New UBLOX w/ integrated Dead Reckoning

MobiTekLink · 05-01-2007, 08:03 AM

Module available now for $179!
http://www.abacuscity.ch/abashop?i=b...ctdetail&sku=1
Here's the info:
http://www.u-blox.com/products/tim_4r.html

This might be the missing link in getting the best out of our navigation, can anyone go over the tech specs and let us know if this is a good buy?
Im hoping to get one soon so that I can try it.
Now if iGuidance had some good updates with more POI's and stuff

zPilott · 05-01-2007, 11:00 AM

Too bad the eval kit is $1500 http://www.abacuscity.ch/abashop?s=142 because it sounds like pretty much plug and play. Ther other eval kits are much cheaper $200-$350, but I guess this one includes fancy software and all the other stuff.

on top of the module price, you also need a gyro ($60 from them): http://www.abacuscity.ch/abashop?s=1...tdetail&sku=62

It sounds promising though, wish I had the time to pursue it

(BTW I hate their website, every link opens a new window!)

MobiTekLink · 05-01-2007, 12:43 PM

So let me get this straight?! This is not all that you need to get going? Damn, this was supposed to be big news and I dont see the reasoning for it.

MobiTekLink · 05-01-2007, 12:46 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by zPilott

Too bad the eval kit is $1500 http://www.abacuscity.ch/abashop?s=142 because it sounds like pretty much plug and play. Ther other eval kits are much cheaper $200-$350, but I guess this one includes fancy software and all the other stuff.

on top of the module price, you also need a gyro ($60 from them): http://www.abacuscity.ch/abashop?s=1...tdetail&sku=62

It sounds promising though, wish I had the time to pursue it

(BTW I hate their website, every link opens a new window!)

I says it included a gyro,
I hate the new windows too, I think there's a firefox plugin that I used before for that

zPilott · 05-01-2007, 02:10 PM

from how i read it you would need:

A gyro (and possibly an analog to digital converter depending on the gyro)
TTL to serial or TTL to usb.
3.3v power supply (usb, regulator?)
pcb for mounting
dunno about the pulse input.

I'm thinking it would cost about $80-$100 in extra electronics, plus the cost of the pcb for a one off.

MobiTekLink · 05-01-2007, 09:20 PM

So what's the gyro in the unit for? it claims on the spec sheet to have one built in.

zPilott · 05-01-2007, 10:58 PM

Quote:

For implementation details as well as a list of supported gyroscopes that u-blox is currently aware of, or for more information about Dead Reckoning and other special features of the TIM-4R please refer to the TIM-4R System Integration Manual [2].

That makes it sound to me like the gyro is external. Not to mention that the store link has a link to a supported gyro.

Where did you see that the gyro was internal?

Laidback · 05-02-2007, 06:19 AM

Yeah, there's no way that there is a gyro in that unit, the modules are only about 1 inch square. You need to wait for the receiver board with that module built on. Even then you still need the Gyro.

MobiTekLink · 05-02-2007, 08:52 PM

I just reread the spec .pdf, apart from all the Greek

I see no gyro, but do you still need it if it's connected to the vehicle's sensors like this interfaces with?

spaceskater · 05-02-2007, 09:19 PM

May I refer you to this thread! ublox-module-help-needed.html

This devise was "discovered" some time ago and in that thread you can find ALL the info on how to make a functional unit!
I made one my self and have been using it ever since with great results!

DR works in most cases and it saved my *** in New York a couple of times!

Cheers!

MobiTekLink · 05-02-2007, 10:17 PM

Hmm, lots of reading,,, So what's new about this module if it's already been done? and what's different about the one laidback used on that thread?

Alanh · 05-03-2007, 10:57 AM

I think this is a new version of their GPS with DR capability. The old one that was discussed here a year or two ago was discontinued. I don't know what the differences are in terms of packaging or functionality but its probably got a new GPS receiver IC based on newer technology.

spaceskater · 05-03-2007, 06:25 PM

@ MobiTekLink: I just looked at the second link u had there

and yes that is a new version but your first link point to the old one.

The big difference is that it is built around their new more sensitive an faster chip called Antaris 4. The old one had plain Antaris. (There is no Antaris 2 or3) so its the next version.

The down side is that with the old one you had the option to order it on a PCB with connectors and stuff. it still needed the electronics but was much easier to interface. The new one doesn't! it only comes on the compact surface mount form .