-perimeter and receive alerts if a team member moves beyond the designated distance.
THE LIGHT-BAR
Linear visual representation of relative proximity.
NETWORK ALERT
Instantly notify your team of hazards or assistance requests within the mesh network.
SOS EMERGENCY BEACON
Send GPS coordinates to search and rescue services in critical emergencies.
GPS SATELLITE COMMUNICATION
Ensure precise positioning in remote locations, with optional GPS tracking reports for home contacts.
Preset messages on device, optional AI generated responses to chose from, as well as messaging and settings in app.
MESH NETWORK COMMUNICATION
Stay connected with you team without cellular service.
PROXIMITY MONITORING / GEO-TETHER:
Set a geo-perimeter and receive alerts if a team member moves beyond the designated distance.
THE LIGHT-BAR
Linear visual representation of relative proximity.
NETWORK ALERT
Instantly notify your team of hazards or assistance requests within the mesh network.
SOS EMERGENCY BEACON
Send GPS coordinates to search and rescue services in critical emergencies.
GPS SATELLITE COMMUNICATION
Ensure precise positioning in remote locations, with optional GPS tracking reports for home contacts.
Prototyping
Current Prototypes
