The GPS receiver is a very important sensor - our only other one is the infrared thermometer.

We have tried several models and makers and are now using the TIM-LP from ublox and its Smart Antenna Module version, the SAM-LS. It has a low power consumption, 16 channels, 4Hz position update rate. The dynamic model is configurable. It uses the efficient UBX protocol and can provide positions in UTM.

TIM-LP

The TIM-LP alone is 25mm*25mm and weights 3g.

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  • home assembled TIM-LP and SAM module
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  • home assembled TIM-LP and SAM module

SAM-LS

The SAM module is 32mm*48mm, weights 22g and has a shielded box.

The connector is a 20 pins FFC (Flat Flexible Cable) 0.5mm pitch. I had a hard time finding the cable and matching connector. I finally got them from digikey.

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  • The SAM and a huge RS232 level shifter
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  • The same from the other side.
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  • Adapter.