GPS Module Easy to Connect to a Micro Controller

[ashkanr]

Hi,

Does anyone know which GPS module is easier to use with a simple PIC micro controller?
I need to store some waypoints in my microcontroller and use the gps data to fly my plane over those points automatically.

Thanks!

[aschuck]

Sparkfun has a lot of good GPS modules.
This one only has three wires VCC GRN TRX.
http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/product_info.php?products_id=8416
Look at the others also.

[ashkanr]

Sparkfun has a lot of good GPS modules.
This one only has three wires VCC GRN TRX.
http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/product_info.php?products_id=8416
Look at the others also.
Thank you aschuck;

Sparkfun has almost everything I needed for my purpose :)

[Peter Seddon]

All the popular GPS modules are quite easy to use as the data is genreally output in sentences conforming to the NMEA0183 standard using an RS232 or similar port. These sentences contain a variety of data including altitude, speed and course over the ground, as well as the co-ordinate data.

Some things to watch are the default data rates which can often be quite low (4800baud) and the update frequency which can be as low as 1set of data per second. For many these parameters can be changed using $PMTK sentences sent to the module.

I would suggest buying a popular type that has matching manufacturers software that can be used to communicate with the module although there are generic packages that can be used with most types.

good luck, Peter

[ashkanr]

All the popular GPS modules are quite easy to use as the data is genreally output in sentences conforming to the NMEA0183 standard using an RS232 or similar port. These sentences contain a variety of data including altitude, speed and course over the ground, as well as the co-ordinate data.

Some things to watch are the default data rates which can often be quite low (4800baud) and the update frequency which can be as low as 1set of data per second. For many these parameters can be changed using $PMTK sentences sent to the module.

I would suggest buying a popular type that has matching manufacturers software that can be used to communicate with the module although there are generic packages that can be used with most types.

good luck, Peter
Thank you Peter. Since I'm planning to install it in an airplane it has to have the refresh rate of 10Hz or higher. Do you have any suggestion (from the popular barnds)?

Thanks,

Ashkan

[Crashaholic]

Most GPS devices use a UART to talk to the outside world. Most microcontrollers have one available. You shouldnt really have a problem incorporating most of them into a design. Make sure the I/O voltage levels are compatible with your micro though. Many of the GPS modules have a RS232 level converter in them. If you want to hook it up directly, you dont want this, unless it is going to be mounted remotely in the aircraft.

[Peter Seddon]

I don't believe any of the popular GPS modules go above 5Hz. Ublox is one that may be worth looking at as they have quite a variety of modules. Failing that try googling for 'GPS 10Hz'

regards Peter

[ashkanr]

Thanks everyone!
I just found this module:
futurlec GPS Module - WD-G-ZX4120
They claim their requisition rate is about 0.1sec. I hope this one works for me...

[KE4NYV]

Does anyone know which GPS module is easier to use with a simple PIC micro controller?
I need to store some waypoints in my microcontroller and use the gps data to fly my plane over those points automatically.

Sparkfun is a great place for parts and ideas. I am currently working on a non-RC product that is designed around the MN5010HS.

Links:

http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/product_info.php?products_id=8825

http://www.micro-modular.com/gps.php?part=MN5010HS&go=brief

This module is excellent so far. It will take +5VDC directly, so if you are working with a +5VDC PIC, you won't be messing with additional voltages to power it. It uses 1.8V logic. I was able to build up a simple test circuit with a breadboard and one of these on a carrier board that I designed. Using a 2N2222 transistor was all that I needed to invert the data and feed it to a serial port of my bench computer. I started out using an ST202 for level inversion, but that was a bit overkill for the application. Thats when I switched over to the 2N2222.

I used to work with the Trimble Coperncius module. This new module is 1/4 the size of the Copernicus. Incredibly small and powerful!

Here are a few prototyping pics:

http://www.rpc-electronics.com/img/rtrak/lite/mn1050hs001.jpg

http://www.rpc-electronics.com/img/rtrak/lite/mn1050hs003.jpg

http://www.rpc-electronics.com/img/rtrak/lite/mn1050hs002.jpg

http://www.rpc-electronics.com/img/rtrak/lite/mn1050hs005.jpg

Hope that gives you a few ideas.

[hafon]

its good.

[nakamatic]

Hi all,

I've seen this module is "1Hz update rate", you can change tis update rate anyway?