Alternative connection of GPS to ArduPilot
If you don't like too short connection cable of GPS to ArduPilot, then here's a fix. Longer cable and better connector will solve 2 problems:
- more flexible assembly into a plane
- easier program upload to board (since GPS cable must be disconnected before uploading)
Original connection:
We don't need to use original GPS connector on ArduPilot, and can connect directly to one data pin and Ground/VCC. So we need just 3 wires, and ideal choice is standard servo cable.
I used Servo extension cable, cut it close to female connector, and soldered it to the board as shown here:
and detail:
Then cut original small GPS cable to half, and solder it with servo extension cable male part:
Properly isolate wires:
And you're done:
Tested, it works.
- more flexible assembly into a plane
- easier program upload to board (since GPS cable must be disconnected before uploading)
Original connection:
We don't need to use original GPS connector on ArduPilot, and can connect directly to one data pin and Ground/VCC. So we need just 3 wires, and ideal choice is standard servo cable.
I used Servo extension cable, cut it close to female connector, and soldered it to the board as shown here:
and detail:
Then cut original small GPS cable to half, and solder it with servo extension cable male part:
Properly isolate wires:
And you're done:
Tested, it works.
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Comment by Chris Anderson on January 17, 2009 at 4:49pm
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Nice one! Recommended...
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Comment by HugePanic on January 18, 2009 at 5:50am -
you wrote that you disconnect the cable before uploading.
my gps module is powered by pin12 of the arduino!
with this lines....
void setup()
{
pinMode(12, OUTPUT);
digitalWrite(12, LOW); // GPS power OFF for programming
delay(2500);
digitalWrite(12, HIGH); // GPS power ON for runtime
.....
}
the gps can be left connected for uploading.
i only have to press the "reset" button on the arduino-board.
this starts the programm new, and powers off the gps for a couple of seconds. during that time i can start uploading code.
i plan to make install a smal tube with a toothpick inside the plane. so i simply have to connect usb cable, press the button an can upload code...
maybe this helps....
(do the ardu-pilot-boards have this reset button????)
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Comment by jonny on January 18, 2009 at 7:25am -
Nice one Michal, Heating the soldering Iron now
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Comment by Michal B on January 18, 2009 at 8:46am -
HugePanic: it's discussed here that powering GPS from data pin doesn't work on ArduPilot.
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@HugePanic. The ArduPilot boards do have that reset button, but in our experience it is impossible to power a GPS module off a data pin. Those pins are for voltage, not current, and a GPS module draws upward of 250ma. We were told that it would eventually fry the Atmega if you tried to draw current off a data pin. Is that not your experience?
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Comment by HugePanic on January 18, 2009 at 11:36am
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according to the spec the em-406 uses 44mA.
arduino diecimila delivers 40mA.
i am pretty shure not to fry the atmel.... the gps module ran for several hours on that pin.
its running stable, no complaints.......
i checked this once i soldered the connection.
maybe i could use two data pins in parallel to share the load?? this would be quite easy to reduce any risk...
do you think i diode is necessary ????
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Comment by HugePanic on January 18, 2009 at 11:53am
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it's 42-46mA, so according to the spec...
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@HugePanic: When Michael tried it he just got a dim LED on the EM406. Are you using that module?
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Comment by HugePanic on January 18, 2009 at 9:44pm
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yes, the same module.
but the led seems to be bright.
was his power source ok?? i am using the usb-power for programming. i also tried a 3s lipo battery, no change.
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Hmm. You're using the ArduPilot board? Did you bridge the diode D2 to bring it up to 5v? If so, maybe that explains why it's working. I'll try it too...
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