Equipping your drone with a GPS module and compass not only gives you useful OSD information but also adds a real safety feature: GPS Rescue. This allows your copter to automatically fly back toward you in an emergency. To make this reliable, both the hardware connection and Betaflight configuration must be correct.

Connecting the GPS Module

The GPS connects to a free UART on your Flight Controller:

• TX of GPS → RX of UART
• RX of GPS → TX of UART
• Power: Connect + and –. It’s recommended to use a 4V5 pad, as this is powered via USB, letting you search for satellites with just a power bank.

The compass usually connects via the I²C bus (two extra wires, typically labeled SDA and SCL). Connect these to the matching pads on the FC.

⚠️ Check your Flight Controller manual—pin labeling isn’t always consistent across manufacturers.

Configuring in Betaflight

1. Open Betaflight Configurator.
2. Go to the Ports tab. Enable GPS on the UART where your module is connected.
   • Set the baud rate, usually 115200 for most UBLOX-based modules.
3. Switch to the Configuration tab and enable the GPS feature.
4. Go to the GPS tab. Place your drone outside or near a window (with USB connected if using 4V5).
5. After a short time, you should see several satellites and your position on the map.

Compass Orientation

Your GPS module is probably mounted on top of the frame, sometimes slightly rotated. Betaflight needs to know the compass orientation:

1. Identify the compass chip (common: QMC5883L).