I’m afraid! OK, not that afraid, but it looks like dealing with panasonic SMD connector on the GS407 (or GS406) is not a happy task. Has anybody had success trying to solder wires onto the SMD header that sparkfun now carries? Has anyone come across other options? I don’t really want to add too much size or any extra functionality to the unit (e.g. I saw the DIYdrones has (had) something but it’s certainly not ideal for my application). I’m really just looking for a somewhat easier way to get access to the data!
Anyway, if anyone has any advice I’d be very grateful!
It’s not too bad. I used some wirewrap wire and soldered wires to v+, gnd, tx, and rx. Then I glued the Panasonic connector to a piece of perf board and ran the wires to a 0.1 in header. It took me about 15 minutes.
Just check carefully for shorted, adjacent pins with a VOM. Use flux and a magnifier and pre-tin the connector and wire. It’s fragile, but it works.
The spacing of the connector is 0.5 mm and that didn’t match the SSOP breakout boards I had.
Now if I can just get the 407 to see more that 4 satellites and get a fix, I’ll be happy.
I ended up making a breakout board for this module. The soldering was not too bad. I was evaluating the GS405 and the GS406 (you populate either one side or the other). Here is what it looks like:
When the module is plugged in the connection is still pretty weak. I was hoping to be able to throw this into a bookbag with a laptop and do some logging as I did some hiking but at this point I would not trust this module to remain connected to the breakout board. I am considering gluing the two together.