Hookup Guide
Schematic
Datasheet (SAM-M8Q)Product Overview
The SparkFun SAM-M8Q GNSS Breakout is an easy-to-use GPS board designed for projects requiring an economical, all-in-one PNT solution. Built around the SAM-M8Q from u-blox, this module is a "Smart Antenna" receiver, meaning the antenna is built directly into the module itself, eliminating the need for bulky external antennas or complex RF wiring.
The SAM-M8Q Engine
At the heart of this board is the impressive u-blox SAM-M8Q module. Don't let the price fool you, this breakout is a complete GNSS subsystem packed with features often seen on high-end models.
- 72-Channel M8 Engine: Capable of concurrently tracking up to three GNSS constellations (GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo).
- Superior Positioning: By tracking multiple systems simultaneously, the module provides better accuracy and signal availability, even in "urban canyons" where single-constellation receivers often fail.
- Integrated RF Architecture: The "Smart Antenna" design combines the patch antenna element, a SAW filter, and a Low Noise Amplifier (LNA) into a single package, ensuring optimal signal handling and interference immunity right out of the box.
Save Your UART Ports
Standard GPS modules often monopolize a hardware serial (UART) port, which can be a headache on smaller microcontrollers. This breakout solves that by using I2C (or what u-blox calls the Display Data Channel).
- Qwiic Compatible: We’ve routed the I2C lines to our Qwiic connectors, allowing you to plug this GPS into your project with no soldering required.
- Legacy Friendly: Prefer the old-school way? We still broke out the standard 0.1"-spaced pins for breadboard prototyping.
However, if you want to skip the programming entirely, this breakout is fully compatible with the SparkFun OpenLog Artemis and DataLogger systems. When connected, the receiver is automatically detected, scanned, configured, and logged. This allows you to start gathering proximity data immediately! No programming, soldering, or complex setup required.
Fast Locks & Backup Power
Waiting for a GPS lock can be frustrating. To minimize this, the board includes an onboard rechargeable battery that powers the module's internal Real-Time Clock (RTC) and preserves GNSS orbit data. This backup power reduces the Time-To-First-Fix from a cold start (~30 seconds) to a hot start of just ~1 second.
Powerful Configuration
While power users can configure settings such as baud rates, update rates, geofencing, and spoofing detection using the detailed u-center Windows software, we have made these settings accessible to everyone via the SparkFun Arduino Library. You can control all these features directly from your code without ever leaving the Arduino IDE.
