I have several questions about how to use GPS and a digital compass for robotics.
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I have a Trimble, Lassen SK II GPS module. I am considering buying this antenna for it **broken link removed**. The antenna is 5m long, which is more than I need. What do I do with the excess cabling? I don't have a connector and crimper to cut the cable down. Is it OK to coil up the excess cable? How should the the antenna be mounted? Does it have to be on a pole above the robot?
I know I need a compass to tell me what direction I am going, GPS only tells you where you are. I don't know what compass to buy. I found this one SparkFun Electronics - Compass Module - HMC6352, is it good enough for basic usage? Will the magnet from the GPS antenna mount, motors, or power regulators interfere withe the compass? The robot will be in mixed terrain: grassy incline, sidewalk, flat grass field, dirt and bark, but no extreme conditions. Will bumping up and down throw off the compass readings drastically? SparkFun Electronics - Compass Module with Tilt Compensation - HMC6343 would take care of that problem but its $100 more than I would want to spend. Also where do I put or mount the compass? I have room inside the case to put a 1"x1" board or does it need to be mounted out side the case?.
**broken link removed**
Thanks for the help.
**broken link removed**
I have a Trimble, Lassen SK II GPS module. I am considering buying this antenna for it **broken link removed**. The antenna is 5m long, which is more than I need. What do I do with the excess cabling? I don't have a connector and crimper to cut the cable down. Is it OK to coil up the excess cable? How should the the antenna be mounted? Does it have to be on a pole above the robot?
I know I need a compass to tell me what direction I am going, GPS only tells you where you are. I don't know what compass to buy. I found this one SparkFun Electronics - Compass Module - HMC6352, is it good enough for basic usage? Will the magnet from the GPS antenna mount, motors, or power regulators interfere withe the compass? The robot will be in mixed terrain: grassy incline, sidewalk, flat grass field, dirt and bark, but no extreme conditions. Will bumping up and down throw off the compass readings drastically? SparkFun Electronics - Compass Module with Tilt Compensation - HMC6343 would take care of that problem but its $100 more than I would want to spend. Also where do I put or mount the compass? I have room inside the case to put a 1"x1" board or does it need to be mounted out side the case?.
**broken link removed**
Thanks for the help.