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Adafruit Ultimate GPS HAT for Raspberry Pi [Mini Kit]

The Adafruit Ultimate GPS HAT adds high-quality GPS and GLONASS positioning to your Raspberry Pi. Built around a PA1616D module, it provides precise location data and a built-in real-time clock (RTC) with coin cell backup — perfect for outdoor projects, time synchronisation, and location-aware applications.

This mini kit includes the fully assembled GPS HAT and a 2×20 GPIO header for soldering. It connects via the Raspberry Pi's hardware UART and features a u.FL connector for an optional external active antenna, a prototyping area for adding your own components, and breakouts for all remaining Pi GPIO pins.

Key Features

  • GPS + GLONASS Support – Dual constellation tracking for improved coverage and faster fixes
  • 99-Channel Receiver – -165 dBm sensitivity with up to 10 Hz position updates
  • Built-in RTC – Real-time clock with CR1220 coin cell backup for 7+ years of timekeeping, even when the Pi is off
  • PPS Output – Pulse-Per-Second signal connected to GPIO pin #4 by default
  • Dual Antenna Support – Internal patch antenna for outdoor use, plus u.FL connector for external active antenna (auto-switching)
  • Fix Status LED – Visual indicator blinks when GPS coordinates are acquired
  • Prototyping Area – Space on the board for adding LEDs, sensors, and other components
  • GPIO Breakouts – Access to all spare Raspberry Pi GPIO pins

Ideal For

  • Raspberry Pi GPS tracking and navigation projects
  • Accurate timekeeping and NTP server setups
  • Outdoor data logging with location stamps
  • Mobile robotics and autonomous vehicle prototyping

Compatibility

  • Raspberry Pi Model A+, B+, Pi 2, Pi 3, Pi 4, and Pi Zero

Package Contents

  • 1× Adafruit Ultimate GPS HAT (fully assembled with GPS module and coin cell holder)
  • 1× 2×20 GPIO female header (requires soldering)
Important: This HAT uses the Raspberry Pi's hardware UART (RX/TX pins). You cannot use a serial console cable at the same time. Use HDMI/keyboard, SSH, or a composite monitor to access your Pi instead.
Note: CR1220 coin cell battery not included — required separately for RTC backup. The updated PA1616D module is slightly taller (4 mm) than the original and has modified antenna query commands. Check the datasheet for details.

Resources

The Adafruit Ultimate GPS HAT for Raspberry Pi [Mini Kit] appears in the following collections:

SKU AF-2324