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.
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.
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 |
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