Recommended GPS module and antenna

GPS/GNSS Development Boards
1

Hello!

I would like to start a personal project involving some GPS functionality. Basically it would be a very compact GPS logger that will get and store the position every second. The first step is choosing a GPS module and antenna (if needed). I would like to use an Attiny uC, but I am open to any suggestions. This would be my second project so I am still a newbie in this field.

The final device will change its orientation very frequently during the utilization (by 90 degrees) so it won’t always face the sky for the best GPS signal. From what I know so far, I am looking for a module+antenna with the following characteristics:

  1. Low-cost ( <40$ )

  2. Low power consumption

  3. Fast locking

  4. Constant output at the rate of 1 position/second - considering the movement of the device in relation to the sky

My first choice now would be [this module with a chip antenna (any recommendations here?).

I will continue to study on my own about the available modules and antennas, but a few experienced opinions would help a lot.

Thank you very much!

Alex](http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/product_info.php?products_id=8825)

2

If a simple GPS logger is all you’re looking for, then you might want to try the “Venus GPS Logger with SMA Connector” from Sparkfun. I’ve purchased this and found it remarkably easy to get working as a datalogger. You really dont even need a microcontroller. If you hook a RS232 level converter to the asynchronous serial port on this board, you can connect it to any computer with a serial port. Then download the GPS View Software (available from the product page), which will present you with a simple GUI for activating the datalogger. Once the datalogger is activated, disconnect if from the computer and your good to go. This board also has a connector for the Li-Po rechargable batteries on this site.

When your ready to download the logged data, connect the board back to your computer and download the log file through the GUI again. Another cool thing is that the GUI will output the logged data as a Google Earth document.