Waveshare has recently introduced the L76K GPS HAT, a Raspberry Pi-compatible HAT that supports multiple GNSS systems, including GPS, BeiDou, GLONASS, QZSS, and AGNSS for accurate location tracking and navigation.
The HAT also supports a low-noise amplifier (LNA) for improved reception, a SAW filter for noise reduction, and offers fast TTFF with a cold start time of 30 seconds and a hot start of just 2 seconds. Communication is done via UART, and the module supports a maximum update rate of up to 5Hz. Powered by a 5V supply, it consumes less than 55mA. On top of that, there is an onboard battery holder that preserves ephemeris data for quicker fixes.
L76K GPS HAT specifications:
- Compatibility
- Raspberry Pi Model A, Model B, Zero, and other compatible SBCs with a 40-pin Raspberry Pi GPIO header
- Devices with a USB port
- GNSS Module – Quectel GNSS L76 module with AT6558R chipset
- Receiver
- L1 band (C/A code)
- 32 tracking channels / 46 acquisition channels
- SBAS – WAAS, EGNOS, MSAS, GAGAN
- A-GNSS supported
- Sensitivity
- Acquisition: -148 dBm
- Reacquisition: -160 dBm
- Tracking – -162 dBm
- TTFF (Time To First Fix)
- Cold start – <30 s (autonomous), <15.5 s (EASY)
- Warm start – <2 s (autonomous), <2 s (EASY)
- Hot start – <2 s
- Accuracy
- Position – <2.0 m CEP
- Velocity – <0.1 m/s (without aid)
- Acceleration – <0.1 m/s² (without aid)
- Timing (1σ) – <30 ns
- Receiver
- Update Rate – 1 Hz (default), up to 5 Hz
- USB – Micro USB port for power and communication
- Communication
- Serial UART (4800–115200 bps, default 9600 bps)
- USB to UART port via CP2102
- I2C and UART on 40-pin Raspberry Pi header
- Misc
- Built-in low-noise amplifier (LNA)
- Built-in SAW filter
- 4x status LEDs (RXD, TXD, PPS, PWR)
- 3-way mode switch for on/standby/off
- GNSS configuration button
- u.FL antenna connector for external antenna
- UART selection jumper
- Position A – Control the L76K via external USB to UART
- Position B – Control the L76K via Raspberry Pi headers
- Position C – Access Raspberry Pi via onboard USB to UART
- Power
- Supply – 5V DC
- Onboard battery holder (ML1220 rechargeable cell) for ephemeris retention and hot starts
- Consumption – <55 mA @ 5 V (continuous mode)
- Dimensions – 65.0 × 30.5 mm
- Temperature Range – -40°C to +85°C
The board is very compact, slightly wider than a Raspberry Pi Zero, and the company also mentions support for multiple development platforms, including Raspberry Pi, Jetson, Arduino, STM32, and RDK series boards. That works with boards featuring a 40-pin GPIO header, or connected through the micro USB port.
Waveshare provides C and Python demos with libraries such as PySerial, PyNMEA2, and PyNMEA for parsing NMEA data. On Raspberry Pi, it is compatible with serial communication tools like minicom and cutecom, and can be configured via the UART interface. The board also works with Windows through the CP2102 USB-to-UART bridge, using drivers and serial port debugging software. Additionally, demo codes and other resources are available from GitHub and the wiki.
We have previously written about GPS Raspberry Pi HATs like the Dragino LoRa/GPS HAT, which features LoRa alongside GPS, and the ThaiEasyElec 3G GPS HAT, with 3G connectivity and GPS. In comparison, the Waveshare L76K GPS HAT only supports GPS and is priced lower. Other GPS-only HATs include Sparkfun ZED-F9R HaT (pricey due to GPS RTK support) and Adafruit Ultimate GPS HAT, which also integrates a prototyping area.
The L76K GPS HAT is available on AliExpress for $17.85 (early bird deal offer with only one piece per order), Amazon for $36.99. and on the Waveshare store for $22.99.
Debashis Das is a technical content writer and embedded engineer with over five years of experience in the industry. With expertise in Embedded C, PCB Design, and SEO optimization, he effectively blends difficult technical topics with clear communication
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