BN-880 GPS Module U8 with HMC5883L Compass - Reliable Open-Source GPS

In this review the BN-880 GPS Module U8 is evaluated as a practical navigation sensor for hobbyist and open-source flight controller projects. The bottom line: it is a straightforward dual-module GPS and electronic compass combo that delivers reliable satellite acquisition and simple wiring, making it a good fit for Arduino, Raspberry Pi, Pixhawk and APM setups where persistent configuration and a built-in compass matter. For users who need a drop-in, configurable GPS with decent time to first fix, this module is worth considering.

Key Features

• Dual-module compass: The integrated HMC5883L electronic compass provides heading data alongside GPS position to simplify orientation sensing for flight controllers.
• Flash-stored configuration: Saved settings in flash mean the module retains configuration between power cycles, so repeat setup is not required.
• TTL or RS-232 output: Default TTL output makes it plug-and-play with most flight controllers, and it can be converted to RS-232 with a simple TTL-to-RS232 cable when needed.
• Broad platform compatibility: Works with Arduino, Raspberry Pi, Pixhawk and APM controllers; Raspberry Pi requires no driver but does need appropriate user software.
• Good satellite acquisition: Users report fast time to first fix and the ability to see a dozen or more satellites under good conditions, which helps for reliable positioning.
• Simple wiring: The module is easy to wire and integrate into typical hobbyist avionics or vehicle electronics systems.

Who It's For

This module is aimed at hobbyists and makers building drones, UAVs, model aircraft or car navigation projects who use open-source flight controllers such as Pixhawk or APM, or single-board computers like Raspberry Pi and microcontroller platforms like Arduino. The built-in compass and flash-backed settings reduce the amount of repeated configuration for test flights and iterative prototyping.

It is not intended for certified or safety-critical flight control where a dedicated flight control module with redundant sensors would be required. Users needing the fastest possible acquisition in extreme launch conditions, such as certain rocketry applications, should evaluate performance against their mission needs before committing.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Reliable integration with open-source flight controllers and single-board computers due to default TTL output and simple wiring.
• Persistent flash configuration eliminates repeated setup between uses, saving time during development.
• Built-in HMC5883L compass provides heading data without adding a separate sensor, simplifying installation.
• Many users report fast time to first fix and robust satellite coverage in normal conditions.

Cons

• Some users report mixed speed performance; while many see a quick fix, a few find acquisition slower for high-dynamic use like rocketry.
• RS-232 output requires an external TTL-to-RS232 converter if that interface is needed.

Specifications

Product name	BN-880 GPS Module U8 with HMC5883L
Compass IC	HMC5883L electronic compass
Configuration storage	Flash memory (saves settings between power cycles)
Data levels	TTL (default) or RS-232 with converter
Compatible platforms	Arduino, Raspberry Pi, Pixhawk, APM, flight controllers
Use case	Open-source flight controller and vehicle navigation projects

Our Verdict

The BN-880 GPS Module U8 is a pragmatic choice for makers and hobbyist pilots who need a compact GPS with an integrated compass and persistent configuration. It provides good satellite reception and easy wiring for most open-source flight controller and Raspberry Pi projects, delivering solid value when a dependable, configurable navigation module is required rather than a certified avionics part.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the BN-880 need a driver for Raspberry Pi?
The module itself needs no hardware driver on Raspberry Pi, but you must install and configure appropriate GPS software to read the data.

Can it output RS-232 signals directly?
By default the module uses TTL level output; use a TTL-to-RS232 converter cable to obtain RS-232 signaling.

Will it work with Pixhawk or APM?
Yes, the BN-880 is suitable for open-source flight controllers like Pixhawk and APM and provides both GPS and compass data for navigation.