Discussions

GPS does not get a lock

Posted by Jaime Felipe on December 2, 2010 at 6:23pm
Hello,

My Mediatek GPS does not get a lock.
The blue led blinks slowly continuously. However, I don't think it's a voltage problem, since the voltage on the first pin of the module is 4.7, which I think is ok.

I have also tried to remove the battery, with no luck. 
The GPS is connect to the ArduPilot mega board and not to the IMU.
Everything else seams to work ok.

Chris, what else can I do??

Thanks
Jaime

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Replies

  • Jimmy P. December 9, 2010 at 6:59am
    When I flashed my GPS, had to unplug it from everything and then hook up a serial connection directly to the gps module (computer --> gps)
  • Jimmy P. December 8, 2010 at 8:49pm
    At the risk of information overload, I will put in my 2 cents because I have battled w/ the Mediatek GPS before and there are a few variables that could cause problems.

    Go step-by-step to cancel out all possible problems
    1. Follow the guide here to make sure your firmware is updated/non-corrupt: http://code.google.com/p/ardupilot/wiki/MediaTek -
    2. verify that your GPS is working at the correct baud rate (do a search)
    3. Try moving to a spot w/ low electrical interference (I have to open the window blinds for mine to lock on :-/ )
    4. After you get a successful lock... press the reset button on the IMU. <--- this last one got me, but it states the problem in the APM manual
  • Mark Grennan December 8, 2010 at 6:33pm
    I found my mediatek would not lock if I had it sitting on top of my laptop. This leads me to think it is sensitive to electronic noise. Even outside with full sky it would not lock for hours. I had to move it two feet away and all was good in 30 seconds.
  • 3D Robotics
    Chris Anderson December 3, 2010 at 7:45pm
    If you've got one of the MediaTek's with the battery, remove the battery (just pry it out and throw it away--it's not needed) and try again.
  • 3D Robotics
    Chris Anderson December 2, 2010 at 7:54pm
    Also note that you have to reset APM once (warm start) after each cold start with the MediaTek. Troubleshooting.
  • Ken December 2, 2010 at 6:48pm
    If the voltage on the first pin of the module is 4.7v, then it is NOT OK. The voltage regulator should be keeping the voltage at pin 1 of the module at 3.3v. It should never go that high. (The MediaTek should be OK at 4.7v, per the spec, but the adapter board has failed if you see that.)

    Are you sure that you are looking at pin 1 of the GPS module, or are you really looking at pin 1 of the adapter board?
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