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How do I assemble the GPS for a radio-controlled boat?

Updated: May 9

Step 1 consists of preparing the M5Stack AtomS3 lite module with the Atom v2 GPS.


Simply place the Atom S3 on the Atom v2 GPS.

Regarding food:

  • For testing purposes, the module can be powered via USB-C.

  • Next, connect the Adafruit PowerBoost 1000C module by connecting the red wire to 5V and the black wire from the Grove connector to GND. Connecting the LiPo battery to the Adafruit module (being careful to observe the correct polarity) will power the AtomS3 lite module.



  • It is possible, as in the photo below, to position a magnetic switch to be able to power/cut off the circuit, while keeping a completely waterproof housing.





Step 2 involves installing the software inside the M5Stack AtomS3 module.


To easily install it on the M5Stack AtomS3 module, you can use the M5Stack Burner utility which allows you to download and install the software very easily.



Step 1 — Download and open M5Burner

  1. Download M5Burner for your system (Windows/macOS/Linux).

  2. Unzip the archive and open the M5Burner application.


Tip: On macOS, if a security alert appears on first opening, go to System Settings → Security & Privacy and allow the opening.


Step 2 — Connect the AtomS3 Lite

  1. Connect the Atom S3 Lite to the computer using a USB-C cable between the computer and the Atom.



Step 3 — Load the BoatGPS firmware into M5Burner

  1. Select "ATOMS3" in the left column

  2. Find the AtomS3 / OpenSailingRC-BoatGPS profile in the list, then click on it.

  3. Select the latest available version from the list in the top right corner. At least version 1.0.3.


Step 4 — “Burn” Settings

  1. Click on Burn (Engrave/Flash).

  2. Port: verify that this is the AtomS3 port.

  3. Speed: Leave the default value (e.g., 921600). If it fails, try 460800.

  4. Start the burning process by pressing Burn. Wait for the success message.

Tip: If burning fails, see Troubleshooting. Changing the speed and using the Erase option often resolves the issue.



Step 5 — First Start-up

Once flashed, the AtomS3 restarts either automatically or after a power cycle:

  • The LED on the AtomS3 Lite button displays:

    • in blue during the startup procedure

    • highlighted in yellow during satellite acquisition.

    • The indicator turns green as soon as the module has acquired enough satellites.

  • and it leaves traces on the serial port.


To view information (speed, boat orientation) and retrieve GPS tracks, you use the OpenSailingRC-Display module, which displays the information and stores the GPS data on an SD card. From this GPS information, you can create a replay of your radio-controlled boats' navigation.



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