80. GPS interfacing/powerbank

The purpose of this project is to see how the GPS works, and how we can interface the module to the USBTLL device, and then to the Arduino. To make this work, this project will utilize a GPS module (GY-NEO6MV2 GPS Flight Controller Module). This way, the Arduino will use the data, process it, and display it on the LCD screen.

<Unit w/o cover>

The way GPS (Global Positioning System) works, in general, is that there is a network of satellites orbiting around the earth. Each of these satellites is continuously sending out signals that hold the time and position data to Earth. Once data has reached earth, A GPS receiver will utilize the satellite's data, monitors it, and convert/solves it to reveal the precise location of the GPS receiver is in. To ensure that the receiver works, at least 3-4 satellites must be "insight" so that the GPS receiver can undergo a process called triangulation. In triangulation, the GPS receiver measures the distance between each satellite, and so solves the varied distance between them to achieve a precise result.

<Parts>

To build this GPS tracker, You will need the GPS module, an Arduino pro mini (Or any Arduino board), Li-ion batteries in parallel, a Charging module, a 16x2 LCD, some switches, and a container to house the components.

Once you have the GPS Module for the first time, try hooking it up to the USB to TTL adapter, with Vcc connecting to 5 volts, Ground to Ground, TX to RX, and RX to TX. Once it's powered on, put it near the windows so that the receiver will collect the data from the satellites, and perform a long triangulation. The reason why it will take a long before the indicator lights up is that the GPS has a cold fix, meaning that it has just gotten ready to collect data, as well as the RTC battery is flat.

<Testing with USB to TTL>

Once the module starts blinking, it means that the process of triangulation is complete, and is now sending in the GPS data out of the receiver. To see the raw data of the coordinates, you can bring up the Arduino IDE, and find the port that relates to the same one used for the GPS module. once you got it selected, bring up the serial monitor, and see the data scrolling past. If you saw your coordinates presented in the console, that means that the GPS module is working as it was intended.

For the power supply, I used 4 li-ion batteries in parallel and connected the Li-ion charger there. Then I hooked up the Arduino pro mini to the LCD and the power supply to both the Arduino and the LCD. You will now need to desolder the connections of the USB to the TTL device in place for the Arduino. Once you have the module installed, add switches so that you can switch to different GPS functions, but that is optional.

<Wiring>

To program the Arduino for the Module, you will need the TinyGps library, and install it to the Arduino IDE's library. That way, the Arduino will recognize the data coming from the module. You will also need to find the commands from the TinyGps library, and convert the raw data into a string. Then that string data will be presented in the LCD.

<Assembly>

Once you have the LCD displaying one of the GPS functions (such as location), you can house it in a container. I got mine printed to the right dimensions, but you can use any container you want.

The possibilities are endless with the GPS tracker. For example, you can use it to measure Altitude, speed, or even the number of satellites found. Have fun, and see which one is the best for you!