Getting a Fix with GPS Micro-Mini

GPS/GNSS Development Boards
1

Hi All,

I’m having an issue with the GPS Mico-Mini module. I have it up and running and can receive the data from the GPS, but I never get a lock. I’m not sure if there is an issue with the antenna/module or if I need to send a command to get it to search for a fix. If I look at the GSV message it lists 12 satellites (seems a bit high to me). Has anyone seen an issue like this or can anyone point me in the right direction?

Oh, one more point. When I try to send commands, I don’t get any acknowledgment message from the module. No response at all. can anyone shed any light on that one either?

Thanks in advance,

-mtburt

2

Your topic and [this one, lead me to believe that Sparkfun need to do a board revision…](http://forum.sparkfun.com/viewtopic.php?t=13580)

3

Yep, it certainly looks like it. I hadn’t seen that post before. Thanks for linking to it. Looks like I’ll have to figure out a different solution.

Unless someone has found a makeshift fix?

Thanks,

-mtburt

4

does anyone (sfe engineer) has a solution for it ?

5

Can’t get a lock after 2 hours… Need to gound somthing??

6

Hello everyone.

We test all of our GPS boards for locks. The microMini GPS will get a lock in less than a minute outside here at Spark Fun. If you are having issues, the best idea would be for you to return the device back to us for testing. If you still are having issues, there could be environmental factors that are causing interference.

Things to keep in mind if you are having trouble; regulate your power supply (preferably to 3.3V in the microMini’s case), minimize interference from other electronics, try not to test the unit in you hand (the impedance will be raised and this will de-tune the antenna network), and be sure to test the unit outside.

7

Looks like the RX signal translator on the SFE product is just a diode. This might explain why strings sent to the device are not acknowledged. Add a pullup resistor to VIO, and see if that helps.