Remote job clock - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

bcd · 10-31-2009, 12:25 AM

The hosted time tracking software we've been using for a few months has an option to log in through a simple app on an iPhone, so I came up with this box to secure it on our job sites.

Field testing one now, and if it's successful we'll hopefully have one on each site. After working out a few initial bugs, it's looking good after just one week!

Guys sign in with a numeric username and password, select their job site, and it automatically enters the time and gps coordinates into the system wirelessly and in real time.

The box itself is really tough plastic I got from an outdoors store, and then cut out a 1/4" aluminum plate to hold the iPhone in. The lock on the top allows the plate to be removed for access to the phone. The usb outlet on the top is for charging while in the case, and a 10' cable for that manages to fit under the lid. With the lid closed it's waterproof. On the bottom is a u-bolt for chaining it up so it doesn't grow legs.

Anyways, just had to share my excitement over this project! Let me know what you think and if you have any questions.

**genecarp** · 10-31-2009, 02:04 AM

Nicely done, companies who use time clocks would probably like your design concept, GMOD

carolinahandyma · 10-31-2009, 05:03 AM

Very nice.

Mike Finley · 10-31-2009, 09:13 AM

How will you keep the phone charged?

**genecarp** · 10-31-2009, 09:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Finley

How will you keep the phone charged?

Cords in the lid, picture 1 shows the female end positioned in the side c-channel.GMOD

Mike Finley · 10-31-2009, 10:03 AM

So this goes inside a customers house? You are using an outlet in the customers home then?

bcd · 10-31-2009, 12:23 PM

Thanks. Yeah, the iphone to usb cable is with the phone under the plate and exits where you see it in the channel (to stop it getting snapped off). Then the usb extension cable gets plugged into the ac adapter.

Yes it would go in the customers home I suppose, we do mostly exterior when it comes to residential work, otherwise commercial interior/exterior. I don't see issues with affecting their electric bill here compared to running and charging power tools, is that what you're getting at?

If there wasn't somewhere close to plug into, the phone should last for several days since it's not getting used for calls just a few minutes of data per day, and I could just charge it with the power converter in the truck when I'm at the job.

dgswfla · Yesterday, 05:42 PM

This whole story is BS. I thought I have seen this product on the market.

See us tactical supply as only one of several vendors for it.

Mercy!

dgswfla · Yesterday, 06:01 PM

A company that makes these and many more is Otter Box. Go to their site and click "weather proof cases". There are many designs for phone applications including the iphone and virtually any phone. On their site you will see this box with an iphone on dsiplay.

bconley · Yesterday, 09:47 PM

Why not just have your guys use i-phones?