GPS receivers
GPS modules are building blocks used as components to create spatially aware systems. (That sounds impressive.)
You can get the bare modules or you can use modules that have been built up into GPS hockey pucks. (Some people call them GPS mice.) For example, you can get a Garmin 25 module and wire it directly to the low voltage serial port on a PIC processor or you can get a Garmin GPS-18 hockey puck and plug it into a USB port.
For hobbyists probably the best place to get the latest modules is [Spark Fun Electronics], they have a bunch of other modules that I don't list here yet.
I got the modules I have currently on eBay.
Garmin
| Model | Accuracy | Channels | Price | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| eMap | 15m/2m | 12 | $200 or so | Handheld, accepts RTCM for DGPS. Apparently a bad choice for Rinex software |
| GPS 10 | 15m/3m WAAS | 12 | $250 | bluetooth module |
| GPS 15 | 15m | 12 | bare module | |
| GPS 16 LVS, 16 HVS, 16A 3.3-6V / 6-40V / 8-40 V |
15m / <3m WAAS / 3-5 USCG RTCM | 12 channel | 2 serial ports, deck mount | |
| GPS 17 | $200 | basically the same as a GPS 16 but in a white, pole mount case | ||
| GPS 18 | 15m / 3m WAAS | 12 | $130 | CMOS serial or RS232 or USB hockey puck |
| GPS 25-LVC (3.6-6V), -LVS(3.6-6V RS232), -HVS(6-40V RS232) | 15m / 5m DGPS | ? | bare module; capable of raw data output (pseudorange and phase) | |
| GPS 35 / 36 | 15m / 5m DGPS | ? | 35 = mouse style, 36 = pole mount |
The GPS 17 is designed for marine applications but is often pressed into service in backpack style data collectors.
Trimble
GPS modules
| Model | Accuracy | Channels | Connectors | Price (est) | Comments | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pathfinder Pocket | 10m/2m DGPS | 8 | 2 RS232 via one DB9, SMB 3.3v, power | $500 | includes an external antenna. | |
| M-Loc | 10m (no DGPS) | 12 | 3.3v 35mW(68mW)
25 x 25 x 6.9 mm |
$45 | FirstGPS software runs on host processor | |
| Lassen SQ | 6-9m,no DGPS | 8 | 8 pin header, H-FL-R-SMT | 3.3v/100mW 26x26x6 mm, 5.7g |
$45 (use IQ instead!) | Use w/RF transition cable |
| Lassen IQ | 5-8m,no DGPS | 12 | 8 pin header, H-FL-R-SMT | 3.3v/85mW 26x26x6 mm, 5.7g |
$50 | Updated more accurate version of SQ. Purchase from SparkFun |
| Ace II | 25m/2m DGPS | 8 | 8 pin (2 CMOS TTL serial) SMB 5v/25mA | 5v / 95mA / .47W 82.6 x 46.5 x 11.5 mm |
cheap | Discontinued but I got one from eBay for $10 |
| Ace III | 25m/2m DGPS | 8 | 8 pin (2 CMOS TTL serial) SMB 5v/25mA | 5v / 95mA / .47W 82.6 x 46.5 x 11.5 mm |
$80 | |
| Lassen SK-8 | 25m/2m DGPS | 8 | 8 pin (2 CMOS TTL serial) SMB 5v/25mA | $ | Discontinued; use SKII | |
| Lassen SKII | 25m/2m DGPS | 8 | 8 pin (2 CMOS TTL serial) SMB 5v/25mA | 5V / 95mA(120mA)/ .47W(.60W) | $80 | |
| Lassen LP | 25m/2m DGPS | 8 | 2 serial and power via 8 pin header, MCX/3.3v 12mA | 3.3V / 55mA(67mA)/ .182W(.221W)
66.167 x 31.75 x 12 |
$55 | Low power; can be programmed to power up/down on schedule |
| Style | Gain | Connector | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Micropatch | 26dB | 5m cable with MCX | $17 |
| Hardmount micropatch | 26dB | TNC | $ |
| Bullet | 35dB | 22m cable with SMB adapter | $ |
ToppTec -- purveyors of Trimble OEM modules
Delorme
Consumer grade; Earthmates are WAAS enabled but the older Tripmates are cheap on eBay if you just need a NMEA GPS source.
| Model | Accuracy | Channels | Price | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tripmate | 15m? | 12 | $20-30 on eBay | rs232 (discontinued) |
| Earthmate | WAAS | 12 | $100 | USB |
| Blue logger | WAAS | 12 | $150 | bluetooth enabled |
Other links
Leica
Thales and Magellan
U-blox sells mostly Sony modules.
