NEO-6M GPS Module for Arduino and Microcontrollers
High-Sensitivity Positioning Module with UART Interface
The NEO6M is a highperformance GPS receiver module based on the u-blox 6 positioning engine, designed for accurate location tracking in drones, vehicles, and IoT projects [citation:1][citation:3].
50Channel GPS Receiver Tracks GPS L1 frequency with SBAS support [citation:5]
Fast Satellite Lock - Hot start in 1 second, cold start in 27 seconds [citation:5]
Operating voltage is 2.7V to 5V - compatible with 3.3V and 5V systems [citation:1][citation:5]
Use an active antenna or place the module outdoors for stable positioning [citation:5]
First positioning after cold start may take 1-3 minutes outdoors [citation:5]
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|
| Receiver Type | 50 channels, GPS L1 (1575.42MHz) C/A code [citation:5] |
| Horizontal Accuracy | 2.5m CEP (SBAS: 2.0m) [citation:5] |
| Tracking Sensitivity | -161dBm [citation:1][citation:2] |
| Navigation Update Rate | 5Hz max (1Hz default) [citation:5] |
| Operating Voltage | 2.7V to 5.0V [citation:1][citation:5] |
| Operating Current | 45mA [citation:5] |
| Interface | UART TTL (default 9600 baud) [citation:1][citation:5] |
| Communication Protocol | NMEA (default), UBX Binary [citation:5] |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C to +85°C [citation:2][citation:5] |
| Onboard Features | Rechargeable backup battery for hot starts, EEPROM for configuration [citation:1] |
= Key Features =
+High Sensitivity and Fast Acquisition - Excellent performance in urban canyons and dense foliage [citation:8]
+UART TTL Interface - Default 9600 baud with configurable baud rate options up to 230400 [citation:1][citation:5]
+Onboard Backup Battery - Retains ephemeris data for warm/hot starts, enabling rapid positioning [citation:1][citation:8]
+Configurable Update Rate - Up to 5Hz navigation update for tracking applications [citation:5]
+Onboard EEPROM - Saves configuration settings across power cycles [citation:1]
= Applications =
- Vehicle tracking and fleet management [citation:8][citation:11]
- Drone and quadcopter positioning [citation:1][citation:5]
- Arduino-based GPS navigation systems [citation:3][citation:7]
- IoT and asset tracking devices [citation:12]
- Weather balloons and remote sensing
Versatile and Affordable A standard, wellsupported GPS module for positioning projects
Reliable Positioning - Good accuracy for most hobby and prototyping uses
√ Compatible with Arduino, ESP32, STM32, and other microcontrollers [citation:4]
√ Multiple antenna options - IPX connector for external active antenna [citation:1][citation:4]
√ PPS output for precise timing applications [citation:1]
√ Standard NMEA data output for easy integration [citation:4][citation:12]
Connection Guide
| Module Pin | Arduino Connection |
|---|
| VCC | 3.3V or 5V |
| GND | GND |
| TXD | MCU RX (e.g., D4 on Arduino) [citation:3] |
| RXD | MCU TX (e.g., D3 on Arduino) [citation:3] |
| PPS | Optional timing output [citation:1] |
> Connect module TX to MCU RX and module RX to MCU TX for proper UART communication
Use a GPS library for easy parsing of NMEA data on Arduino
The module is static sensitive - handle with care
Troubleshooting
No GPS data:
- Place module outdoors with clear sky view for first positioning [citation:5]
- Check antenna connection and power supply
- Verify correct baud rate (default 9600)
LED remains solid:
- Indicates no satellite lock - wait for position fix [citation:5]
- LED flashes when positioning is acquired
Slow or no lock:
- Allow 1-3 minutes for cold start in open area [citation:5]
- Use external active antenna for better reception
- Check for interference from nearby electronics
