GPS + parachute attachment for Cansat Pico V2

Add a GPS / GNSS module to your CANSAT V2

This card replaces the existing parachute attachment card (known as a CanSat-Bun) with a card version fitted with a GPS/GNSS module.
GPS stands for Global Positioning System, while GNSS stands for Global Navigation Satellite System whose  includes positioning systems such as GPS, Galileo, Glonass, etc.

This board is fitted with the same module as the one in the GPS Ultimate breakout created by Adafruit Industries. This module is equipped with a patch antenna on the top of the module. While it may seem small, the high sensitivity (-165dBm) and the numerous reception channels allow a rapid synchronization (a Fix). This is a very surprising module with high efficiency.

The PA1616D firmware provides NMEA phrases starting with $GN instead of $GP (when GPS & GLONASS are available), details covered in the "antenna query" commands of the datasheet. The refresh rate of 1 Hz to 10 Hz allows tracking of fast-moving objects.

The LED on the board indicates the synchronization status (the Fix). The LED flashes while searching for synchronization, the LED is steady when the module is synchronized with the satellite network.

Cold synchronization (at power-up) takes a little longer, while warm synchronization is much faster thanks to the RTC battery.
The module has a slot for a CR2032 battery. Once the battery is in place, the module can memorize synchronization information as well as UTC time, crucial information for speeding up future synchronization.

The module also has an integrated datalogging capability on GPS (called Locus), an interesting but little-used feature in the context of CanSat.

The board also expose two signals:

• 1PPS : (Pulse Per Second) sends a 50 to 100ms pulse every second (only when fix on GPS network). This can be used as a synchronization signal.
• nRst : put in on GND to reset the GPS module.

The GPS module connects using a Grove cable (included) carrying power and RX/TX signals from the UART.

Technical details

See also the GPS Ultimate for additional details.

• Satellites: tracking on 33 satellites, recherche sur 99 canaux
• Patch Antenna Size: 15mm x 15mm x 4mm
• Refresh rate: 1 to 10 Hz
• Position accuracy: < 3 meters (all positioning technology have an accuracy of about 3m)
• Speed accuracy: 0.1 meter/s
• Hot/cold startyp: 34 seconds
• Acquire sensitivity: -145 dBm
• Tracking sensitivity: -165 dBm
• Max speed: 515m/s
• Power (Vin): 3.0 to 5.5VDC
• Current: 34mA during acquisition, 29mA while tracking.
• Output: NMEA 0183, 9600 bauds, 3V logic
• Support for DGPS/WAAS/EGNOS
• Conform with FCC E911 and support for AGPS (off-line mode: EPO valid up to 14 days)
• up to 210 PRN channels
• Jammer detection and reduction (noise over the signal)
• Multi-path detection with compensation
• Weight: 16 gr (without battery)