Which GPS module is best for drones?Beitian GPS Module series

29 Jul, 2024
Posted by: YUN ying

What is the equivalent of a GPS module for drones?

The GPS module is to drones what eyes are to humans.GPS module can help drones "see" satellite signals.

A GPS module is a vital component that provides accurate positioning, navigation, and precise flight control for your drone. Whether you’re a professional aerial photographer or an enthusiastic hobbyist, our selection of GPS modules ensures reliable performance and improved flight stability.

Types of Drones and UAVs

Common Name:-UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle):fixed-wing, rotary-wing

Sub-category1 :-Drone:multirotors, multicopters,4-rotor helicopters, quadcopter

Sub-category2 :-FPV (First-Person View)

-UAS

-RPA

UAV

A UAV is an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle. They are able to fly remotely such as with a controller or tablet or autonomously. So, is UAV a drone? Basically, it is. The two terms are often used interchangeably.

However, many professionals in the industry believe UAVs need to have autonomous flight capabilities, whereas drones do not. Therefore, all UAVs are drones but not vice versa. But for now, go ahead and use the phrase you’re most comfortable with!

Drone

While “Drones” make most people think of “an unmanned aircraft that can fly autonomously—that is, without a human in control.” It can actually be used to describe a wide variety of vehicles. For example, there are seafaring or land based autonomously vehicles that also count under the given definition of drone.
Of course, the most common usage of the term refers to an aircraft that can be remotely or autonomously guided. Unfortunately, the only thing most experts can agree on with this term is that a drone doesn’t have a pilot inside.

UAS

A UAS or Unmanned Aircraft Systems includes not only the UAV or Drone but also the person on the ground controlling the flight and the system in place that connects both of them. Basically, the UAV is a component of the UAS, since it refers to only the vehicle itself.

RPA

Many pilots prefer the term “Remotely Piloted Aircraft.” This is because flying certain types of UAVs require a lot more skill than anything you could buy in a store. Taking control of an RPA requires more than simple handheld controls.
Regardless what you prefer calling them, most importantly stay safe and happy flying!

What is the role of drone GPS module

GPS positioning system is one of the core technologies supporting the safe flight of drones. Drones know their exact location when transmitting short videos and images, so the GPS signal receiver installed on drones is actually a built-in GPS module. In any stage of drone take-off, departure, hovering, and return, the GPS module must be accurately positioned in real time. In addition, the tracking function of drones is a point of concern for enthusiasts. The current key solution is GPS tracking: the quadcopter locks the GPS signal sent by the target GPS module or the device carried to achieve one-to-one tracking. For example: when our remote control moves during the flight phase, to make the drone return to the moved position after returning, it only needs to embed a GPS module in the remote control. In other words, in actual use, the corresponding GPS module must be installed in the drone and the remote control. At present, the more complete drone positioning and navigation solution is to use the following GPS modules and embed GPS modules in the drone (BN-880, BN-880Q).

Price：10.88-23.88USD Click To Shop Now

Beitian BN-880 is a complete GNSS module, which has the characteristics of high sensitivity, ultra-low power consumption and small size, so it is widely used. BN-880 GPS module receives signals through wireless antennas, and uses NMEA protocol and custom protocol to record a series of serial data such as position, speed, duration, etc.! It is a drone GPS module customized according to the company's needs! It is a GPS module with an integrated antenna module, generally used for drones. The advantages and characteristics of drone GPS modules:

◆Support multiple systems: GPS, GLONASS, BDS, ALILEO, QZSS

◆Support multi-source enhancement system: SBAS (WAAS, EGNOS, MSAS, GAGAN)

◆Support 99 GNSS wireless channels

◆Ultra-low power consumption

◆Support fast cold start

◆Ultra-high sensitivity

◆Built-in data recording function

◆Specialized optimization system for drones

◆Support NMEA protocol and UBX protocol

◆ISO/TS16949 quality management process management system

Which GPS module is best for drones?

Uncovering the Smallest, Top Performing, and Best Value GPS Module for FPV Drones

Model:Beitian BS-180 (The smallest size, great value GPS Module)

Minimum Price:5.88USD Click To Shop Now

Minimum Size:18*18*6mm

Model:Beitian BS-982 (RTK high-precision centimeter-level GNSS Module)

Minimum Price:218.88USD Click To Shop Now

K1 K2 Size:66*45*10.8mm

K3 K4 Size:43*30*10.8mm（Two sizes available）

Product advantages:

-Centimeter-level

-1408 Channels

-Full system

-full-frequency

-GPS BDS GLONASS GALILEO

Model:Beitian BS-880 (Built-in compass QMC5883 HMC5883 AMP2.6/PIX4/PIXHAWK GNSS Module)

Minimum Price:20.88USD Click To Shop Now

Size1:28*28*11mm

Size2:28*28*8.4mm（Two sizes available）

What type of GPS do drones use?

Drones use the GPS signal, which is a radio frequency signal transmitted by satellites. This signal contains location and time information. Drones can also use other positioning systems, such as GLONASS, Galileo or BeiDou, for greater accuracy and better coverage in different regions of the world.

How do I choose a GPS module?

GPS/GNSS Buying Guide
Size. This is something you need to consider if your project is supposed to be pocket-sized. ...
Update Rate. The update rate of a GPS or GNSS module is basically how often it recalculates and reports its position. ...
Power Requirements. ...
Number of Channels. ...
Antennas. ...
Accuracy. ...
What is GNSS?

Does a GPS module need an antenna?

GNSS and GPS modules contain all the components, RF circuitry and antennas needed to connect to GPS and GNSS satellites. Modules receive timestamp data to ascertain the location of a device–all in an easy-to-integrate, compact format.

What does GPS mode do on a drone?

It acts as a navigation and positioning system, providing crucial information to the pilot or flight control software. With the help of GPS, a drone can fly with complete autonomy, follow predefined routes with precision and maintain a stable position, as it will be able to determine its surroundings in real time.

What can I do with a GPS module?

There are five main uses of GPS:

Location — Determining a position.
Navigation — Getting from one location to another.
Tracking — Monitoring object or personal movement.
Mapping — Creating maps of the world.
Timing — Making it possible to take precise time measurements.

What is the purpose of a GPS module?

The GPS module is a wireless chip module combined on the mainboard of a mobile phone or machine. It can communicate with the global satellite positioning system in the United States. It can locate and navigate according to the condition of a wireless network signal.