Overview
If you are experimenting with monitoring fleets, high-altitude scientific experiments, or any kind of project requiring localization of devices, the MKR GPS Shield will offer you the functionality you need, and it is plug 'n' play!
The MKR GPS Shield is based on the u-blox SAM-M8Q GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) module. It is meant to be used on top of boards in the MKR format, but thanks to its Eslov connector, it is also possible to hook it up to any board having that kind of connector available using a cable.
This module is designed to operate with different positioning services concurrently. It receives and processes the signals from GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo. It interfaces with Arduino boards either through a serial interface, when used with headers and put on top of a MKR board, or through an I2C interface and a dedicated ESLOV cable supplied as bundle.
Configuration Commands and Backup
The GPS module can be configured via special commands. We have included an on-board battery holder for the system to keep the configurations made via software. This can be convenient when e.g. changing the operation mode of the GPS to 1g, something common in high altitude experiments, where specific settings away from the default ones are needed for the device.
Another example is the use of Galileo's localization option, which is disabled by default, but can be enabled by sending a configuration message (UBXCFG-GNSS) to the receiver. You can find a detailed description of all of the commands in the protocol here.
Getting Started
Our Arduino_MKRGPS library handles the two different interfaces and offer a consistent set of APIs designed for a full usage of the GPS acquired information
Need Help?
Check the Arduino Forum for questions about the Arduino Language, or how to make your own Projects with Arduino. Need any help with your board please get in touch with the official Arduino User Support as explained in our Contact Us page.
Warranty
You can find here your board warranty information.
Tech specs
| GNSS receiver | u-blox module SAM-M8Q (datasheet) |
| Connectors | MKR headers / Eslov |
| Input Voltage | 3.3V |
| Operating Voltage | 3.3V |
| Backup battery | CR1216 |
| Communication | Serial / I2C / DCC |
| Length | 45 mm |
| Width | 25 mm |
| Weight | 14 gr. |
Conformities
Resources for Safety and Products
Manufacturer Information
The production information includes the address and related details of the product manufacturer.
Arduino S.r.l.
Via Andrea Appiani, 25
Monza, MB, IT, 20900
https://www.arduino.cc/
Responsible Person in the EU
An EU-based economic operator who ensures the product's compliance with the required regulations.
Arduino S.r.l.
Via Andrea Appiani, 25
Monza, MB, IT, 20900
Phone: +39 0113157477
Email: support@arduino.cc
Documentation
OSH: Schematics
The Arduino MKR GPS Shield is open-source hardware! You can build your own board using the following files:
EAGLE FILES IN .ZIP SCHEMATICS IN .PDF
Additional I2C Port
The MKR GPS Shield has an additional connector meant as an extension of the I2C bus. It's a small form factor 5-pin connector with 1.0 mm pitch. The mechanical details of the connector can be found in the connector's datasheet.
The I2C port, also referred to as the Eslov self-identification port within Arduino, comes with: SDA, SCL, GND, +5V, and an extra digital pin meant to send an alarm to the otherwise plain I2C devices connected to it. The pinout is shown in the following image:
If you are interested in designing your own modules for Arduino boards with this expansion port, the connector we suggest using is code: SHR-05V-S-B, also in the picture.
Learn more
Get Inspired
Easy data logging with grove sensors using the MKR Connector Carrier and MKR boards
Say hello to the newest member of the Arduino family! The MKRZero--now available on our stores at the price of $21.90/€20.90 (+ tax)--shrinks the functionality of the Arduino Zero down into an Arduino MKR1000 form factor, making it a great educational tool for learning about 32-bit application development. Like the Zero, the latest board is based on a Microchip SAM D21 ARM Cortex®-M0+ MCU. An integrated SD connector with dedicated SPI interfaces (SPI1) allows you to play with files without any extra hardware, while an analog converter enables you to monitor its battery voltage. The MKRZero’s features in a nutshell: small form factor number crunching capability low power consumption integrated battery management USB host integrated SD management programmable SPI, I2C and UART Interested? You can explore the MKRZero in more detail, including its technical documentation, via the links below: Product Page Getting Started Guide Tutorials on Project Hub Make a ScheduledDataLogging Create a I2S synth generator (theremin) Read battery voltage Make it rain On the software side: If you use the Arduino IDE, you will need to add the new Intel SAMD Core, selecting Tools menu, then Boards, and last Boards Manager on the Arduino Software (IDE). If you use Arduino Web Editor, everything is already updated! Watch out music makers, we’ve got some news for you! We have released two libraries for your enjoyment: Arduino Sound library - a simple way to play and analyze audio data using Arduino on SAM D21-based boards. I2S library - to use the I2S protocol on SAMD21-based boards. For those who don’t know, I2S (Inter-IC Sound) is an electrical serial bus interface standard for connecting digital audio devices. Buy a brand new Arduino MKRZero now! Join the discussion on the Arduino Forum!
