This is the next generation of the uBlox SAM GPS module with the IST8308 compass. If you are looking for the smaller version of this module, click here.

The SAM GPS V2.0 is based on the old and now retired mini SAM. The main difference is that it uses an ideal ground plane of 40mm x 40mm, as recommended by uBlox. This makes it a little heavier (at 10.3 grams versus 7.6 grams), but in turn, it gives you an increase from ~22 dB-Hz to ~34dB-Hz, which is a lot of gain for just 2.7 grams! We saved some weight with a new generation, smaller rechargeable coin battery, and a thinner PCB.

For those not familiar, dB-Hz (decibel-Hertz) is the actual signal strength sensed by the GPS (we're simplifying here). At mRo, we use a controlled environment where we can send a simulated and repeatable GPS signal to our units, in order to verify their actual sensitivity (only relative between them). Just to give you an idea, our signature GPS can perform in very noisy environments at ~32dB-Hz. However, don't be fooled by the raw numbers. There are many more variables to consider, like noise immunity. For every 1dB-Hz that you gain, you receive around 33% more "energy". We can informally say that this unit is receiving 66% more energy compared to our best GPS, and therefore is more reliable and has better immunity to noise.

Compared to the IST8310, the IST8308 has less temperature drift, more sensitivity, and a built-in noise filter. Older GPS versions used the LIS3MDL, which doesn't even come close to the performance to the old IST8310, let alone the IST8308. Do we need to say more?

Other goodies included are the PPS/GND signal pads, status LED, standard JST-GH connector (GPS and I2C), and standard 30.5mm x 30.5mm mounting holes (1.2" x 1.2") like our PixRacer/X2.1.

-1x uGPS ublox Sam M8Q.
-1x 6-Pins JST-GH to 6-Pins JST-GH - MRC0206


JST-GH Pin out information: