72-channel u-blox M8 engine receives GPS, GLONASS and BeiDou concurrently for robust fixes
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Gps Gnss
u-blox NEO-M8N GPS + Compass (Pixhawk/APM)
The u-blox NEO-M8N GPS with integrated compass is the workhorse positioning module for Pixhawk and APM/ArduPilot flight controllers, and one of the most widely sold drone GPS units in India.
₹1,999 + 18% GST
SKU: BOTBIT-GPS-02 · Best for: Pixhawk/ArduPilot multirotor navigation and loiter
Overview
About u-blox NEO-M8N GPS + Compass (Pixhawk/APM).
The u-blox NEO-M8N GPS with integrated compass is the workhorse positioning module for Pixhawk and APM/ArduPilot flight controllers, and one of the most widely sold drone GPS units in India. It pairs the 72-channel u-blox M8 concurrent GNSS engine with a digital magnetometer (commonly HMC5883L on early units, QMC5883L or LIS3MDL on later batches) so the autopilot gets both position and heading from a single mast-mounted puck. The M8 engine receives up to three constellations concurrently (GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou) for faster, more robust fixes than older GPS-only modules.
The unit ships in a weatherproof plastic dome with a 25 x 25 mm ceramic patch antenna, a rechargeable backup battery for warm starts, and the standard dual-connector cable: a 6-pin GH connector for Pixhawk and a separate connector for APM 2.6/2.8. It runs at a 38400 baud default (configurable) and is pre-set to work with ArduPilot, so most builders simply plug it in, mount it clear of power wiring, and calibrate the compass.
This module suits multirotors, fixed-wing and rover builds running ArduPilot or PX4 where reliable loiter, return-to-home, waypoint missions and heading hold are required. With around 0.9-2.5 m accuracy depending on conditions and an integrated compass, it is the practical mid-range choice for makers and small commercial operators who want a known-good, low-cost GPS+compass for their autopilot.
Key features
Why it stands out.
Integrated digital compass gives the autopilot heading without a separate magnetometer
Pre-configured for Pixhawk and APM with dual-connector cable for plug-and-play wiring
Weatherproof dome with ceramic patch antenna and rechargeable warm-start battery
Proven, low-cost choice for ArduPilot/PX4 loiter, RTH and waypoint missions
Specifications
Selection facts.
| Receiver | u-blox NEO-M8N (u-blox M8 engine) |
|---|---|
| GNSS | GPS/QZSS, GLONASS, BeiDou (3 concurrent) |
| Channels | 72 |
| Update rate | Up to 10 Hz (single GNSS) |
| Horizontal accuracy | ~0.9-2.5 m |
| Compass | Integrated digital magnetometer (e.g. HMC5883L/QMC5883L) |
| Default baud rate | 38400 |
| Supply voltage | 2.7-3.6 V (module); 5 V powered via cable |
| Connectors | 6-pin GH for Pixhawk + connector for APM |
| Antenna | 25 x 25 mm ceramic patch (active) |
Applications
Where it is used.
- Pixhawk/ArduPilot multirotor navigation and loiter
- Fixed-wing and VTOL waypoint missions
- Return-to-home and failsafe positioning
- Ground rover (UGV) GPS and heading
- Aerial mapping and survey flight paths
- FPV long-range with GPS rescue/RTH
Buying guide
How to choose.
The NEO-M8N GPS+compass is the default first GPS for most ArduPilot and PX4 builds because it is inexpensive, multi-constellation and includes a magnetometer. Check which compass chip your batch ships with: early units used the HMC5883L, while newer stock often uses QMC5883L or LIS3MDL. ArduPilot and PX4 auto-detect all of these, but knowing the part helps when troubleshooting calibration.
Cabling is the most common confusion. These modules ship with both a 6-pin connector for Pixhawk and a separate connector for APM 2.6/2.8 boards; pick the right one for your flight controller and leave the other unused. The default baud is 38400, which both stacks expect, so no firmware change is usually needed.
Mounting matters more than the module choice for compass quality. Place it on a mast well above ESCs, power leads and high-current wiring to avoid magnetic interference, give the antenna a clear sky view, and run a proper compass calibration. If you need better RF rejection or 4-constellation tracking, step up to a NEO-M9N or M10 module.
FAQ
Common questions.
Which flight controllers is this compatible with?
It is pre-configured for Pixhawk and APM (ArduPilot) and also works with PX4. The cable carries both a 6-pin connector for Pixhawk and a separate connector for APM 2.6/2.8. ArduPilot and PX4 auto-detect the u-blox receiver and the integrated compass on power-up.
Which compass chip is inside?
It varies by production batch. Early modules used the HMC5883L; newer units commonly ship with QMC5883L or LIS3MDL. All are auto-detected by ArduPilot and PX4. Run a compass calibration after installation regardless of which chip is fitted.
What is the default baud rate?
The module defaults to 38400 baud, which is what Pixhawk and APM expect for the GPS serial port, so it usually works without any configuration. You can change the rate via u-center if needed, but for standard autopilot use the default is correct.
How many constellations does it track?
The 72-channel u-blox M8 engine receives up to three GNSS systems concurrently (GPS, GLONASS and BeiDou), which gives faster acquisition and more robust fixes than a GPS-only module, especially in cluttered or urban environments.
Where should I mount the GPS+compass?
Mount it on a mast, raised well above the ESCs, battery leads and any high-current wiring, with the antenna facing the sky. This minimizes magnetic interference on the compass and maximizes satellite visibility, which together improve loiter and heading stability.
Does it need an external compass too?
No. The integrated magnetometer provides heading to the autopilot. Some builders add a second external compass for redundancy, which ArduPilot supports, but for most builds the on-board compass is sufficient once correctly mounted and calibrated.
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