It doesn't have the external antenna pre-soldered, that image is pretty misleading. The images from the seller are also neo-8m modules, while the actual product is a 7-m. The module I got is a real module though.
This is an image from the same seller:
Also, I connected it to my PC already, but windows doesn't recognize any device on the port, and neither do u-center or any other software. There is probably a faulty connection on the module's usb connector. Anyways, connecting it to the arduino and reading the data from the arduino should give me the same thing, right?
That white rectangle IS THE ANTENNA! It is called a "patch antenna". The solder pad you see is where the antenna is connected to the electronics. Underneath the antenna in the beige enclosure are all the receiving electronics. MY company used to build thousands of the GPS receivers for a marine electronics company. They ALL used a similar antenna/receiver.
Far easier to use a USB to serial adapter and connect it to the serial pins clearly visible on the end of the PCB.
And I agree with the comments about u-center, it provides a very good visual picture of the GPSs performance. You can tell whats going on from the text output from the GPS, but you need to know what to look for.
This is the output from u-center from one GPS with a poor signal performance;
And this of a GPS with a good signal performance;
The red line is the limit, if satellites are received at signal levels below that line, it will take a long time, if ever, to get a fix.
I meant the external antenna connector. I know that's a patch antenna, but it's not a good one. That's why I got an external antenna. The issue I am having is when I connect an external antenna, the module turns off and I can't get any signals.
I don't really need to know how strong the signal from the satellites are, I just need to connect an external antenna. I am not able to connect the module to u-center because the usb connector is not working for some reason.
All the receiving electronics are under the patch antenna. There is no way to replace the receiving electronics as they are all soldered to the circuit board. A one-time operation! There was a minimum purchase of the electronics/patch antenna of a full reel of 1,000 devices.
Get a new board.
What for? All I need to do is connect an external antenna. It comes with a connector that I have to solder on, which I did, and I even removed the C2 capacitor. If I connect an SMA antenna to the connector I soldered on, it should work. I don't need to buy a new board, because it's supposed to support external antennas. What my entire post was for is why the module turns off when I connect an external antenna.
If there is no explanation, does anyone know any compatible external gps antennas I can use?
Well, I quickly saw this comment in the link you posted:
".With SMA interface can be directly connected to an active antenna SMA. "
Are you connecting to an active antenna? I don't think so. I think you are connecting to a rubber antenna.
Rubber as in fake? The antenna has really high reviews, and is an amazon's choice product. I am pretty sure it is not fake.
Check the resistance from the center pin to the connector mounting. Should be an open circuit. If not, then it is shorting whatever it is being connected to.
I ran a continuity test, and it doesn't seem to be shorting
Wrong approach. Fix it and see what difference it makes.
Its been point out to you, twice before, and now again, that you can connect the GPS to u-center, without the usb connector.
Because based on your comments regarding what happens to the 3.3 volt supply dropping to about 0.9 volts when you connect the external antenna is a real good indication that your external antenna is simply put broke. External antenna draw, as you were told, should be about 10 mA, maybe 20 mA maximum. That should not in any way excessively load your 3.3 volts. That's my best guess as to why the module shuts down when connecting the external antenna, external antenna simply put broke.
Ron
OP could try with a 220 ohm resistor connected to the SMA socket.
That will simulate the active aerial current draw. (3.3 / 220 = 15mA)
The 3.3volt should remain on the SMA socket.
Leo..
That's a good idea. Will definitely tell what's going on.
Ron
Hello,
I am a member of Team E13
We are merely students, and we came here for guidance on how to solve our issues. We did not expect to see so many people willing to help, but once again, we appreciate constructive criticism, please do not think we lack intelligence or that we are fools/incompetent.
We appreciate your kindness so far.
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Thanks for the idea. I have attached a 220 ohm resistor, and the voltage is around 3.15, and without a resistor it is also 3.15
I don't know why the voltage changed from yesterday to today, but this means that it is an antenna problem, right?
Please recommend any antennas that you know work with the Neo-7m, we would really appreciate it.