SparkFun GPS Breakout - ZOE-M8Q (Qwiic)

The SparkFun ZOE-M8Q GPS Breakout is a compact, high-accuracy GPS board that is ideal for space-constrained applications. The ZOE-M8Q is a 72-channel GNSS receiver, capable of receiving signals from GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, and Galileo constellations. This enhances precision and reduces lock time. The board also features an onboard rechargeable battery for backup power, enabling the GPS to achieve a hot lock within seconds. Moreover, the receiver supports I²C, making it compatible with the Qwiic system, eliminating the need for soldering to connect it to your system. For those who prefer using a breadboard, 2.54mm-spaced pins are also provided.

The ZOE-M8Q GPS Breakout can be configured using the u-center program, allowing for customization of various functions such as baud rates, update rates, geofencing, spoofing detection, external interrupts, SBAS/D-GPS, and more. These configurations can be made within the SparkFun Arduino Library. The UART pin grouping on the breakout is configured to an industry standard, ensuring easy connection to a Serial Basic.

This GPS Breakout is equipped with an on-board rechargeable battery that powers the RTC on the ZOE-M8Q. This significantly reduces the time-to-first fix from a cold start to a hot start. The battery can maintain RTC and GNSS orbit data for up to five hours without being connected to power. To keep the receiver compact, a U.FL connector is included for the use of both large standard ceramic antennas and very small chip scale antennas.

Note: The I²C address of the ZOE-M8Q is 0x42 and is software configurable. A multiplexer/Mux is required to communicate with multiple ZOE-M8Q sensors on a single bus. If you need to use more than one ZOE-M8Q sensor, consider using the Qwiic Mux Breakout.

The SparkFun Qwiic Connect System is an ecosystem of I²C sensors, actuators, shields, and cables that simplifies prototyping and reduces chances of error. All Qwiic-enabled boards use a common 1mm pitch, 4-pin JST connector, reducing the required PCB space. The polarized connections ensure correct hook-up.

The ZOE-M8Q GPS Breakout can be automatically detected, scanned, configured, and logged using the OpenLog Artemis datalogger system, eliminating the need for programming, soldering, or setup.

Features:

• 72-Channel GNSS Receiver
• 2.5m Horizontal Accuracy
• 18Hz Max Update Rate
• Time-To-First-Fix:
  • Cold: 26s
  • Hot: 1s
• Max Altitude: 50,000m
• Max G: ≤4
• Max Velocity: 500m/s
• Velocity Accuracy: 0.05m/s
• Heading Accuracy: 0.3 degrees
• Time Pulse Accuracy: 30ns
• 3.3V VCC and I/O
  • Current Consumption: ~29mA Tracking GPS+GLONASS
• Software Configurable
  • Geofencing
  • Odometer
  • Spoofing Detection
  • External Interrupt
  • Pin Control
  • Low Power Mode
  • Many others!
• Supports NMEA, UBX, and RTCM protocols over UART or I2C interfaces