RUSHFPV GNSS MINI review: SOLID BetaFlight GPS module for FPV drones

GPS module for iNAV Fail-safe and BetaFlight Rescue mode

RushFPV GNSS MINI

The RUSHFPV GNSS MINI is a compact GPS module that uses the latest u-blox M10 ultra-low-power platform. It’s suitable for FPV drones and fixed-wing planes. It is compatible with BetaFlight and iNAV flight controller software. To provide worldwide coverage, it can work with all major satellite positioning providers (GNSS), including GPS (Global), GLONASS (Russian), BDS (China), and GALILEO (Europe).

Why do you need a GPS module for your FPV drone?

GPS modules are not essential FPV drone parts, but they are critical in case of RX signal loss. They provide real-time telemetry data such as flight altitude, distance, and speed, allowing you to configure your aircraft in BetaFlight or iNAV with autonomous flight modes.

FPV drones can cost from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, and you wouldn’t want to lose them if something were to happen with radio or video communication. The cheapest GPS module right now is around 10 bucks and will allow your drone to return to the take-off point in case of RC signal loss (Rescue mode) or a manual trigger by the pilot. If you decide to upgrade your drone with GPS, I highly recommend using the newer M10-based GPS options over the older Beitian BN220 chips.

RUSHFPV GNSS MINI GPS module for FPV drones

Disclosure: I received this GPS module as part of a product review collaboration with RushFPV. Although the product was free, all opinions in this article remain mine, and the sponsor did not influence me.

RUSHFPV is known for its high-performance VTXs, but lately, it has started producing flight controllers, ESCs, AIOs, and GPS modules, covering almost all essential components of an FPV drone.

Size comparisson
RushFPV GNSS MINI GPS size compared to 2 cent coin

The RUSHFPV GNSS MINI comes in a nylon bag with a QR code to access the user manual. The module measures 18x18x4.8mm and weighs slightly more than 4 grams. It has two status LEDs (Ready and Power) and four solder pins (RX, TX, 5V, and GND) for connecting with the flight controller. The ceramic antenna measures 18x18mm, and when you install the module on your drone, it needs to face the sky without being obstructed by metal parts of the drone. Compatible TPU mount 3D STL files can be found on Thingiverse.

Ceramic antenna
Ceramic antenna installation position

RUSHFPV GNSS MINI GPS: Key features

  • Small size, lightweight, fast positioning, and stable connection;
  • For positioning modes: GPS, BDS, GLONASS and GALILEO
  • Ultra-low-power u-blox M10 platform
  • Ultra-thin ceramic antenna
  • Built-in battery and memory for fast hot start

Performance

The performance of a GPS module is determined by two factors: how fast it can fix eight satellites (recommended for BetaFlight Rescue) on cold start (hasn’t been powered on for at least 12 hours) and hot start (hasn’t been powered on for less than an hour) and how many satellites it can fix after five minutes of being powered.

During my tests, the RUSHFPV GNSS MINI found 8 satellites after 1:41 on cold start and after 27 seconds on hot start. After five minutes of flight, it found 17 satellites, which is reasonable for my region.

Price and availability

The RUSHFPV GNSS MINI can be ordered directly from the manufacturer’s official store or other retailers for $13.99. If you need a built-in compass, the more versatile but also bigger and heavier GNSS Pro modules are priced at $15.36.

RUSHFPV GPS modules series comparison

RUSHFPV has three GPS modules, two without a built-in compass and one with an integrated HMC5883 three-axis digital compass. The GNSS Micro module measures 12x15x4.8mm and weighs 2.4g, and the GNSS Mini 18x18x4.8mm weighs 4.2g. The GNSS PRO measures 25x25x4.8mm and weighs 6.9 grams. Technical parameters such as number of receiving channels and satellite provider compatibility are identical. Due to the built-in compass, the GNSS PRO has two extra pins (SDA and SCL) in addition to the RX, TX, 5V, and GND.

GNSS Micro GNSS MINI GNSS PRO
Dimensions 12x15x4.8mm 18x18x4.8mm 25x25x4.8mm
Weight 2.4g 4.2g 6.9g
Receiving channels 72CH 72CH 72CH
Band GPS L1, GLONASS L1, BDS B1, GALILEO E1, SBAS L1 QZSS l1 GPS L1, GLONASS L1, BDS B1, GALILEO E1, SBAS L1 QZSS l1 GPS L1, GLONASS L1, BDS B1, GALILEO E1, SBAS L1 QZSS l1
Protocols UBLOX UBLOX & NMEA UBLOX & NMEA
Compass N/A N/A HMC5883
Speed accuracy 0.05m/s 0.05m/s 0.05m/s
Positioning accuracy 2D ACC 1.5m 2D ACC 1.5m 2D ACC 1.5m
PINOUT RX, TX, 5V, GND RX, TX, 5V, GND RX, SDA, TX, 5V, SCL, GND
Price $13.99 $13.99 $15.36
You Can Trust Our Reviews!

Since 2014, FirstQuadcopter has reviewed, thoroughly tested, and rated hundreds of products including drones, gimbals, power station, action cameras, and other high-tech gear to help you make better buying decisions.

REVIEW OVERVIEW
Price/value ratio
Design and build quality
Satellite lock speed
Compatiblity
I have nearly 25 years of photographic experience and 10 years working as product tester for various websites. I have knowledge across a vast number of product categories, including DSLR\Mirrorless\Action cameras, Computers, Gimbals, Power Stations, 3D printers, and, above all, drones! I’ve flying, reviewing and building drones since 2014. I founded and own FirstQuadcopter a drone blog dedicated to newbie pilots. I authored over 300 articles, helping millions navigate the exciting world of drones!
rushfpv-gnss-mini-reviewIf you haven’t done so already, installing a GPS module such as this RUSHFPV GNSS MINI can save your drone in the event of a lost signal. It enables fail-safe RTH and provides real-time telemetry data about flight speed, altitude, and the aircraft's exact GPS coordinates. Pros + Friendly priced + Small and Lightweight + Compatible with all major satellite networks + Fast satellite lock+ Cons - Lack of connector (only solder pads)

4 COMMENTS

  1. I have five Rush VTXs and all work flawlessly so I ordered two of these GPS modules for my next long-range buiilds

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here