The DIYmalls VK-162 USB GPS Dongle is a wireless GPS accessory for Raspberry Pi and Windows, delivering rapid satellite fixes and accurate positioning. Makers and system administrators gain a dependable time and location source for projects and NTP synchronisation. Does mobile phone compatibility matter for your setup?
⚡ At a Glance
- • Position Accuracy: Fast initial fix in a couple of seconds, refined positions as more satellites are acquired, reliable U-Blox7 performance reported by users
- • Best for: Raspberry Pi and Linux projects requiring an external GPS and a stable NTP time source, and Windows setups where driver installation is acceptable
- • Not ideal for: Android or iOS devices, since those platforms are explicitly not supported
USB GPS dongle compatible with Raspberry Pi Linux and Windows, requiring a driver on Windows and plug-and-play on Linux. Extremely accurate with quick initial fixes and useful as a stable time source for NTP synchronisation.
Reliable Positioning - With U-Blox7 GPS chipset
U-Blox7 chipset, noted by users, acquires satellites quickly and refines location as additional satellites are tracked, producing consistent coordinates.
Accurate fixes suit mapping, navigation and geotagging tasks, giving dependable position data for projects and experiments.
Easy Raspberry Pi Integration - With plug-and-play Linux support
Device enumerates as a serial GPS on Linux and works with gpsd for direct position feed and time synchronisation, requiring minimal configuration.
Fast setup on Raspberry Pi makes the unit useful for headless, embedded and hobby projects needing reliable location and NTP time.
Windows Compatibility - With driver installation required
Driver installation is necessary on Windows before use, after which the USB connection acts as an external GPS receiver for mapping and navigation software.
Suitable for desktop or laptop setups on Windows where driver installation is acceptable, delivering accurate positioning once configured.
✨ The 4 Key Reasons for DIYmalls VK-162 USB GPS Dongle
U-Blox7 chipset - Broad compatibility with Linux and reliable signal reception
Quick initial fix - Initial satellite fix in a couple of seconds on average
Plug-and-play Linux support - Instant setup on Raspberry Pi using gpsd, minimal configuration
Remote-mount USB antenna - External mountable USB form factor for flexible placement
📋 Technical Details at a Glance
- Category: Wireless GPS dongle
- Interface: USB
- Compatibility: Raspberry Pi Linux and Windows, not compatible with Android or iOS
- Chipset: U-Blox7 (reported by users)
- Driver Requirement: Driver required on Windows, plug-and-play on Linux
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does the dongle work with Android or iOS devices?
A: No, product information specifies that Android and iOS are not supported.
Q: Do I need to install drivers before use on Windows?
A: Yes, a driver must be installed on Windows; Linux systems, including Raspberry Pi, are plug-and-play.
Q: Can it be used with Raspberry Pi and for NTP synchronisation?
A: Yes, user reports note easy Raspberry Pi setup with gpsd and a stable time source suitable for NTP synchronisation.
🏆 Our Verdict
The DIYmalls VK-162 USB GPS Dongle is well suited to Raspberry Pi enthusiasts, system administrators and hobbyists who need reliable external GPS and a stable NTP time source. Fast initial fixes and reported U-Blox7 compatibility are the main selling points for accurate positioning and time synchronisation. Straightforward Linux setup and a proven chipset deliver solid long-term value for project use.
