SparkFun GPS Breakout - XA1110 (Qwiic) Hookup Guide

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Contributors: Englandsaurus
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Introduction

The XA1110 GPS module from GTOP is a rare bird indeed. GPS modules are hard to come by, but an I2C GPS+GLONASS module? Now we're cooking with peanut oil! This small module also utilizes the MediaTek MT3333 chipset, loaded with specialized SparkFun firmware that enables both I2C and Serial ports simultaneously. Using I2C means you won't have to tie up your serial port with GPS, leaving it open to other possibilities.

SparkFun GPS Breakout - XA1110 (Qwiic)

SparkFun GPS Breakout - XA1110 (Qwiic)

GPS-14414
$34.95
5

This module is configured with an on-board RTC battery that enables a warm-start functionality. (Giving the XA1110 just five seconds to first fix) A U.FL connector gives you the option to hook up an external antenna via a U.FL cable

This hookup guide will show you how to get started figuring out where on Earth you are. You'll also learn how to change the update rate of the GPS up to 10 Hz as well as change the baud rate.

Required Materials

To get started, you'll need a microcontroller to, well, control everything.

SparkFun RedBoard - Programmed with Arduino

SparkFun RedBoard - Programmed with Arduino

DEV-13975
$21.50
49
SparkFun ESP32 Thing

SparkFun ESP32 Thing

DEV-13907
$23.50
69

Particle Photon (Headers)

WRL-13774
32 Retired

Raspberry Pi 3

DEV-13825
92 Retired

Now to get into the Qwiic ecosystem, the key will be one of the following Qwiic shields to match your preference of microcontroller:

SparkFun Qwiic HAT for Raspberry Pi

SparkFun Qwiic HAT for Raspberry Pi

DEV-14459
$6.50
5
SparkFun Qwiic Shield for Arduino

SparkFun Qwiic Shield for Arduino

DEV-14352
$7.50
9

SparkFun Qwiic Shield for Photon

DEV-14477
Retired

You will also need a Qwiic cable to connect the shield to your GPS module, choose a length that suits your needs.

Qwiic Cable - 50mm

Qwiic Cable - 50mm

PRT-14426
$0.95
Qwiic Cable - 100mm

Qwiic Cable - 100mm

PRT-14427
$1.50

Qwiic Cable - 500mm

PRT-14429
1 Retired

Qwiic Cable - 200mm

PRT-14428
Retired

Suggested Reading

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

Qwiic Connect System
Qwiic Connect System

We would also recommend taking a look at the following tutorials if you aren't familiar with them.

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.

I2C

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

Qwiic Shield for Arduino & Photon Hookup Guide

Get started with our Qwiic ecosystem with the Qwiic shield for Arduino or Photon.