u-blox MAX-M10S
Series: u-blox GNSS modules for drones
Not the right version? The data comes from vehicle registers holding many near-identical versions side by side. Photograph the data plate — we read make and type from it. Open the scanner e-mail address required
The MAX-M10S from u-blox of Switzerland is an extremely low-power L1 GNSS module of the M10 generation (9.7 x 10.1 x 2.5 mm) with integrated LNA and SAW filter. It is not assigned to a drone class but is a building block for makers of flight modules and in-house designs, especially for small and light aircraft.
The chip handles GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, QZSS and SBAS in the L1 band (GPS L1C/A, GLONASS L1OF, Galileo E1B/C, BeiDou B1I and B1C, QZSS L1C/A, L1S and L1Sb). It does not offer RTK. u-blox states 1.5 m CEP, the radius containing half of the measurements. The rate is 25 Hz with one satellite system and up to 10 Hz with three or more. Connection is through UART and I2C (DDC).
An LNA is a low-noise preamplifier that lifts the weak satellite signal; the SAW filter keeps interfering signals from outside the GNSS band away, such as mobile networks and video transmitters. Having both in the chip saves space and parts on the board. A chip is not an aircraft: the duties of the EU drone regulation arise at the aircraft, where geo-awareness and remote identification (from class C1) rest on the GNSS position that such a receiver supplies. Metre class is enough for that.
For selection, power consumption with small batteries counts, as does the rate with several systems: anyone using three or more systems plans with at most 10 Hz. The antenna influences the result more than the chip: it needs a clear view, distance from transmitters and a ground plane that suits the design. Compass and barometer are not part of the chip and come from the maker of the flight module. Upkeep includes the chip's firmware.
Technical data
Other data
| Chipset | u-blox M10correct |
|---|---|
| Constellations | ['GPS', 'GLONASS', 'Galileo', 'BeiDou', 'QZSS', 'SBAS']correct |
| Frequency bands | L1: GPS L1C/A, GLONASS L1OF, Galileo E1B/C, BeiDou B1I/B1C, QZSS L1C/A L1S L1Sb, SBAScorrect |
| Horizontal accuracy (cm) | 150correct |
| Interfaces | UART, I2C (DDC)correct |
| RTK capable | nocorrect |
| Update rate (Hz) | 25correct |
What to check before buying
- Check the hour meter against the service records — a replaced instrument is the most common gap.
- Compare the data plate and chassis number with the papers.
- Ask about parts availability for this build year — the running costs hang on it.
A general list for this type of machine — no substitute for an inspection or an appraiser.
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