GY-NEO-7M V2 Flight Controller GPS Module with EEPROM – Compatible with MWC & APM2.5, External Antenna

SKU: FA2172-4
GPS Chipset

u-blox NEO-7M (56-channel)

Supported GNSS Systems

GPS L1 C/A, GLONASS L1 FDMA, Galileo E1B/C, QZSS L1 C/A, SBAS

Operating Voltage

3V – 5V DC

Default Baud Rate

9600 bps (configurable: 4800 – 115200 bps)

Communication Interface

UART TTL (TX/RX)

Tracking Sensitivity

-161 dBm (GPS) / -158 dBm (GLONASS)

Position Accuracy

<2.5 meters CEP

Update Rate

1Hz – 10Hz (configurable)

Cold Start Time

<27 – 30 seconds (typical)

Warm Start Time

<28 seconds (typical)

Hot Start Time

<1 second (typical)

Antenna Connector

u.FL / IPEX (for external active antenna)

Antenna Requirement

Active GNSS antenna, 3V–5V, gain 15dB–28dB (not included)

Module Dimensions

30mm × 23mm – 39mm × 25.5mm (varies by manufacturer)

Mounting Holes

3mm diameter

Operating Temperature

-40°C to +85°C

Description

The GY-NEO-7M V2 is a high-performance, multi-GNSS navigation module designed for flight controllers, drones, UAVs, and embedded systems requiring flexible antenna placement. Built around the advanced u-blox NEO-7M chipset, this module supports multiple global navigation satellite systems (GNSS), delivering faster satellite acquisition, improved positioning accuracy, and more reliable performance compared to GPS-only modules.

Unlike the built-in ceramic antenna version, this variant is specifically designed for use with an external active antenna (not included, sold separately). This design is ideal for applications where the GPS module must be mounted inside an enclosure, behind a carbon fiber or metal panel, or in a location with limited sky visibility. By placing the external antenna in an optimal location — such as on a vehicle roof, drone top plate, or outdoor mast — you achieve superior signal reception, faster fixes, and more reliable navigation data.

The NEO-7M chipset simultaneously tracks GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, and SBAS (WAAS/EGNOS/MSAS) satellite constellations, providing a richer pool of visible satellites for enhanced positional accuracy and reliability, especially in challenging environments like urban canyons or heavy tree cover.

The module features a u.FL / IPEX connector for connecting a wide range of external active GNSS antennas (3V to 5V active antennas, typical gain 15dB to 28dB). For users requiring even greater flexibility, an SMA adapter cable allows conversion to standard SMA connectors.

Key onboard features include EEPROM memory that permanently stores all configuration parameters (baud rate, update rate, NMEA message settings) even after power loss, and a rechargeable backup battery that maintains the real-time clock and ephemeris data for hot starts with a time-to-first-fix as low as 1 second.

Operating from a wide 3V to 5V DC input with onboard voltage regulation, the GY-NEO-7M V2 is compatible with both 3.3V and 5V logic systems. It provides UART TTL serial communication at a configurable baud rate (default 9600bps), making it plug-and-play compatible with Arduino, ESP32, STM32, Raspberry Pi, and popular flight controllers including MWC (MultiWii) and APM 2.5/2.6.

The bright LED signal indicator provides immediate visual feedback of GNSS fix status — regular blinking confirms a successful 3D satellite lock. For advanced users, the module can be configured using u-blox u-center software via a USB-to-TTL adapter, allowing detailed performance monitoring and parameter customization.

Whether you are building a drone with a low-profile GPS installation, a vehicle tracking system where the module is hidden inside a metal dashboard, or an IoT device with remote antenna placement, the GY-NEO-7M V2 with external antenna support offers the multi-GNSS performance, configuration persistence, and installation flexibility required for both hobbyist and professional applications.

Key Features

  • Multi-GNSS Support – Tracks GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, and SBAS (WAAS/EGNOS/MSAS) constellations for enhanced accuracy and reliability

  • External Active Antenna Support – u.FL/IPEX connector allows flexible antenna placement for optimal signal reception

  • u-blox NEO-7M Chipset – 56-channel GNSS engine with high sensitivity down to -161dBm tracking

  • Onboard EEPROM – Permanently saves all user settings (baud rate, update rate, message configuration) even after power loss

  • Rechargeable Backup Battery – Maintains RTC and ephemeris data for hot starts (<1s TTFF)

  • Wide Voltage Compatibility – Operates from 3V to 5V DC with onboard regulation; compatible with 3.3V and 5V logic systems

  • UART TTL Interface – Simple 4-wire connection (VCC, GND, TX, RX) for seamless microcontroller integration

  • LED Signal Indicator – Provides real-time visual confirmation of satellite fix status

  • Configurable Update Rate – Supports up to 10Hz position update rate for real-time tracking applications

  • Compact Form Factor – Small module footprint for easy integration into space-constrained projects

  • Wide Operating Temperature – -40°C to +85°C suitable for outdoor and industrial applications

Technical Specifications 

Specification Value
GPS Chipset u-blox NEO-7M (56-channel)
Supported GNSS Systems GPS L1 C/A, GLONASS L1 FDMA, Galileo E1B/C, QZSS L1 C/A, SBAS
Operating Voltage 3V – 5V DC
Default Baud Rate 9600 bps (configurable: 4800 – 115200 bps)
Communication Interface UART TTL (TX/RX)
Tracking Sensitivity -161 dBm (GPS) / -158 dBm (GLONASS)
Position Accuracy <2.5 meters CEP
Update Rate 1Hz – 10Hz (configurable)
Cold Start Time <27 – 30 seconds (typical)
Warm Start Time <28 seconds (typical)
Hot Start Time <1 second (typical)
Antenna Connector u.FL / IPEX (for external active antenna)
Antenna Requirement Active GNSS antenna, 3V–5V, gain 15dB–28dB (not included)
Module Dimensions 30mm × 23mm – 39mm × 25.5mm (varies by manufacturer)
Mounting Holes 3mm diameter
Operating Temperature -40°C to +85°C

Pinout Description

Pin Function
VCC Power input (3V – 5V DC)
GND Ground connection
TX Serial data output (connect to RX of microcontroller)
RX Serial data input (connect to TX of microcontroller)
PPS Pulse-per-second timing output (optional)

Typical Usage

  • Drone & UAV Navigation – Provides multi-GNSS position data for GPS hold, waypoint navigation, return-to-home, and autonomous flight modes — ideal when the module must be mounted inside the drone frame with antenna on top plate

  • Flight Controller Integration – Directly compatible with MWC (MultiWii), APM 2.5/2.6, Pixhawk, and ArduPilot systems

  • Vehicle Tracking Systems – Real-time GPS/GLONASS tracking for fleet management, asset tracking, and stolen vehicle recovery (module hidden inside dashboard, antenna on roof)

  • IoT Location-Aware Devices – Add multi-GNSS positioning to weather stations, environmental monitors, and remote sensors with remote antenna placement

  • Robotics Navigation – Enable autonomous navigation for outdoor robots and rovers where the GPS module must be protected inside a sealed enclosure

  • Marine Navigation – Boats and yachts where the GPS module is mounted in a dry compartment and antenna is placed on deck with clear sky view

  • Data Logging – Record position, speed, altitude, and satellite data for post-mission analysis

  • Tolling & Telematics – Vehicle toll collection systems and telematics devices requiring hidden installation

Recommended External Antenna Specifications

Parameter Recommendation
Antenna Type Active GNSS antenna (GPS/GLONASS compatible, with built-in LNA)
Frequency 1575.42 MHz (GPS L1) and 1602 MHz (GLONASS L1)
Operating Voltage 3V – 5V DC (powered by module)
Gain 15dB – 28dB
Connector u.FL / IPEX or SMA (via adapter cable)
Impedance 50Ω

Note: An external active GNSS antenna is required for this module. The module provides DC power (typically 3.3V) to the active antenna through the same coaxial cable. Do not use passive antennas. For best multi-GNSS performance, use a wideband antenna that covers both GPS L1 (1575.42 MHz) and GLONASS L1 (1602 MHz).

Basic Wiring Example (Arduino)

GY-NEO-7M V2 Pin Arduino Connection
VCC 5V
GND GND
TX Digital Pin 4 (RX)
RX Digital Pin 3 (TX)
Antenna Connect external active GNSS antenna to u.FL/IPEX connector
Q: Is an antenna included with this module?

No. This version of the GY-NEO-7M V2 is designed for use with an external active GNSS antenna (sold separately). It does not include a built-in ceramic antenna. An external antenna is required for operation. We offer compatible active GPS/GLONASS antennas in our store.

Q: Why would I choose the external antenna version over the built-in antenna version?

The external antenna version offers flexible antenna placement. If your GPS module must be mounted inside an enclosure (metal, carbon fiber, or thick plastic), inside a vehicle dashboard, or behind a display, the built-in antenna would have poor sky visibility. With an external antenna, you can place the antenna in a location with a clear view of the sky while keeping the module hidden or protected.

Q: What type of antenna do I need?

You need an active GNSS antenna (with a built-in low-noise amplifier, LNA) that covers both GPS L1 (1575.42 MHz) and GLONASS L1 (1602 MHz) for full multi-GNSS performance. The antenna must accept 3V–5V DC power (provided by the module through the coaxial cable). Typical gain should be 15dB to 28dB. The module uses a u.FL / IPEX connector. If your antenna has an SMA connector, you can use a u.FL-to-SMA adapter cable.

Q: Can I use a passive antenna (without amplifier)?

No. The module is designed to power an active antenna through the coaxial cable. Passive antennas (without an LNA) will not work reliably with this module as they provide insufficient signal gain.

Q: What is the difference between this external antenna version and the NEO-6M external antenna version?

The NEO-7M chipset supports multiple GNSS constellations (GPS + GLONASS + Galileo + QZSS), whereas the NEO-6M supports GPS only. This multi-GNSS capability provides faster acquisition times, better accuracy, and more reliable performance in challenging environments. If you are using a GPS/GLONASS-compatible external antenna, the NEO-7M will take full advantage of both systems.

Q: Can I use this module with ESP32?

Yes. The module operates on 3V to 5V, so you can power it directly from the ESP32’s 3.3V or 5V pin. For best results, use the ESP32’s hardware serial ports (UART1 or UART2) rather than SoftwareSerial for reliable data reception at higher baud rates (e.g., 38400bps for 10Hz updates).

Q: What is the EEPROM used for?

The built-in EEPROM stores your configuration settings (such as baud rate, update rate, and NMEA message configuration). These settings are retained even after power loss, so you don’t need to reconfigure the module every time you power it on.

Q: How long does the backup battery last?

The rechargeable backup battery maintains the RTC and ephemeris data for several days to a few weeks when the module is powered off. The battery recharges automatically when the module is powered on. This enables hot starts (<1 second) when power is restored.

Q: How do I know if the external antenna is working?

If the module’s LED blinks regularly (once per second or pattern), it indicates a 3D GNSS fix and confirms the antenna is providing adequate signal. If the LED remains steady or off, check your antenna connection and ensure the antenna has a clear view of the sky. You can also use u-center software to monitor signal-to-noise ratio (C/No) values — typical good values are 35-45 dB-Hz for GPS and 30-40 dB-Hz for GLONASS.

Q: Can this module be used for automotive or industrial applications?

Yes. The NEO-7M chipset is rated for -40°C to +85°C operation. With an external antenna properly mounted (e.g., on a vehicle roof using a magnetic mount or fixed bracket), this module is suitable for fleet tracking, stolen vehicle recovery, telematics, and industrial IoT applications. The multi-GNSS capability provides better performance in urban canyons and areas with limited GPS satellite visibility.