Waveshare L76K GPS HAT Adds Multi-GNSS Positioning to Raspberry Pi

L76K GPS HAT For Raspberry Pi

The Raspberry Pi GPS HAT is a compact yet powerful add-on designed for precise satellite-based positioning. Built in the familiar HAT form factor, it connects directly to the Raspberry Pi’s 40-pin GPIO header and supports multiple GNSS constellations, including GPS, BeiDou, GLONASS, and QZSS. With features such as low-noise amplification, surface acoustic wave (SAW) filtering, and Assisted-GNSS (A-GNSS), the module is well-suited for applications that demand fast signal acquisition and reliable tracking in diverse environments.

Whether used for DIY navigation devices, tracking systems, or timing applications, the Raspberry Pi GPS HAT combines performance with flexibility in a small form factor. An onboard battery holder stores ephemeris data for quicker hot-starts, while connectivity options such as UART, USB-to-UART bridge, and I²C expand its integration potential. Configurable update rates up to 5 Hz further enhance its versatility. For developers and makers, it offers an accessible yet professional-grade GNSS solution.

L76K GPS HAT For Raspberry Pi front and back

L76K GPS HAT specifications:

• Compatibility: Raspberry Pi A/B/Zero models, Jetson, RDK boards, and other SBCs with 40-pin GPIO; also usable with USB-enabled devices
• Multi-GNSS support: GPS, BeiDou (BDS), GLONASS, and QZSS
  • Quectel L76K GNSS module with AT6558R chipset
  • GNSS reception: L1 band (C/A code), 32 tracking channels, 46 acquisition channels
  • SBAS support: WAAS, EGNOS, MSAS, GAGAN
  • Assisted-GNSS (A-GNSS) for faster fix times
• Sensitivity: –148 dBm acquisition, –160 dBm reacquisition, –162 dBm tracking
• TTFF (Time To First Fix): <30 s cold start, <15.5 s warm start (EASY), <2 s hot start
• Position accuracy: <2.0 m CEP; velocity error ≤0.1 m/s; acceleration error ≤0.1 m/s²; timing <30 ns
• Update rate: 1 Hz (default), up to 5 Hz
• Interfaces:
  • UART (4800–115200 bps, default 9600 bps)
  • USB-to-UART via onboard CP2102 bridge
  • I²C via 40-pin header
• Connectivity options:
  • Micro-USB port for power/communication
  • u.FL antenna connector for external antenna
• Controls and indicators:
  • 3-way mode switch (on/standby/off)
  • GNSS configuration button
  • 4x status LEDs (RXD, TXD, PPS, PWR)
  • UART selection jumper (Pi GPIO, onboard USB, or external USB-to-UART)
• Onboard ML1220 rechargeable battery for ephemeris data retention and hot-starts
• Built-in Low-Noise Amplifier (LNA) and SAW filter
• Power: 5 V DC, <55 mA typical consumption in continuous mode
• Operating temperature: –40 °C to +85 °C
• Dimensions: 65 x 30.5 mm
• Form factor: HAT board with standard 40-pin Raspberry Pi GPIO header

L76K GPS HAT For Raspberry Pi specifications

The Raspberry Pi GPS HAT communicates over UART or USB-to-UART, using standard NMEA commands to initialize the L76K receiver. Developers can work with Python or C libraries to set update rates, switch GNSS modes, and parse NMEA sentences (e.g., GGA, RMC) for position, time, and fix data. With A-GNSS support, hot-starts take under 2 seconds, and update rates up to 5 Hz enable reliable performance for robotics and UAVs. Additionally, demo codes and other resources are available from GitHub and the wiki.

Setup is straightforward: attach the HAT to the Raspberry Pi’s GPIO header, connect an external antenna if needed, and select the mode via the onboard switch. Once powered, GNSS data streams directly, with demo code available for Raspberry Pi, Jetson Nano, Arduino, and STM32 to ease development.

L76K GPS HAT pinout diagram

Previously, we covered other Raspberry Pi HATs such as the Radxa Dual 2.5G Router HAT, Waveshare PCIe HAT+, and Waveshare PoE HAT (H). You can check them out if you’re interested in related products.

Standard Raspberry Pi 40PIN GPIO compatible with Raspberry Pi, Jetson, RDK series boards

According to Waveshare, the L76K GPS HAT is priced at $22.99 for a single unit, with bulk discounts bringing the price down to around $21.63 per unit when ordering four or more. On other marketplaces, pricing varies: it is listed at $17.85 on AliExpress (early bird deal, limited to one per order), about $36.99 on Amazon, and around $36.99 on eBay.

Images used courtesy of Waveshare