How to Use Mini traceur GPS 4G ZX908 CAT1 PCBA: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The Mini Traceur GPS 4G ZX908 CAT1 PCBA, manufactured by Shenzhen Bojietong Electronic Technology Co., Ltd, is a compact and versatile GPS tracking module. It supports 4G connectivity for real-time location tracking and monitoring. Designed with a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA), this module is easy to integrate into a wide range of applications, including vehicle tracking, asset monitoring, and IoT systems.

• Vehicle Tracking: Monitor the real-time location of cars, trucks, or fleets.
• Asset Monitoring: Track valuable assets in transit or storage.
• IoT Systems: Integrate into smart devices for location-based services.
• Personal Tracking: Use in wearable devices for personal safety and tracking.
• Logistics and Supply Chain: Ensure efficient tracking of goods and shipments.

1. Power Supply: Connect the VCC pin to a stable power source (3.3V to 4.2V) and the GND pin to the ground.
2. Antenna Connection: Attach a compatible GPS antenna to the GPS_ANT pin for optimal signal reception.
3. UART Communication: Use the TXD and RXD pins to interface with a microcontroller or computer for data transmission and reception.
4. Power Control: Use the PWR_KEY pin to turn the module on or off. Pull the pin low for at least 2 seconds to power on the module.
5. Reset: If needed, pull the RESET pin low momentarily to reset the module.

• Ensure the power supply is stable and within the specified voltage range to avoid damage to the module.
• Place the GPS antenna in an open area for better satellite signal reception.
• Use proper UART settings (e.g., baud rate) as specified in the module's datasheet.
• Avoid placing the module near high-frequency noise sources to prevent interference.
• For 4G connectivity, ensure a compatible SIM card is inserted and the network supports CAT1.

Below is an example of how to interface the ZX908 module with an Arduino UNO for basic GPS data retrieval:

#include <SoftwareSerial.h>

// Define RX and TX pins for the ZX908 module
SoftwareSerial gpsSerial(10, 11); // RX = Pin 10, TX = Pin 11

void setup() {
  Serial.begin(9600); // Initialize Serial Monitor at 9600 baud
  gpsSerial.begin(9600); // Initialize GPS module communication at 9600 baud

  Serial.println("Initializing ZX908 GPS Module...");
}

void loop() {
  // Check if data is available from the GPS module
  if (gpsSerial.available()) {
    while (gpsSerial.available()) {
      char c = gpsSerial.read(); // Read one character at a time
      Serial.print(c); // Print the character to the Serial Monitor
    }
  }

  delay(1000); // Wait for 1 second before checking again
}

Note: Replace 10 and 11 with the appropriate pins if using different connections. Ensure the baud rate matches the module's default UART settings.

1. No GPS Signal:

   • Cause: Poor antenna placement or interference.
   • Solution: Place the antenna in an open area with a clear view of the sky. Avoid placing it near metal objects or electronic devices that may cause interference.

2. Module Not Powering On:

   • Cause: Incorrect power supply or faulty connections.
   • Solution: Verify the power supply voltage (3.3V to 4.2V) and check all connections.

3. No Data from UART:

   • Cause: Incorrect UART settings or wiring.
   • Solution: Ensure the TXD and RXD pins are correctly connected to the microcontroller. Verify the baud rate and other UART settings.

4. Network Connection Issues:

   • Cause: Incompatible SIM card or poor network coverage.
   • Solution: Use a SIM card that supports 4G LTE CAT1 and check network coverage in your area.

• Q: Can the module operate without a SIM card?
  A: The GPS functionality can work without a SIM card, but 4G connectivity for data transmission requires a valid SIM card.

• Q: What is the default baud rate for UART communication?
  A: The default baud rate is 9600 bps.

• Q: Can I use this module with a 5V microcontroller?
  A: Yes, but you must use a level shifter to convert the 5V logic to 3.3V for the module's UART pins.

• Q: How do I check the network status?
  A: Monitor the NET_STATUS pin. A high signal indicates an active network connection.

By following this documentation, users can effectively integrate and utilize the Mini Traceur GPS 4G ZX908 CAT1 PCBA in their projects.