RUSHFPV GNSS MINI evaluation: SOLID BetaFlight GPS module for FPV drones

The RUSHFPV GNSS MINI is a compact GPS module that makes use of the most recent u-blox M10 ultra-low-power platform. It’s appropriate for FPV drones and fixed-wing planes. It’s suitable with BetaFlight and iNAV flight controller software program. To offer worldwide protection, it could possibly work with all main satellite tv for pc positioning suppliers (GNSS), together with GPS (International), GLONASS (Russian), BDS (China), and GALILEO (Europe).

Why do you want a GPS module on your FPV drone?

GPS modules are usually not important FPV drone elements, however they’re crucial in case of RX sign loss. They supply real-time telemetry information resembling flight altitude, distance, and pace, permitting you to configure your plane in BetaFlight or iNAV with autonomous flight modes.

FPV drones can price from just a few hundred to some thousand {dollars}, and also you wouldn’t wish to lose them if one thing had been to occur with radio or video communication. The most affordable GPS module proper now could be round 10 bucks and can permit your drone to return to the take-off level in case of RC sign loss (Rescue mode) or a handbook set off by the pilot. When you determine to improve your drone with GPS, I extremely suggest utilizing the newer M10-based GPS choices over the older Beitian BN220 chips.

RUSHFPV GNSS MINI GPS module for FPV drones

Disclosure: I acquired this GPS module as a part of a product evaluation collaboration with RushFPV. Though the product was free, all opinions on this article stay mine, and the sponsor didn’t affect me.

RUSHFPV is understood for its high-performance VTXs, however these days, it has began producing flight controllers, ESCs, AIOs, and GPS modules, protecting nearly all important parts of an FPV drone.

The RUSHFPV GNSS MINI is available in a nylon bag with a QR code to entry the person handbook. The module measures 18x18x4.8mm and weighs barely greater than 4 grams. It has two standing LEDs (Prepared and Energy) and 4 solder pins (RX, TX, 5V, and GND) for connecting with the flight controller. The ceramic antenna measures 18x18mm, and if you set up the module in your drone, it must face the sky with out being obstructed by steel elements of the drone. Suitable TPU mount 3D STL recordsdata could be discovered on Thingiverse.

RUSHFPV GNSS MINI GPS: Key options

• Small measurement, light-weight, quick positioning, and steady connection;
• For positioning modes: GPS, BDS, GLONASS and GALILEO
• Extremely-low-power u-blox M10 platform
• Extremely-thin ceramic antenna
• Constructed-in battery and reminiscence for quick sizzling begin

Efficiency

The efficiency of a GPS module is set by two elements: how briskly it could possibly repair eight satellites (really useful for BetaFlight Rescue) on chilly begin (hasn’t been powered on for no less than 12 hours) and sizzling begin (hasn’t been powered on for lower than an hour) and what number of satellites it could possibly repair after 5 minutes of being powered.

Throughout my checks, the RUSHFPV GNSS MINI discovered 8 satellites after 1:41 on chilly begin and after 27 seconds on sizzling begin. After 5 minutes of flight, it discovered 17 satellites, which is cheap for my area.

Value and availability

The RUSHFPV GNSS MINI could be ordered immediately from the producer’s official retailer or different retailers for $13.99. When you want a built-in compass, the extra versatile but in addition greater and heavier GNSS Professional modules are priced at $15.36.

RUSHFPV GPS modules sequence comparability

RUSHFPV has three GPS modules, two with no built-in compass and one with an built-in HMC5883 three-axis digital compass. The GNSS Micro module measures 12x15x4.8mm and weighs 2.4g, and the GNSS Mini 18x18x4.8mm weighs 4.2g. The GNSS PRO measures 25x25x4.8mm and weighs 6.9 grams. Technical parameters resembling variety of receiving channels and satellite tv for pc supplier compatibility are an identical. As a result of built-in compass, the GNSS PRO has two further pins (SDA and SCL) along with the RX, TX, 5V, and GND.