This project demonstrates how to interface a U-blox Neo-6M or Neo-7M GPS module with an Arduino to obtain location data (latitude and longitude). These affordable modules, readily available online, provide a simple way to add GPS functionality to your projects. The distinct blue LED on the Neo-7M (in video at 02:53) signals GPS fix, a handy feature for confirming signal acquisition.

Here are some project ideas using a GPS module and Arduino:

• GPS Tracker: Log location data and display it on a map.
• Geocaching Tool: Navigate to specific coordinates.
• Automated Vehicle Navigation: Guide a robot or drone.
• Weather Station: Add location data to weather readings.
• Wildlife Tracking: Monitor animal movements.

Hardware/Components

• Arduino Uno (or compatible board)
• U-blox Neo-6M or Neo-7M GPS module
• Jumper wires
• USB cable
• (Optional) External antenna and SMA connector

Wiring Guide

The wiring is straightforward (in video at 10:39):

• GPS VCC to Arduino 3.3V
• GPS GND to Arduino GND
• GPS TX to Arduino pin 3 (defined as RX in code)
• GPS RX to Arduino pin 4 (defined as TX in code)

Remember, TX connects to RX and vice-versa (in video at 11:10). The video also shows how to use simple jumper wires for connections (in video at 10:24).

Code Explanation

This project uses the TinyGPS++ library. Download and install it through the Arduino IDE's library manager. The essential code adjustments are the software serial pin definitions and baud rate (in video at 07:00):

#include <TinyGPS++.h>
#include <SoftwareSerial.h>

static const int RXPin = 3, TXPin = 4;
static const uint32_t GPSBaud = 9600; // Default for U-blox modules

The RXPin and TXPin variables define the Arduino pins connected to the GPS module. The default baud rate for the U-blox modules is 9600. The core of the code lies in reading the serial data from the GPS and parsing it using the TinyGPS++ library (in video at 08:03):

// The TinyGPS++ object
TinyGPSPlus gps;

// The serial connection to the GPS device
SoftwareSerial ss(RXPin, TXPin);

// ... (inside loop function) ...
while (ss.available() > 0)
  if (gps.encode(ss.read()))
    displayInfo();

The displayInfo() function then extracts and prints the latitude and longitude whenever a valid GPS fix is obtained (in video at 09:07):

void displayInfo()
{
  // ... other code ...

  if (gps.location.isValid())
  {
    Serial.print(gps.location.lat(), 6); // Latitude with 6 decimal places
    Serial.print(F(","));
    Serial.print(gps.location.lng(), 6); // Longitude with 6 decimal places
  }
  // ... other code ...
}

Live Project/Demonstration

The video (in video at 12:29) demonstrates the project in action, showing the initial "INVALID" output when no GPS signal is present and then displaying valid coordinates once a fix is acquired. The blinking blue LED on the Neo-7M provides visual confirmation of the GPS signal (in video at 13:49).

Chapters

• [00:00] Introduction and Project Overview
• [00:32] GPS Module Variations (Neo-6M and Neo-7M)
• [04:30] Wiring the GPS Module to Arduino
• [06:12] Code Explanation and TinyGPS++ Library
• [10:07] Detailed Wiring Explanation and TX/RX Principles
• [12:29] Live Demonstration and Signal Acquisition