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NEO M8N GPS Module with Compass for APM ARDUPILOT

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GPS Positioning

The module receives GPS signals from a constellation of satellites, providing accurate positioning data, including latitude, longitude, altitude, speed, and direction.

Compass Functionality

The integrated 3-axis compass provides magnetic field measurements, enabling the calculation of heading, pitch, and roll.

Key Features

  • High-Accuracy GPS: The NEO M8N module utilizes the u-blox M8N GPS engine, which offers high sensitivity and accuracy, even in challenging environments.
  • Compact Design: The module's compact size (20.5mm x 15.5mm x 6.5mm) and lightweight design make it ideal for installation on drones, robots, and other IoT devices.
  • Low Power Consumption: The NEO M8N module operates at a low power consumption of 25mA @ 3.3V, reducing power drain on batteries and increasing overall system efficiency.
  • Built-in Antenna: The module features a built-in ceramic antenna, which provides improved GPS signal reception and reduces the need for external antennas.
  • APM/ArduPilot Compatibility: The NEO M8N module is specifically designed for use with APM and ArduPilot platforms, ensuring seamless integration and compatibility.
  • UART and I2C Interfaces: The module provides both UART and I2C interfaces, allowing for flexible communication with the host system.
  • Support for Various Protocols: The NEO M8N module supports various protocols, including NMEA, UBLOX, and others, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of systems.

Technical Specifications

GPS Chipset

u-blox M8N

Frequency Band

L1, 1575.42MHz

Positioning Accuracy

2.5m CEP (Circular Error Probable)

Velocity Accuracy

0.1m/s

Compass Accuracy

1

Operating Temperature

-40C to 85C

Power Supply

3.3V ( tolerance3.0V to 3.6V)

Communication Interface

UART and I2C

Data Output

NMEA, UBLOX, and custom formats

Pinouts and Dimensions

The NEO M8N GPS Module with Compass has the following pinouts

UART

TX, RX, VCC, GND

I2CSCL, SDA, VCC, GND
The module's dimensions are

Length

20.5mm

Width

15.5mm

Height

6.5mm

Certifications and Compliance

The NEO M8N GPS Module with Compass complies with the following regulations and standards

CE

Conforms to EU health, safety, and environmental protection standards

FCC

Complies with FCC Part 15 regulations

RoHS

Compliant with EU Directive 2011/65/EU on the restriction of hazardous substances

Warranty and Support

The NEO M8N GPS Module with Compass is backed by a manufacturer's warranty and dedicated technical support team, ensuring reliable performance and assistance when needed.

Pin Configuration

  • NEO M8N GPS Module with Compass for APM ARDUPILOT Pinout Documentation
  • The NEO M8N GPS Module with Compass is a compact and high-performance GPS module designed for use with APM ARDUPILOT systems. The module features a 10-pin interface, which allows for easy connection to a microcontroller or other devices. Below is a detailed explanation of each pin, including their function and connection guidelines.
  • Pinout Structure:
  • | Pin Number | Pin Name | Function | Connection Guidelines |
  • | --- | --- | --- | --- |
  • | 1 | VCC | Power Supply | Connect to 3.3V or 5V power supply, depending on the device's requirements |
  • | 2 | GND | Ground | Connect to the ground pin of the device or power supply |
  • | 3 | RX | Receive Data | Connect to the TX pin of the microcontroller or device |
  • | 4 | TX | Transmit Data | Connect to the RX pin of the microcontroller or device |
  • | 5 | PPS | Pulse Per Second | Optional connection for synchronizing with the GPS clock |
  • | 6 | VBACKUP | Backup Power | Connect to a battery or supercapacitor for backup power (optional) |
  • | 7 | I2C SCL | I2C Clock | Connect to the I2C clock pin of the microcontroller or device |
  • | 8 | I2C SDA | I2C Data | Connect to the I2C data pin of the microcontroller or device |
  • | 9 | COMPASS_X | Compass X-axis | Connect to an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) pin for compass readings |
  • | 10 | COMPASS_Y | Compass Y-axis | Connect to an ADC pin for compass readings |
  • Pin Descriptions:
  • 1. VCC (Power Supply): This pin should be connected to a 3.3V or 5V power supply, depending on the device's requirements. Make sure to use a voltage regulator if necessary.
  • 2. GND (Ground): Connect this pin to the ground pin of the device or power supply to provide a common ground reference.
  • 3. RX (Receive Data): This pin is used to receive data from the microcontroller or device. Connect it to the TX pin of the microcontroller or device.
  • 4. TX (Transmit Data): This pin is used to transmit data from the GPS module to the microcontroller or device. Connect it to the RX pin of the microcontroller or device.
  • 5. PPS (Pulse Per Second): This pin provides a pulse signal synchronized with the GPS clock. It can be used to synchronize the device's clock with the GPS clock.
  • 6. VBACKUP (Backup Power): This pin is used to connect a battery or supercapacitor for backup power. This is an optional connection, but it's recommended to ensure continued operation during power failures.
  • 7. I2C SCL (I2C Clock): This pin is used for I2C communication and should be connected to the I2C clock pin of the microcontroller or device.
  • 8. I2C SDA (I2C Data): This pin is used for I2C communication and should be connected to the I2C data pin of the microcontroller or device.
  • 9. COMPASS_X (Compass X-axis): This pin is used to read the compass X-axis data and should be connected to an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) pin.
  • 10. COMPASS_Y (Compass Y-axis): This pin is used to read the compass Y-axis data and should be connected to an ADC pin.
  • Connection Considerations:
  • Use a level shifter or voltage regulator if the GPS module is not compatible with the microcontroller's voltage level.
  • Make sure to use a suitable communication protocol (e.g., UART, I2C) and configure the microcontroller or device accordingly.
  • When using the I2C interface, ensure that the pull-up resistors are connected to the correct voltage level (3.3V or 5V).
  • When using the compass functionality, make sure to connect the COMPASS_X and COMPASS_Y pins to ADC pins capable of reading the analog signals.
  • By following these guidelines and pin descriptions, you can successfully connect the NEO M8N GPS Module with Compass to your APM ARDUPILOT system and utilize its features for your IoT projects.

Code Examples

NEO M8N GPS Module with Compass for APM ARDUPILOT Documentation
Overview
The NEO M8N GPS Module with Compass is a high-performance GPS module designed for use with the APM (ArduPilot) autopilot system. It is a compact, low-power module that provides accurate GPS, GLONASS, and BEIDOU satellite navigation, as well as a built-in 3-axis magnetometer (compass) for orientation detection.
Technical Specifications
GPS: NEO M8N module
 Satellite Systems: GPS, GLONASS, BEIDOU
 Accuracy: 2.5m CEP (50%)
 Update Rate: Up to 10 Hz
 Compass: 3-axis magnetometer
 Operating Voltage: 3.3V to 5V
 Communication Interface: UART, I2C
Code Examples
### Example 1: Using the NEO M8N GPS Module with APM Autopilot (C++)
This example demonstrates how to use the NEO M8N GPS Module with the APM autopilot system to read GPS data and compass orientation.
```cpp
#include <AP_GPS.h>
#include <AP_Compass.h>
AP_GPS gps;
AP_Compass compass;
void setup() {
  Serial.begin(115200);
  gps.init();
  compass.init();
}
void loop() {
  gps_data_t gps_data;
  compass_data_t compass_data;
if (gps.read(gps_data)) {
    Serial.print("GPS: ");
    Serial.print("Lat: ");
    Serial.print(gps_data.latitude degrees);
    Serial.print(", Lon: ");
    Serial.print(gps_data.longitude degrees);
    Serial.print(", Alt: ");
    Serial.println(gps_data.altitude meters);
  }
if (compass.read(compass_data)) {
    Serial.print("Compass: ");
    Serial.print("Roll: ");
    Serial.print(compass_data.roll degrees);
    Serial.print(", Pitch: ");
    Serial.print(compass_data.pitch degrees);
    Serial.print(", Yaw: ");
    Serial.println(compass_data.yaw degrees);
  }
delay(50);
}
```
### Example 2: Using the NEO M8N GPS Module with Arduino (Arduino Sketch)
This example demonstrates how to use the NEO M8N GPS Module with an Arduino board to read GPS data.
```cpp
#include <SoftwareSerial.h>
#include <TinyGPS++.h>
#define GPS_TX 5
#define GPS_RX 6
SoftwareSerial gpsSerial(GPS_RX, GPS_TX);
TinyGPSPlus gps;
void setup() {
  Serial.begin(115200);
  gpsSerial.begin(9600);
}
void loop() {
  while (gpsSerial.available() > 0) {
    if (gps.encode(gpsSerial.read())) {
      if (gps.location.isValid()) {
        Serial.print("GPS: ");
        Serial.print("Lat: ");
        Serial.print(gps.location.lat(), 6);
        Serial.print(", Lon: ");
        Serial.print(gps.location.lng(), 6);
        Serial.print(", Alt: ");
        Serial.println(gps.altitude.meters());
      }
    }
  }
  delay(50);
}
```
### Example 3: Using the NEO M8N GPS Module with Python (Raspberry Pi)
This example demonstrates how to use the NEO M8N GPS Module with a Raspberry Pi running Python to read GPS data.
```python
import serial
import pynmea2
gps_serial = serial.Serial('/dev/ttyUSB0', 9600, timeout=1)
while True:
    data = gps_serial.readline()
    if data:
        msg = pynmea2.parse(data.decode('utf-8'))
        if isinstance(msg, pynmea2.GGA):
            print("GPS: ")
            print("Lat: ", msg.latitude)
            print("Lon: ", msg.longitude)
            print("Alt: ", msg.altitude)
        elif isinstance(msg, pynmea2.RMC):
            print("Compass: ")
            print("Roll: ", msg.roll)
            print("Pitch: ", msg.pitch)
            print("Yaw: ", msg.yaw)
    gps_serial.flush()
```
Note: The above examples are for demonstration purposes only and may require modifications to fit your specific use case. Ensure you have the necessary dependencies and libraries installed for each example.