The Adafruit Ultimate GPS with USB brings plug-and-play GPS and GLONASS positioning to any computer, laptop, or embedded Linux device via a built-in CP2104 USB-to-Serial converter. Simply connect a Micro USB cable and start receiving location data at 9600 baud — no microcontroller required.

Built around the MTK3333 chipset with PA1616D module, it tracks up to 33 satellites on 99 channels with -165 dBm sensitivity and delivers up to 10 Hz position updates. On-board indicator LEDs show fix status, power, and UART activity at a glance.

Key Features

• Plug-and-Play USB – Built-in CP2104 USB-to-Serial converter with Micro USB B connector
• GPS + GLONASS Support – Dual constellation tracking for improved coverage and faster fixes
• 99-Channel Receiver – Tracks up to 33 satellites with -165 dBm sensitivity
• 10 Hz Updates – Up to 10 position updates per second
• Low Power – Approximately 29 mA current draw during navigation
• PPS on Ring Indicator – Pulse-Per-Second signal output on the RI serial control pin
• Dual Antenna Support – Internal ceramic patch antenna plus u.FL connector for external active antenna (auto-switching)
• Built-in Datalogging – Internal FLASH logging via LOCUS
• RTC Battery Backup – Footprint for CR1220 coin cell for warm starts and timekeeping
• Status LEDs – Red fix LED, yellow RX/TX activity LEDs
• USB Breakout Pads – 4-pin USB breakout for direct soldering to a USB host
• Mounting Holes – Two holes for secure mounting

Ideal For

• Adding GPS to computers, laptops, and Raspberry Pi
• GPS datalogging on embedded Linux systems
• Location-aware desktop or Python applications
• NTP time synchronisation using PPS

Package Contents

• 1× Adafruit Ultimate GPS with USB (fully assembled and tested)
• 1× CR1220 coin cell holder (battery not included)

Resources

• CircuitPython GPS Parsing Guide – Example code using pyserial for Python 3
• PA1616D Module Datasheet (PDF)