72-channel u-blox M8 engine tracks GPS, GLONASS and BeiDou concurrently
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Gps Gnss
u-blox NEO-M8N (M5T) + Ceramic Antenna
This u-blox NEO-M8N (M5T) module pairs the 72-channel u-blox M8 GNSS engine with a high-gain ceramic active antenna, sold without an integrated compass as a compact, antenna-up positioning receiver.
₹2,899 + 18% GST
SKU: BOTBIT-GPS-03 · Best for: Autonomous ground vehicles and mapping robots
Overview
About u-blox NEO-M8N (M5T) + Ceramic Antenna.
This u-blox NEO-M8N (M5T) module pairs the 72-channel u-blox M8 GNSS engine with a high-gain ceramic active antenna, sold without an integrated compass as a compact, antenna-up positioning receiver. The M8 engine receives up to three GNSS constellations concurrently (GPS/QZSS, GLONASS, BeiDou), delivering -167 dBm navigation sensitivity for stable reception in urban canyons, dense foliage and RF-noisy workspaces common to Indian field conditions.
The 'M5T' designation refers to the popular GLONASS-enabled active-antenna kit format. The module communicates over UART with standard NMEA/UBX output and runs from a regulated supply, making it a clean drop-in for rovers, mapping robots, surveying jigs and any project that already has its own compass or does not need heading. Internal flash supports firmware updates, and u-blox AssistNow data shortens acquisition time. Typical horizontal accuracy is in the 1.5-2.5 m CEP range without RTK corrections.
It is a strong pick for autonomous ground vehicles, agriculture and mapping robots, data loggers and embedded systems that want better-than-6M multi-constellation performance with a sensitive external-style ceramic antenna, but do not require the integrated magnetometer of a Pixhawk-oriented GPS+compass puck.
Key features
Why it stands out.
High-gain ceramic active antenna delivers -167 dBm navigation sensitivity
Standard UART NMEA/UBX output for easy MCU and SBC integration
Internal flash and AssistNow support for firmware updates and faster fixes
Compact, compass-free design ideal for rovers, mapping bots and loggers
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 | ~1.5-2.5 m CEP |
| Navigation sensitivity | -167 dBm |
| Interface | UART (NMEA/UBX) |
| Antenna | Ceramic active antenna |
| Operating temperature | -40 to +80 C |
| Memory | Internal flash (firmware updatable) |
Applications
Where it is used.
- Autonomous ground vehicles and mapping robots
- Agriculture and survey GPS data logging
- Embedded/SBC location systems (Raspberry Pi, Jetson)
- Asset tracking with high-sensitivity reception
- Rover position reference where compass is external
- Outdoor IoT and telemetry in RF-noisy areas
Buying guide
How to choose.
Pick the M5T variant when you want u-blox M8 multi-constellation performance and a sensitive ceramic active antenna, but do not need an on-board compass. It is well matched to ground robots, mapping platforms and embedded systems that supply their own heading source or rely purely on position and course-over-ground.
Because it outputs standard NMEA/UBX over UART, it integrates cleanly with microcontrollers and single-board computers. Use u-center to switch protocols, set update rates, or enable AssistNow for faster cold starts; the internal flash means your configuration and firmware updates persist across power cycles.
For Pixhawk/APM drone builds that need heading, prefer the NEO-M8N GPS+compass version instead, since this M5T kit has no magnetometer. If you need 4-constellation tracking or more interference-resistant reception, consider stepping up to a NEO-M9N or M10 receiver.
FAQ
Common questions.
What does the 'M5T' label mean?
M5T is a common naming for the GLONASS-enabled NEO-M8N module supplied with a high-gain ceramic active antenna. The receiver itself is the standard 72-channel u-blox M8 engine; the label primarily identifies the active-antenna kit format.
Does this version include a compass?
No. This is a GPS-only-style positioning module with a ceramic active antenna and no integrated magnetometer. If your project needs heading for an autopilot, choose the NEO-M8N GPS+compass variant designed for Pixhawk and APM.
How sensitive is the receiver?
The u-blox M8 engine offers high -167 dBm navigation sensitivity, which combined with the active ceramic antenna helps maintain reception in urban canyons, under tree cover and in RF-noisy environments where weaker receivers struggle.
Which constellations does it track?
The 72-channel M8 engine receives up to three GNSS systems concurrently, typically GPS/QZSS, GLONASS and BeiDou. Concurrent multi-constellation tracking improves fix speed and robustness compared with single-constellation GPS-only modules.
How do I connect and configure it?
Connect VCC, GND and the UART TX/RX lines to your MCU or SBC and read the default NMEA stream. Use the free u-center utility to change the update rate, switch to UBX, enable AssistNow, or save settings to internal flash for persistence.
What accuracy can I expect without RTK?
In open-sky conditions, expect roughly 1.5-2.5 m CEP horizontal accuracy. This is sufficient for many autonomous ground vehicles, drones and mapping robots in open environments, but precision survey work would require an RTK-capable receiver instead.
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