The Ultimate GPS Breakout module from Adafruit is a feature-packed GPS solution designed for those seeking high performance and versatility in a small form factor. This module, built around the MTK3333 chipset, supports an impressive -165 dBm sensitivity, 66 channels, and 10 Hz location updates, making it ideal for high-speed, high-sensitivity logging and tracking. It operates with low power consumption (only 20mA during navigation) and can be powered by 3.3-5VDC.
Key features include:
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High Performance: Tracks up to 22 satellites, 66 channels, with a sensitivity of -165 dBm.
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Low Power: Only draws 20mA during navigation.
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Breadboard Friendly: Includes two mounting holes and is easily compatible with breadboards.
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Built-in RTC Battery: Includes a footprint for a CR1220 coin cell (not included) to keep the Real-Time Clock (RTC) running, enabling warm starts.
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LED Indicators: A status LED blinks while searching for satellites and glows every 15 seconds once a fix is found.
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External Antenna Support: Equipped with a u.FL connector to support an active GPS antenna, with automatic detection and switching between the internal patch antenna and the external one.
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Data Logging: Features built-in flash memory for data logging every 15 seconds when a fix is found. Logs time, date, longitude, latitude, and altitude, with about 16 hours of data storage.
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PPS Output: Pulse-Per-Second output for precise time tracking.
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5V Friendly: Can handle 5V inputs with level-safe design for 5V logic compatibility.
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ENABLE Pin: Allows for turning off the module using a microcontroller pin or switch.
Version 3 of this module brings exciting enhancements such as external antenna support and data logging capability. The module's datalogging feature allows the GPS to record location data without constant communication from a microcontroller, saving power. After sending the "Start Logging" command, the microcontroller can go into sleep mode, and the GPS will continue logging automatically.
Included in the package is a fully assembled and tested GPS module, a header for breadboarding, and a CR1220 coin cell holder (coin cell not included). Adafruit provides an easy-to-use library and tutorials for Arduino and CircuitPython, making it beginner-friendly yet powerful enough for advanced users.
For under $30, this module offers an affordable and comprehensive GPS solution suitable for a wide range of applications.
Technical Details:
- Satellites: 22 tracking, 66 searching
- Patch Antenna Size: 15mm x 15mm x 4mm
- Update rate: 1 to 10 Hz
- Position Accuracy: < 3 meters (all GPS technology has about 3m accuracy)
- Velocity Accuracy: 0.1 meters/s
- Warm/cold start: 34 seconds
- Acquisition sensitivity: -145 dBm
- Tracking sensitivity: -165 dBm
- Maximum Velocity: 515m/s
- Vin range: 3.0-5.5VDC
- MTK3333 Operating current: 25mA tracking, 20 mA current draw during navigation
- Output: NMEA 0183, 9600 baud default, 3V logic level out, 5V-safe input
- DGPS/WAAS/EGNOS supported
- FCC E911 compliance and AGPS support (Offline mode : EPO valid up to 14 days )
- Up to 210 PRN channels
- Jammer detection and reduction
- Multi-path detection and compensation