Great news! Jordi has now released the awesome new (and tiny!) 10Hz Mediatek GPS module attached to an adapter that makes it 100% ArduPilot (and ArduIMU and ArduPilot Mega) compatible. All in one--no soldering required--and you won't believe how small it is! (And just $38.95!) It's preloaded with custom DIY Drones firmware so it outputs an efficient binary protocol optimized for UAV use. Sample code is provide here and will be added to ArduPilot, ArduIMU and ArduPilot Mega over the next month.
We like this one a lot. It's nearly as good as the uBlox module, but cheaper and smaller. We'll be supporting it as a recommended GPS module going forward.
Here's the product description:
USB/UART Interface
Build-in patch antenna for optimal sensitivity
DGPS(WAAS, EGNOS, MSAS) support (optional by firmware)
Maximum update rate : up to 10Hz (optional by firmware)
RoHS compliant
-Based on MediaTek Single Chip Architecture.
-Dimension：16mm x 16mm x 6mm
-L1 Frequency, C/A code, 66 channels
-High Sensitivity：Up to -165dBm tracking, superior urban performances
-Position Accuracy：< 3m CEP (50%) without SA (horizontal)
-Cold Start is under 35 seconds (Typical)
-Warm Start is under 34 seconds (Typical)
-Hot Start is under 1 second (Typical)
-Low Power Consumption：48mA @ acquisition, 37mA @ tracking
-Low shut-down current consumption：15uA, typical
-DGPS(WAAS, EGNOS, MSAS) support (optional by firmware)
-USB/UART Interface
-Support AGPS function ( Offline mode : EPO valid up to 14 days )
We like this one a lot. It's nearly as good as the uBlox module, but cheaper and smaller. We'll be supporting it as a recommended GPS module going forward.
Here's the product description:
State-of-the-art 66 channels MediaTek MT3329 GPS Engine
High sensitivity: Up to -165dBm tracking, superior urban performanceUSB/UART Interface
Build-in patch antenna for optimal sensitivity
DGPS(WAAS, EGNOS, MSAS) support (optional by firmware)
Maximum update rate : up to 10Hz (optional by firmware)
RoHS compliant
Note that the new MediaTek has custom and exclusive "DIYDrones" firmware that allows the unit to output an efficient and very compressed binary protocol. You can still change between NMEA and Binary protocol with standard MTK messages, and switch the refresh rate between 1hz to 10hz, or set any standard serial baud rate (by default is set to 38400 bps and custom binary protocol).
Features:-Based on MediaTek Single Chip Architecture.
-Dimension：16mm x 16mm x 6mm
-L1 Frequency, C/A code, 66 channels
-High Sensitivity：Up to -165dBm tracking, superior urban performances
-Position Accuracy：< 3m CEP (50%) without SA (horizontal)
-Cold Start is under 35 seconds (Typical)
-Warm Start is under 34 seconds (Typical)
-Hot Start is under 1 second (Typical)
-Low Power Consumption：48mA @ acquisition, 37mA @ tracking
-Low shut-down current consumption：15uA, typical
-DGPS(WAAS, EGNOS, MSAS) support (optional by firmware)
-USB/UART Interface
-Support AGPS function ( Offline mode : EPO valid up to 14 days )
Comments
I think everyone needs to remember that this is a fast paced hobby that changes DAILY. Thank you Jordi and Chris for staying on top of it and bringing us these fantastic breakthroughs in UAV fun - My order has been placed.
That sucks.
chris.
Yes, you need the JST cable to connect the GPS to the connector on either the APM or the IMU Mega.
No, it does not solder on.
Regards,
TCIII
Chris - What is the factual basis for your claim? The Sparkfun tests (as opposed to subjective opinion or just plain conjecture) clearly show that the older MediaTek MT3318 with a passive antenna outperforms the U-Blox even with an active antenna. What is the basis for your claim?
Also, what is your definition of "nearly as good?" I have difficulty following flowery generalizations using vague and ambiguous terms, especially when claims are being made that go against the grain of formal tests.
Will the adapter board be sold seperately?
Where is coin battery?
Nice job Guys! That was really quick.
Regards Wallace
Jordi, where can we find the documentation on the "custom and exclusive" binary protocol? Since it was mask programmed exclusively for DIYDrones, and you're selling it (as well as the MT3329 without the board), then I imagine you'd already have the documentation for the binary protocol. Please post a link to it... the link in the store is just to the "standard" version.
How did you get the manufacturer to crank out "customized for DIYDrones" versions of their firmware, without committing to huge (100,000+) quantities? Also, in order for the manufacturer to customize it, you must have given them some specs as to what you wanted the binary protocol to look like. In other words, if it was customized to your specifications, then by definition you already have those specifications. Could you post them (the binary protocol), please?
Or is there more to this than meets the eye?
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