The SparkFun SAM-M8Q GPS Breakout features a u-blox SAM-M8Q 72-channel GNSS receiver with a built-in chip antenna. It supports GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and BeiDou constellations simultaneously, providing improved positional accuracy and faster satellite lock times.

The board communicates over I2C via the Qwiic connector system, keeping your UART ports free for other peripherals. Standard 0.1"-spaced header pins are also broken out for breadboard use. An onboard rechargeable battery powers the RTC, reducing time-to-first-fix from approximately 30 seconds (cold start) to around 1 second (hot start).

Key Features

• 72-Channel GNSS Receiver – Supports GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and BeiDou for multi-constellation positioning
• Built-in Chip Antenna – No external antenna required for standard use
• Qwiic I2C Interface – Plug-and-play connection with no soldering required
• Onboard Rechargeable Battery – Maintains RTC and orbit data for fast hot-start acquisition
• Highly Configurable – Adjustable baud rates, update rates, geofencing, spoofing detection, SBAS/D-GPS, and more via the SparkFun Arduino Library or u-center
• Breadboard-Friendly – 0.1"-spaced header pins broken out alongside the Qwiic connector

Specifications

• GNSS Module: u-blox SAM-M8Q
• Constellations: GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou
• Channels: 72
• Interface: I2C (Qwiic) and UART
• Cold Start TTFF: ~30 seconds
• Hot Start TTFF: ~1 second
• Backup Battery: Onboard rechargeable

Ideal For

• GPS tracking and data logging projects
• Geofencing and location-aware applications
• Drone and robotics navigation
• Arduino and Qwiic ecosystem projects

Package Contents

• 1× SparkFun SAM-M8Q GPS Breakout Board

Resources

• SAM-M8Q Hookup Guide