Drone RTK GPS sensor board(low budget high precission GPS)
A Sensor board(and when I have the money also the drone) for drones that makes RTK GPS precission possible for under 150 bucks(fc included). So far I designed the pcb and choose the parts I need. I built this, because systems like this normally cost atleast 400 bucks which was way to much for me. This board includes: Quectel LC29H compass ELRS reciever ESP32 for MAVLINK And a simple wiring setup so that you just have to connect 8 Cables to the FC.
Created by
myusernamethis
Tier 3
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0 followers
CAN ⚡🚀
approved Drone RTK GPS sensor board(low budget high precission GPS) ago
Tier approved: 3
Grant approved: $103.00
Thank you for doing the changes requested
myusernamethis
submitted Drone RTK GPS sensor board(low budget high precission GPS) for ship review ago
zsharpminor ⚡
requested changes for Drone RTK GPS sensor board(low budget high precission GPS) ago
Hello there, while this is a wonderful project, you're missing quite a few things outlined in our https://blueprint.hackclub.com/about/submission-guidelines. Please convert your BOM to a .csv with direct purchase links, add the required "Why" and "How" sections to your README, and include a .STEP file for each individual part of your drone, if possible. Additionally, we need a schematic image in your README. Please resubmit this project once you've addressed these issues. Thanks!
myusernamethis
added to the journal ago
All parts arrived
After around 2 weeks all Parts (except the pcb) arrived. I ordered the parts before I ordered the Pcb as I want to check dimensions and stuff before I actually order the Pcb. Something I instantly noticed that my gps antenna connector cable is completly wrong. It doesnt fit in the GNNS Antenna or the Gps module so its completly useless. I found this one:
https://de.aliexpress.com/i/1005005073187553.html?gatewayAdapt=glo2deu
It will take like 2/3 weeks to arrive which is great as I have upcomming exams that I cant fail which is the reason I wont be building any prototype soon. I also realized how small the soldier pads really are and that I need a new better soldering iron to solder these.
myusernamethis
submitted Drone RTK GPS sensor board(low budget high precission GPS) for ship review ago
Nachu Thenappan 🚀
requested changes for Drone RTK GPS sensor board(low budget high precission GPS) ago
Hi, this is a really cool custom drone project! Sorry if it was confusing but your BOM.csv is created to allow other people to recreate your project so rather than exporting the BOM from KiCAD you should use a csv creation tool to make your own BOM with all of the parts of the drone not just the PCB. Also it is unclear what you are planning to purchase from the cart screenshots given as you only requested 50$, making that clearer by only including screenshots of what you would like to purchase would be helpful.
myusernamethis
submitted Drone RTK GPS sensor board(low budget high precission GPS) for ship review ago
myusernamethis
added to the journal ago
Header image and wiring Diagramm
Just to get a nice presentation image(dont know how to change it manually)................................................................................
Wiring Diagramm(made with gemeni (art is not one of my strong points))
myusernamethis
added to the journal ago
Actually making the PCB
So far I only designed the PCB. Now I need a manufacture. I decided to go for JLCPCB as they are the cheapest(especially with parts soldering). I also need the "place parts for you" service as I dont have a hotplate/a good enough soldier iron or the skills to do it myself. The pcb on its own will cost only 2€(with coupons).
For the parts I had to go with some different ones because JLC either didnt have it or the part required advanced soldering(which increases the price).
I basically need JLC to place and buy the following parts:
Esp32
couple Resistors
couple Capacitors
one Led
two buttons
2 pin headers
A voltage regulator(AMS1117)
For 5 Pcbs and two with parts I need to pay around 30€ or 15€ per pcb which is quite cheap(Im using coupons)
myusernamethis
added to the journal ago
Selecting final parts
The parts I need:
GPS antenna (13,59€)
Gps antenna connector (1,65€)
Compass (1,89€)
Elrs Module (7,69€)
cables (5,59€ + 7,89€)
Frame(5 inch) (12,99€)
FC (39,39€ only fc)
RTK GPS module (23,59€)
=114,25€ (shipping included)
Because I maybe want to build multiple of these drones the parts needed to be as cheap as possible.
For the Gps antenna I selected the cheapest helix ceramic antenna that supports RTK and dual band:
https://de.aliexpress.com/item/1005009918181431.html?gatewayAdapt=glo2deu
GPS antenna connector I just selected a generic one:
https://de.aliexpress.com/item/1005006900327334.html?gatewayAdapt=glo2deu
In Version 1 I had a different compass but because JLCPCB didnt have this one I switched to the available QMC5583L:
https://de.aliexpress.com/item/1005006794324860.html?gatewayAdapt=glo2deu
The Erls Module is the cheapest I could find that has an anboard antenna(external has more range but ELRS is only for emergencies and controlling up close):
https://de.aliexpress.com/item/1005005236594556.html?gatewayAdapt=glo2deu
Cables I figured that I need AWG28 and AWG24 silicon cables:
https://de.aliexpress.com/item/1005007671008743.html?gatewayAdapt=glo2deu
https://de.aliexpress.com/item/1005006350734418.html?gatewayAdapt=glo2deu
Frame is based on an opensource frame(good for finding 3d models) and is also the cheapest one:
https://de.aliexpress.com/item/1005009001782691.html?gatewayAdapt=glo2deu
Fc is quite expensive with 40€ for the Fc and also around 40€ for the esc. Spend a lot of time looking for a cheaper one but speedybee f405 v4 is the cheapest that checks all the boxes:
https://de.aliexpress.com/item/1005004868739263.html?gatewayAdapt=glo2deu
This quectel LC29H module was the cheapest that had a nice form factor and also a nice placement of the antenna connector(HDA is important as the other ones do different things(ground station for example).
https://de.aliexpress.com/item/1005006870751088.html?gatewayAdapt=glo2deu
myusernamethis
added to the journal ago
Pcb Version 2
With the knowledge from Version 1 I decided that this time I wanna focus to build the Pcb as small as possible to make my life easier(and also reduce weight. Version 1 was quite heavy). The compass isnt on the board anymore instead there is an connector at the front so that the compass can be mounted anywhere on the drone.
I also moved the Gps module so I have easier acces to the antenna connecor(important for good signal). I redid all the wiring(on Version 1 I had a lot of problems with ground) and moved all components closer together. But the biggest change was probably the connectors. In Version 2 only the ESP32 configure Pins and compass pins are actual pins. The rest are either through holes for cables or pads for the u-connectors of the elrs module. I also made it more beautifull with descriptions and better placement.
myusernamethis
added to the journal ago
Pcb Version v1
I decided to use KICAD for my first PCB becuase it seems to be the industry standard. Before I could beginn designing the PCB I needed to come up with a way to mount it. In the first version I decided to make the PCB really long so that i could mount it on the Drone frame "stack" (whatever you call it).
Dont have a image from Version 1, so here is Version 2(similar placement):
I copied the CAD files from someone to look how my Board will fit(the fc is also the mini as I couldnt find the normal one as 3d model)
It took me quite a bit of time to figure out how routing cables, making zones, placing capacitors and resitors and choosing parts(Ai helped me choose a lot of the parts like the AMS1117) and connectors worked.
In the first Version I thought that I could just use pin connectors to connect to the board and the other side would be soldered on the FC(Its a really bad idea for several reasons as I later figured out). In Version one the compass was also supposed to directly sit on the board which would have created a lot of false signals. All these small problems started to pile up and I decided to build Version 2.
Version 1:
myusernamethis
added to the journal ago
Project Idea
I always was interested in drones. Especially swarms and drone shows so I decided I want to build my owm swarm(for drone shows). I did some research how these drone show drones are built and they all have an RTK GPS module for high precission shows. So I looked for these moduls and noticed that they are insanly expensive(like 400€ upwards). I looked around for a bit and found a youtube video about the Quectel LC29H.
It promisses RTK GPS for under 30€. So I decided to build my drone around this chip. Designing a PCB for the standalone chip is very hard due to impendance and other stuff so I decided to go with an already built module. Once the GPS part was checked I decided to look for the other parts. The FC needed to support ardupilot and needed to have a lot of UART ports, a barometer and a I2c connector. The best budget friendly option the ticket all the boxes is the Speedybee F405 v3/v4/v5
Ardupilot also needs a compass and a ELRS reciver. With the requirements layed out I came to the conclusion that I needed to design a PCB because a lot of resistors, capacitors and wires is needed to connect all these parts to the flight controller.
The GPS Module also needs correction data to deliver its promised accuracy. Normally you need a (expensive) ground station for this but some countries support correction data over the Internet. To get this correction data to the drone I decided to include an ESP32(which is also needed for mavlink connection). Esp32 have an inbuilt protocoll espnow that offers low latency and good data rate. Espnow is also supported nativly by mavlink.
iamalive 🚀
requested changes for Drone RTK GPS sensor board(low budget high precission GPS) ago
Hey, theres a couple things that stop your project from being approved. First, you're going to need to make a bom.csv with the parts you're going to buy along with its price and the link of where its from. Next, change your cad to a .step model and also add journal(s) that explain how you made it! Also, try to make some sample code(its fine if its bad, as long as you tried)! Finally, please make a wiring diagram that shows how everything will link up :)
myusernamethis
submitted Drone RTK GPS sensor board(low budget high precission GPS) for ship review ago
CAN ⚡🚀
requested changes for Drone RTK GPS sensor board(low budget high precission GPS) ago
Drones can only be tier 4 due to their prebuilt nature
myusernamethis
submitted Drone RTK GPS sensor board(low budget high precission GPS) for ship review ago
Shaurya Bisht
requested changes for Drone RTK GPS sensor board(low budget high precission GPS) ago
move to custom please this isnt a hackpad. also can you please add cad files in repo
Drone RTK GPS sensor board(low budget high precission GPS) was submitted for review ago
myusernamethis
started Drone RTK GPS sensor board(low budget high precission GPS) ago
1/7/2026 10:30 PM - Project Idea
I always was interested in drones. Especially swarms and drone shows so I decided I want to build my owm swarm(for drone shows). I did some research how these drone show drones are built and they all have an RTK GPS module for high precission shows. So I looked for these moduls and noticed that they are insanly expensive(like 400€ upwards). I looked around for a bit and found a youtube video about the Quectel LC29H.
It promisses RTK GPS for under 30€. So I decided to build my drone around this chip. Designing a PCB for the standalone chip is very hard due to impendance and other stuff so I decided to go with an already built module. Once the GPS part was checked I decided to look for the other parts. The FC needed to support ardupilot and needed to have a lot of UART ports, a barometer and a I2c connector. The best budget friendly option the ticket all the boxes is the Speedybee F405 v3/v4/v5
Ardupilot also needs a compass and a ELRS reciver. With the requirements layed out I came to the conclusion that I needed to design a PCB because a lot of resistors, capacitors and wires is needed to connect all these parts to the flight controller.
The GPS Module also needs correction data to deliver its promised accuracy. Normally you need a (expensive) ground station for this but some countries support correction data over the Internet. To get this correction data to the drone I decided to include an ESP32(which is also needed for mavlink connection). Esp32 have an inbuilt protocoll espnow that offers low latency and good data rate. Espnow is also supported nativly by mavlink.
1/7/2026 10:42 PM - Pcb Version v1
I decided to use KICAD for my first PCB becuase it seems to be the industry standard. Before I could beginn designing the PCB I needed to come up with a way to mount it. In the first version I decided to make the PCB really long so that i could mount it on the Drone frame "stack" (whatever you call it).
Dont have a image from Version 1, so here is Version 2(similar placement):
I copied the CAD files from someone to look how my Board will fit(the fc is also the mini as I couldnt find the normal one as 3d model)
It took me quite a bit of time to figure out how routing cables, making zones, placing capacitors and resitors and choosing parts(Ai helped me choose a lot of the parts like the AMS1117) and connectors worked.
In the first Version I thought that I could just use pin connectors to connect to the board and the other side would be soldered on the FC(Its a really bad idea for several reasons as I later figured out). In Version one the compass was also supposed to directly sit on the board which would have created a lot of false signals. All these small problems started to pile up and I decided to build Version 2.
Version 1:
1/7/2026 10:56 PM - Pcb Version 2
With the knowledge from Version 1 I decided that this time I wanna focus to build the Pcb as small as possible to make my life easier(and also reduce weight. Version 1 was quite heavy). The compass isnt on the board anymore instead there is an connector at the front so that the compass can be mounted anywhere on the drone.
I also moved the Gps module so I have easier acces to the antenna connecor(important for good signal). I redid all the wiring(on Version 1 I had a lot of problems with ground) and moved all components closer together. But the biggest change was probably the connectors. In Version 2 only the ESP32 configure Pins and compass pins are actual pins. The rest are either through holes for cables or pads for the u-connectors of the elrs module. I also made it more beautifull with descriptions and better placement.
1/7/2026 11:09 PM - Selecting final parts
The parts I need:
GPS antenna (13,59€)
Gps antenna connector (1,65€)
Compass (1,89€)
Elrs Module (7,69€)
cables (5,59€ + 7,89€)
Frame(5 inch) (12,99€)
FC (39,39€ only fc)
RTK GPS module (23,59€)
=114,25€ (shipping included)
Because I maybe want to build multiple of these drones the parts needed to be as cheap as possible.
For the Gps antenna I selected the cheapest helix ceramic antenna that supports RTK and dual band:
https://de.aliexpress.com/item/1005009918181431.html?gatewayAdapt=glo2deu
GPS antenna connector I just selected a generic one:
https://de.aliexpress.com/item/1005006900327334.html?gatewayAdapt=glo2deu
In Version 1 I had a different compass but because JLCPCB didnt have this one I switched to the available QMC5583L:
https://de.aliexpress.com/item/1005006794324860.html?gatewayAdapt=glo2deu
The Erls Module is the cheapest I could find that has an anboard antenna(external has more range but ELRS is only for emergencies and controlling up close):
https://de.aliexpress.com/item/1005005236594556.html?gatewayAdapt=glo2deu
Cables I figured that I need AWG28 and AWG24 silicon cables:
https://de.aliexpress.com/item/1005007671008743.html?gatewayAdapt=glo2deu
https://de.aliexpress.com/item/1005006350734418.html?gatewayAdapt=glo2deu
Frame is based on an opensource frame(good for finding 3d models) and is also the cheapest one:
https://de.aliexpress.com/item/1005009001782691.html?gatewayAdapt=glo2deu
Fc is quite expensive with 40€ for the Fc and also around 40€ for the esc. Spend a lot of time looking for a cheaper one but speedybee f405 v4 is the cheapest that checks all the boxes:
https://de.aliexpress.com/item/1005004868739263.html?gatewayAdapt=glo2deu
This quectel LC29H module was the cheapest that had a nice form factor and also a nice placement of the antenna connector(HDA is important as the other ones do different things(ground station for example).
https://de.aliexpress.com/item/1005006870751088.html?gatewayAdapt=glo2deu
1/7/2026 11:20 PM - Actually making the PCB
So far I only designed the PCB. Now I need a manufacture. I decided to go for JLCPCB as they are the cheapest(especially with parts soldering). I also need the "place parts for you" service as I dont have a hotplate/a good enough soldier iron or the skills to do it myself. The pcb on its own will cost only 2€(with coupons).
For the parts I had to go with some different ones because JLC either didnt have it or the part required advanced soldering(which increases the price).
I basically need JLC to place and buy the following parts:
Esp32
couple Resistors
couple Capacitors
one Led
two buttons
2 pin headers
A voltage regulator(AMS1117)
For 5 Pcbs and two with parts I need to pay around 30€ or 15€ per pcb which is quite cheap(Im using coupons)
1/7/2026 11:22 PM - Header image and wiring Diagramm
Just to get a nice presentation image(dont know how to change it manually)................................................................................
Wiring Diagramm(made with gemeni (art is not one of my strong points))
1/21/2026 - All parts arrived
After around 2 weeks all Parts (except the pcb) arrived. I ordered the parts before I ordered the Pcb as I want to check dimensions and stuff before I actually order the Pcb. Something I instantly noticed that my gps antenna connector cable is completly wrong. It doesnt fit in the GNNS Antenna or the Gps module so its completly useless. I found this one:
https://de.aliexpress.com/i/1005005073187553.html?gatewayAdapt=glo2deu
It will take like 2/3 weeks to arrive which is great as I have upcomming exams that I cant fail which is the reason I wont be building any prototype soon. I also realized how small the soldier pads really are and that I need a new better soldering iron to solder these.