DIY GPS logger build instructions

Note: This article is not complete yet. I am intending to add a wiring diagram (whenever I get around to re-installing Visio on my computer) and a build video (whenever I get around to making it).

List of parts:

The links above are to the components I used but any suitable alternatives could be used.

If you are going to use a dedicated 1s lipo then the voltage buck is required to convert the LiPo voltage to a stable 5v output. Alternatively the unit can be powered from any 5v supply (e.g. flight controller 5v pin).

Build instructions:

  • Configure your data logger (the description below is for the fermion data logger linked to above).
    • Format your SD card to FAT 32 and insert it in the data logger
    • Insert the SD card into the data logger and connect a 5v power supply for a minute or two (this is to allow the data logger to write a default configuration file to the card)
    • Remove the card and insert it into your computer.
    • Edit the config.txt file to set the data rate and output filetype (CSV is preferred).
      • Baud=02,FileNum=00001,FileFormat=1,Time=0
      • The important settings is Baud=02 (or whatever baud rate your GPS module defaults to):
        • 00: 2400
        • 01: 4800
        • 02: 9600
        • 03: 14400
        • 04: 19200
        • 05: 38400
        • 06: 56000
        • 07: 57600
        • 08: 115200
        • 09: 128000
        • 10: 230400
        • 11: 512000
        • 12: 1000000
      • FileFormat=1 is for CSV output files.
    • Save the configuration file, eject the SD card form your computer and put it back in the datalogger.
  • Make the connections
    • Data logger
      • +5v to Voltage buck +5v output (or Flight Controller 5v output.
      • Gnd to Voltage buck Gnd output (or Flight Controller Gnd)
      • TX to GPS module RX (not really required)
      • RX to GPS module TX
    • GPS module
      • +5v to Voltage buck +5v output (or Flight Controller 5v output.
      • Gnd to Voltage buck Gnd output (or Flight Controller Gnd)
      • RX to Data logger TX (not really required)
      • TX to Data logger RX
    • Voltage buck (if used)
      • Make sure you configure the output for 5v. The item linked to above has a default output of 12v!
      • +5v out to +5v on Data logger & GPS module
      • Gnd out to Gnd on Data logger and GPS module
      • Vin to Battery +
      • Gnd in to Battery -

wiring for DIY GPS logger (with voltage buck)

 

  • Check the connections! (I did fry one GPS module by accidentally reversing the + & - power wires!)
  • Test
    • Power on the unit and wait for the GPS module to log onto some satellites (the GPS LED on the GPS module will illuminate or flash).
    • Walk around a bit to get some data.
    • Power off the unit
    • Remove the SD card and put it in your computer.
    • Find the data file (in my case File00001.csv).
    • Upload it to the converter program.
    • Download the converted file.
    • Open the converted file in Google Earth
    • If all is well you should see the path you took when walking around.

 

 

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