ZOE-M8Q GPS-15193

GPS/GNSS Development Boards
1

Hello,

I recently flew the ZOE-M8Q GPS-15193 on a high altitude balloon flight to 100,000 feet. However, the GPS altitude flat lined at 40,000 feet, or around 12,000 meters. The stated maximum altitude for the sensor is 50,000 meters, so I was wondering if I could have missed a option when setting up the GPS. I’ve attached a plot of the altitude throughout the duration of the flight.

Thank you!

altitude.png
altitude.png875×656 13.3 KB

2

Just to ask an obvious question, is it possible this is a simple mix up in units? 40,000 m is approximately 131,000 ft.

3

I don’t think so. We were flying another more advanced GPS and from that data we know it didn’t get that high.

4

Just so that I can get an idea of what might have happened:

  • - Which NMEA sentence were you using for the altitude data on the ZOE-M8Q?
  • - As a reference for the data points, what did the other GPS module record?
  • - As a note, GPS receivers aren't known for their accuracy in reporting in altitude. Did you happen to have a pressure sensor on board and what did it record?

    • Otherwise, have you contacted U-Blox about your issue with the ZOE-M8Q? As the designer and manufacturer for the ZOE-M8Q, they will have more technical insight on the GPS receiver’s performance.

    5

    i have a similar problem on a XA1110. as the balloon passed 10000m the gps stopped reporting co-ordinates and altitude and then resumed when the payload dropped below 10000m on the parachute.

    6

    Hi there,

    It seems like this should probably be filed under a different topic as it relates to a separate product. That being said, in the [datasheet, there are 2 separate modes of operation (Normal mode with a 10,000m maximum altitude; and Balloon mode with a 80,000m maximum altitude). It sounds like you were using the “Normal mode”.](https://cdn.sparkfun.com/assets/parts/1/2/2/8/0/GlobalTop_Titan_X1_Datasheet.pdf)

    7

    no, i had it programmed for baloon mode $PMTK886,3*2B :Enter balloon mode, but this did not seem to work.