How to Setup M10 GPS & Calibrate Compass | ArduPilot Tutorial on Zerodrag LOC8 M10 GPS, by Zerodrag Avionics on YouTube. 2 min 25 s.
- Video length
- 2 min 25 s
- Time to do it
- 20 minutes
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Mount the GPS module on your frame, keeping it away from power wires and the motors. The compass inside is sensitive to magnetic interference.
Connect the GPS cable to the GPS port on the flight controller. Check the pin order matches the labels on both boards before you plug it in.
If you solder the wires directly, match 5V, GND, TX and RX on the module to the flight controller pads. Double-check polarity before powering up.
Plug the flight controller into your PC with the USB cable and open Mission Planner. Select the correct COM port and baud rate, then click Connect.
Go outside or near a window and wait for the GPS status to show a 3D fix. This can take a minute or two on a cold start.
Open the Compass calibration page under Initial Setup. Start the calibration and rotate the drone slowly through all axes until the progress bar completes.
Reboot the flight controller after calibration finishes. Reconnect in Mission Planner and confirm the compass offsets and health look normal.
Check the HUD shows a stable heading and a GPS fix before you arm. Do a final check of satellite count and compass status.
Tips and common mistakes
Keep the GPS module at least a few centimetres from ESCs and power leads to avoid compass noise.
Calibrate the compass outdoors, away from metal benches, cars and buildings.
If you get no 3D fix, check the TX and RX wires are not swapped.
Redo the calibration if you move the GPS or add new electronics to the frame.
Questions
Why does Mission Planner show no GPS fix?
Usually the TX and RX wires are swapped or the GPS port is set to the wrong protocol. Check the wiring and the serial port settings in Mission Planner.
Do I need to calibrate the compass every flight?
No. Calibrate once after installation, and again if you move the GPS, change electronics or see an unstable heading.
Can I use this GPS with other flight controllers?
Yes, as long as the controller runs ArduPilot and has a spare GPS port with matching pin order.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
