Hookup Guide
Schematic
DatasheetProduct Overview
The SparkFun MAX-M10S Breakout is the GNSS solution for when size and power are your most significant constraints. Built around the highly efficient u-blox MAX-M10S module, this board consumes less than 25mW in continuous tracking mode without sacrificing accuracy. This is an excellent solution for power-constrained applications, designed to maximize battery longevity. Simply attach your preferred GNSS antenna via the onboard SMA connector and get started!
One of the biggest frustrations with low-power GPS is the "cold start." Waiting 30 seconds for the device to boot every time you wake it can lead to missed opportunities and delayed communication. We solved this by adding an onboard rechargeable battery that keeps the module’s Real-Time Clock (RTC) and orbit data alive for up to five hours after power is cut. This means your device can wake up, receive a "hot start" fix in about one second, and go back to sleep, saving significant system power over the life of your battery.
MAX Accuracy & Sensitivity
Don't let the low power draw fool you; this receiver is capable of standing toe-to-toe with some of the best on the market today.
- Quad-Constellation Support: Simultaneously tracks GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and BeiDou signals for superior accuracy compared to standard single-system receivers.
- Super-S Technology: Small devices usually mean small, compromised antennas. The MAX-M10S features u-blox’s Super-S technology, which compensates for poor RF signals. This means you can use a smaller, less expensive antenna and still achieve a solid lock in "urban canyons" or under heavy foliage.
Engineered for Effortless Integration
This board has been designed from the ground up to be as easy to integrate as it is efficient.
- Qwiic Connect System: Connect via I2C* using a simple Qwiic cable, you can save your UART port for other peripherals and skip the soldering.
- Smart Library: Our comprehensive Arduino library uses the u-blox binary protocol (UBX) instead of clunky NMEA text strings. This reduces data overhead and enables faster readings (Lat, Long, Heading, Speed) without continuous serial polling.
- Prefer the old school way?: We broke out the standard 0.1" pins and configured the UART layout to match industry-standard serial cables.
Whether you are tracking a high-altitude balloon, building a smart pet collar, or designing a remote sensor network, the MAX-M10S Breakout removes the barriers of power and complexity. It’s one of the easiest and most efficient ways to add reliable global positioning to your project.
*The I2C address of the MAX-M10S is 0x42 and is software configurable. A multiplexer (Mux) is required to communicate with multiple MAX-M10S boards sharing the same address on a single bus. If you need to use multiple MAX-M10S units at the same address, consider using the Qwiic Mux Breakout.
