How to connect for interfacing with u-centre?
Earlier (Gen-9) version of this module had a USB interface. This one only has UART and I2C. Both seem to be compatible with UBX (one way?). So, I’m guessing an FTDI cable to UART?
Tia!
Hi,
The MAX-M10S only supports I2C and UART. For u-center, UART via an FTDI cable is indeed the way forward…
Best wishes,
Paul
Thanks Paul. So do I just select the FTDI (com port) in U-Center and use the regular (old/legacy) config utility? The 9th-gen has its own, rather advanced config utility within U-Center. Wondering if the 10th-gen is scaled down?
Hi,
For Gen-10 modules, u-blox recommend using u-center2 instead of u-center. However, u-center does support Gen-10. The “Load / Save Receiver Configuration” Tool has a Gen-10 option and seems to work nicely.
If you do use an “FTDI” cable to connect to the board, do be careful with the voltage. The MAX-M10S Breakout is 3.3V only. Some older cables made by FTDI themselves used 3.3V TX and RX, but 5V power. The 5V could damage your board. To be safe, I’d recommend one of our “Serial Basic” boards. They default to 3.3V TX, RX and Power (VCC).
https://www.sparkfun.com/products/15096
Best wishes,
Paul
Hey Paul,
Thanks a lot for the tip! Just downloaded and installed U-Center 2. Looks like it’s pretty much the same as v1 only cleaner and more user friendly. Also, good catch on the FTDI. It hadn’t occurred to me this would be an issue. I actually own an FTDI Basic from about 10+ years back (mini USB) but ordered the snazzy new USB-C one, just to be cool 
Wondering if Sparkfun plans on offering a breakout for the SAM-M10Q-00B (10th gen module/antenna combo). Cheaper than the 9th gen. Seems like it would be right up Sparkfun’s alley. Still trying to understand what the practical differences are between 9th and 10th gen modules. Only real difference I’ve spotted so far was that the 10th gen accuracy is 1.5m whereas the 9th gen claims sub 1-meter. Thoughts on this?
Also, is accuracy variable? eg. set in the config somewhere? or is this just a static feature?
Thanks!
Gen-10 offers improved Time To First Fix and much improved current draw (in Power Save Mode). Both reduce the overall power consumption.
The accuracy depends on the spread of satellites being tracked and their frequencies. The SAM-M10Q can track four constellations simultaneously, improving the accuracy: 1.5m CEP vs. 2.5m CEP for the SAM-M8Q.
The multi-band F9 series offers much-improved accuracies…
I’d be kind of surprised if we didn’t have a SAM-M10Q Breakout in the pipeline somewhere… 