VK-162 Notebook USB Dongle GPS Navigation Module

VK-162 Notebook USB Dongle GPS Navigation Module offers a fast, reliable, and highly accurate solution for adding Global Positioning System (GPS) functionality to laptops, single-board computers, and various embedded systems. This compact USB dongle utilizes the sensitive U-Blox 7 series chipset, which provides high-performance positioning capabilities even in challenging urban environments. Consequently, the VK-162 delivers exceptionally fast time-to-first-fix (TTFF) and excellent sensitivity. Furthermore, its plug-and-play USB interface simplifies integration, as the module requires no external power supply or complex wiring; the device draws both power and data transfer capacity directly from the host USB port. Therefore, developers and end-users commonly choose the VK-162 for navigation, timing, and location-based data logging applications due to its convenience and superior performance.

Key Features:

• High-Sensitivity U-Blox 7 Chipset: Integrates the powerful U-Blox 7 positioning engine, which delivers high-accuracy and fast acquisition times (Hot Start ≤ 1 second).
• Integrated Patch Antenna: The built-in, high-gain ceramic patch antenna ensures strong signal reception without the need for an external antenna in most common use cases.
• USB 2.0 Interface: Provides true plug-and-play capability, establishing a virtual COM port for easy data access on Windows, Linux, and macOS operating systems.
• NMEA Protocol Output: Transmits standard NMEA-0183 messages, which makes the device instantly compatible with almost all commercial and open-source mapping software.
• Low Power Consumption: The highly efficient U-Blox architecture minimizes power draw, making it ideal for battery-powered or portable notebook applications.

Technical Specifications:

• Chipset: U-Blox 7 (or compatible high-performance series)
• Receiving Frequency: L1 (1575.42 MHz)
• Channels: 56 (Acquisition and tracking)
• Tracking Sensitivity: −162 dBm
• Horizontal Position Accuracy: ≤ 2.5 m CEP (50%)
• Time-To-First-Fix (Cold Start): ≈ 30 s
• Baud Rate: Default 9600 bps (Configurable up to 115200 bps)
• Data Protocol: NMEA 0183 (Default)

Mechanical Specifications:

• Connector Interface: USB Type-A (Male)
• Antenna Type: Integrated High-Gain Ceramic Patch Antenna
• Housing Material: Durable ABS Plastic
• Weight: ≈ 15 g (Lightweight for portability)

Dimensions:

• Body Length: ≈ 45.0 mm
• Body Width: ≈ 18.0 mm
• Body Height: ≈ 8.0 mm (Excluding USB connector)
• LED Indicator: 1 x Status LED (Blinking indicates satellite fix)

Pinout and Wiring:

• Pin 1 (VBUS): Receives +5V power supply from the USB host port.
• Pin 2 (D-): USB Data Negative line; handles serial data transfer.
• Pin 3 (D+): USB Data Positive line; handles serial data transfer.
• Pin 4 (GND): Connects to the host USB ground reference.
• Wiring Note: This module requires no external wiring; the standard USB Type-A connection handles all power, ground, and data communication automatically. The module creates a virtual COM port for data access.

Datasheet Reference:

• Download VK-162 GPS Navigation Module Datasheet

Commonly Used in:

• Portable Computing: Adding location tracking capabilities to laptops, netbooks, and tablets.
• Raspberry Pi/SBC Projects: Providing accurate GPS data for single-board computer navigation and data logging projects.
• Vehicle Tracking Systems: Serving as a low-cost, reliable GPS receiver for non-commercial fleet monitoring and personal vehicle tracking.

Applications:

• Geo-Tagging: Automatically stamping photos, data, or system logs with precise location coordinates.
• Navigation Software: Powering virtual maps and route planning applications on host devices.
• High-Precision Timing: Utilizing the GPS satellite signal to provide highly accurate system clock synchronization (Time Server applications).

Equivalent Models:

• U-Blox G7020 based USB Receivers: Any generic USB dongle utilizing the same high-sensitivity G7020 chip (like the BU-353S4).
• GlobalSat BU-353: A similar, commonly used USB GPS mouse/dongle offering comparable performance and NMEA output.
• VK-172: The successor or alternative model based on the U-Blox 8 series, sometimes used interchangeably for enhanced performance.

Package Includes:

• 1 x VK-162 Notebook USB Dongle GPS Navigation Module