{"id":161431,"date":"2025-04-25T13:47:22","date_gmt":"2025-04-25T08:17:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.electronicsforu.com\/?p=161431"},"modified":"2025-04-25T15:58:47","modified_gmt":"2025-04-25T10:28:47","slug":"opensource-gps-lora-module","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.electronicsforu.com\/electronics-projects\/opensource-gps-lora-module","title":{"rendered":"World\u2019s Smallest Open-Source LoRa + GPS Module for Wearables and IoT (Only 3cm!)"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"161\" height=\"147\" src=\"https:\/\/www.electronicsforu.com\/wp-contents\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Ashwini-EFY-Tested-1.webp\" alt=\"EFY Tested Electronics Project\" class=\"wp-image-161830\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.electronicsforu.com\/wp-contents\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Ashwini-EFY-Tested-1.webp 161w, https:\/\/www.electronicsforu.com\/wp-contents\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Ashwini-EFY-Tested-1-150x137.webp 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 161px) 100vw, 161px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Have you ever tried squeezing a LoRa and GPS module into a wearable device? It\u2019s a nightmare! Most modules are huge, and using separate ones for LoRa and GPS increases both cost and space. This makes designing sleek, compact devices like fitness trackers or IoT gadgets super tricky. Plus, wiring them to boards like Arduino, ESP, or nRF can feel like untangling a mess of cables.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That\u2019s why we\u2019re excited to share our solution: a super tiny, coin-sized (3 cm!) LoRa + GPS module that\u2019s perfect for wearables and works like a charm with the <a href=\"https:\/\/shop.electronicsforu.com\/product\/indusboard-iot-development-board\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">IndusBoard Coin<\/a> via an FPC cable. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/www.electronicsforu.com\/wp-contents\/uploads\/2025\/04\/LoRa-1024x576.jpeg\" alt=\"Smallest Open-Source LoRa + GPS Module\" class=\"wp-image-161447\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.electronicsforu.com\/wp-contents\/uploads\/2025\/04\/LoRa-1024x576.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.electronicsforu.com\/wp-contents\/uploads\/2025\/04\/LoRa-500x281.jpeg 500w, https:\/\/www.electronicsforu.com\/wp-contents\/uploads\/2025\/04\/LoRa-1536x864.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/www.electronicsforu.com\/wp-contents\/uploads\/2025\/04\/LoRa-2048x1152.jpeg 2048w, https:\/\/www.electronicsforu.com\/wp-contents\/uploads\/2025\/04\/LoRa-747x420.jpeg 747w, https:\/\/www.electronicsforu.com\/wp-contents\/uploads\/2025\/04\/LoRa-696x392.jpeg 696w, https:\/\/www.electronicsforu.com\/wp-contents\/uploads\/2025\/04\/LoRa-1920x1080.jpeg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Smallest Open-Source LoRa + GPS Module<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s also compatible with Arduino, ESP, nRF, and other boards through standard I\/O pins. Powered by the <strong>Quectel L86-M33<\/strong> GPS chip for precise tracking and the <strong>Ai-Thinker RA-02<\/strong> LoRa module for long-range communication, this module is a game-changer. The GPS runs on USART, and LoRa uses SPI, with both interfaces available via the FPC connector or I\/O pins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Best of all? It\u2019s free and open-source!<\/strong> The design files are freely available for anyone to modify, manufacture, and use for personal or commercial projects. If you\u2019re pairing it with the IndusBoardCoin, it\u2019s completely free to use commercially, making it a fantastic choice for startups, hobbyists, and innovators. Let\u2019s dive into how we built this awesome module!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rank-math-toc-block\" id=\"rank-math-toc\"><h2>Table of Contents<\/h2><nav><ul><li><a href=\"#why-this-module-is-awesome\">Why This Module is Awesome<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#bill-of-materials-bom\">Bill of Materials (BOM)<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#circuit-design\">Circuit Design<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#pcb-design\">PCB Design<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#manufacturing\">Manufacturing<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#smd-soldering\">SMD Soldering\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#testing-making-sure-its-awesome\">Testing<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"why-this-module-is-awesome\"><strong>Why This Module is Awesome<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This little module is packed with features that make it perfect for wearables and IoT:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Super Small<\/strong>: Just 3 cm in diameter, it\u2019s coin-sized and fits in tiny devices like wristbands or trackers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>All-in-One<\/strong>: Combines LoRa (up to 15 km range!) and GPS for location tracking in one compact package.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Wearable-Ready<\/strong>: Connects seamlessly to the IndusBoardCoin via a flexible FPC cable, ideal for sleek designs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Flexible<\/strong>: Works with Arduino, ESP, nRF, and more using standard I\/O pins, so it\u2019s great for any project.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Power-Saver<\/strong>: Uses just 1 mA in standby, perfect for battery-powered wearables.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Open-Source<\/strong>: Free to modify and use, with no strings attached (and free for commercial use with IndusBoardCoin!).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"bill-of-materials-bom\"><strong>Bill of Materials (BOM)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s what you need to build this module:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"275\" src=\"https:\/\/www.electronicsforu.com\/wp-contents\/uploads\/2025\/04\/bom-2-1024x275.jpeg\" alt=\"Components Required for Open-Source LoRa + GPS Module\" class=\"wp-image-161453\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.electronicsforu.com\/wp-contents\/uploads\/2025\/04\/bom-2-1024x275.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.electronicsforu.com\/wp-contents\/uploads\/2025\/04\/bom-2-500x134.jpeg 500w, https:\/\/www.electronicsforu.com\/wp-contents\/uploads\/2025\/04\/bom-2-696x187.jpeg 696w, https:\/\/www.electronicsforu.com\/wp-contents\/uploads\/2025\/04\/bom-2.jpeg 1492w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Components Required for Open-Source LoRa + GPS Module<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"circuit-design\"><strong>Circuit Design<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>We designed the circuit to be compact and easy to work with:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Power<\/strong>: Both GPS and LoRa run on 3.3V, supplied by the IndusBoardCoin (via FPC) or other boards (via pins).&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>GPS (USART)<\/strong>: The L86-M33 uses USART (TX\/RX) at 9600 baud, connected to the FPC and I\/O pins for easy access.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>LoRa (SPI)<\/strong>: The RA-02 communicates via SPI (NSS, MOSI, MISO, SCK, RST, DIO0), with a 32 MHz crystal for accurate timing. These signals go to both FPC and I\/O pins.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Antennas<\/strong>: The GPS has a built-in antenna, and the LoRa module uses a U.FL connector for an external antenna to boost range.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Connections<\/strong>: A 10-pin FPC connector hooks up to the IndusBoardCoin, while an 8-pin header connects to Arduino, ESP, or nRF boards.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"724\" src=\"https:\/\/www.electronicsforu.com\/wp-contents\/uploads\/2025\/04\/circuit-1024x724.jpeg\" alt=\"Circuit Diagram of Open-Source LoRa + GPS Module\" class=\"wp-image-161458\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.electronicsforu.com\/wp-contents\/uploads\/2025\/04\/circuit-1024x724.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.electronicsforu.com\/wp-contents\/uploads\/2025\/04\/circuit-500x354.jpeg 500w, https:\/\/www.electronicsforu.com\/wp-contents\/uploads\/2025\/04\/circuit-594x420.jpeg 594w, https:\/\/www.electronicsforu.com\/wp-contents\/uploads\/2025\/04\/circuit-696x492.jpeg 696w, https:\/\/www.electronicsforu.com\/wp-contents\/uploads\/2025\/04\/circuit-100x70.jpeg 100w, https:\/\/www.electronicsforu.com\/wp-contents\/uploads\/2025\/04\/circuit.jpeg 1169w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">LORA + GPS module circuit<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"pcb-design\"><strong>PCB Design<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Next, we will design the PCB. Here we keep the size around 3cm and coin-shaped.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Our 2-layer, 3 cm diameter PCB is designed to save space while delivering top performance:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Top Layer<\/strong>: Hosts the RA-02 LoRa module, FPC connector, and small components like capacitors and the crystal. SPI traces are short for clean signals.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Bottom Layer<\/strong>: The L86-M33 GPS module sits here, with its antenna facing out for better satellite reception. USART traces are routed carefully to avoid noise.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Smart Design<\/strong>: We used FR4 with 1 oz copper for affordability. Ground planes reduce interference, and 0805 SMD components make assembly easy. The FPC connector and pin headers are positioned for quick connections.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>We created the PCB in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.electronicsforu.com\/buyers-guides\/easyeda-designing-online\">EasyEDA<\/a> and generated Gerber files for manufacturing. It\u2019s tiny, efficient, and ready for wearables!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"992\" src=\"https:\/\/www.electronicsforu.com\/wp-contents\/uploads\/2025\/04\/pcb-1024x992.jpeg\" alt=\"PCB Design for LoRa + GPS module\" class=\"wp-image-161460\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.electronicsforu.com\/wp-contents\/uploads\/2025\/04\/pcb-1024x992.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.electronicsforu.com\/wp-contents\/uploads\/2025\/04\/pcb-500x485.jpeg 500w, https:\/\/www.electronicsforu.com\/wp-contents\/uploads\/2025\/04\/pcb-433x420.jpeg 433w, https:\/\/www.electronicsforu.com\/wp-contents\/uploads\/2025\/04\/pcb-696x675.jpeg 696w, https:\/\/www.electronicsforu.com\/wp-contents\/uploads\/2025\/04\/pcb.jpeg 1364w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">PCB Design for LoRa + GPS module<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"manufacturing\"><strong>Manufacturing<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You can either get the whole module PCB manufactured and SMT done from the PCB manufacturer, or you can order the SKETCHIL from the manufacturer and do SMT at home using a gun blower, SMD solder flux, and SKETCHIL.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If doing SMD soldering at home, follow the steps below; otherwise, you can <a href=\"https:\/\/www.electronicsforu.com\/electronics-projects\/opensource-gps-lora-module#testing-making-sure-its-awesome\">skip to the testing phase<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"smd-soldering\"><strong>SMD Soldering\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>To do SMD soldering, you need the SMD Flux kit that includes the SMD soldering syringe, the FLUX and sketchil that you get from the PCB manufacturer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Now, do put the FLUX on the PCB using sketchil or the syringe and then put the component to be soldered there and then apply the hot air gun. And it&#8217;s done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"655\" src=\"https:\/\/www.electronicsforu.com\/wp-contents\/uploads\/2025\/04\/SMD-1024x655.jpeg\" alt=\"Lora + GPS module\" class=\"wp-image-161468\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.electronicsforu.com\/wp-contents\/uploads\/2025\/04\/SMD-1024x655.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.electronicsforu.com\/wp-contents\/uploads\/2025\/04\/SMD-500x320.jpeg 500w, https:\/\/www.electronicsforu.com\/wp-contents\/uploads\/2025\/04\/SMD-1536x983.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/www.electronicsforu.com\/wp-contents\/uploads\/2025\/04\/SMD-2048x1310.jpeg 2048w, https:\/\/www.electronicsforu.com\/wp-contents\/uploads\/2025\/04\/SMD-656x420.jpeg 656w, https:\/\/www.electronicsforu.com\/wp-contents\/uploads\/2025\/04\/SMD-696x445.jpeg 696w, https:\/\/www.electronicsforu.com\/wp-contents\/uploads\/2025\/04\/SMD-1920x1228.jpeg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">SMT process<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"648\" src=\"https:\/\/www.electronicsforu.com\/wp-contents\/uploads\/2025\/04\/SMT-1024x648.jpeg\" alt=\"Smallest Lora + GPS module\" class=\"wp-image-161470\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.electronicsforu.com\/wp-contents\/uploads\/2025\/04\/SMT-1024x648.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.electronicsforu.com\/wp-contents\/uploads\/2025\/04\/SMT-500x316.jpeg 500w, https:\/\/www.electronicsforu.com\/wp-contents\/uploads\/2025\/04\/SMT-664x420.jpeg 664w, https:\/\/www.electronicsforu.com\/wp-contents\/uploads\/2025\/04\/SMT-696x441.jpeg 696w, https:\/\/www.electronicsforu.com\/wp-contents\/uploads\/2025\/04\/SMT.jpeg 1106w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Doing SMT<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"testing-making-sure-its-awesome\"><strong>Testing: Making Sure It\u2019s Awesome<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>We tested the module thoroughly to ensure it\u2019s ready for your projects:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Plug the FPC cable into the IndusBoard Coin and Module FPC.\u00a0<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Power Test<\/strong>: Connect it to an IndusBoardCoin or Arduino. It should draw ~20 mA (GPS) and 8 mA (LoRa RX) at 3.3V.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>GPS Test<\/strong>: Use TinyGPS++ to read location data outdoors. It locks onto satellites in 2-3 minutes with \u00b12.5 m accuracy.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>LoRa Test<\/strong>: Set up two modules (sender and receiver) with the LoRa library. Send GPS data over 1 km in urban areas or 15 km in open spaces.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Compatibility<\/strong>: Test with ESP32, nRF52840, Arduino Uno (via I\/O pins), and IndusBoardCoin (via FPC). All signals (USART, SPI) should work perfectly.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Wearable Test<\/strong>: Integrate it into a wristband prototype. Confirm it tracks location and sends data reliably while staying power-efficient.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/www.electronicsforu.com\/wp-contents\/uploads\/2025\/04\/test-1024x576.jpeg\" alt=\"Smallest Lora + GPS module, 3cm in size\" class=\"wp-image-161471\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.electronicsforu.com\/wp-contents\/uploads\/2025\/04\/test-1024x576.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.electronicsforu.com\/wp-contents\/uploads\/2025\/04\/test-500x281.jpeg 500w, https:\/\/www.electronicsforu.com\/wp-contents\/uploads\/2025\/04\/test-1536x864.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/www.electronicsforu.com\/wp-contents\/uploads\/2025\/04\/test-2048x1152.jpeg 2048w, https:\/\/www.electronicsforu.com\/wp-contents\/uploads\/2025\/04\/test-747x420.jpeg 747w, https:\/\/www.electronicsforu.com\/wp-contents\/uploads\/2025\/04\/test-696x392.jpeg 696w, https:\/\/www.electronicsforu.com\/wp-contents\/uploads\/2025\/04\/test-1920x1080.jpeg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Smallest Lora + GPS module, 3cm in size<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-file\"><a id=\"wp-block-file--media-52de33d2-a198-42a9-af0b-24a972319cc1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.electronicsforu.com\/wp-contents\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Designfiles.zip\"><strong>Design Files<\/strong><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.electronicsforu.com\/wp-contents\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Designfiles.zip\" class=\"wp-block-file__button wp-element-button\" download aria-describedby=\"wp-block-file--media-52de33d2-a198-42a9-af0b-24a972319cc1\">Download<\/a><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Have you ever tried squeezing a LoRa and GPS module into a wearable device? It\u2019s a nightmare! Most modules are huge, and using separate ones for LoRa and GPS increases both cost and space. This makes designing sleek, compact devices like fitness trackers or IoT gadgets super tricky. Plus, wiring them to boards like Arduino, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":33369,"featured_media":161475,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[22,23,6070,6189,11851],"tags":[114,110,11666,113],"class_list":{"0":"post-161431","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-electronics-projects","8":"category-hardware-diy","9":"category-advanced-projects","10":"category-esp32-projects","11":"category-super-innovative-projects","12":"tag-ece-projects","13":"tag-electronics-projects","14":"tag-indusboard","15":"tag-mini-projects"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.electronicsforu.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/161431","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.electronicsforu.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.electronicsforu.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.electronicsforu.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/33369"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.electronicsforu.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=161431"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.electronicsforu.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/161431\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":161833,"href":"https:\/\/www.electronicsforu.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/161431\/revisions\/161833"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.electronicsforu.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/161475"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.electronicsforu.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=161431"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.electronicsforu.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=161431"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.electronicsforu.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=161431"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}