MicroMod GNSS Function Board - NEO-M9N Hookup Guide

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Contributors: bboyho, Elias The Sparkiest
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Introduction

The u-blox NEO-M9N is a powerful GPS unit that now comes populated on a MicroMod Function Board! In this tutorial, we will quickly get you set up using it with the MicroMod ecosystem and Arduino so that you can start reading the output.

SparkFun MicroMod GNSS Function Board - NEO-M9N

SparkFun MicroMod GNSS Function Board - NEO-M9N

GPS-18378
$49.95

Required Materials

To follow along with this tutorial, you will need the following materials. You may not need everything though depending on what you have. Add it to your cart, read through the guide, and adjust the cart as necessary.

Reversible USB A to C Cable - 2m

Reversible USB A to C Cable - 2m

CAB-15424
$8.95
1
SparkFun MicroMod Artemis Processor

SparkFun MicroMod Artemis Processor

DEV-16401
$14.95
SparkFun MicroMod GNSS Function Board - NEO-M9N

SparkFun MicroMod GNSS Function Board - NEO-M9N

GPS-18378
$49.95
SparkFun Mini Screwdriver

SparkFun Mini Screwdriver

TOL-09146
$1.05
3

SparkFun MicroMod Main Board - Single

DEV-18575
Retired

MicroMod Main Board

To hold the processor board and function board, you will need one Main Board. Depending on your application, you may choose to have one or two additional function boards.

SparkFun MicroMod Main Board - Single

DEV-18575
Retired

SparkFun MicroMod Main Board - Double

DEV-18576
Retired

MicroMod Processor Board

There are a variety of MicroMod Processor Boards available to choose from. We recommend getting the ones that are Arduino compatible.

SparkFun MicroMod Teensy Processor

SparkFun MicroMod Teensy Processor

DEV-16402
$21.50
7
SparkFun MicroMod ESP32 Processor

SparkFun MicroMod ESP32 Processor

WRL-16781
$16.95
1
SparkFun MicroMod Artemis Processor

SparkFun MicroMod Artemis Processor

DEV-16401
$14.95
SparkFun MicroMod SAMD51 Processor

SparkFun MicroMod SAMD51 Processor

DEV-16791
$18.95
1

MicroMod Function Board

To add additional functionality to your Processor Board, you'll want to include one or two function boards when connecting them to the Main Board. Besides the NEO-M9N, you could add an additional function board for your project if you have the Main Board - Double.

SparkFun MicroMod LoRa Function Board

SparkFun MicroMod LoRa Function Board

WRL-18573
$39.95
SparkFun MicroMod GNSS Function Board - NEO-M9N

SparkFun MicroMod GNSS Function Board - NEO-M9N

GPS-18378
$49.95
SparkFun MicroMod Environmental Function Board

SparkFun MicroMod Environmental Function Board

SEN-18632
$149.95
1
SparkFun MicroMod WiFi Function Board - ESP32

SparkFun MicroMod WiFi Function Board - ESP32

WRL-18430
$14.95

Tools

You will need a screw driver to secure the Processor and Function boards.

Pocket Screwdriver Set

Pocket Screwdriver Set

TOL-12891
$4.50
5
SparkFun Mini Screwdriver

SparkFun Mini Screwdriver

TOL-09146
$1.05
3
MicroMod Screwdriver

MicroMod Screwdriver

TOL-19012
$0.50

Suggested Reading

If you aren't familiar with the MicroMod ecosystem, we recommend reading here for an overview.

MicroMod Logo
MicroMod Ecosystem

If you aren’t familiar with the following concepts, we also recommend checking out a few of these tutorials before continuing. Make sure to check the respective hookup guides for your processor board and function board to ensure that you are installing the correct USB-to-serial converter. You may also need to follow additional instructions that are not outlined in this tutorial to install the appropriate software.

GPS Basics

The Global Positioning System (GPS) is an engineering marvel that we all have access to for a relatively low cost and no subscription fee. With the correct hardware and minimal effort, you can determine your position and time almost anywhere on the globe.

Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI)

SPI is commonly used to connect microcontrollers to peripherals such as sensors, shift registers, and SD cards.

I2C

An introduction to I2C, one of the main embedded communications protocols in use today.

How to Work with Jumper Pads and PCB Traces

Handling PCB jumper pads and traces is an essential skill. Learn how to cut a PCB trace, add a solder jumper between pads to reroute connections, and repair a trace with the green wire method if a trace is damaged.

Getting Started with U-Center for u-blox

Learn the tips and tricks to use the u-blox software tool to configure your GPS receiver.

Three Quick Tips About Using U.FL

Quick tips regarding how to connect, protect, and disconnect U.FL connectors.

Getting Started with MicroMod

Dive into the world of MicroMod - a compact interface to connect a microcontroller to various peripherals via the M.2 Connector!

MicroMod Main Board Hookup Guide

The MicroMod Main Board - Single and Double are specialized carrier boards that allow you to interface a Processor Board with a Function Board(s). The modular system allows you to add an additional feature(s) to a Processor Board with the help of a Function Board(s). In this tutorial, we will focus on the basic functionality of the Main Board - Single and Main Board - Double.