Table of Contents

How to connect external GPS module to Yaesu FTM-300

TL;DR

Yaesu FTM-300 requires higher logic levels than BN-220 can provide. MAX3232 is used to translate lower TTL logic levels to higher RS232 logic levels - Quick tutorial here. GPS module will require to be set to GPS constellation only in u-center. Radio needs to be set to external GPS device. Transmit from the radio Data Tx to GPS receive Data Rx does not need to be connected. Baud rate is set to 9600.

List of parts

Production

Development and testing

Development board

Pictures of the development board used to setup GPS module

Method

Programming the GPS Module in U-Center

  1. Install U-Center for Windows (sorry Linux and Mac fans, but there is a work around…)
  2. Open U-Center
  3. Connect the GPS module via USB and use Device Manager to identify the COM port
  4. Set the COM port in u-center as per device manager and click connect
  5. Wait for GPS to lock on (you will see a position appear in u-center)
  6. Open the View menu and select Configuration View
  7. Select GNSS in the left hand pane and ensure only GPS, SBAS and QZSS are enabled. Ensure Galileo and GLONASS are DISABLED. Make sure you click Send in the bottom status bar to update the module.
  8. Select NEMA in the left hand pane and set Main Talker Id to 1 - GP (GPS) and click Send in the bottom status bar
  9. Finally we need to save the configuration to the module.
  10. Select CFG in the left hand pane, Hold Ctrl and click 2 - I2C EEPROM and 4 - SPI-FLASH so that all four Devices are selected. Ensure that the Save current configuration radio button is selected and click Send in the bottom status bar.
  11. Test the configuration by disconnecting and powering down the module and reconnecting.
  12. If successful, open the View menu and Select Text Console
  13. You should only see messages that start $GP…
  14. Ask Simon - M0SMU for help in Discord if you get stuck