Comparing this $4 GPS to HGLRC M100 Mini, GOKU GM10 Nano V3, and BN220 (VK2828U7G5LF)

GPS has become an extremely useful component for FPV drones due to the significant improvements in GPS features offered by Betaflight. Today, I’ll be testing a few new GPS – the HGLRC M100 Mini, GOKU GM10 Nano V3, and VK2828U7G5LF and see how they compare to the good old BN220. Some of these modules are affordable, some are compact while some boast exceptional performance. So, let’s dive in and find out which one comes out on top.

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Why You Need GPS on Your FPV Drone?

Betaflight 4.4 has truly revolutionized the GPS Rescue Mode, transforming it into a far more reliable and user-friendly feature than ever before. This makes it almost a no-brainer to incorporate a GPS module into all your quad builds. However, the challenge lies in finding a reliable GPS module that strikes the perfect balance between cost, size, and weight without compromising on accuracy.

Check out this post to learn about Rescue Mode in Betaflight: https://oscarliang.com/setup-gps-rescue-mode-betaflight/

In this review we will explore a few options to find the cheapest, smallest, and best-performing GPS modules out there!

Where To Buy?

These are the GPS we are testing today. You can find these GPS following the affiliate links provided below.

FlyFishRC M8QMC

• RDQ: https://oscarliang.com/product-1jd9
• AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DFH4lvb

The $4 GPS Module

• AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DdyGkeH
• Make sure you get the same one as pictured in this review

HGLRC M100 Mini

• Banggood: https://oscarliang.com/product-r3o7
• GetFPV: https://oscarliang.com/product-knfl
• RDQ: https://oscarliang.com/product-6zvg
• AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DCXKBFj

GOKU GM10 Nano V3

• Flywoo: https://oscarliang.com/product-jwzb
• GetFPV: https://oscarliang.com/product-kky6
• RDQ: https://oscarliang.com/product-sglj

BN-220

• AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DENus9Z
• Banggood: http://bit.ly/2nD6QxP
• Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Xelr1F

Performance Test and Results

To assess the performance of these GPS modules, I conducted a test inside my house near the window. All GPS modules were subject to a “cold start,” meaning they hadn’t been powered on in the previous 24 hours.

Keeping in mind that the modules might not receive the strongest signal in this test, ideally, their performance should be even better in open fields.

Here’s a summary of the results, showing the time taken to lock onto 6 satellites and the maximum number of satellites acquired within a 5-minute window:

All of these GPS modules are plug-and-play compatible with Betaflight. They require just four wires: power (5V), ground, and a spare UART TX/RX on your flight controller. I have a whole guide explaining how to set it up in Betaflight: https://oscarliang.com/gps-mini-quad/

Meet the $4 GPS – VK2828U7G5LF

While browsing AliExpress, I stumbled upon the VK2828U7G5LF GPS module, priced at a mere $4 – possibly the cheapest GPS available for FPV drones! Naturally, I had to give it a try. Despite my low expectations, this budget GPS actually works!

By default, the GPS comes with a 1Hz refresh rate and a 9600 baud rate. I adjusted these settings in U-Center to 5Hz and 57600Hz for better performance. Unfortunately, I couldn’t modify any other settings on this GPS module. You can also configure it using U-Center by following my tutorial: https://oscarliang.com/gps-settings-u-center/

It got a 3D fix within 2 minutes next to my room window, not bad at all for $4, but I couldn’t get more than 8 satellites after waiting 5 minutes. I hope to test it in the field and see if I can get more sats once the weather gets better here. For a cheap build, this GPS module is worth considering. However, I wouldn’t recommend relying on it for your more valuable models.

You can find this $4 GPS here:

• AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DdyGkeH

The Top Performer – HGLRC M100 Mini GPS

The HGLRC M100 Mini GPS module is a standout performer, offering both a tiny form factor and lightweight design. In fact, it’s even smaller and lighter than the BN180.

Despite its small 15x15mm size and 2.8g weight, the M100 Mini GPS is packed with powerful features. It uses the advanced UBlox M10 chip, which provides accurate data and supports GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and BDS satellite signals, ensuring global functionality.

Outperforming the BN220 right out of the box, the HGLRC M100 Mini requires no configuration tinkering. With a price point comparable to the BN220, this impressive GPS module is going to be my go-to choice for 5″ freestyle quad builds.

Just remember to use Betaflight version 4.3 or later, as these versions support the UBlox M10 Chip.

You can find the M100 Mini here:

• Banggood: https://oscarliang.com/product-r3o7
• GetFPV: https://oscarliang.com/product-knfl
• RDQ: https://oscarliang.com/product-6zvg
• AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DCXKBFj

The Tiniest GPS with Impressive Performance

While the Nameless GPS is technically the smallest I’ve ever used, it doesn’t perform well and takes a long time to get a fix, making it difficult to recommend.

Enter the GOKU Nano V3 from Flywoo – a tiny GPS module with impressive performance. It performs just as well, if not better than the BN220 with optimized U-Center settings. With a similar price, there’s no need to mess with configuration, and it has a significantly smaller and lighter design. The Flywoo GOKU Nano V3 is a fantastic option for micro builds.

I’ve been flying with this module on the Flywoo CineRace20 and consistently getting 26 satellites, which is quite remarkable for its small size.

Just make sure to update to Betaflight version 4.3 or newer to support the 10th generation Ublox GPS chip.

You can find the GOKU Nano GPS here:

• Flywoo: https://oscarliang.com/product-jwzb
• GetFPV: https://oscarliang.com/product-kky6
• RDQ: https://oscarliang.com/product-sglj

The Trusty BN220

As more GPS modules with the advanced M10 chip emerge, it’s becoming harder to recommend the older BN220.

Don’t get me wrong – the BN220 is a reliable, time-tested GPS that performs well for Betaflight when you optimize the settings in U-Center: https://oscarliang.com/gps-settings-u-center/

If you already own a BN220, it will continue to serve you well. However, if you’re considering purchasing a new GPS module, I highly recommend going with the newer M10 based GPS options. They tend to be more compact, has better design and perform just as well (if not better), and are similarly priced.

Buy the Beitian BN220 here:

• AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DENus9Z
• Banggood: http://bit.ly/2nD6QxP
• Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Xelr1F

FlyFishRC M8QMC

Another M10 GPS from FlyFishRC, but this GPS comes with onboard compass (QMC5883L Magnetometer chip) for those who need more accurate direction performance.

Similar size as the BN180, so it’s very compact, however, it’s quite a bit thicker and heavier, weighs at 9.4g, measures at 20x20x11mm.

Purchase the FlyFishRC M8QMC here:

• RDQ: https://oscarliang.com/product-1jd9
• AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DFH4lvb

Conclusion

Now is the perfect time to add a GPS module to your FPV drone if you haven’t done so already. GPS modules have become more affordable and user-friendly. For as little as $4 (or around $16 for a top-performing GPS), it’s a small investment that could potentially save your drone in the event of a lost signal. Equip your FPV drone with a GPS module and experience the peace of mind it brings as you take to the skies.