Well, I found out that Maplin had a really cheap GPS module that supports UART (Serial) at 38400 BPS. I'm still waiting for it, but here's what I have so far!
Here's the unit, and specs: (unit was JUST discontinued, so won't be able to find much info on the device itself)
There are thousands of fixed speed cameras in the UK and Europe. The GPS SpeedCam detector alerts you to over 5,000 camera locations in the UK and 22,000 throughout Europe. There’s even an opportunity to get free downloads for life.
- Includes one year''s subscription to European safety camera database (internet access required)
- Contains data on over 5,000 safety camera locations in the UK, and over 22,000 known locations throughout Europe
- Simple warning beeps and lights to indicate safety camera locations
- Covers red light safety cameras, Truvelo and Gatso cameras (mobile safety camera locations are not included)
- Repeat annual subscriptions are only 9.95 per year for unlimited updates within the year
- Report a new speed camera not on the database and you get a further 1 year''s free access to updates!*
- Provide a detailed report on a new safety camera and gain lifetime free downloads!*
- Product can also double up as a USB GPS receiver in conjunction with compatible mapping software (mapping software not supplied)
- Includes synchronisation software, DC 12~24V car charger and USB cable for connection to a PC
It uses an Annual subscription for the "SCDB" (Safety Camera Data Base) if you want to have it beep everytime you pass a speed camera.. and what not in the UK! Well, I'm not from the UK, and I'm a "1337" hacker, so I want to use this bad boy for some projects!
http://www.vimeo.com/6841106I've included the video that got me so excited! (thanks alot to Mike Mc at http://earthshinedesign.co.uk for this video!)
I plan on using the TinyGPS library from Mikal Hart (found here! http://arduiniana.org/libraries/tinygps/)
Now, I ask my fellow LMR members for some help!
Inside, there is a 16 MB EEPROM, and an Atmega16. The GPS module handles the USB and UART connections on board, without external components..
So I'm curious to see if I'm able to "set way-points" using the Serial connection. For example:
(Arduino code, not familiar with Basic or anything else, this just prints the word "$set_waypoint" to the serial connection)
Serial.print("$set_waypoint")
And hopefully, have it save the area it's in currently to the EEPROM on board. And well, hopefully be able to read them later!!
I'm assuming that the EEPROM on-board is used for saving the data you download from your computer (for the safety camera posistions, and the speed limitations) just hoping to take advantage of that with my project! (Without having to use the computer)
I haven't received my board yet, so I'm not sure which GPS module is inside, but I'm guessing this module (it's the only 66 channel from Global Top, that isn't new):
http://www.gtop-tech.com/index.asp?pid=309022609
It includes the datasheet, just didn't see much information on the UART connection.