Waveshare UART GPS NEO-6M - User Manual

UART GPS NEO-6M User Manual Waveshare
www.waveshare.net
1
UART GPS NEO-6M User Manual
Features
U-BLOX NEO-6M module with high-gain active antenna;
TTL level, compatible with 3V/5V systems;
Baud rate: 9600kbps (default), adjustable by u-center;
Provided IPX interface for different active antennas;
Provided rechargeable battery backup, enabling to save ephemeris data on power
down;
Support hot start.
Parameters
Receiver type:
50 channels, GPS L1(1575.42Mhz) C/A code,
SBAS:WAAS/EGNOS/MSAS
Horizontal position accuracy:
2.5mCEP (SBAS:2.0mCEP)
Navigation update rate:
5Hz maximum (1HZ default)
Capture time:
Cool start: 27s (fastest)；Hot start: 1s
Tracking & Navigation sensitivity:
-161dBm
Communication protocol:
NMEA(default)/UBX Binary
Serial baud rate:
4800, 9600(default), 19200, 38400, 57600, 115200, 230400
Operating temperature:
-40℃ ~ 85℃
Operating voltage:
2.7V~5.0V(power supply input via VCC)
Operating current:
45mA
TXD/RXD impedance:
510Ohms
Applications
This module can be applied to navigator, aircraft positioning, etc.
Hardware
1. A computer with Windows XP/Win7/Win8 OS;
2. An USB to TTL serial module, such as FT232, PL2303, CP2102, etc. If there is a
native serial port in the computer, a DB9 to TTL serial module may be used;
3. A UART GPS NEO-6M module.

Summary

Features and Parameters

Module Features

Details on the U-BLOX NEO-6M module's high-gain antenna, TTL compatibility, IPX interface, and battery backup.

Technical Specifications

Key parameters of the GPS receiver, including channels, accuracy, update rate, sensitivity, and voltage.

Getting Started with the UART GPS Module

Connection and Setup

Instructions for connecting the GPS module to a serial module and computer, and configuring the serial debugging assistant.

Using u-center Software

Guide to installing and using the u-center software for GPS module configuration and data visualization.

Appendix: Modifying Baud Rate

How to Modify Baud Rate via u-center

Detailed steps to change the module's baud rate using the u-center software's port configuration.

Saving Configuration Settings

Procedure to save the modified baud rate and other configurations into the module's memory.

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Important Technical Specifications
3. Usage Features
4. Maintenance Features

The UART GPS NEO-6M module is a GPS receiver designed for navigation and positioning applications. It integrates a U-BLOX NEO-6M module with a high-gain active antenna, offering reliable performance for various uses such as navigators and aircraft positioning.

Function Description

The module's primary function is to receive GPS signals and provide positioning data. It supports both cool and hot starts, with a fast hot start time of 1 second, allowing for quick acquisition of satellite signals. The device outputs data in standard NMEA (default) or UBX Binary protocols, making it compatible with a wide range of systems. A key feature is its rechargeable battery backup, which allows the module to save ephemeris data even when power is off, contributing to faster subsequent starts. It provides TTL level compatibility, ensuring seamless integration with both 3V and 5V systems. The module also includes an IPX interface for connecting different active antennas, offering flexibility in antenna choice.

Important Technical Specifications

• Receiver Type: 50 channels, GPS L1(1575.42Mhz) C/A code, SBAS: WAAS/EGNOS/MSAS.
• Horizontal Position Accuracy: 2.5m CEP (SBAS: 2.0m CEP), indicating high precision in positioning.
• Navigation Update Rate: 5Hz maximum (1Hz default), providing frequent updates of position data.
• Capture Time: Cool start: 27s (fastest); Hot start: 1s.
• Tracking & Navigation Sensitivity: -161dBm, ensuring strong signal reception even in challenging environments.
• Communication Protocol: NMEA (default) / UBX Binary.
• Serial Baud Rate: Configurable from 4800 to 921600 bps, with 9600 bps as the default. This flexibility allows adaptation to different communication requirements.
• Operating Temperature: -40℃ to 85℃, making it suitable for use in a wide range of environmental conditions.
• Operating Voltage: 2.7V to 5.0V (power supply input via VCC), compatible with common power supplies.
• Operating Current: 45mA, indicating relatively low power consumption.
• TXD/RXD Impedance: 510 Ohms.
• Baud Rate Adjustment: The baud rate can be adjusted using the u-center software, providing user control over communication speed.

Usage Features

The module is designed for ease of use and integration. It connects to a serial module (like FT232) for communication with a computer. The provided u-center software is a crucial tool for configuration and monitoring.

• Connection: The module connects via VCC, GND, TXD, and RXD pins to a serial module. The PSS* pin is typically unconnected when used with a computer, as it's intended for clock pulse output to a microcontroller.
• Serial Communication: After connecting, users can start a serial debugging assistant (e.g., u-center) to view the raw GPS data. The software allows selection of the serial port and setting the baud rate (default 9600).
• Positioning: For initial positioning, especially after a cold start, the module requires an open-air environment or proximity to a window to acquire satellite signals. The LED on the module indicates positioning status: it remains on when not positioned and flickers once positioning is achieved. Cold starts typically take 1-3 minutes in good weather.
• u-center Software: This dedicated software provides a comprehensive interface for interacting with the GPS module. It allows users to:
  • Monitor Data: View real-time GPS data, including latitude, longitude, altitude, fix mode, accuracy, and satellite information.
  • Configure Settings: Adjust various parameters, such as the baud rate, through a user-friendly graphical interface.
  • Visualize Position: Integrate with Google Earth (via a plug-in) to visualize the module's position on a map, although minor discrepancies due to GPS static drift may occur.
• Baud Rate Modification: The baud rate can be changed through the u-center software by navigating to View -> Messages View -> UBX -> CFG(Config) -> PRT(Ports). Users can select the desired baud rate and click "Send" to apply the change.
• Saving Configuration: To ensure that modified settings (like baud rate) persist after power cycling, the configuration must be saved to the module's memory. This is done by unfolding UBX -> CFG(Config) -> CFG(Configuration), selecting 2-I2CEEPROM in the Devices option, and clicking "Send".
• NMEA Data Interpretation: The manual provides an example of interpreting NMEA data strings, specifically the $GPRMC message, detailing the meaning of each field such as UTC time, position status, latitude, longitude, ground speed, UTC date, mode indication, and checksum. This helps users understand the raw data output from the module.

Maintenance Features

• Battery Backup: The integrated rechargeable battery backup helps maintain ephemeris data, reducing the time required for subsequent hot starts. This implicitly reduces the need for frequent cold starts, which can be time-consuming.
• Software Updates: The use of u-center software implies that firmware updates or configuration changes can be managed through the software interface, potentially extending the module's lifespan and improving performance.
• Environmental Robustness: The wide operating temperature range (-40℃ to 85℃) suggests a robust design that can withstand various environmental conditions, minimizing the need for specialized environmental controls.
• Troubleshooting: The manual guides users on basic troubleshooting, such as placing the module outdoors for better signal acquisition if indoor positioning fails, and being patient during initial cold starts.
• Documentation: Comprehensive documentation, including the NMEA0183.pdf and u-center User Guide, is provided to assist users with detailed explanations and advanced configurations, facilitating self-maintenance and problem-solving.

Waveshare UART GPS NEO-6M Specifications