GPS Module for Arduino and Raspberry Pi

Introduction

The GPS module for Arduino and Raspbery Pi is a small electronic circuit that allows to connect to your Arduino/Raspberry Pi board to get position and altitude, as well as speed, date and time on UTC (Universal Time Coordinated). It uses the standard NMEA protocol ( http://www.nmea.org ) to transmit the position data via serial port.

Connecting the GPS module to Arduino (Gateway mode)

Now you have two options: you can upload a “BareMinimum” to Arduino or remove the Microcontroller (Atmega328) from Arduino to use it in gateway mode.

Once the GPS is connected you have to connect power to it. Using two small wires (red for 5V and black for GND). See the picture.

Connecting the GPS module to Raspberry Pi (Gateway mode)

For connecting the GPS module to a Raspberry Pi we need to use the Rx and Tx pins of the shield.

Once the GPS is connected, you have to connect power to it. Using two small wires (red for 5V and black for GND). The switch in the connection bridge must be at the right. See the picture.

Getting GPS NMEA sentences in gateway mode with Arduino

Finally, plug the USB cable to your computer and open a terminal program to listen the serial port. Use the following serial port configuration: 4800 baud, 8 data bits, no parity, 1 stop bit, no flow control.

You'll see the NMEA sentences coming from the GPS module.

Getting GPS NMEA sentences in gateway mode with Raspberry Pi

To stablish UART connection with the module you can use several programs as cutecom in Raspbian graphical environment or minicom in a terminal window in order to use it via SSH . For using minicom follow these steps:

1. Open a Terminal window on Raspberry Pi, or connect to Raspberry Pi through SSH. In order to enter via SSH change here the IP from your Raspberry Pi. The default user is pi.
   ssh -X [email protected]

   Now you will have to type your password. The default password is “raspberry”.

2. Install minicom (only if you haven't done it before):
   sudo apt-get install minicom

3. Open comunication with the module UART, the baudrate is 4800:
   minicom -b 4800 -o -D /dev/ttyAMA0

4. Then you'll see the NMEA sentences coming from the GPS module.

5. To exit minicom press CTRL+A, then press X and Yes.

For more detail: GPS Module for Arduino and Raspberry Pi

About The Author

Ibrar Ayyub

I am an experienced technical writer with a Master's degree in computer science from BZU Multan University. I have written for various industries, mainly home automation, and engineering. I have a clear and simple writing style and am skilled in using infographics and diagrams. I am a great researcher and is able to present information in a well-organized and logical manner.