---- dataentry projects ----
title         : dji phantom gps module
members_users : dolf, zediek, loreto
skills_tags   : electronics, reverse engineering, arduino, drone
status_stat   : in_progress
----

After connecting to the computer, we saw continuous compass errors. A first visual inspection looked like the GPS module chip was actually damaged, which also contained the connection to the compass. Sr Dean ordered a new GPS module. It has been replaced now by entheos. Compass errors still occur though, even though the compass is now directly mounted to the board and not through the GPS anymore. The DJI phantom software does give readings for the GPS and compass, but also still gives compass errors. Not continuously, but frequent enough to make the drone not work.

There is little documentation on the module (DJI of course wants to sell replacement parts), but there is a group that already reverse engineered part of the module and made an [[http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1995704&page=5|Arduino library]]. We need to try if we can hook the GPS module up to an arduino ourselves and test it, to decide what is wrong.

We also just need to test the drone with the controllers and figure out what the different LEDs mean to be sure the GPS is the problem.

If the whole module needs to be replaced, it would be difficult, but cool nonetheless if we can reverse engineer the GPS module more than the guys of the Arduino library already did. If we can, we might be able to create our own GPS module for it that might be a lot cheaper. But this is not going to be easy probably.
If someone is really good at soldering, and the actual chip is damaged, it might be possible to replace the actual chip on the board: https://shop-asia.u-blox.com/en/eur/3~101~EMEA/Positioning-modules/Standalone-positioning/NEO-series. Or maybe we can replace it with this part: http://www.aliexpress.com/item/I2C-GPS-NAV-Module-U-blox-NEO-6-V3-1-GPS-Receiver-for-MWC-MultiWii-SE/32303970261.html

Someone did a full breakdown of a DJI Phantom 2 and replaced parts on it, including moving the GPS module around. Good videos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iiNeLAUeCNk&list=PL163adClzxCNf3BRrOOMyPPVSwNq8T8KX

The GPS chip on there is the ublox neo-6Q for which we have the [[https://www.u-blox.com/sites/default/files/products/documents/NEO-6_DataSheet_%28GPS.G6-HW-09005%29.pdf|datasheet]]