GPS and RTC Plugin Module for Raspi

Description

GPS Module, for Raspberry Pi, Fast Fix, Real Time Clock, ATGM336H GPS Receiver and BQ32000DR RTC, No Soldering, No Cables

About

• ATGM336H GPS module is a constellation positioning and navigation device that is capable of connecting with up to six satellites to approximate its geolocation on earth. The ATGM336H is a great low-profile alternative to the similar NEO-6M GPS module that is commonly used in the Arduino/Raspberry Pi sphere. The ATGM336H has an accuracy of 2.5m and is capable of updating its coordinates 1-10 times per second.
• With a header that plugs directly into the 40-pin Raspberry Pi header, you can get up and running with no cables and no soldering needed. The easiest to use GPS for Raspberry Pi.
• The ATGM336H also provides a PPS signal, connected to the Raspberry Pi GPIO18 (Pin 12) for precise time synchronization.
• With chrony installed and properly configured, you can expect less than 1 microsecond of error for time synchronization.
• Use a U.Fl active GPS antenna for best results (not included).
• With the BQ32000DR real time clock on board and backup battery installed, you can keep time across reboots without waiting for a GPS fix. The on-board charging circuit keeps the backup battery charged when powered on.
• Dimensions: 16.51mm x 22.225mm
• Communicates with: BeiDou Navigation Satellite Systems (BDS) and Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS)
• 32 Tracking Channels
• Reads up to six satellite navigation systems and implement joint positioning, navigation,
  and timing.
• 2.5m Positioning Precision
• About 32s to First Fix
• 1Hz-10Hz Update Rate
• Serial Baudrate: 9600 (default)
• Operational Temperature Range: -40℃ to +85℃

When we used our L350 high precision mounts and found tracking issues we were perplexed. How could a premium mount spike in RA every 60 seconds on the dot? What we discovered is our local PC was grabbing a network time update every minute and causing the spike. We needed a local time server with Stratum 1 accuracy and we wanted one to be affordable and easy to use. We searched for a GPS and RTC plugin for a Raspi and found that it required soldering and an in depth understanding of its inner workings. Other ready to use time servers we found cost hundreds of dollars. We ended up designing and building our own module to do exactly what astrophotographers want. A simple plug and play module that utilizes the Rapspi’s on board pinouts and runs open source software. The time server we installed fixed the tracking issue and gave our observatory  precise time for a fraction of the cost without soldering.

When we solve a problem for our observatory we love to share that solution. Available now is the Dark Dragons GPS RTC Plugin Module for Raspi boards. Contact us for more information on the device or the open source software we use in our own observatory.

What’s in the box

• 1 GPS Module

Required and not included:  Raspberry Pi 4, External GPS antenna