What is the Greatest GPS Module for FPV Drones (Betaflight Rescue Mode, iNav Return to Residence)
GPS has turn into a useful element for FPV drones because of important developments in options like Rescue Mode in Betaflight and Return to Residence in iNav. Immediately, I’ll be testing among the hottest GPS modules from Flywoo, HGRLC, Beitian, GEPRC, and FlyfishRC, evaluating their efficiency, and providing my suggestions.
Why You Want GPS on Your FPV Drone
The newest Betaflight has revolutionized the GPS Rescue Mode, making it much more dependable and user-friendly. This development makes incorporating a GPS module into all of your quad builds virtually a no brainer. Nonetheless, the problem lies to find a dependable GPS module that balances price, measurement, and weight with out compromising accuracy.
Take a look at this put up to be taught extra about Rescue Mode in Betaflight: https://oscarliang.com/setup-gps-rescue-mode-betaflight/
On this roundup, we’ll discover numerous choices to seek out the most cost effective, smallest, and best-performing GPS modules obtainable.
GPS Spherical-up
Listed here are the GPS modules I’ve examined. You’ll find these GPS models by the affiliate hyperlinks supplied under.
HGLRC M100 Mini
The HGLRC M100 Mini GPS module stands out because of its affordability, tiny type issue and light-weight design, even smaller and lighter than the BN180.
Regardless of its low price, small 15x15mm measurement and a pair of.8g weight, it makes use of the superior UBlox M10 chip, supporting GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and BDS satellite tv for pc alerts for world performance.
Outperforming the BN220 proper out of the field, the HGLRC M100 Mini requires no configuration tinkering. Priced comparably to the BN220, this spectacular GPS module has been my go-to alternative for five″ freestyle quad funds builds.
You’ll find the M100 Mini right here:
HGLRC M100-5883
The M100 Mini’s greater brother presents superior efficiency and features a compass.
Get it right here:
HGLRC M80
This GPS makes use of the older M8 chip and, sadly, the unit I obtained was defective, subsequently I used to be unable to check it. Anyway it’s greater and heavier than another M10 GPS, and it presents no actual worth benefit, so I don’t see why you’ll wish to get this over the M10 counterparts.
HGLRC M80 Professional
An improve from the M80, the HGLRC M80 Professional makes use of the M8 chip. Whereas it doesn’t carry out in addition to the M10 counterparts, it’s barely cheaper and features a compass, making it appropriate for funds builds.
Get it right here:
FlyfishRC M10 Mini
One of many smallest M10 GPS modules in the marketplace, made by FlyfishRC.
Get it from AliExpress: https://s.click on.aliexpress.com/e/_DkCU7qr
Flywoo GOKU GM10 Nano V3
Though the Anonymous GPS is technically the smallest I’ve ever examined, its efficiency is unreliable and takes a very long time to get a GPS lock. The GOKU Nano V3 from Flywoo, nonetheless, is a tiny GPS module with spectacular efficiency, outperforming the BN220 even with optimized U-Heart settings. With the same worth and a considerably smaller and lighter design, the Flywoo GOKU Nano V3 is incredible for micro builds.
I’ve flown this module on the Flywoo CineRace20 and persistently rise up to 26 satellites, which is exceptional for its measurement. Make sure you’re utilizing Betaflight model 4.3 or newer to assist the tenth era Ublox GPS chip.
You’ll find the GOKU Nano GPS right here:
In addition they provide a model with compass, which considerably improves it’s versatility.
Flywoo GOKU GM10 Professional V3
The GOKU GM10 Nano’s greater brother presents extra dependable efficiency and features a compass, best for iNav builds.
Get the Flywoo GOKU GM10 Professional V3 from
Beitian BN-220
As extra GPS modules with the superior M10 chip emerge, it’s changing into tougher to advocate the older BN220. Don’t get me incorrect – the BN220 has been round for years, and it’s a dependable, time-tested GPS that performs properly for Betaflight, particularly once you optimize its settings through U-Heart: https://oscarliang.com/gps-settings-u-center/
When you already personal a BN220, it would proceed to serve you properly. Nonetheless, if you happen to’re contemplating buying a brand new GPS module, I extremely advocate choosing the newer M10-based GPS choices. They have a tendency to carry out noticeably higher at the same price.
Purchase the Beitian BN220 right here:
Beitian BN-180
The BN180 was once a superb choice, however I don’t advocate it anymore as there are numerous cheaper, higher, and even smaller choices obtainable. The BN180 takes for much longer to get a GPS lock in comparison with M10 GPS modules and doesn’t see as many satellites.
GEPRC M1025Q
If you’re in search of a dependable GPS to your bigger fashions, the GEPRC M1025Q is a severe contender. It could be massive, nevertheless it offers wonderful efficiency, making it price it. It additionally comes with a compass, excellent for iNav builds. If measurement and weight aren’t an issue, get it.
You’ll find the GEP M1025Q from these sellers:
VK GPS – The $4 GPS Module
Whereas searching AliExpress, I stumbled upon the VK2828U7G5LF GPS module, priced at a mere $4 – presumably the most cost effective GPS obtainable for FPV drones! Naturally, I needed to give it a attempt. Regardless of my low expectations, this funds GPS really works!
By default, the GPS comes with a 1Hz refresh fee and a 9600 baud fee. I adjusted these settings in U-Heart to 5Hz and 57600Hz for higher efficiency. Sadly, I couldn’t modify some other settings on this GPS module. You too can configure it utilizing U-Heart by following my tutorial: https://oscarliang.com/gps-settings-u-center/
It obtained a 3D repair inside 2 minutes subsequent to my room window, not unhealthy in any respect for $4, however I couldn’t get greater than 8 satellites after ready for five minutes. For an inexpensive construct, this GPS module is price contemplating. Nonetheless, I wouldn’t advocate counting on it to your extra worthwhile fashions.
Ensure you get the identical one as pictured on this assessment. You’ll find this $4 GPS right here:
FlyFishRC M8QMC
Though FlyFishRC claims it’s a UBLOX10 GPS, it performs extra like an M8 GPS in my expertise. This GPS comes with an onboard compass (QMC5883L Magnetometer chip) for individuals who want extra correct path efficiency.
It’s related in measurement to the BN180, making it very compact. Nonetheless, it’s fairly a bit thicker and heavier, weighing 9.4g and measuring 20x20x11mm.
Buy the FlyFishRC M8QMC right here:
Beitian BH-182
The newest GPS launched by Beitian in 2024, it has the same type issue and weight to the BN180. Nonetheless, I couldn’t get it to work in Betaflight 4.5 after making an attempt for hours. It seems to have the “B101” chip in response to its datasheet, not the standard M sequence chip. That could possibly be why it’s not at the moment supported. Subsequently, I don’t advocate it for now.
You’ll find this GPS at:
Beitian BH-222Q
The newest GPS launched by Beitian in 2024, it has the same type issue and weight to the BN220, with an built-in compass. Nonetheless, I couldn’t get it to work with Betaflight after making an attempt for hours. It seems to make use of the “B101” chip in response to its datasheet, not the M sequence chipo. Possibly that’s why it’s not at the moment supported. Subsequently, I don’t advocate it for now.
You’ll find this GPS from Banggood: https://oscarliang.com/product-dv9i
Beitian BH-252Q
Newest GPS launched by Beitian in 2024, it’s the larger brother of the BH222Q, with compass built-in. Nonetheless I couldn’t get it to work with Betaflight after making an attempt for hours. It seems to be utilizing the “B101” chip in response to its datasheet, and never the frequent M sequence chip, maybe that’s why it’s not at the moment supported. Subsequently I don’t advocate it for now.
You’ll find this GPS from Banggood: https://oscarliang.com/product-5d6i
Efficiency Testing
Right here’s a abstract of the efficiency outcomes, exhibiting the time taken to lock onto 8 satellites (really helpful by Betaflight for a dependable Rescue mode) from a cold and warm begin, and the utmost variety of satellites acquired after being powered for five minutes.
Definitions:
- Chilly Begin: GPS hasn’t been powered on for at the very least 12 hours.
- Sizzling Begin: GPS hasn’t been powered on for lower than an hour.
Testing Situations: These GPS have been examined on an overcast day in a suburban space, you’ll be able to count on higher efficiency in surroundings with much less interference and on a sunny day with out clouds.
| GPS Module | Chilly Begin | Sizzling Begin | 5 Minutes (no. of sats) |
| BN180 | 4:10 | 1:27 | 9 |
| BN220 | 3:15 | 1:55 | 11 |
| FlyfishRC M10 Mini | 1:14 | 1:02 | 15 |
| FlyfishRC M8QMC | 2:02 | 1:35 | 11 |
| Flywoo GM10 Nano V3 | 1:21 | 0:42 | 12 |
| Flywoo GM10 Professional V3 | 0:56 | 0:36 | 14 |
| GEPRC M1025Q | 0:32 | 0:31 | 16 |
| HGLRC M100 Mini | 1:40 | 1:14 | 12 |
| HGLRC M100 5883 | 0:46 | 0:40 | 16 |
| HGLRC M80 Professional | 2:19 | 1:55 | 10 |
| VK GPS | 4:04 | 2:17 | 8 |
Suggestions
For Pure Efficiency
No matter measurement, the GEPRC M1025Q, HGLRC M100 5883 and Flywoo GM10 Professional V3 are all my high selections with regards to efficiency. All have an onboard compass, making them very versatile.
GEPRC M1025Q
HGLRC M100 5883
GOKU GM10 Professional V3
For Compactness and Micro Quads
Contemplate the Flywoo GM10 Nano V3 or Flyfish M10 Mini. These are excellent for light-weight and small drones.
GOKU Nano V3:
FlyFishRC M10 Mini:
For Funds GPS
Each the Flyfish M10 Mini and HGLRC M100 Mini are wonderful funds choices, priced at solely $13 every. The VK GPS could be the most cost effective at solely $4, nevertheless it’s not dependable sufficient for me to advocate.
HGLRC M100 Mini:
All the really helpful GPS modules are plug-and-play in Betaflight. They require simply 4 wires: energy (5V), floor, and a spare UART TX/RX in your flight controller. Compass modules would require two further wires. For setup directions, consult with my information: https://oscarliang.com/setup-gps-rescue-mode-betaflight/
Conclusion
Now’s the right time so as to add a GPS module to your FPV drone if you happen to haven’t completed so already. GPS modules have turn into extra inexpensive and user-friendly. For as little as $4 (or round $16 for a top-performing GPS), it’s a small funding that might probably save your drone within the occasion of a misplaced sign. Equip your FPV drone with a GPS module and expertise the peace of thoughts it brings as you’re taking to the skies.
Edit Historical past
- 2023 – Overview posted.
- July 2024 – Re-ran testing and added extra GPS module choices within the round-up.
