I have purchased the Redboard Plus and SparkFun GPS Breakout - NEO-M9N, SMA along with some QWIIC connection wires. I have a tremor that stops me from doing any soldering, and so I thought maybe the QWIIC solution might be able to solve the problem?
I want to connect the NEO-M9N up to a machine using the UART + 1PPS output. The GNSS signal isn’t an issue that I can connect via the USB-C, but the 1PPS requires me to solder a pin to the 1PPS through hole. This is an issue. However, I was hoping I could connect the NEO-M9N using the QWIIC connector to the RedBoard Plus and send the signal to this board such that I can simply use the headers that are already attached to on the RedBoard Plus.
Is this possible?
If this can be done then great. I can then do some other fun projects using the RedBoard Plus for more appropriate type projects in the future.
The qwiic connectors carry 4 lines: 3.3v, GND, SDA and SCL
Unfortunately PPS is only broken-out to that PTH pin, but if there is a local electronics repair, RC shop, hobby store, or similar you can likely pop in and have someone solder it for ya. Most high schools will have a teacher who is handy with a soldering iron too, if that’s an option
What kind of timing accuracy do you need? The NEO-M9N will output standard NMEA messages on I2C (QWIIC). Optionally, UBX binary messages can be enabled too. But they are all output slightly ‘late’, just after the top-of-second (PPS rising edge).
I’d be happy to check the actual delay for you, with a logic analyzer. Let me know if that would be of use.
We also carry IC Hooks, which may help with the PPS connection? Links below.
So the suggestion of a local electronics shop is a great one. I can easily find a shop that will add some headers for me.
In terms of accuracy, I need to get to less than 260ns. This will be used for timing on a private 5G lab setup I’m working on. Right now in my testing I’m able to achieve this both on the NEO-M9N and another U-Blox evaluation kit I have, the EVK-F10T. The F10T has incredible accuracy. I’m seeing an offset of only -0.000000106 seconds. Truly impressive and very much within the tolerances I need.
I have also found these pins that are push-through pins that I will order so I have them while prototyping before getting a local electronics shop to add permanent headers when needed.
Automotive audio & alarm ‘speaker shops’ are often willing & able to do this stuff. The local community college might have a little shop. Some of the suburban libraries around here have surprisingly cool stuff available for patron use like telescopes and 3D printers and I wouldn’t be surprised if there was a maker shop with solder station at one of them.