Gosh, Roman. This module looks so freaking cool!
Can I have your $0.02 (or kr0.21 I suppose) on a valid setup with Minnie + Metr LTE to provide 24/7 GPS tracking?
My Minnie came with a really tiny GPS module (Beitan BE-180). I assume it’s UART by the silkscreen (TX/RX). Fortunately, module size is not a constraint as I have plenty of space in my enclosure.
I understand from Metr LTE docs that, for 24/7 GPS tracking to work, either of these scenarios are valid:
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GPS via Minnie: BE-180 UART GPS module plugged into Minnie’s UART port. 5v UPS (fed by drive battery) would connect to Minnie’s upstream CAN port 5v & GND pins. This would also power a Metr LTE plugged into Minnie’s downstream CAN port. Minnie + Metr LTE would remain “on” all the time.
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GPS via Metr LTE: BN-250 CAN GPS module (source) plugged into Metr LTE’s downstream CAN port. 5v UPS (fed by drive battery) would connect to Metr LTE’s upstream CAN port 5v & GND pins. Minnie would sit upstream of Metr LTE. Therefore, only Metr LTE would remain “on” all the time.
Would you recommend I get a Metr LTE with GPS module, or should I use the one I already have?
I.e. Does the larger module offer some improvement in reception, etc? Or, will using the smaller module - and thus having Minnie on all the time - draw significantly more “standby” current?