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
Arduino based bicycle movement sensor and GPS tracker.
… magnetic reed switch, but building the game himself in Unity. He had to construct and animate models for himself, the bike, and the scenery. After adding an AI and ranking system to the game, he was able to successfully race within the virtual environment on a real bike. Responsive LED system Motivated by the desire for a more advanced lighting system while on her nighttime bike rides, Natasha (TechnoChic) decided to affix strips of NeoPixel LEDs all over her bike that could react to music in real-time. The LEDs are controlled by an Arduino Nano 33 IoT that is, in turn, connected to her boombox via a 3.5mm audio jack for reading the audio signal. Two additional Nano 33 IoT boards were used for the wheels, along with more NeoPixels and batteries for each. GPS tracker Bicycle theft has been rapidly increasing over the last couple of years, which is why being able to recover a stolen bike has become vital. Johan’s bike tracker project contains an Arduino MKR GSM 1400 which reads motion data from an IMU and uses it to determine if the bike has moved when it is not supposed to. Once movement is detected, the board reads GPS data from a MKR GPS Shield and sends it over an LTE data connection in real-time so that the bike can be found. Integrated safety features The majority of mountain bikes lack useful safety features such as integrated lights, turn signals, and speed tracking, which is why Collin Wentzien embarked on his “(not so) electric bike” project. He built a series of features, including automatic brake/turn lights, a headlight, and an electronic horn with the goal of improving safety. Furthermore, his bike also got a bike computer upgrade which contains an Arduino Mega, GPS module, and dual screens for displaying relevant telemetry data. Speedometer display After losing the display unit for her bike computer, Element14 Presents host Katie wanted to replace it with a DIY version that tracked the current speed
