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GPS NMEA Logger

Posted: Thu Sep 17, 2015 11:34 pm
by fgnievinski
I'd like to build the simplest GPS NMEA logger (I'm interested in GPGSV satellite information record).

The internal on-chip logging capability of GPS-10920 (SparkFun Venus GPS Logger - SMA Connector) only records the receiver information (position, etc.), no detailed satellite information. So I can use the simpler GPS-11058 (SparkFun Venus GPS with SMA Connector) instead. Another option of GPS module with pins broken out is GPS-10922 (Copernicus II DIP). Other stand-alone modules listed in the GPS Buying Guide seem more complicated. I also prefer external GPS antennas.

The Venus supports external logging using a SPI flash memory chip, but I couldn't find any such part for purchase.

It seems the easiest thing to do is to connect the GPS to a DEV-09530 (OpenLog).
The https://www.sparkfun.com/tutorials/169 GPS Tracking Comparisons has a clear diagram:
Image

So other than the battery and antenna (& cable adapter), do I need to purchase anything else?

Is an Arduino ever mandatory for GPS NMEA logging?
Is it correct to say KIT-13199 (GPS Shield Kit) is only indicated if I wanted to manipulate the GPS data, rather than just logging it?

Thanks for any tips.

Re: GPS NMEA Logger

Posted: Sun Sep 20, 2015 9:30 am
by fgnievinski
Product WIG-12772 (SparkFun Logomatic v2 - Serial SD Datalogger (FAT32)) seems a nicer alternative to the OpenLog:
<https://www.sparkfun.com/products/12772>
It also has a JST batter connector, so I'm inclined to pair it up with GPS-10920 (SparkFun Venus GPS Logger - SMA Connector):
<https://www.sparkfun.com/products/10920>

Re: GPS NMEA Logger

Posted: Sun Sep 20, 2015 10:13 am
by fgnievinski
Oh well, I just found your product GPS-08823 (GeoChron Blue - Field-hardened GPS Logger with Bluetooth):
https://www.sparkfun.com/products/retired/8823
Too bad it's retired. It seems hard to find such an NMEA logger these days.
Most COTS GPS units would allow you to log only waypoint positions,
but I need more detailed satellite info (azimuth, elevation angle, SNR),
as provided in NMEA GSV messages. Other COTS options will output NMEA
via a serial port, so maybe I can pair them up with the SparkFun Logomatic.
Let me know if you're aware of a replacement for the GeoChron product.
-Felipe.

Re: GPS NMEA Logger

Posted: Sun Sep 20, 2015 2:52 pm
by fgnievinski
OK, I'm getting ancient here -- other relevant discontinued products:
GPS-00671 (Lassen iQ FAT16 Datalogger - Complete Kit)
"Everything ‘plugs’ together. No soldering is required." -- I like that! =)
GPS-08242 (GPS Logger v2.4)
Hopefully I can reinvent these wheels with no agonizing pain (reluctantly grabs soldering iron)...
-F.