I have a RAK-831 gateway up and running and also have it communicating and receiving packets from a SAMD21 Pro RF module that I configured through the standard Arduino IDE.
I am now looking to try and integrate the SAM-M8Q. Ideally, I’d like this to be a straightforward and simple as possible. I was wondering if the SAM-M8Q can be directly connected to the SAM D21 Pro RF without any other arduino boards, or go-betweens. I am also wondering if there is a simple way to supply power from a lithium ion battery. I know this is pretty straightforward for the Pro RF, but on the SAM-M8Q, there are two qwiic connectors and breakouts for 3.3V supply. Is there a direct battery to qwiic cable or converter available?
In general, I’m trying to send GNSS data back to a given gateway by means of the SAMD21 Pro RF and I’m trying to pick a best way to approach this task. Thanks for any and all help.
I was wondering if the SAM-M8Q can be directly connected to the SAM D21 Pro RF without any other arduino boards, or go-betweens.
Yes, the SAMD21 Pro RF has a Qwiic connector on the end. All you need is a short Qwiic connector like [[this 200mm long one](https://www.sparkfun.com/products/14428) to connect the two devices together. It doesn't matter which Qwiic connector you use on the GPS module, they are both electrically the same connector. The additional pads on the SAM-M8Q would be unused in your application.
I am also wondering if there is a simple way to supply power from a lithium ion battery.
The Pro RF has a JST battery connector next to the USB socket. Just connect one of our single cell LiPo batteries to that connector and the battery will power both the Pro RF and the GPS module.
Do keep in mind that just plugging a GPS into the Pro RF doesn’t make the Pro RF automatically start using it. You will need to adjust your code to query the GPS for data before passing that on via LoRa.](Flexible Qwiic Cable - 200mm - PRT-17258 - SparkFun Electronics)
Thank you Chris. This gets me off and running. I know there is work to be done with the code for the two modules, I was wondering more about the Qwiic connections and powering of the units. You have got me started on that now. Thanks much.