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How to connect the RX and TX on the ESP32 to the NEO6M0001 GPS module?

chhriss 2454 14
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  • #1 18179520
    chhriss
    Level 10  
    Posts: 10
    Rate: 1
    Hi, I have been playing around with ESP32 for a while.
    I want to connect NEO6M0001 (GPS module), but it doesn't work.

    The ESP I have is exactly:
    https://ae01.alicdn.com/kf/H1a0237f07f044e30ab81df98b51245c5a.jpg

    I did the connection with the tutorial:
    https://shopofthings.ch/gy-neo6mv2-esp32-gps-beispiel/

    ESP 3.3V > GPS VCC
    ESP GND > GPS GND
    ESP RX > GPS TX
    ESP TX > GPS RX

    Question to which pin to connect RX and TX exactly? Asking for help in pointing out on the schematic of my ESP.

    There is another concern, is there an option that I soldered the goldpins wrong for example? I have medium experience in this, but I don't want to believe that this is the problem :) .

    Thanks in advance for your help!

    PS. when I'm done, I'll be happy to share the code (I'll upload to Guthub) and pictures.
    I will add that I am much stronger in programming than in electronics, hence the request for help :) .
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  • #2 18179647
    Anonymous
    Level 1  
  • Helpful post
    #3 18179689
    Anonymous
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  • #4 18180080
    chhriss
    Level 10  
    Posts: 10
    Rate: 1
    Thanks for the suggestions, however, it does not work.
    First of all, the LED on the GPS does not light up at all. I will add that the ESP works :) .
    Shouldn't just connecting to 3V3 and G bring power to the module and thus the led should light up?
    Maybe there is something wrong with the solder after all?
  • #5 18180221
    Anonymous
    Level 1  
  • #6 18180229
    chhriss
    Level 10  
    Posts: 10
    Rate: 1
    khoam wrote:
    I am concerned that the current capacity of the 3V3 output from the TTGO is insufficient.
    .

    5V then?

    Will the configuration then be identical?

    SerialGPS.begin(9600, SERIAL_8N1, 13, 17);
    .

    Does anything need to be changed here?
  • #7 18180237
    Anonymous
    Level 1  
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  • #9 18180318
    Anonymous
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  • #10 18180371
    chhriss
    Level 10  
    Posts: 10
    Rate: 1
    khoam wrote:
    Yes, you can power it from 5V. The logic on the UART pins on this module will still be 3V3, so you can safely connect to the ESP32.


    Still coming back to the solders... I know they are far from perfect :) , but have a look please, is this by any chance the reason for not working?

    How to connect the RX and TX on the ESP32 to the NEO6M0001 GPS module? How to connect the RX and TX on the ESP32 to the NEO6M0001 GPS module? How to connect the RX and TX on the ESP32 to the NEO6M0001 GPS module? How to connect the RX and TX on the ESP32 to the NEO6M0001 GPS module? .
  • #11 18180377
    Anonymous
    Level 1  
  • #12 18180384
    chhriss
    Level 10  
    Posts: 10
    Rate: 1
    khoam wrote:
    Have you already performed a test with the NEO-6M module powered from 5V and on UART pins 13 and 17 on the TTGO?
    .

    Yes, unfortunately it still doesn't work.

    khoam wrote:
    Which solder connections I prefer not to comment on :-?
    .

    I guess, however, I need to correct the lutes :) , because it appears that this is the reason for not working after all.
  • #13 18180385
    Anonymous
    Level 1  
  • #14 18180392
    chhriss
    Level 10  
    Posts: 10
    Rate: 1
    khoam wrote:
    And what is the manifestation of this?
    .

    The LED on the GPS module is not illuminated.
  • #15 18612500
    MaxKleiner
    Level 12  
    Posts: 85
    Rate: 8
    Hello, has anyone managed to upload anything to this ttgo? can I ask for tips and help, thank you sincerely

Topic summary

✨ The discussion revolves around connecting the NEO6M0001 GPS module to an ESP32 microcontroller. The user initially followed a tutorial for wiring, connecting the ESP32's 3.3V to the GPS VCC, GND to GND, RX to TX, and TX to RX. However, the GPS module did not power on, as indicated by the lack of LED illumination. Responses suggested using GPIO pins 13 and 17 for RX and TX respectively, as GPIO 16 is unavailable. There were concerns about the current capacity of the ESP32's 3.3V output, prompting suggestions to power the GPS module with 5V while maintaining 3.3V logic levels on the UART pins. The user also expressed doubts about potential soldering issues affecting functionality. Despite attempts to troubleshoot, the GPS module remained unresponsive.
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FAQ

TL;DR: To connect a NEO‑6M GPS to a TTGO‑style ESP32, use 9600 bps and “you could use GPIO 13 and 17” by remapping UART pins. This FAQ is for ESP32 TTGO users struggling with RX/TX and power wiring. [Elektroda, khoam, post #18179689]

Why it matters: Correct pin mapping and power prevent dead LEDs and no GPS data.

Quick Facts

Which ESP32 pins should I connect to the NEO‑6M RX/TX on this TTGO board?

Remap the GPS UART to free GPIOs. Use GPIO13 as ESP32 RX and GPIO17 as ESP32 TX. Wire GPS TX to ESP32 RX and GPS RX to ESP32 TX. Initialize with SerialGPS.begin(9600, SERIAL_8N1, 13, 17). Ensure a common ground between boards. This avoids unavailable hardware UART pins on the TTGO variant. [Elektroda, khoam, post #18179689]

My GPS LED doesn’t light when powered from 3V3—how do I fix it?

The TTGO’s 3V3 output may not supply enough current for the GPS. If the LED stays off, suspect a power shortage before code issues. Use a supply with higher current capability for the module’s VCC. Confirm voltage at the GPS VCC and GND pads while powered. Re-test after addressing power. [Elektroda, khoam, post #18180221]

Can I power the GY‑NEO6M from 5V and still connect its UART to ESP32 safely?

Yes. “Yes, you can power it from 5V. The logic on the UART pins on this module will continue to be 3V3, so you can safely connect to the ESP32.” This provides stable power while keeping logic-level compatibility with the ESP32. [Elektroda, khoam, post #18180318]

What baud rate should I use for NEO‑6M with ESP32?

Use 9600 bps for the GPS serial link. Initialize with SerialGPS.begin(9600, SERIAL_8N1, rxPin, txPin). This matches the working example and typical defaults on these GPS modules. Confirm you see NMEA sentences in your serial monitor after fix. [Elektroda, khoam, post #18179689]

My board lacks GPIO16—can I still use hardware UART?

Yes. ESP32 lets you remap UART pins to other GPIOs. Map RX to GPIO13 and TX to GPIO17, then adjust your Serial.begin line. Avoid assigning pins that are not broken out on your specific TTGO variant. [Elektroda, khoam, post #18179689]

What if my TTGO doesn’t expose UART1 pins 1/3 or 16/17?

Use a remapped UART or SoftwareSerial. Alternatively, use I2C if your NEO‑6M variant supports it. The thread notes the NEO6M0001 offers an I2C option, and your ESP exposes I2C pins already. Verify your module’s capabilities first. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #18179647]

Where are GPIO13 and GPIO17 on this TTGO board?

Check the corrected pin labels shared in the thread. It shows GPIO16 is not available on this board, but GPIO13 and GPIO17 are. Use those for the remapped GPS UART connections. [Elektroda, khoam, post #18179689]

How do I remap and test the GPS UART quickly?

  1. Wire GPS TX to ESP32 GPIO13, GPS RX to GPIO17, and GND to GND.
  2. In code, call SerialGPS.begin(9600, SERIAL_8N1, 13, 17).
  3. Open Serial Monitor and confirm NMEA output. This setup avoids missing hardware UART pins and uses 9600 bps. [Elektroda, khoam, post #18179689]

Could bad soldering cause the GPS not to power up?

Yes. Poor joints on VCC or GND can prevent power delivery, so the LED never lights. Inspect and reflow dull or cracked joints until they wet the pad and pin. The OP acknowledged imperfect soldering and suspected it was the cause. [Elektroda, chhriss, post #18180371]

What symptoms indicate I mapped to unavailable pins?

You’ll see no GPS data despite correct wiring and code, even though the module powers. Boards lacking GPIO16 will fail if you assign it in Serial.begin. Remap to available pins such as GPIO13 (RX) and GPIO17 (TX). [Elektroda, khoam, post #18179689]

Which exact GPS module was referenced in the thread?

The linked module is a GY‑NEO6M board from AliExpress (NEO‑6M‑0001 style). Use that reference when matching voltage and pinout details during wiring. [Elektroda, chhriss, post #18180285]

How do I upload a sketch to TTGO if auto-upload fails?

Install ESP32 support in Arduino IDE, select your ESP32 board and the correct COM port, and click Upload. If it stalls at “Connecting…”, hold BOOT while starting the upload, then release after it connects. Press EN/RESET once if needed. Install the correct USB-UART driver. [Espressif, 2023]
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