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

SKU: FA2172-1
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 (WAAS/EGNOS/MSAS)
Operating Voltage

3V – 5V DC
Default Baud Rate

9600 bps (configurable: 4800 – 115200 bps)
Communication Interface

UART TTL (TX/RX) and USB (micro-USB on some variants)
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)

Description

The GY-NEO-7M V2 is a high-performance, multi-GNSS navigation module built around the advanced u-blox NEO-7M chipset. As a significant upgrade from the popular NEO-6M series, this module supports multiple global navigation satellite systems (GNSS), delivering faster satellite acquisition, improved positioning accuracy, and more reliable performance in challenging environments .

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 . Whether you are flying a drone in an urban canyon, navigating a vehicle through dense tree cover, or operating an autonomous rover in a mountainous region, the GY-NEO-7M V2 maintains a robust satellite lock.

This module features a high-gain 25mm × 25mm active ceramic patch antenna that provides excellent signal reception sensitivity down to -161dBm tracking . An SMA connector is also provided for users who wish to connect an external active antenna for even greater signal quality in demanding installations .

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 GPS 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 the onboard micro-USB port (where equipped), allowing detailed performance monitoring and parameter customization .

Whether you are building a drone with position-hold and return-to-home, a vehicle tracking system, or a marine navigation device, the GY-NEO-7M V2 offers the multi-GNSS performance, configuration persistence, and integration ease 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 

  • u-blox NEO-7M Chipset – 56-channel GNSS engine with high sensitivity down to -161dBm tracking and up to 10Hz update rate 

  • Onboard Ceramic Antenna – 25mm × 25mm active patch antenna provides excellent signal reception 

  • SMA Antenna Connector – Allows connection of an external active antenna for extended signal range 

  • EEPROM Configuration Memory – 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 

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

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

  • Compact Form Factor – 30mm × 23mm to 39mm × 25.5mm (depending on variant) with 3mm mounting holes 

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 (WAAS/EGNOS/MSAS)
Operating Voltage 3V – 5V DC
Default Baud Rate 9600 bps (configurable: 4800 – 115200 bps)
Communication Interface UART TTL (TX/RX) and USB (micro-USB on some variants)
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)
Module Dimensions 30mm × 23mm – 39mm × 25.5mm (varies by manufacturer)
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 position data for GPS hold, waypoint navigation, return-to-home, and autonomous flight modes 

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

  • Vehicle Tracking Systems – Real-time GPS tracking for cars, fleet management, and asset tracking 

  • IoT Location-Aware Devices – Add positioning capabilities to weather stations, environmental monitors, and remote sensors 

  • Robotics Navigation – Enable autonomous navigation for outdoor robots, rovers, and agricultural equipment 

  • Marine & Hiking Navigation – Handheld GPS devices for boating, hiking, and geographic surveys

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

  • PC-Based GPS Applications – Use the USB interface (if equipped) or USB-to-TTL adapter for real-time GPS data on a computer 

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)

Note: The module requires a clear view of the sky for initial satellite acquisition. For ESP32 users, using hardware serial (UART1/UART2) rather than SoftwareSerial is recommended for reliable data reception at higher baud rates .

Q: What is the difference between GY-NEO-7M V2 and GY-NEO-6M V2?

The GY-NEO-7M V2 features the newer u-blox 7 series chipset, which supports multiple GNSS constellations (GPS + GLONASS + Galileo + QZSS + SBAS), whereas the NEO-6M supports GPS only. This multi-GNSS capability provides faster acquisition times, better accuracy, and more reliable performance in challenging environments such as urban canyons or heavy tree cover .

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 performance, use the ESP32’s hardware serial ports (UART1 or UART2) rather than SoftwareSerial to avoid data loss, especially when using higher baud rates (e.g., 38400bps) .

Q: Why does the LED on my module keep blinking without stopping?

The LED indicator blinks when the module has acquired a GPS fix (satellite lock). A steady or non-blinking LED indicates no fix. Once you have a fix, the LED will blink at regular intervals. If you cannot get a fix, ensure the module has a clear view of the sky (ceramic antenna facing upward) and allow 5-15 minutes for initial acquisition, which may be longer for first-time use .

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. Some vendors may pre-configure modules (e.g., for 38400 baud for APM compatibility) .

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, depending on the specific battery and storage conditions. The battery recharges automatically when the module is powered on. This enables hot starts (<1 second) when power is restored .

Q: Does this module support GLONASS?

Yes. The NEO-7M chipset supports both GPS and GLONASS simultaneously. It also supports Galileo and QZSS, providing access to a larger pool of satellites for improved accuracy and reliability in challenging environments .

Q: What is the maximum baud rate I can use?

The module can be configured for baud rates from 4800 bps to 115200 bps. The default setting is 9600 bps. For higher update rates (e.g., 5Hz or 10Hz), you should increase the baud rate to at least 38400 bps to handle the increased data throughput .

Q: How do I configure this module for APM 2.5 or ArduPilot?

The module can be configured to work with APM 2.5 and ArduPilot by setting the baud rate to 38400 bps and the update rate to 5Hz or 10Hz. Use the u-center software from u-blox with a USB-to-TTL adapter (or the module’s onboard USB port if equipped) to change these settings. The configuration can then be saved to EEPROM for persistence .

Q: Is an external antenna required?

No. The GY-NEO-7M V2 includes a built-in 25mm × 25mm ceramic patch antenna that provides excellent signal reception for most applications. However, if you need to mount the module inside an enclosure or in a location with poor sky visibility, you can connect an external active antenna to the SMA connector for improved signal quality .

Q: Can this module be used for automotive navigation?

Yes. The NEO-7M chipset is qualified according to AEC-Q100 and manufactured in ISO/TS 16949 certified sites, making it suitable for automotive applications. The operating temperature range of -40°C to +85°C ensures reliable performance in vehicle environments. Typical automotive applications include fleet tracking, stolen vehicle recovery, and navigation systems .

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