Tutorial: Connecting other GPS modules to ArduPilot
Although we recommend the uBlox GPS module and adapter we sell in the DIY Drones store, which is solid and easy to set up, ArduPilot can support any GPS module in NMEA mode. The tricky bit, however, is usually the connector and programming it to the right baud rate and other settings. Although every GPS module is different, here's a tutorial for two common ones that may help you with others. First, here are the pinouts for the EM406 connector that we use (pins 5 and 6 are not used):
Option One: Locosys 20031
One excellent module is the Locosys 20031 that's sold by Sparkfun (it's also the module used by AttoPilot). To connect it to ArduPilot, solder wires to the pads on the board as shown here:
Once you've got it soldered up, you need to program it for the right baud rate and 5Hz update rate. The best way to do that is to get a GPS adapter from the DIY Drones store and solder on a four pin header on the spare pins. Then connect them to your FTDI cable with jumper wires and another header, as shown here:
Now plug the Locosys into the GPS adapter and follow this tutorial to reprogram it.
In the ArduPilot code, you'll need to change the configuration file to tell it that you're using the Locosys. Change this line to 0, as shown:
//0-3
#define GPS_PROTOCOL 0 // 0 = NMEA, 1=SIRF, 2=uBlox, 3 = ArduIMU, 5 = Simulated GPS mode (Debug)
Option Two: Paparazzi GPS module
Another GPS module you can use is the Paparazzi one (which is also a Ublox 5). Here's how to connect it:
Once you're done, use the same adapter board connection shown above and follow this tutorial to reprogram it for ArduPilot.
You can leave the ArduPilot configuration file in its default setting of 2:
//0-3
#define GPS_PROTOCOL 2 // 0 = NMEA, 1=SIRF, 2=uBlox, 3 = ArduIMU, 5 = Simulated GPS mode (Debug)
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Comment by Troy on April 25, 2010 at 11:01pm -
Chris,
I'm working on interfacing a SUP500F to my AdruPilot. Not sure if I will write a module to talk to it in binary, or just stay with NMEA. I'll post a follow up when I get it working.
Troy
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Comment by Daniel Gru on April 26, 2010 at 2:11am -
Troy, that sounds really interesting.
I was thinking of using the SUP500F on the ArduMEGA, once available.
Just looks like the newest GPS to me, so why not use it right away instead of the Ublox
Regards
Daniel
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Comment by Tim - Arduino for Visual Studio on April 27, 2010 at 5:36am -
Thanks. I was wondering how to connect the 20031
Is that a battery backup I can see on the GPS adapter?
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Comment by Ludovico Antonio on April 27, 2010 at 10:47am -
Nice tutorial.
On this side of the ocean a very popular GPS in UAV/FPV is the SaNav FV-M8.
When propely connected, it works with ardupilot NMEA mode with no more additional configuration, may you check that everything is effectively working right? thnks so much!
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3D Robotics Comment by Chris Anderson on April 27, 2010 at 11:07am -
@TimL. It's actually a supercap, but it does the same thing.
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Comment by michael dunston on December 10, 2010 at 7:05pm -
i broke the gps plug on the arupilot can i plug it to the other gps 4 pin input? if yes how?
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Comment by Tim - Arduino for Visual Studio on December 11, 2010 at 5:28am
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there will be 4 pin holes immediately behind the plug that you can use instead?
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Comment by michael dunston on December 11, 2010 at 7:26pm
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yes i see them but what cable go where exactly.. ?>
how can i connect the gps to it.
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Comment by Tim - Arduino for Visual Studio on December 12, 2010 at 6:10am
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I think the pins match the original cable order. so you can either solder pins into the holes and then solder the gps cable wire to the pins or you can solder the cable directly to the pin holes.
or you can buy the ublox adapter from diyD store which I think gives a set of matching pins and an alternative socket
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Comment by Richard Warrender on July 1, 2011 at 10:21am -
Sorry to drag up an old post but isn't the Locosys 20031 a 3.3v GPS? I thought the ArduPilot gave out 5v on the GPS pins? I don't want to fry the GPS.
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