Firstly, I'd like to mention that I'm a beginner. This is the first time I've worked with a GPS module. The serial monitor is completely empty when I upload the following code to my circuit:
#include <SoftwareSerial.h>
// The serial connection to the GPS module
SoftwareSerial ss(4, 3);
void setup(){
Serial.begin(9600);
ss.begin(9600);
}
void loop(){
while (ss.available() > 0){
// get the byte data from the GPS
byte gpsData = ss.read();
Serial.write(gpsData);
}
}
Things I might've done wrong and some things I'd like to mention:
As you can see, I connected the module to 5V pin of Arduino but the datasheet says:
The reason why I think this might not be the case is that there are multiple projects on the internet that have used a circuit like mine.
I've placed my module on the window edge so that it can get a good line of sight. I'm yet to try it outdoors.
After reading the datasheet, I tried a potential divider using resistors to get 3.3V and the result is still nothing. I later realized that this was probably a really silly thing to do since I created an unstable supply which is not suitable for the module.
For cold-start conditions, how long can it take to lock to a satellite? I've waited several times for half an hour each time only to get no result in the end. Can it take more than that? Should I wait?
What can I use to supply constant 3.3V to the module? Are there any special power supplies for GPS modules?
Is it possible to tell if my module is damaged just by seeing?