This GPS Breakout PCB is principally intended for use in high altitude balloon trackers. This is a board only, you will need to supply your own Ublox MAX M8Q GPS. For a basic GPS module all you need is the board, a Ublox MAX M8Q GPS and some wire.

The Ublox MAX M8Q is the classic GPS for use in high altitude balloons and well proven in operation. This board allows you to make a very lightweight GPS module, assembled weight is circa 1.75g with a 6 way edge connector fitted.

The breakout board itself is 25mm x 16mm and weighs 0.85g. You can fit a a simple wire antenna, a 1/4 wave (4.76cm) of 'ERNIE BALL CUSTOM GAUGE No.13 guitar wire'. There are also holes to allow the fitting of 4 x 1/4 wave ground plane radials.

You can alternatively fit the often used ceramic stick antenna, JTI_ANTENNA-1575AT43A40, for a more compact module but it does not seem to perform as well as the simple wire antenna.

The MAX M8Q GPS supports both serial and I2C connections and the 6 way edge connector has the I2C connections as well as the serial. With I2C connections present there is then the option of fitting an I2C TC74 temperature sensor, IC1. There is also a 4 pin I2C header to which a BMP280 or BME280 sensor breakout board can be fitted.

Do take anti-static precautions when assembling the GPS board, the Ublox MAX M8Q is sensitive to damage on its antenna input. An inductor can be fitted to protect the GPS antenna input from static damage. Its a 33nH inductor, Farnell part 242 4724, WURTH ELEKTRONIK part 744786133A.

You can also add an LED which connects to the 1PPS pin on the GPS which will flash when the GPS has time sync.

Postage is paid in the UK. Note that your country may levy additional taxes or levies on delivery.