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Simple Digital GPS Speedometer Using PIC16F877A with LCD Display

Speedometer is a speed measuring gauge used to calculate the speed of motor vehicles. They are mainly of two types- electronics and mechanical.

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CategoryMeters & Test Instruments
PIC modelPIC16F877A
IncludesCircuit diagram
Reading time~3 min
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  1. Circuit Diagram for GPS Speedometer Using PIC 16F877A Microcontroller
  2. Components Required
  3. Working of Simple Digital Speedometer Using PIC 16F877A
  4. Quick Solutions to Questions related to Digital GPS Speedometer:
  5. Related projects

Summary of Simple Digital GPS Speedometer Using PIC16F877A with LCD Display

This article introduces a digital GPS speedometer project using the PIC16F877A microcontroller and an LCD display. Unlike traditional wheel-dependent speedometers, this system utilizes GPS coordinates to measure speed, location, time, and satellite data for various moving objects like vehicles, aircraft, or boats. It processes NMEA sentences from the GPS module to provide comprehensive real-time information on a 2x16 LCD screen.

Parts used in the Digital GPS Speedometer:

  • PIC16F877A Microcontroller
  • GPS Module
  • LCD 2×16 Display
  • Crystal (20MHz)
  • Capacitor (22PFx2, 10uF)
  • Resistor (1K)
  • POT (10K)
  • Power Supply

Speedometer is a speed measuring gauge used to calculate the speed of motor vehicles. They are mainly of two types- electronics and mechanical. Digital speedometer measures the speed and mileage in vehicles. Normally both types work on the principle of electromagnetism, however they have a disadvantage that they cannot be used if there are no wheels on the moving object. Here I am introducing a simple digital GPS speedometer using PIC16F877A with LCD display. This GPS speed meter provides the location, speed or other information of the moving objects based on GPS coordinates. The advantage of digital speedometer with GPS is that it can be placed easily anywhere on moving objects such as vehicles, running men, flying helicopter, aircraft, boats or ships. This system has an LCD Display which is used for monitoring the speed or any other information.Simple Digital GPS Speedometer Using PIC16F877A with LCD Display

Using GPS as a speedometer, you can monitor much more information like speed, time, position, satellite in use, no of satellite, satellite ID number and SNR (Signal to Noise ratio). The NMEA message from GPS gives the necessary information, since NMEA sends a line of data based on the GPS coordinates.

Circuit Diagram for GPS Speedometer Using PIC 16F877A Microcontroller

Components Required

  1. PIC16F877A
  2. GPS Module
  3. LCD 2×16
  4. Crystal (20MHz)
  5. Capacitor (22PFx2, 10uF)
  6. Resistor (1K)
  7. POT (10K)
  8. Power Supply

Working of Simple Digital Speedometer Using PIC 16F877A

As seen in the circuit diagram, our small GPS digital speedometer requires both 5 V and 12 V power supplies. This is because GPS module needs 12 V and other components require 5 V only.We can generate both these voltages from a single power supply circuit, so 12 V is enough for doing the GPS speed meter project with PIC 16F877A.

When power is supplied, GPS is turned ON and gets started to work.Simple Digital GPS Speedometer Using PIC16F877A with LCD Display schematic

GPS module continuously gives NMEA sentences based on the GPS coordinates. NMEA sentences from the GPS signal include time, position, GPS receiver operating mode, active satellites used, number of GPS satellites in view, satellite ID number, SNR (signal to noise ratio) values, azimuth values, elevation, position, date, time and speed of the GPS system with speedometer.

Every NMEA lines start with a dollar symbol ‘$’ which indicates starting of sentences. Every first sentence of GPS information will contain $GPXXX, which indicate global positioning system fixed values for the GPS system.

The information content for each NMEA sentence is shown in the table given below.

 

 

For more detail: Simple Digital GPS Speedometer Using PIC16F877A with LCD Display

  • What is the main advantage of this GPS speedometer over traditional types?
    It can be placed anywhere on moving objects such as vehicles, running men, flying helicopters, aircraft, boats, or ships without needing wheels.
  • How does the system generate the required voltages for different components?
    The system uses a single power supply circuit to generate both 5 V for most components and 12 V specifically for the GPS module.
  • What type of data messages does the GPS module provide?
    The GPS module continuously provides NMEA sentences containing time, position, operating mode, satellite details, and speed.
  • What specific information can be monitored using this GPS speedometer?
    You can monitor speed, time, position, satellites in use, number of satellites, satellite ID numbers, and SNR values.
  • What symbol indicates the start of every NMEA line?
    Every NMEA line starts with a dollar symbol '$' which indicates the beginning of the sentence.
  • Which microcontroller is used in this simple digital speedometer project?
    The project uses the PIC16F877A microcontroller connected to an LCD display.
  • Can this system work without wheels on the moving object?
    Yes, unlike mechanical or electronic types that rely on wheels, this GPS-based system works without them.
  • What is the role of the LCD display in this circuit?
    The LCD display is used for monitoring the speed and other information provided by the GPS system.
Ibrar Ayyub

Ibrar Ayyub

I am an experienced technical writer holding a Master's degree in computer science from BZU Multan, Pakistan University. With a background spanning various industries, particularly in home automation and engineering, I have honed my skills in crafting clear and concise content. Proficient in leveraging infographics and diagrams, I strive to simplify complex concepts for readers. My strength lies in thorough...