I am unable to get a lock with it, solid red at any location.
What do I need to do to return it and get a new one (I have modified the cable). (number at the bottom is 400866)
Thanks for the help.
Hi,
Two things to check before you return it;
1 - Is your power supply clean?
2 - Have you waited 12 minutes with it exposed at some area? It can take up to 12 minutes to acquire almanac data at first power on.
Cheers,
–David Carne
Hi!
I have the same problem. I never tried before any project with the EM-406A module, so I’m completely beginner in this area.
However I made a simple project with the EM-406A, Arduino Uno and an 16 LCD Display to see if I can get any data outside because my first attempt to use close to my window and watching the serial port was unsuccessful. I left it outside, in my garden for 30 min and the LED is stil blinking with no sign of lock. What can I do?
Thanks,
Birbal
Hello guys,
I new to this forums and electronics, but I’m looking forward to learn.
I just got a Netduino, a GPS shield and a EM-406A to make my first project and so far I’m figuring things out except that I cannot make the GPS to lock on satellites.
In regards to my setup and what I’ve done:
-
Power through laptops USB port.
-
GPS module next to my window where my phone locks on 8 satellites
-
I have let the GPS on for over 12 minutes
-
The GPS is attached to GPS shield with 2-sided tape.
Here’s the GPS sentense I’m getting:
$GPGGA,014445.417,0,00,M,0.0,M,0000*54
$GPGSA,A,1,*1E
$GPRMC,014445.417,V,171011,N*48
$GPGGA,014446.430,0,00,M,0.0,M,0000*52
$GPGSA,A,1,*1E
$GPGSV,1,1,00*79
$GPRMC,014446.430,V,171011,N*4E
$GPGGA,014447.417,0,00,M,0.0,M,0000*56
$GPGSA,A,1,*1E
$GPRMC,014447.417,V,171011,N*4A
$GPGGA,014448.417,0,00,M,0.0,M,0000*59
$GPGSA,A,1,*1E
$GPRMC,014448.417,V,171011,N*45
$GPGGA,014449.430,0,00,M,0.0,M,0000*5D
$GPGSA,A,1,*1E
$GPRMC,014449.430,V,171011,N*41
$GPGGA,014450.417,0,00,M,0.0,M,0000*50
$GPGSA,A,1,*1E
$GPRMC,014450.417,V,171011,N*4C
$GPGGA,014451.417,0,00,M,0.0,M,0000*51
$GPGSA,A,1,*1E
$GPGSV,1,1,00*79
Some of my questions:
-
Should I use UART or DLINE?
-
I don’t understand what the “Solder Jumper” does, can someone tell me if I need to solder it?
Your help is greatly appreciated,
Alex,
birbal:
Hi!I have the same problem. I never tried before any project with the EM-406A module, so I’m completely beginner in this area.
However I made a simple project with the EM-406A, Arduino Uno and an 16 LCD Display to see if I can get any data outside because my first attempt to use close to my window and watching the serial port was unsuccessful. I left it outside, in my garden for 30 min and the LED is stil blinking with no sign of lock. What can I do?
Thanks,
Birbal
Hi Birbal,
What do you mean by ‘no sign of lock’??? According to the EM-406A datasheet, the LED indicator is on solid (no flashing) when there is no valid position, and it is flashing when a position fix been established. That is exactly the way the one on my work bench is operating.
What have you got attached to the EM-406A serial port? Are you trying to read the port directly with a computer, or are you trying to read the data with a micro-controller?? If you are connecting it to a computer, you need an interface chip between the two like a MAX232 IC. If you are connecting to a micro, one thing to be aware of is that although the EM-406A is powered at 5V, the serial output (TxD) output swing is only 0V to 2.85V. On many micros, the RxD input is a Schmitt trigger, and the 2.85V is not enough to trigger the input. What you need to do is add a simple buffer between the EM-406A and the micro to boost the voltage level up to 0 to 5V.
I hope this helps!
John
alex2wr:
Hello guys,I new to this forums and electronics, but I’m looking forward to learn.
I just got a Netduino, a GPS shield and a EM-406A to make my first project and so far I’m figuring things out except that I cannot make the GPS to lock on satellites.
In regards to my setup and what I’ve done:
Power through laptops USB port.
GPS module next to my window where my phone locks on 8 satellites
I have let the GPS on for over 12 minutes
The GPS is attached to GPS shield with 2-sided tape.
Here’s the GPS sentense I’m getting:
$GPGGA,014445.417,0,00,M,0.0,M,0000*54
$GPGSA,A,1,*1E
$GPRMC,014445.417,V,171011,N*48
$GPGGA,014446.430,0,00,M,0.0,M,0000*52
$GPGSA,A,1,*1E
$GPGSV,1,1,00*79
$GPRMC,014446.430,V,171011,N*4E
$GPGGA,014447.417,0,00,M,0.0,M,0000*56
$GPGSA,A,1,*1E
$GPRMC,014447.417,V,171011,N*4A
$GPGGA,014448.417,0,00,M,0.0,M,0000*59
$GPGSA,A,1,*1E
$GPRMC,014448.417,V,171011,N*45
$GPGGA,014449.430,0,00,M,0.0,M,0000*5D
$GPGSA,A,1,*1E
$GPRMC,014449.430,V,171011,N*41
$GPGGA,014450.417,0,00,M,0.0,M,0000*50
$GPGSA,A,1,*1E
$GPRMC,014450.417,V,171011,N*4C
$GPGGA,014451.417,0,00,M,0.0,M,0000*51
$GPGSA,A,1,*1E
$GPGSV,1,1,00*79
Some of my questions:
Should I use UART or DLINE?
I don’t understand what the “Solder Jumper” does, can someone tell me if I need to solder it?
Your help is greatly appreciated,
Alex,
Hi Alex,
I don’t know anything about the ‘GPS Shield’, but I am familiar with the EM-406A, and since you are receiving data from the module, I don’t think it’s a configuration problem with the shield. It just sounds like the GPS has just not had the conditions/opportunity to obtain a good position fix! If you look at the $GPGSV message, the third field (“00”) indicates that no satellites are in view. I would take the laptop and the shield outside as far away from any obstructions (trees, buildings, etc.) and let it sit for a good 1/2 hour and see what happens. you can watch the $GPGSV message for any changes.
There are a couple of things that make a GPS require a lot of time to get a position fix. One is not being switched on in a long time, and two is moving the GPS module a long distance while off. The GPS module has a database of satellite positions in time, and has an expectation of what satellites it should see based on it’s position. If the database is very outdated (the module has been off for a long time), or if the position assumption is wrong (the module was moved), the module needs to go into a search mode to find it’s current position, and rebuild the database.
Hope this helps!
John
John Morley:
What do you mean by ‘no sign of lock’??? According to the EM-406A datasheet, the LED indicator is on solid (no flashing) when there is no valid position, and it is flashing when a position fix been established. That is exactly the way the one on my work bench is operating.
Hi John!
Thank you very much for your reply. I don’t know why I understood the other way around. I just download the datashet and indeed it says that LED Flashing: Position fixed. Which I obtain pretty fast.
So then I have a problem with my software. Like I said before I’m using Arduino and I’m watching the serial monitor thrugh this board. I will research more about the software then.
Thank you very much!
Birbal
Hi Again!
After hours of research and try different version of software I finally found a version wich can get all the NMEA data and finally is working. Now I can alterate this software to accomplish exactly what I’m looking for.
Thanks again John for your answer! I don’t know how I get the impression that the blinking led means there is no lock. Anyway is pretty amaizing coz I get signal very easy and fast indoor and there is no need to aproach my window.
John Morley:
Hi Alex,I don’t know anything about the ‘GPS Shield’, but I am familiar with the EM-406A, and since you are receiving data from the module, I don’t think it’s a configuration problem with the shield. It just sounds like the GPS has just not had the conditions/opportunity to obtain a good position fix! If you look at the $GPGSV message, the third field (“00”) indicates that no satellites are in view. I would take the laptop and the shield outside as far away from any obstructions (trees, buildings, etc.) and let it sit for a good 1/2 hour and see what happens. you can watch the $GPGSV message for any changes.
There are a couple of things that make a GPS require a lot of time to get a position fix. One is not being switched on in a long time, and two is moving the GPS module a long distance while off. The GPS module has a database of satellite positions in time, and has an expectation of what satellites it should see based on it’s position. If the database is very outdated (the module has been off for a long time), or if the position assumption is wrong (the module was moved), the module needs to go into a search mode to find it’s current position, and rebuild the database.
Hope this helps!
John
Hello John,
Thank you for your feedback, I went ahead and tried to go out to an open area with and waited 45 minutes and still no lock.
Regarding the GPS Shield, this is what I meant http://www.sparkfun.com/products/10710
Is it possible the GPS is broken?
Thanks again
You guys might want to use this: http://www.globalsat.com.tw/download.php
to help checking whether there are satellite in view or not.
Once you get this working, then you concentrate to decode the NMEA string on the Arduino probably using the TinyGPS library. 
alex2wr:
John Morley:
Hi Alex,I don’t know anything about the ‘GPS Shield’, but I am familiar with the EM-406A, and since you are receiving data from the module, I don’t think it’s a configuration problem with the shield. It just sounds like the GPS has just not had the conditions/opportunity to obtain a good position fix! If you look at the $GPGSV message, the third field (“00”) indicates that no satellites are in view. I would take the laptop and the shield outside as far away from any obstructions (trees, buildings, etc.) and let it sit for a good 1/2 hour and see what happens. you can watch the $GPGSV message for any changes.
There are a couple of things that make a GPS require a lot of time to get a position fix. One is not being switched on in a long time, and two is moving the GPS module a long distance while off. The GPS module has a database of satellite positions in time, and has an expectation of what satellites it should see based on it’s position. If the database is very outdated (the module has been off for a long time), or if the position assumption is wrong (the module was moved), the module needs to go into a search mode to find it’s current position, and rebuild the database.
Hope this helps!
John
Hello John,
Thank you for your feedback, I went ahead and tried to go out to an open area with and waited 45 minutes and still no lock.
Regarding the GPS Shield, this is what I meant http://www.sparkfun.com/products/10710
Is it possible the GPS is broken?
Thanks again
Hi Alex,
Yes, that is always a possibility, but I’ve found that modern electronic components are quite reliable, and the problem is often found elsewhere!
Can you measure the voltage between pin 1 and pin 2 on the GPS connector? It should be +5V. It appears that the Arduino board is supplying this voltage, and it’s worthwhile to check that it is what you expect!
Where are you located? If you are in the USA, I’d be happy to look at your GPS module for you. I’ve got a EM-406A connected to a PIC micro, and a 8X2 LCD display. It would be easy to swap your module into my project, and see if it works with a known good circuit!
Thanks,
John
John Morley:
Hi Alex,Yes, that is always a possibility, but I’ve found that modern electronic components are quite reliable, and the problem is often found elsewhere!
Can you measure the voltage between pin 1 and pin 2 on the GPS connector? It should be +5V. It appears that the Arduino board is supplying this voltage, and it’s worthwhile to check that it is what you expect!
Where are you located? If you are in the USA, I’d be happy to look at your GPS module for you. I’ve got a EM-406A connected to a PIC micro, and a 8X2 LCD display. It would be easy to swap your module into my project, and see if it works with a known good circuit!
Thanks,
John
Hello John,
Thank you for your help and your interest on helping.
I did measure it last night using the onboard analog in channels but I don’t remember what I was getting. When I get home tonigth, I will check again and post it.
I’m in OH and I wouln’t mind sending you the unit, as I’m running out of time to make this work. I’m making this data logger for a race motorcydle to record engine parameters during a race so that I can adjust air fuel ratio to its optimal and the race is next weekend, 10.29.11 so I’m hoping to have this ready by then.
As mentined above, I’ll check the voltage of TX and RX pins on the GPS shield when I get home tonigh and post the results. I’ll also get the unit ready to ship tomorrow.
PM me you address to have it ready tomorrow.
I appreciate you help,
Alex,
alex2wr:
John Morley:
Hi Alex,Yes, that is always a possibility, but I’ve found that modern electronic components are quite reliable, and the problem is often found elsewhere!
Can you measure the voltage between pin 1 and pin 2 on the GPS connector? It should be +5V. It appears that the Arduino board is supplying this voltage, and it’s worthwhile to check that it is what you expect!
Where are you located? If you are in the USA, I’d be happy to look at your GPS module for you. I’ve got a EM-406A connected to a PIC micro, and a 8X2 LCD display. It would be easy to swap your module into my project, and see if it works with a known good circuit!
Thanks,
John
Hello John,
Thank you for your help and your interest on helping.
I did measure it last night using the onboard analog in channels but I don’t remember what I was getting. When I get home tonigth, I will check again and post it.
I’m in OH and I wouln’t mind sending you the unit, as I’m running out of time to make this work. I’m making this data logger for a race motorcydle to record engine parameters during a race so that I can adjust air fuel ratio to its optimal and the race is next weekend, 10.29.11 so I’m hoping to have this ready by then.
As mentined above, I’ll check the voltage of TX and RX pins on the GPS shield when I get home tonigh and post the results. I’ll also get the unit ready to ship tomorrow.
PM me you address to have it ready tomorrow.
I appreciate you help,
Alex,
So I just check the voltage of RX and TX pins using the same netduino.
RX = 2.65v
TX = 3.07v
Hi Alex,
Sorry, I was really thinking about the supply voltage between pin 1 (GND) and pin 2 (+5V) on the GPS module. I was just thinking that maybe it wasn’t really +5V?
Those other voltages are probably not too relevant if there is data activity on those lines!
Do you have the SiRF demo application? It’s software that allows you to command and reconfigure a GPS using the SiRF chipset. Your module may just be in a ‘weird’ mode? I would probably use the software to reconfigure the module, and provide it with a ‘known’ position fix to help get it going!
John
Are you talking about this?
http://www.falcom.de/uploads/media/Manu … mo3.87.pdf
If so, I haven’t tried it. I didn’t know about it, so I will try it.
alex2wr:
Are you talking about this?http://www.falcom.de/uploads/media/Manu … mo3.87.pdf
If so, I haven’t tried it. I didn’t know about it, so I will try it.
Hi Alex,
That’s the manual for the software. Sparkfun hosts the actual code here: http://www.sparkfun.com/datasheets/GPS/ … mo3.87.zip
I’m not sure if running this software will solve your problem, but you can view a lot of extra data from the module once you switch from ‘NMEA’ output mode to ‘SiRF Protocol’ output mode. You do this under the ‘View’ menu.
This software can be a little bit ‘quirky’, but it does get the job done!
John
Hello John,
It seems like I’m making progress here. I was able to lock satellites as long as I don’t have it hooked to the Netduino. So I tried multiple things to figure our what was happening and this is what I noticed. If I give power to the PS shield (http://www.sparkfun.com/products/10710) one pin at a time, the GPS locks on satellites. But if I power everything at once, I cannot lock to satellites.
I don’t know what is happening
More discoveries
When I power the GPS unit by itself with the laptops USB 5v, it lock on satellites like a charm. The moment I hook it up to netduino, it craps out. I’ve tried to disconnect certain pins to see if it helps, and when I think it did help it looses lock again.
So it seems to me that the problem is with the netduino, I just don’t know were.
By the way, I’m using netduino plus with wichever firmware it came with.
Hi Alex,
OK, I’m glad to hear you are making progress!
I took a brief look again at the GPS Shield schematic/docs to see if there was anything obvious that might explain your observations, but I really didn’t see anything…
I’d say that there are three possibilities for what you are seeing, so this might help a bit:
-
Noisy/Inadequate Power Supply. If you have a scope it would be worth taking a look at the +5V connection right at the GPS module. You might also try adding a decoupling cap (0.1uf), and a filtering cap (10uf) as close to the GPS module as possible.
-
Excessive loading on one or both the TxD and RxD connections from the GPS. There are ‘solder jumpers’ on the GPS Shield that allow you to isolate these connections, so you might see if that helps? This scenario isn’t likely unless you’ve got an assembly error, or a failed/failing input on the Arduino, but it’s worth a check.
-
Some sort of EMI/RFI interference from the Netuino board. It’s possible that the Netuino is generating a lot of EMI/RFI that is coupling into the power supply or serial connections going to/from the GPS module. Perhaps as a test you can physically separate the two boards by using wire connections instead of the headers. Also try shielding the Netuino board by putting your hand over it while running these tests.
My bet is that a combination of #1 and #3 is going to move you along towards a solution.
Good luck!
John
Alex,
Solved???
John