ESP8266 and TTL-UART GPS

[Martin Tellblom]

Since I got so good answers a few hours ago with the ESP8266 questian I had, I try again.

Can I connect a TTL-UART (TTL-serial) gps module to a ESP8266?

I have three of these on my desk and like to use them for something fun with a ESP8266 (Like a small battery powered gps tracker for the kids/dog or so)

[chrille]

@Martin-Tellblom said:

Can I connect a TTL-UART (TTL-serial) gps module to a ESP8266?

I have three of these on my desk and like to use them for something fun with a ESP8266 (Like a small battery powered gps tracker for the kids/dog or so)

There's conflicting information on whether the GPIO pins on ESP8266 will tolerate 5V. To make sure you don't harm the RX port on ESP8266 I suggest you use a level converter. A simple voltage divider with two resistors should work fine (I use it to connect an Arduino Mega to the serial port of an ESP8266)

[Martin Tellblom]

@chrille

Thanks, since I'm not a electric engineer can you recommend a suitable level converter that would be suitable?

[chrille]

@Martin-Tellblom The values are not critical, as long as the ratio is correct. 1k + 2k2 would work fine

Connect the two resistors in series and the 5V signal to the 1k resistor and the other end of the resistors to gnd. The 3.3v signal is available between the two resistors

[Martin Tellblom]

@chrille
Thanks. I'll try

[mfalkvidd]

I don't think the voltage will be a problem. From the page linked in the fist post: "has an operating voltage of 3.3~5.5V"

So run it at 3.3V and you'll be fine.

Use the standard esp8266 serial port, or software serial, to interface with the module. According to the datasheet, the default speed is 38400.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Connecting-GPS-module-to-Arduino/?ALLSTEPS has instructions that look fairly straightforward.

[Martin Tellblom]

@mfalkvidd said:

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Thanks v:) the instructions were great, now lets see if the child or the dog gets the first try :)