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BaseCam GPS IMU

The GNSS-aided compact AHRS/IMU module from BaseCam Electronics is designed to serve as either the primary or an external IMU sensor for all SimpleBGC32 controllers. Delivering significantly higher precision than built-in or conventional IMU sensors, it enhances stabilization accuracy in demanding environments where standard IMUs often fall short.

This advanced module effectively addresses common issues found in basic IMU systems, such as:

  • Heading drift
  • Unstable roll and tilt during acceleration
  • Drift due to environmental temperature changes

As a main IMU, the module connects to the gimbal controller via the CAN bus*, supplying real-time gyroscope data and accurate attitude/heading information. It becomes the core input for the main stabilization loop, replacing the conventional IMU sensor.

As an External IMU,it connects through any available UART port or CAN bus* on the controller. It provides high-precision attitude and heading data to calibrate and correct the internal IMU. The sensor can be mounted in various locations - on the stabilized platform, gimbal arms, or the gimbal's frame, to optimize performance of the magnetometer and GNSS receiver, both of which are highly sensitive to their surroundings.

Standalone: Thanks to its flexible Serial API over UART, this module can also be integrated into third-party systems that demand high-accuracy AHRS/IMU functionality. Example applications include: Robotics, Drones and UAVs, Surveying systems, Platform stabilization and more

CAN bus connectivity is available only with controllers in the "Extended" family.

Features of the Basecam GPS IMU

  • Integrated GNSS-antenna for a compact size, with the option of connecting an external GNSS receiver by the UART interface;
  • Full set of navigation sensors: 3-axis gyroscope, 3-axis accelerometer, 3-axis magnetometer, barometer (altimeter), GNSS receiver (concurrent Galileo, GLONASS, GPS / QZSS);
  • Powerful MCU running Kalman filter for sensor fusion at high rates;
  • Thermal stabilization to keep stability over a big range of environmental temperatures;
  • Full factory calibrations made on special equipment*;
  • Interfaces: UART, USB, CAN, I2C
  • Onboard SD card for high-rate data logging with actual date-time information and flexible set of data to log, including logging of external data provided by the host controller;
  • Backup rechargeable battery for GNSS hot start and real-time clock;
  • Open Serial API protocol allows seamless integration with third-party applications
  • Support of external high-grade sensors (fiber-optic gyroscopes)
  • The functionality will be constantly improved with the firmware updates;
  • Cost-effective solution compared to other GNSS-enabled solutions on the market;

* Full factory calibrations are made for the gyroscope and accelerometer. An easy-to-use magnetometer calibration procedure allows to get maximum performance by calibrating the magnetometer sensor after installation, to take into account a magnetic environment (soft- and hard-iron cancellation).

Hardware versions

  • GPS IMU 1.2 – IMU / AHRS with integrated GNSS receiver as a single unit
  • GPS IMU Split 1.0 – IMU / AHRS as a separate module, connected to the GNSS receiver module using Basecam proprietary CAN protocol

Specifications

  GPS_IMU 1.2 GPS_IMU Split Sensor 1.0 GPS_IMU Split Receiver 1.0
 
Size of the enclosure 73×51×30 mm 55×39×14.5 mm 64×57.5×20 mm
Weight: 50 g 36 g 38 g
Mounting holes 3 mm × 4 3 mm × 2 3 mm × 4
Communications 2× UART
1× micro USB
1× CAN
1× I2C for external sensors
1× microSD
2× UART
1× USB Type C
2× CAN
1× I2C for external sensors
1× microSD
3× UART (2 as connectors, 1 as pads)
1× CAN
Power supply 5V
Power consumption
~400 mA to warm up, then ~150 mA (at room temperature)
Working temperature range −40…+85 °C
Startup time
1 sec. communication ready, 3 sec. first data ready

Downloads

Firmware updates

To get the firmware, you will be asked to provide a device's S/N. Where to find it:

  1. USING SD CARD: you can find S/N in file "BOARD.INI" on the SD card 1. To access SD card, use a card reader or connect device to PC using USB cable, then hold the "mode" button for 4 seconds to mount it as a USB mass-storage device. Open "BOARD.INI" file in any text editor and copy S/N from the first line.
  2. USING SimpleBGC32 GUI: when GPS_IMU is connected to the gimbal by UART and configured as an "External IMU" role, connect GUI (v.2.70b2 and above) to the gimbal, open "External IMU" tab - "Show status.." dialog, then copy the device S/N to the clipboard 1.

After the firmware is downloaded and saved to a temporary file, there are two ways to upload it to the device:

  1. USING SD CARD: copy the downloaded file 'FWUPDATE.BIN' into the root directory of the SD card, connected as described above. When the file is copied, restart the device (re-connect power source or USB). LED will blink green several seconds during the firmware update, then device starts in a normal mode.
  2. USING SimpleBGC32 GUI: select the downloaded  file in "Firmware update" dialog  (available via "External IMU" tab - "Show status.." dialog - "FIRMWARE UPDATE…" button). An update takes around 3 minutes; do not disconnect USB during this process!
More details you can find in the Reference Manual.


  1. Device s/n has a format 0123xxxxxxxxxxxxEE. If you see different format in file BOARD.INI - it's a known bug. To fix it, delete this file from SD card and restart device to let it creating file with the correct s/n.

Support

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BaseCam GPS_IMU v.1.2 rugged
BaseCam GPS_IMU v.1.2 rugged front
BaseCam GPS_IMU Split v1.0

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