What's your biggest takeaway from this video? Starting in July 2021, for the isolated power supply method, I am now using the simple & elegant solution which came into production after this video was posted. It is featured in this other video for your review - ruclips.net/video/Zwqfo5SwX9w/видео.html . Its called the VIFLY GPS Mate and can be found on Amazon at this (affiliate) link: amzn.to/3qSV3Ms . PRECAUTIONARY NOTE! For the isolated power supply method, your choice of GPS module and BEC combination MAY make a difference. I have received a report that the BN220 GPS module together with the iFlight micro BEC has caused the BN220 GPS module to burn out. In this video I have demonstrated this isolated power supply option with the Matek SAM M8Q. I have had zero issues with using this and I do get fast satellite locks with it. I am also now using the Matek 2-8s Micro BEC you can get from RDQ in a 3-pack for about $8.99. Both the Matek GPS module and the Matek Micro BEC may have additional circuitry protection over that of the BN220 (or similar) modules. Make sure to check out my site at tmacfpv.com! Thanks for watching!👍
1st- Its way over my head. But Im retired and have time so I'll be back to learn. 2nd- What kind of soldering iron do you use? And what kind of solder. 3rd- Thank you for your time. Very nice of you to give all of us your time and info.
@@walkaway6353 Thanks WALKAWAY Always something new to learn in this hobby!🤩 Soldering gear and other stuff I use can be found on this page of my site tmacfpv.com/micro-fpv-build-supplies-and-tips/ Feel free to browse through the other many Sections & Pages too, you might find some things interesting 😉👍
Thank you for this informative gps fpv video. I think it deserves more credit as its probably the only complete video to cover options for using gps on fpv efficiently 👏
Thank you very much for the invested and thorough video After many attempts that took from me 3 days of helplessness I was able to get the GPS back on track using one of the suggestions you made I did insulation for GPS and also for wiring up to the control card with copper foil and shrinkable insulation I did not believe it would work, but it worked! I'm happy every time I find a solution to a problem This time I danced !!!
Very informative, will be implementing this info pronto, I have just started to use gps on a few of my quads for the GPS rescue in betaflight, and honestly I was a little put off by the wait for gps fix, I would make it so that I could arm without gps fix and then take a little cruise around until I saw my gps info on my goggles then land unplug and re-plug the battery, usually changing batteries at that time. I figured it warmed me up a little (I need it anyways) and when all was said and done I was still flying, but if I can reduce gps lock times this much maybe I will just make sure my camera lens is clean instead of that wasted battery....I will also be implementing this in my INAV Airplanes and Wings, its always been a pain in the rear end. Thanks TMac you are always teaching me something I want to learn, great video thank you very much for sharing.
Thanks Keith🙏 You weren't alone in going through those "gymnastics" for GPS. I use to do the same thing (arm without ur and fly around(. By the way, you don't need to unplug and re-plug when you got the GPS Fix finally, you could land, disarm, and arm). Anyway, our waiting seems to be over!🤩 Happy for you👍
Thank you it was great!! I’m still confused, what gps is better for full autonomous flight , mateksys, beitian, radio link etc etc…. Ouf!! Also what compass is better, I wish there is a video on that! And also a video on how to check Ardupilot interférences, motors, gps, compass,imu! I think lots of people needs this. Ardupilot could be simple if well explained if not ouf good luck!
In my case, I use the old copper trick... I wrap the base of the GPS module with copper foil and electrical tape and try to place the module in a neutral space. I get between 10 and 13 satellites and I can arm and fly in less than a minute, maybe I am just lucky. I started to use this method with my Hubsan 501s since it took ages for the quad to arm. Very interesting video, I've learned something new today. Thanks Tmac👍
Nice, Luis! I'm impressed. Those are on the "larger size" quads, right? Not much room on a micro to place in a "neutral space." Happy you found it useful friend!👍
Hi TMac, impressive, but there is an easier way: so you don`t need the USB-Converter anymore, you can use serial passthru from Betaflight. You don`t need to plug on/off the connectors anymore, you can just use the whole quad. Also some FC`s power on the GPS with just having USB Power. I use a powerbank to power the quads up until they have a fix and connect then the Lipo. I also converted a Zeus FC which didn`t had this feature, to have GPS power with USB 5V, which is very convienent and simple to solder. With this I get USB powered GPS via the flight controller with Serial Passthru and therefore I can use Ublox center. However I did know about the gps assisit feature, but not how to use it. Thanks for this!
@@davidlhchong Sure. The command works like this: serialpassthrough (UART Minus ONE)] 57600. In betaflight config, open the cli, type serialpassthrough (the Uart port from the menu but -1, so if it is UART 2 => it is 1) and teh Baudrate. Example: serialpassthrough 2 57600 means USB passthru to UART 3, which is the GPS in my case. Then close Betaflight, because Betaflight can`t find/see the FRC until power cycle, because the GPS is now connected to USB. This shouild work with any Hardware which can be flashed or modified. Frsky R9 firmware update via USB should also work this way (but have not tried this). Effectively this means: No USB FTDI adapter, no removal of the GPS from the quad anytime you want to upload assistnow data. You can use U-Blox configurator on the normal com port, for me it most often Com-Port 4, but this might be different at your PC.
@@davidlhchong Let me know if it works. I got my Ublox token today and could use the assisitoffline data on my Titan Xl5 and Transtec Beetle with serialpassthrough. But could not verify it outside if the GPS Fix comes quicker.
I have the Matek SAM-M8Q GPS Module on a Crocodile Baby HD with Caddx Vista and sometimes it takes forever to arm, but it does work once it’s armed. I am confused because I will have like 14 sats and it still will not arm. Sometimes 10 minutes or more even on a hot start with 14 sats. I wait and wait and it finally arms when the coordinates show up. It’s very inconsistent too. I have not tried anything yet as far as isolation of power, shielding, or loading GNSS configuration. I thought if sats showed up it should at least arm. Any ideas why I have 14 sats and still have to wait until coordinates and home point show up in the OSD?
then how does dji do it i mean the mini has the same gps recievers in them but get a fix within less than 30 seconds why cant we have that.. also why cant we have on the long range fpv drones we cant have dji level return to home without any input from us... we need this
Excellent video.... I want to install a GPS in my DIATONE Roma F4/6S MAMBA AIO F411 35A 20 mm., but in the diagram, the F/C doesn't have a place where to connect the GPS.... please help. Thank you.
Hello sir. i like vour video very much and it helped me. i would recommend you using a lavalier (clip to shirt) microfon so i can understand you better.
To use the Assist Offline there is no need to use an FTDI adaptor. Using the Betaflight CLI enter “gpspassthrough”, then disconnect the configurator and connect ublox application.
Well dang, I've got a pair of those regulators sitting in my parts drawer, as well as bare balance connectors. I just might have to employ your method to get my cruiser into the air before the HDZero VTX hits overheat temps!
Hey Jason, great to hear from you! Make sure to check out the VIFLY GPS Mate. amzn.to/3qSV3Ms It's a more elegant implementation of the same solution and came into production after this video was published
So much precious info in this video and so well explained.., I've been isolating the GPS cables with copper tape which has helped, however today I was flying in a new spot, bright sunny day but couldn't get a fix. I will try yr Isolated power supply and see if that helps. Many thanks and happy landings..
This is what I use on all my builds going forward. Does the same thing in a more compact form at the push of a button (included buzzer too!) ruclips.net/video/Zwqfo5SwX9w/видео.html
Well my costs of following this BEC advice was one GPS module (BZ-121) and one of the i/o pins on HAKRC F411 20A AIO. Also as a part of troubleshooting/fixing this I've got JST-ZH headers with crimping tool and now I can attach GPS to my quad or to a small lipo to get a fix. I feel PRECAUTIONARY NOTE in the first comment is not enough and probably should say that this MAY work only with specific FC/GPS/BEC models and most likely will fry other hardwares
Another method that is alot easier and requires no added parts soldered anywhere is to use the 3.3v pad. This, in most FC's, if not all, always powers off USB. I use my ISDT cell checker on USB charge or use a power bank so no camera or VTX etc is powered up at the same time and you can carry on flying other models with zero interference and cuts out waiting time altogether. 🤘
@@TMacFPV I am interested in GPS on Raspberry Pi micro computers for network time, rather than drones. This is by far the best GPS video I have seen. I intend to watch it on my mobile as well, so I can give it two thumbs up :-) [update: No 2 thumbs up, RUclips knew it was me again]
I learned so much today thank you!!. now maybe my flywoo Explorer LR dji with GPS will work better if I do all of this I've had to wait well over 6 minutes to get GPS lock its really annoying...
Beitian modules have an internal voltage regulator, so you can power it with 2.8 to 6v, directly to one cell of the lipo, avoiding the usage of the BEC, and removing another source of noise.
I have a new type m10 chip gps on my quad and I have got it to get fix only in one specific place the normal way. But when I power it on from the fc with usb cable , it gets fix in a few seconds and I can plug the battery in. I don’t know what is the matter but I guess its about the vTX antenna as it is on top of the gps module. But so it was in my previous quad as well without any problems. And it was also a worse m8 chip module.
great video and i did learn something today thank u very much TMac my takeaway its the module with the 5 volt step down its small very small and it does the job great stuff .
Thanks for the informations , i am using SIM39EA as GPS, but i have problems with the precision, when it go near to a high building, i got bad precision of location, if u have any advices of how to increase the precision i will be thankful, thank you
I have noticed something, my blue light starts going crazy as soon as transmitter of drone goes on.. is does not keep its original steady flash... what causes this? Its as if something is interfering that should not...
One thing that comes to mind is. Instead of a bec on every quad. I can power the gps with the 5v pad that delivers when the fc is powered by usb (not all fc's supports it) . This way I just leave the quad connected to my phone with the cable, until I see the green light. Then plug the lipo and unplug the usb
great suggestion I can confirm it worked for me, now I have the fun of finding the right pads on 6 of my flight controllers to find a 5v source powered by the usb port.
Is there anything I could do to help locate Sats, by using my computer and a USB cable connected to and outside standalone GPS module? Is there a program that does that already, so I can time my flights favorably?
while i like the idea in this case this can only be called separated and not isolated. this kind of buck converter uses switching wich is bad for a GPS receiver, not to talk about the rest of the noise passing thru' the wires and back via the buck to the gps. best is to use a proper known/tested LC filter (high freq) or diy one yourself. well best is to use a scope see if there is any noise. seems in fpv there's not many pro using proper gear at least i didnt see one accept for iBcrazy maibe. 14usd seriously. same goes for fpv camera. supposed to be constructive critics or such. still a very good thing to share and educate folks. cheers.
Make sure to check out the VIFLY GPS Mate. It came into production after this video had been published. It's a more elegant solution than that described in this video
Hello, i connected my gps module with my esp8266 for the first time it worked but after that I'm not getting the latitude and longitude it's showing 0.000000 for both, even though led is blinking, I'm getting this problem, what's the solution for this??
26.15 I'm confusing, placing the GPS module as far as FC but instead put it at the back of motor. Does it directly face to the biggest noise (motor) of the system?
I just thought, could a lighter/smaller method of reducing noise be to have a flight-controller-controlled switch to turn on the other noisy components once a GPS fix is established?
i use a usb power bank and power the gps with 3.3v reg which is on with usb power to fc. that way, i plug in the powerbank to the fc when i get to my spot, get setted up while the gps are acquiring and when I'm ready, i plug the battery and unplug the powerbank. all sats acquired, no heating vtx and optimal use of time :)
i use a usb power bank and power the gps with 3.3v reg which is on with usb power to fc. that way, i plug in the powerbank to the fc when i get to my spot, get setted up while the gps are acquiring and when I'm ready, i plug the battery and unplug the powerbank. all sats acquired, no heating vtx and optimal use of time :)
My vote goes to the isolated power supply. I will be making one myself; I already have all of the components including the iFlight 5-12 volt BEC. On thing that I have noticed is that some batteries have 1 black and 4 red wires while others have 1 red and 4 black wires. So, you can't tell by color. Is the single wire normally positive or negative?
Hey Harry, great to hear from you! The same colored wires are "normally" the "positives" of each cell, whereas the "odd-colored" wire us "normally" the single "ground" (negative)
i have my GPS connected to the FLight controller 5V out that supports USB power, so I can just "pre start" the GPS with a power bank... by connecting USB to the FC, and once its working .. connect the battery. after that re-fixing on battery changes (below 6 minutes) is rather quickly)
Great video. A question. There are switches available on the BF configuration page to beep or light a LED when the GOS has a lock. Haven’t been able to have them work correctly so far. I do get a green light near the red one on the IFlight GPS, but seems pretty random. Did you find a way to make BF beep when you get say a 10 sat lock? That would be cool.
Not beep. I have it play a "custom sound track' I made as demonstrated on the VIFLY GPS Mate video at this time mark ruclips.net/video/Zwqfo5SwX9w/видео.html . I'm using Crossfire telemetry, so I just needed to make a logical switch on a Logical Switch line # that has a>x, Sats, 5 . Then go to Special Functions Page and create a Special function on a Line # that has L0x where x is the Logical Switch line # you just made, Play Track, and insert your custom sound track you've saved to your SD card. You can make your own custom sound track using the process described in this video ruclips.net/video/RSxD9Th1VDo/видео.html . Watch the videos and it should make sense to you. I mentioned Crossfire telemetry because "Sats" is the Crossfire telemetry for # of satellites. if you're using a different type of receiver/telemetry, you'll need to find out yourself what the telemetry variable is for # of satellites with that type of receiver/telemetry
Just a thought . Can I use a female micro usb or type-c , power it from a power bank (5V output) and after connect with satellites , remove usb and power the drone ?
Need to make sure GPS module is powered by 5V (not all are). Also, if the power to the GPS is interrupted, it will need to reacquire satellites. Depending on how long it was originally powered On for, will determine how long it will take after quad is powered on. A much better solution I have recently come across is the VIFLY GPS Mate ruclips.net/video/Zwqfo5SwX9w/видео.html
Thank you for very informative video's :) Question: How do i save the AssistNow Autonomous setting to the GPS module? I've checked the checkbox and ACK is successful (0x06 0x32). But the checkbox tick is gone when I power cycle the GPS module. Is it still saved? If i go into CFG, and choose "Save current config" and "Send" i get a Success in ACK as well (0x06 0x09). But this doesn't help. In CFG devices "BBR" and "FLASH" are selected. But uncertain what choice to make here. I'm using the GSP which comes with the Flywoo explorer LR 4 (GM8 Mini v1.0) which uses the M8030-KT chipset. Any advice would be appreciated.
The product descriptions for this Flywoo GPS do not say anything about it having flash (or any other type of) memory. The Product Page for the M8030-KT chip says flash memory is supported but may require external components. www.u-blox.com/sites/default/files/products/documents/UBX-M8030_ProductSummary_%28UBX-15029937%29.pdf Since the FlyWoo GPS module product pages do not show it having flash memory, I'm guessing Flywoo has not provided the required "external components"? Perhaps ask Flywoo?
Can you pelp me please? Gps showed long.. and lat.. when fist powering on and connecting to betaflight but could not get any satellites. Then it detected gps on the top "gps" indication of betaflight. Then I changed it to Ublocx and was showing same thing. Wen I changed back to NMEA it did not detect gps anymore and showed up only with Ublocks, but still no satellite. (Blue light was blinking all the time on gps). This morning I left it in the open for 10 min. BLue light turned solid, now it does not detect pgs in betaflight under Ublox or NMEA>>> I don't understand what is going on??
Also before in betaflight when i said "gpspassthrough" to try and use "U-center" it showed funnny things al the time moving over screen. now it shows nothing???
Been using a 1s battery connected to a spare gps plug I just swap from battery once it has fix to FC plug and away I go 👍 I can have the drones sitting in the back of the car getting fix while I'm driving to the park ☺️
Great! That works too!👍I've also recently come across the VIFLY GPS Mate which I'm now using. Just push a button & you're good to go even when swapping out LiPos 💪😁ruclips.net/video/Zwqfo5SwX9w/видео.html
i just used OTG connect fc to smartphone and gps is up without air unit / analog vtx is burned up, while we can check on android betaflight for gps fix
So in my understanding if I choose Assistnow Offline 1 week like mentioned in the video, I will have to connect the GPS to the computer every week to download new accurate data?!!
Correct. Navigation satellites are not stationary in the sky and their positional data can only be predicted accurately for a period of time without needing an update
Hello TMac. What is the name of the thing/substance witch hold your parts while soldering? I looking for something like this, but i don't know the name. Thanks to your video, I will try to put GPS on some small quad. Until now i assume, that is inpractical due to electric noise.
I just destroyed my fc by doing this mod ! I connected usb, 5v bec and Lipo at the same time and somehow this destroyed the mcu of my diatone mamba f405, which now gets hot. All GNDs (GPS, 5V BEC, Lipo, FC) are connected together if the 5V BEC is connected to the lipo balancer.
I bought a new cheap drone sg108 pro and the gps cant locate any satelite even im outdoor, seller told me that i have to be in a very wide space for it to work is that correct? Btw compass & gyro calibration are working
1. please see my pinned comment in the Comments section of the video description for the ViFly GPS Mate and a link to my video on the GPS Mate. 2. As stated in the video, your satellite coverage may vary based on time of day and location. You'll need to be in an outside area where satellite signals can get to your drone. If you're in a city surrounded by buildings close to you, that may not be an ideal location. Merry Christmas!
@@TMacFPVsorry i havent finished this video when i wrote you my comment silly me, i will follow all your instructions/tips and kudos to you mate this video is very helpful to novice like me to drones😅 Btw based on your experienced what cheap brand of gps module would you recommend?
Hey Traci! Not sure I understand how you can "get days" without a "gps lock." How many satellites are you getting? How do you know you're not getting a "lock?" What's the indication you're not getting one?
I think most these GPS units have an input voltage of 3V3-5V. I think I'm going to try to use a 1S battery connector and connect it to the GND+Cell_1 of the balance lead on my battery, if that fits. EDIT: Scratch that, it doesn't fit. I'll have to use a 4S connector instead for a 4S balance plug.
@@TMacFPV Yep, will do! The advantage of course, is that you don't need a separate regulator, which might also cause some noise if it's a poor one. Your physical implementation is very good, but it still takes up some space. I edited my comment to say that a 1S connector is a no-go, but I'll definitely try with GND+Cell_1. That should give the GPS 4.2V on full, and 3.7V on empty.
@@TMacFPV No, shouldn't need to do that. The balance lead of the battery is made so that for each wire, you increase the voltage by one Lipo cell voltage. GND+Cell_1 = 4.2V, GND+Cell_2 = 2*4.2V and so on. Therefore, if you make a connector that only connects to GND and the wire adjacent to it (that's the standard setup, at least), you should only get 4.2V from that. I think you made your connector so that you connected GND and the last wire on the other side of the connector, which for 4S gives you a voltage of 4*4.2V and the need for a regulator. The stuff I said about using a 1S connector (which I found doesn't work) was to eliminate the need for a full 4S connector. But, it's actually much neater and limits the risk of connecting it the wrong way around.
@@ojkolsrud1 Yes, i understand. Shortly after I sent you that reply, I realized I wasn't thinking straight. Been up since 3:00 a.m. and apparently I still haven't had enough coffee!
@@TMacFPV Hehe, the lack of sleep, and most importantly coffee, tends to have that effect!=P In any case, I'll try this mod. Previously, I've just connected a USB batterypack to my FC, which in turn powers my GPS - so that it can get a lock while I travel to where I'm going to fly. Still though, that doesn't remove electrical noise during flight, which your mod will help with!
@@TMacFPV thankyou! im looking to use A-GPS on this module using ESP32. I wodner if you know any resources that could help me with that, that would be very apppreciated
OMG! My Flight Controller and Beitian 220 GPS module died after doing this power isolated method.... Power up GPS Module and satellite quickly locked. Plug in XT60 no power show up on FC, but vtx, camera and receiver works. Remove all peripherals from FC then try to plug in USB. Still no power, no LED light show up on FC....
Dear Sir, you should really take this video out of your collection!!! Not only that the most GPS Units get fried after a short period....No, everybody who use an external BEC can easy frie his FC too!! The only Modules that work are maybe the matek ones, like you said in your comment. But its absolutely not enough to write it in a comment which people maybe not read. The WARNING have to be told in the video!!! Not OK !!
What's your biggest takeaway from this video? Starting in July 2021, for the isolated power supply method, I am now using the simple & elegant solution which came into production after this video was posted. It is featured in this other video for your review - ruclips.net/video/Zwqfo5SwX9w/видео.html . Its called the VIFLY GPS Mate and can be found on Amazon at this (affiliate) link: amzn.to/3qSV3Ms . PRECAUTIONARY NOTE! For the isolated power supply method, your choice of GPS module and BEC combination MAY make a difference. I have received a report that the BN220 GPS module together with the iFlight micro BEC has caused the BN220 GPS module to burn out. In this video I have demonstrated this isolated power supply option with the Matek SAM M8Q. I have had zero issues with using this and I do get fast satellite locks with it. I am also now using the Matek 2-8s Micro BEC you can get from RDQ in a 3-pack for about $8.99. Both the Matek GPS module and the Matek Micro BEC may have additional circuitry protection over that of the BN220 (or similar) modules. Make sure to check out my site at tmacfpv.com! Thanks for watching!👍
1st- Its way over my head. But Im retired and have time so I'll be back to learn.
2nd- What kind of soldering iron do you use? And what kind of solder.
3rd- Thank you for your time. Very nice of you to give all of us your time and info.
@@walkaway6353 Thanks WALKAWAY Always
something new to learn in this hobby!🤩 Soldering gear and other stuff I use can be found on this page of my site tmacfpv.com/micro-fpv-build-supplies-and-tips/ Feel free to browse through the other many Sections & Pages too, you might find some things interesting 😉👍
@@TMacFPV I am looking at your quad build page now. I like this and plan on building one. Thank you sir and Blessings to you and yours.
@@walkaway6353 Thank you 🙏Back at ya WALKAWAY👍
This channel is underrated!
Seriously!
Thank you for this informative gps fpv video. I think it deserves more credit as its probably the only complete video to cover options for using gps on fpv efficiently 👏
Thank you very much for the invested and thorough video
After many attempts that took from me 3 days of helplessness
I was able to get the GPS back on track using one of the suggestions you made
I did insulation for GPS and also for wiring up to the control card with copper foil and shrinkable insulation
I did not believe it would work, but it worked!
I'm happy every time I find a solution to a problem
This time I danced !!!
Best 30 minutes in my FPV life!
Also give the VIFLY GPS Mate a try. It came out after this video. It's an inexpensive (and more elegant way) of implementing this solution
I learnt a lot today. Thanks, T-Mac! Cold starts are going to be a lot faster from now on.
Just needs a little "jump start," right?!😉
Hey tmac it works so cool. I have 2 gps units that apparently had a known issue of taking forever and now they don't. Really awesome.
Sweet! 👌 Very happy for you Ruby!
Which method did you use to get it working?
Very informative, will be implementing this info pronto, I have just started to use gps on a few of my quads for the GPS rescue in betaflight, and honestly I was a little put off by the wait for gps fix, I would make it so that I could arm without gps fix and then take a little cruise around until I saw my gps info on my goggles then land unplug and re-plug the battery, usually changing batteries at that time. I figured it warmed me up a little (I need it anyways) and when all was said and done I was still flying, but if I can reduce gps lock times this much maybe I will just make sure my camera lens is clean instead of that wasted battery....I will also be implementing this in my INAV Airplanes and Wings, its always been a pain in the rear end. Thanks TMac you are always teaching me something I want to learn, great video thank you very much for sharing.
Thanks Keith🙏 You weren't alone in going through those "gymnastics" for GPS. I use to do the same thing (arm without ur and fly around(. By the way, you don't need to unplug and re-plug when you got the GPS Fix finally, you could land, disarm, and arm). Anyway, our waiting seems to be over!🤩 Happy for you👍
Tinashe From Zimbabwe wow you are a life saver
Thank you it was great!! I’m still confused, what gps is better for full autonomous flight , mateksys, beitian, radio link etc etc…. Ouf!! Also what compass is better, I wish there is a video on that! And also a video on how to check Ardupilot interférences, motors, gps, compass,imu! I think lots of people needs this. Ardupilot could be simple if well explained if not ouf good luck!
Another Great Video Thanks For This Very InFormative Video, You Rock, I Used The Isolated Power Mod And It Worked Out Flawlessly. Bless Up
I'm using the Flywoo GPS module (GOKU GM8-5883 V1.0 GPS). I get 12-17 or more satellites all the time in New York City area!
In my case, I use the old copper trick... I wrap the base of the GPS module with copper foil and electrical tape and try to place the module in a neutral space. I get between 10 and 13 satellites and I can arm and fly in less than a minute, maybe I am just lucky. I started to use this method with my Hubsan 501s since it took ages for the quad to arm. Very interesting video, I've learned something new today. Thanks Tmac👍
Nice, Luis! I'm impressed. Those are on the "larger size" quads, right? Not much room on a micro to place in a "neutral space." Happy you found it useful friend!👍
Hi TMac, impressive, but there is an easier way: so you don`t need the USB-Converter anymore, you can use serial passthru from Betaflight. You don`t need to plug on/off the connectors anymore, you can just use the whole quad. Also some FC`s power on the GPS with just having USB Power. I use a powerbank to power the quads up until they have a fix and connect then the Lipo. I also converted a Zeus FC which didn`t had this feature, to have GPS power with USB 5V, which is very convienent and simple to solder. With this I get USB powered GPS via the flight controller with Serial Passthru and therefore I can use Ublox center. However I did know about the gps assisit feature, but not how to use it. Thanks for this!
Thanks for sharing - always more than one way to do things!👍
@GuiliFPV, may I know how do you setup flight controller serial passthru to work with Ublox u-center?
@@davidlhchong Sure. The command works like this: serialpassthrough (UART Minus ONE)] 57600. In betaflight config, open the cli, type serialpassthrough (the Uart port from the menu but -1, so if it is UART 2 => it is 1) and teh Baudrate. Example: serialpassthrough 2 57600 means USB passthru to UART 3, which is the GPS in my case. Then close Betaflight, because Betaflight can`t find/see the FRC until power cycle, because the GPS is now connected to USB. This shouild work with any Hardware which can be flashed or modified. Frsky R9 firmware update via USB should also work this way (but have not tried this).
Effectively this means: No USB FTDI adapter, no removal of the GPS from the quad anytime you want to upload assistnow data.
You can use U-Blox configurator on the normal com port, for me it most often Com-Port 4, but this might be different at your PC.
@GuiliFPV, thank you for sharing the command for serial pass thru.
@@davidlhchong Let me know if it works. I got my Ublox token today and could use the assisitoffline data on my Titan Xl5 and Transtec Beetle with serialpassthrough. But could not verify it outside if the GPS Fix comes quicker.
Thank you for share these results with us. Helped a lot!!!
I have the Matek SAM-M8Q GPS Module on a Crocodile Baby HD with Caddx Vista and sometimes it takes forever to arm, but it does work once it’s armed. I am confused because I will have like 14 sats and it still will not arm. Sometimes 10 minutes or more even on a hot start with 14 sats. I wait and wait and it finally arms when the coordinates show up. It’s very inconsistent too. I have not tried anything yet as far as isolation of power, shielding, or loading GNSS configuration.
I thought if sats showed up it should at least arm. Any ideas why I have 14 sats and still have to wait until coordinates and home point show up in the OSD?
Great video, I would just suggest removing the unused pins from the balance connector, they could short in a crash :)
Great point! 👍
then how does dji do it i mean the mini has the same gps recievers in them but get a fix within less than 30 seconds why cant we have that.. also why cant we have on the long range fpv drones we cant have dji level return to home without any input from us... we need this
Excellent video.... I want to install a GPS in my DIATONE Roma F4/6S MAMBA AIO F411 35A 20 mm., but in the diagram, the F/C doesn't have a place where to connect the GPS.... please help. Thank you.
Hello sir. i like vour video very much and it helped me. i would recommend you using a lavalier (clip to shirt) microfon so i can understand you better.
To use the Assist Offline there is no need to use an FTDI adaptor. Using the Betaflight CLI enter “gpspassthrough”, then disconnect the configurator and connect ublox application.
Its called shielding your GPS wiring and module with copper tape. 17 satellites on a cold boot within 40 seconds. Beitian 220 module.
subscribed. unbelievably thorough! thanks for the Ublox info.😊
Well dang, I've got a pair of those regulators sitting in my parts drawer, as well as bare balance connectors. I just might have to employ your method to get my cruiser into the air before the HDZero VTX hits overheat temps!
Hey Jason, great to hear from you! Make sure to check out the VIFLY GPS Mate. amzn.to/3qSV3Ms It's a more elegant implementation of the same solution and came into production after this video was published
So much precious info in this video and so well explained.., I've been isolating the GPS cables with copper tape which has helped, however today I was flying in a new spot, bright sunny day but couldn't get a fix. I will try yr Isolated power supply and see if that helps. Many thanks and happy landings..
This is what I use on all my builds going forward. Does the same thing in a more compact form at the push of a button (included buzzer too!) ruclips.net/video/Zwqfo5SwX9w/видео.html
Many thanks, I use the VIFLY buzzer so will definitely try this cheers
@@MnM_FPV sure thing Mike, enjoy! I'm using the GPS Mate on two of my builds so far and it's working great 👍
Wow! This video was full of great info, thanks a lot!
Well my costs of following this BEC advice was one GPS module (BZ-121) and one of the i/o pins on HAKRC F411 20A AIO. Also as a part of troubleshooting/fixing this I've got JST-ZH headers with crimping tool and now I can attach GPS to my quad or to a small lipo to get a fix.
I feel PRECAUTIONARY NOTE in the first comment is not enough and probably should say that this MAY work only with specific FC/GPS/BEC models and most likely will fry other hardwares
Another method that is alot easier and requires no added parts soldered anywhere is to use the 3.3v pad. This, in most FC's, if not all, always powers off USB. I use my ISDT cell checker on USB charge or use a power bank so no camera or VTX etc is powered up at the same time and you can carry on flying other models with zero interference and cuts out waiting time altogether. 🤘
@Yinka in Brasil yes it does
Great video TMac. Interest stuff. Who better than you to figure out all that great info. Thanks
Thanks Lawrence!🙏Maybe try a few of things things out? If so, let me know what you think
Awesome video. Thank you very much for sharing your knowledge.
You're quite welcome BK! I truly appreciate you making the time to comment 🙏
@@TMacFPV I am interested in GPS on Raspberry Pi micro computers for network time, rather than drones. This is by far the best GPS video I have seen. I intend to watch it on my mobile as well, so I can give it two thumbs up :-) [update: No 2 thumbs up, RUclips knew it was me again]
Isolated power supply for the win!! Thanxs !!
Sure thing Dron-o-Tron👍
love your videos bro, so clear and easy to understand
I learned so much today thank you!!.
now maybe my flywoo Explorer LR dji with GPS will work better if I do all of this I've had to wait well over 6 minutes to get GPS lock its really annoying...
Beitian modules have an internal voltage regulator, so you can power it with 2.8 to 6v, directly to one cell of the lipo, avoiding the usage of the BEC, and removing another source of noise.
interesting, I'll have to give that a try next time I use a British. I'm using Mateks right now. Thanks for the info👍
After you flash the offline data, say for a 1 week period, do you need to refresh every week or so to get this lock time boost again?
thanks brother this helped alot
Another outstanding show !
Did you get your popcorn?🍿😂
@@TMacFPV Oh for sure T..and always the deluxe kind just for you ) Orville extra buttery ;-)
@@blainsmith3097 you are Da Man!💪
I have a new type m10 chip gps on my quad and I have got it to get fix only in one specific place the normal way. But when I power it on from the fc with usb cable , it gets fix in a few seconds and I can plug the battery in. I don’t know what is the matter but I guess its about the vTX antenna as it is on top of the gps module. But so it was in my previous quad as well without any problems. And it was also a worse m8 chip module.
excelent
great video and i did learn something today thank u very much TMac my takeaway its the module with the 5 volt step down its small very small and it does the job great stuff .
Thanks H2O-FPV, happy you found it useful 👍Yes, that iFlight 5V regulator (only 1 gram!😲) works quite well 💪
Hi, the BN-220 should work on 1 cell without bec, no ? But the bec provide also filter fonction. Is assist now a free service ? Thank you
thank you
Thanks for the informations , i am using SIM39EA as GPS, but i have problems with the precision, when it go near to a high building, i got bad precision of location, if u have any advices of how to increase the precision i will be thankful, thank you
Very informative video. Thanks!
Thanks Larry 🙏Did you learn anything from it?🤔
I have noticed something, my blue light starts going crazy as soon as transmitter of drone goes on.. is does not keep its original steady flash... what causes this? Its as if something is interfering that should not...
Excellent tutorial... Helped me no end... Thank you.
One thing that comes to mind is. Instead of a bec on every quad. I can power the gps with the 5v pad that delivers when the fc is powered by usb (not all fc's supports it) . This way I just leave the quad connected to my phone with the cable, until I see the green light. Then plug the lipo and unplug the usb
That should work great too!👌 Thanks for sharing 🙏
great suggestion I can confirm it worked for me, now I have the fun of finding the right pads on 6 of my flight controllers to find a 5v source powered by the usb port.
Is there anything I could do to help locate Sats, by using my computer and a USB cable connected to and outside standalone GPS module? Is there a program that does that already, so I can time my flights favorably?
while i like the idea in this case this can only be called separated and not isolated. this kind of buck converter uses switching wich is bad for a GPS receiver, not to talk about the rest of the noise passing thru' the wires and back via the buck to the gps.
best is to use a proper known/tested LC filter (high freq) or diy one yourself.
well best is to use a scope see if there is any noise. seems in fpv there's not many pro using proper gear at least i didnt see one accept for iBcrazy maibe.
14usd seriously.
same goes for fpv camera.
supposed to be constructive critics or such. still a very good thing to share and educate folks.
cheers.
This is so awesome! Thank you so much!
Make sure to check out the VIFLY GPS Mate. It came into production after this video had been published. It's a more elegant solution than that described in this video
Dang I just ordered a buzzer and a BEC. Let me go ahead and cancel that order right away 🙈
Thanks for bringing this to my attention!
Wow. Very educational.. Thanks!
Sure thing Miguel! Glad you found it useful 👍
Hi. do you know why I am getting error "Terminated... NACK from receiver..." when doing the Assisnow offline ?
Thank you for the info, TMAC!
You are very welcome Pacific Northwest Pilots! My pleasure!👍😀
Amazing 🙏. This one i need 🤭. Thx u sir
Awesome info!
Learned a lot and subbed!
Just bought a Foxeer 120 GPS with the New M10 Q Chip, 25 minutes later, NOT locking but still showing available satellites, any ideas Cheers
Great info thanks for sharing.
Absolutely, my pleasure 👍
Why are there no more videos from this guy?
Hello, i connected my gps module with my esp8266 for the first time it worked but after that I'm not getting the latitude and longitude it's showing 0.000000 for both, even though led is blinking, I'm getting this problem, what's the solution for this??
26.15 I'm confusing, placing the GPS module as far as FC but instead put it at the back of motor. Does it directly face to the biggest noise (motor) of the system?
Brilliant idea thanks
Thanks John🙏, let me know how it works out for you 💪👌
I think, you do not need for a voltage regulator. One cell of LiPo gives you from 3.3 to 4.2. So there is no problem to power GPS module.
I just thought, could a lighter/smaller method of reducing noise be to have a flight-controller-controlled switch to turn on the other noisy components once a GPS fix is established?
Yes, that would be ideal. If you come up with a way to do that, please share!👍
I move vtx antenna and vtx suppose to be in pit no clue if it really is lol. I went 2 days no satellites lol
i use a usb power bank and power the gps with 3.3v reg which is on with usb power to fc.
that way, i plug in the powerbank to the fc when i get to my spot, get setted up while the gps are acquiring and when I'm ready, i plug the battery and unplug the powerbank. all sats acquired, no heating vtx and optimal use of time :)
i use a usb power bank and power the gps with 3.3v reg which is on with usb power to fc.
that way, i plug in the powerbank to the fc when i get to my spot, get setted up while the gps are acquiring and when I'm ready, i plug the battery and unplug the powerbank. all sats acquired, no heating vtx and optimal use of time :)
@@charlesmarseille123 I was thinking the same and would be a quicker solution. All the noisy stuff would be powered off (camera, vtx, escs).
My vote goes to the isolated power supply. I will be making one myself; I already have all of the components including the iFlight 5-12 volt BEC. On thing that I have noticed is that some batteries have 1 black and 4 red wires while others have 1 red and 4 black wires. So, you can't tell by color. Is the single wire normally positive or negative?
Hey Harry, great to hear from you! The same colored wires are "normally" the "positives" of each cell, whereas the "odd-colored" wire us "normally" the single "ground" (negative)
@@TMacFPV Thanks, I like your videos.
i have my GPS connected to the FLight controller 5V out that supports USB power, so I can just "pre start" the GPS with a power bank... by connecting USB to the FC, and once its working .. connect the battery. after that re-fixing on battery changes (below 6 minutes) is rather quickly)
Hola, se podrá cambiar el GPS de SG906 Pro 2 por un módulo BN220 ?
Hi, are you able to see drone's location on base screen ?
Great video. A question. There are switches available on the BF configuration page to beep or light a LED when the GOS has a lock. Haven’t been able to have them work correctly so far. I do get a green light near the red one on the IFlight GPS, but seems pretty random. Did you find a way to make BF beep when you get say a 10 sat lock? That would be cool.
Not beep. I have it play a "custom sound track' I made as demonstrated on the VIFLY GPS Mate video at this time mark ruclips.net/video/Zwqfo5SwX9w/видео.html . I'm using Crossfire telemetry, so I just needed to make a logical switch on a Logical Switch line # that has a>x, Sats, 5 . Then go to Special Functions Page and create a Special function on a Line # that has L0x where x is the Logical Switch line # you just made, Play Track, and insert your custom sound track you've saved to your SD card. You can make your own custom sound track using the process described in this video ruclips.net/video/RSxD9Th1VDo/видео.html . Watch the videos and it should make sense to you. I mentioned Crossfire telemetry because "Sats" is the Crossfire telemetry for # of satellites. if you're using a different type of receiver/telemetry, you'll need to find out yourself what the telemetry variable is for # of satellites with that type of receiver/telemetry
@@TMacFPV
Perfect. Forgot to add I’m using an Air Unit. No Cfire. :-)!
Just a thought . Can I use a female micro usb or type-c , power it from a power bank (5V output) and after connect with satellites , remove usb and power the drone ?
Need to make sure GPS module is powered by 5V (not all are). Also, if the power to the GPS is interrupted, it will need to reacquire satellites. Depending on how long it was originally powered On for, will determine how long it will take after quad is powered on. A much better solution I have recently come across is the VIFLY GPS Mate ruclips.net/video/Zwqfo5SwX9w/видео.html
Thank you for very informative video's :) Question: How do i save the AssistNow Autonomous setting to the GPS module? I've checked the checkbox and ACK is successful (0x06 0x32). But the checkbox tick is gone when I power cycle the GPS module. Is it still saved? If i go into CFG, and choose "Save current config" and "Send" i get a Success in ACK as well (0x06 0x09). But this doesn't help. In CFG devices "BBR" and "FLASH" are selected. But uncertain what choice to make here. I'm using the GSP which comes with the Flywoo explorer LR 4 (GM8 Mini v1.0) which uses the M8030-KT chipset.
Any advice would be appreciated.
The product descriptions for this Flywoo GPS do not say anything about it having flash (or any other type of) memory. The Product Page for the M8030-KT chip says flash memory is supported but may require external components. www.u-blox.com/sites/default/files/products/documents/UBX-M8030_ProductSummary_%28UBX-15029937%29.pdf Since the FlyWoo GPS module product pages do not show it having flash memory, I'm guessing Flywoo has not provided the required "external components"? Perhaps ask Flywoo?
Can you pelp me please?
Gps showed long.. and lat.. when fist powering on and connecting to betaflight but could not get any satellites.
Then it detected gps on the top "gps" indication of betaflight.
Then I changed it to Ublocx and was showing same thing.
Wen I changed back to NMEA it did not detect gps anymore and showed up only with Ublocks, but still no satellite.
(Blue light was blinking all the time on gps).
This morning I left it in the open for 10 min. BLue light turned solid, now it does not detect pgs in betaflight under Ublox or NMEA>>>
I don't understand what is going on??
Also before in betaflight when i said "gpspassthrough" to try and use "U-center" it showed funnny things al the time moving over screen. now it shows nothing???
Been using a 1s battery connected to a spare gps plug I just swap from battery once it has fix to FC plug and away I go 👍
I can have the drones sitting in the back of the car getting fix while I'm driving to the park ☺️
Great! That works too!👍I've also recently come across the VIFLY GPS Mate which I'm now using. Just push a button & you're good to go even when swapping out LiPos 💪😁ruclips.net/video/Zwqfo5SwX9w/видео.html
@@TMacFPV smart bit of tech thanks
This is exactly what I needed 👍 sub’d 😎
i just used OTG connect fc to smartphone and gps is up without air unit / analog vtx is burned up, while we can check on android betaflight for gps fix
Hi,
Can you please help me to revert BN-220 actual configuration for quad drone, after applying your steps my quad is not able to lock GPS.
Did you ever fix your gps module, hopefully?
@@Sek101 no
So in my understanding if I choose Assistnow Offline 1 week like mentioned in the video, I will have to connect the GPS to the computer every week to download new accurate data?!!
Correct. Navigation satellites are not stationary in the sky and their positional data can only be predicted accurately for a period of time without needing an update
Hello TMac. What is the name of the thing/substance witch hold your parts while soldering? I looking for something like this, but i don't know the name. Thanks to your video, I will try to put GPS on some small quad. Until now i assume, that is inpractical due to electric noise.
I believe you're speaking of "helping hands," something like this amzn.to/3gOJAYx
@@TMacFPV Thanks for fast response. No, I don't mean "helping hand", a mean 9:29
@@madejp ohhh . . .thanks for clarifying! It's Blu-Tack, great stuff! amzn.to/2KfKtwO
@@TMacFPV Thanks, this is it!!!
I just destroyed my fc by doing this mod ! I connected usb, 5v bec and Lipo at the same time and somehow this destroyed the mcu of my diatone mamba f405, which now gets hot. All GNDs (GPS, 5V BEC, Lipo, FC) are connected together if the 5V BEC is connected to the lipo balancer.
I bought a new cheap drone sg108 pro and the gps cant locate any satelite even im outdoor, seller told me that i have to be in a very wide space for it to work is that correct? Btw compass & gyro calibration are working
1. please see my pinned comment in the Comments section of the video description for the ViFly GPS Mate and a link to my video on the GPS Mate. 2. As stated in the video, your satellite coverage may vary based on time of day and location. You'll need to be in an outside area where satellite signals can get to your drone. If you're in a city surrounded by buildings close to you, that may not be an ideal location. Merry Christmas!
@@TMacFPVsorry i havent finished this video when i wrote you my comment silly me, i will follow all your instructions/tips and kudos to you mate this video is very helpful to novice like me to drones😅 Btw based on your experienced what cheap brand of gps module would you recommend?
All good but i missed the racing stuff punch breaking that window
Ublox or NMEA0183?
Flywoo explorer gps never showed any ledd even when working 🤷♂️
Hi I can get sats but no gps lock . Any ideas ? I'm on inav.
Hey Traci! Not sure I understand how you can "get days" without a "gps lock." How many satellites are you getting? How do you know you're not getting a "lock?" What's the indication you're not getting one?
@@TMacFPV Iget up to 20 sats. There is no gps on the osd and none of the gps flight modes work. I have had gps twice in about 30 attempts
compass on osd
I think most these GPS units have an input voltage of 3V3-5V. I think I'm going to try to use a 1S battery connector and connect it to the GND+Cell_1 of the balance lead on my battery, if that fits.
EDIT: Scratch that, it doesn't fit. I'll have to use a 4S connector instead for a 4S balance plug.
That's a great idea! 😀 let me know if it works out for you, ok?
@@TMacFPV Yep, will do! The advantage of course, is that you don't need a separate regulator, which might also cause some noise if it's a poor one. Your physical implementation is very good, but it still takes up some space. I edited my comment to say that a 1S connector is a no-go, but I'll definitely try with GND+Cell_1. That should give the GPS 4.2V on full, and 3.7V on empty.
@@TMacFPV No, shouldn't need to do that. The balance lead of the battery is made so that for each wire, you increase the voltage by one Lipo cell voltage. GND+Cell_1 = 4.2V, GND+Cell_2 = 2*4.2V and so on. Therefore, if you make a connector that only connects to GND and the wire adjacent to it (that's the standard setup, at least), you should only get 4.2V from that. I think you made your connector so that you connected GND and the last wire on the other side of the connector, which for 4S gives you a voltage of 4*4.2V and the need for a regulator.
The stuff I said about using a 1S connector (which I found doesn't work) was to eliminate the need for a full 4S connector. But, it's actually much neater and limits the risk of connecting it the wrong way around.
@@ojkolsrud1 Yes, i understand. Shortly after I sent you that reply, I realized I wasn't thinking straight. Been up since 3:00 a.m. and apparently I still haven't had enough coffee!
@@TMacFPV Hehe, the lack of sleep, and most importantly coffee, tends to have that effect!=P In any case, I'll try this mod. Previously, I've just connected a USB batterypack to my FC, which in turn powers my GPS - so that it can get a lock while I travel to where I'm going to fly. Still though, that doesn't remove electrical noise during flight, which your mod will help with!
can a NEO6M module support Assistnow?
Yes! Neo 6M is UBlox. Check it out here www.u-blox.com/en/product/neo-6-series
@@TMacFPV thankyou! im looking to use A-GPS on this module using ESP32. I wodner if you know any resources that could help me with that, that would be very apppreciated
Hey Patrick, I do not have any experience at all with ESP32 nor am I aware of any resources. However, I wish you the best! 👍
@@TMACFPVShorts no problem, thankyou and keep doing your work!
OMG! My Flight Controller and Beitian 220 GPS module died after doing this power isolated method.... Power up GPS Module and satellite quickly locked. Plug in XT60 no power show up on FC, but vtx, camera and receiver works. Remove all peripherals from FC then try to plug in USB. Still no power, no LED light show up on FC....
Dear Sir, you should really take this video out of your collection!!! Not only that the most GPS Units get fried after a short period....No, everybody who use an external BEC can easy frie his FC too!! The only Modules that work are maybe the matek ones, like you said in your comment. But its absolutely not enough to write it in a comment which people maybe not read. The WARNING have to be told in the video!!!
Not OK !!
I experiences this with BZ-121 module, luckily FC is ok. What exactly causing this ? Would adding something like a diode fix this ?
Thx T
sue thing ktmjay! 👍Gonna give it a shot?🤔
👍👀🇭🇷