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Ublox GPS Configuration for Tau Labs FC

JamesxL edited this page Jun 29, 2013 · 1 revision

The current code does not include initialization strings to configure the GPS on each start-up. Therefore "manual" configuration is required in order to get the GPS working properly with TL. There are two ways to configure GPS for navigation.

1. Upload Preset Configuration File

The configuration file can be found. configuration file According to PUG398 "you are welcome to try this ubx 115k file to see if it works. Just remember after writing it change baud to 115k in ucenter and write it again."

Configuration procedure:

1 Download and install [U-Center](http://www.u-blox.com/en/evaluation-tools-a-software/u-center/u-center.html)

2 Obtain a USB-Serial Converter FTDI, CP2102 will both work. (cp2102 is suggested since the recent FTDI driver change has casued a lot of trouble) This one from HobbyKing should work just fine Micro SATA Cable - USB 2.0 to TTL UART 6PIN Module Serial Converter CP2102 (the advantage the HK one is it has both 3.3v and 5v. you will be able to use it on any device)

3 Connect GPS to Converter

CP2102 ---- GPS

TX ---- RX

RX ---- TX

GND ---- GND

5v/3.3v ---- 5v/3.3v

(Be cautious about the voltage. Using 5v to power 3.3v GPS could cause damage)

4 Connect U-center to USB

In U-center

Enable Receiver>Autobaudrate (this option will help you auto detecting GPS baud rate if you do not know. Usually GPS is default at 9600/38400)

Choose your CP2102 ComPort in Receiver>Port

Open a Packet Console in View>Packet Console (or F6) (this help you to quick check if there is message coming from GPS)

5 Upload Downloaded Configuration File

Open Tools>GPS Configuration..

Open the downloaded configuration file

Check "Store Configuration intoBBR/Flash(non-volatile memory) (might not work for some older Ublox those do not have non-volatile memory)

Click "File >> GPS"

Unplug and re-plug in USB, Repeat 4 and 5 one more time to make sure everything is right.

... DONE

2. Manually enable in U-Center

First, disable all messages

Then, enable the following settings under Ublox POSLLH, NAVSOL, NAVDOP, VELNED, TIMEUTC, SVINFO

And also Update rate at 100 ms. Mode to airborne <1g