Quectel LC86L EVB User manual

LC86L EVB User Guide
GNSS Module Series
Rev. LC86L_EVB_User_Guide_V1.0
Date: 2020-04-10
Status: Preliminary
www.quectel.com

GNSS Module Series
LC86L EVB User Guide
LC86L_EVB_User_Guide 1 /22
Our aim is to provide customers with timely and comprehensive service. For any
assistance, please contact our company headquarters:
Quectel Wireless Solutions Co., Ltd.
Building 5, Shanghai Business Park Phase III (Area B), No.1016 Tianlin Road, Minhang District,
Shanghai, China 200233
Tel: [phone]
Email: [email protected]om
Or our local office. For more information, please visit:
http://www.quectel.com/support/sales.htm
For technical support, or to report documentation errors, please visit:
http://www.quectel.com/support/technical.htm
Or email to: [e-mail]
GENERAL NOTES
QUECTEL OFFERS THE INFORMATION AS A SERVICE TO ITS CUSTOMERS. THE INFORMATION
PROVIDED IS BASED UPON CUSTOMERS’ REQUIREMENTS. QUECTEL MAKES EVERY EFFORT
TO ENSURE THE QUALITY OF THE INFORMATION IT MAKES AVAILABLE. QUECTEL DOES NOT
MAKE ANY WARRANTY AS TO THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN, AND DOES NOT ACCEPT
ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY INJURY, LOSS OR DAMAGE OF ANY KIND INCURRED BY USE OF OR
RELIANCE UPON THE INFORMATION. ALL INFORMATION SUPPLIED HEREIN IS SUBJECT TO
CHANGE WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE.
COPYRIGHT
THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HERE IS PROPRIETARY TECHNICALINFORMATION OF QUECTEL
WIRELESS SOLUTIONS CO., LTD. TRANSMITTING, REPRODUCTION, DISSEMINATION AND
EDITING OF THIS DOCUMENT AS WELL AS UTILIZATION OF THE CONTENT ARE FORBIDDEN
WITHOUT PERMISSION. OFFENDERS WILL BE HELD LIABLE FOR PAYMENT OF DAMAGES. ALL
RIGHTS ARE RESERVED IN THE EVENT OF A PATENT GRANT OR REGISTRATION OF A UTILITY
MODEL OR DESIGN.
Copyright © Quectel Wireless Solutions Co., Ltd. 2019. All rights reserved.

GNSS Module Series
LC86L EVB User Guide
LC86L_EVB_User_Guide 2 /22
About the document
History
Revision
Date
Author
Description
1.0
2020-04-10
Andy ZHAO
Initial

GNSS Module Series
LC86L EVB User Guide
LC86L_EVB_User_Guide 3 /22
Contents
About the document ...................................................................................................................................2
Contents.......................................................................................................................................................3
Table Index...................................................................................................................................................4
Figure Index.................................................................................................................................................5
1Introduction..........................................................................................................................................6
1.1. Safety Information.......................................................................................................................6
2General Overview.................................................................................................................................7
2.1. Top view of LC86L EVB ..............................................................................................................7
2.2. LC86L EVB & Kit Accessories ....................................................................................................9
2.3. EVB and Accessories Assembly...............................................................................................10
3Interface Applications .......................................................................................................................11
3.1. Micro-USB Interface..................................................................................................................11
3.2. Antenna Interface......................................................................................................................12
3.3. Switches and Buttons ...............................................................................................................12
3.4. Operation Status Indication LEDs.............................................................................................14
3.5. Test Points.................................................................................................................................15
4EVB Operation Procedures...............................................................................................................16
4.1. Communication via Micro-USB Interface..................................................................................16
4.2. Firmware Download..................................................................................................................17
5PowerGPS instructions.....................................................................................................................18
5.1. COM Port and Baud Rate Setting.............................................................................................18
5.1.1. PowerGPS interface description....................................................................................19
5.2. PMTK Command Sending........................................................................................................20
5.3. Automatic TTFF Testing............................................................................................................21
6Appendix A Reference.......................................................................................................................27

GNSS Module Series
LC86L EVB User Guide
LC86L_EVB_User_Guide 4 /22
Table Index
TABLE 1: INTERFACES OF LC86L EVB............................................................................................................ 8
TABLE 2: LIST OF ACCESSORIES.................................................................................................................... 9
TABLE 3: SWITCHES AND BUTTONS............................................................................................................. 13
TABLE 4: OPERATION STATUS INDICATION LEDS....................................................................................... 14
TABLE 5: PIN DESCRIPTION........................................................................................................................... 15

GNSS Module Series
LC86L EVB User Guide
LC86L_EVB_User_Guide 5 /22
Figure Index
FIGURE 1: TOP VIEW OF LC86L EVB............................................................................................................... 7
FIGURE 2: LC86L EVB & KIT ACCESSORIES .................................................................................................. 9
FIGURE 3: LC86L EVB AND ACCESSORIES ASSEMBLY.............................................................................. 10
FIGURE 4: MICRO-USB CONNECTOR ............................................................................................................11
FIGURE 5: ANTENNA CONNECTOR............................................................................................................... 12
FIGURE 6: SWITCHES AND BUTTONS .......................................................................................................... 13
FIGURE 7: OPERATION STATUS INDICATION LEDS .................................................................................... 14
FIGURE 8: TEST POINTS - J104...................................................................................................................... 15
FIGURE 9: USB PORTS ................................................................................................................................... 16
FIGURE 10: COM PORT SETTING OF QCOM................................................................................................ 16
FIGURE 11: FLASH TOOL CONFIGURATION AND FIRMWARE UPGRADE................................................. 17
FIGURE 12: POWERGPS MAIN INTERFACE (NOT CONNECTED)............................................................... 18
FIGURE 13: POWERGPS MAIN INTERFACE (CONNECTED) ....................................................................... 19
FIGURE 14: PMTK COMMAND SENDING VIA POWERGPS ......................................................................... 21
FIGURE 15: STATIC TTFF TESTING VIA POWERGPS .................................................................................. 22
FIGURE 16: CHOOSE REFERENCE LOCATION............................................................................................ 23
FIGURE 17: CLICK USE MEAN POSITION ..................................................................................................... 23
FIGURE 18: CLICK CONFIG ............................................................................................................................ 24
FIGURE 20: CLICK RUN/STOP BUTTON........................................................................................................ 26

GNSS Module Series
LC86L EVB User Guide
LC86L_EVB_User_Guide 6 /22
1Introduction
This document specifies the usage of LC86L EVB (Evaluation Board) which is an assistant tool for
engineers to develop and test Quectel LC86Lmodule.
1.1. Safety Information
The following safety precautions must be observed during all phases of operation, such as usage, service
or repair of any terminal incorporating Quectel LC86L module. Manufacturers of the terminal should notify
users and operating personnel of the following safety information by incorporating these guidelines into all
manuals supplied with the product. If not so, Quectel assumes no liability for any failure to comply with
these precautions.
Be assure the use of the product conforms to the national safety and
environmental regulations, and is allowed in the country and in the environment
required.
Keep away from explosive and flammable materials. The use of electronic
products in extreme power supply conditions and locations with potentially
explosive atmospheres may cause fire and explosion hazards.
The product has to be powered by a stabilized voltage source, and the wiring
shall conform to security and fire prevention regulations.
Proper ESD handling procedures must be applied throughout the mounting,
handling and operation of any application that incorporates the module to avoid
ESD damages.

GNSS Module Series
LC86L EVB User Guide
LC86L_EVB_User_Guide 7 /22
2General Overview
2.1. Top view of LC86L EVB
The following figure illustrates the top view of LC86L EVB.
Figure 1: Top View of LC86L EVB

GNSS Module Series
LC86L EVB User Guide
LC86L_EVB_User_Guide 8 /22
Table 1: Interfaces of LC86L EVB
SN.
Designator
Description
A
Y404
LC86L module
B
J403
Antenna connector
C
S101
Power switch
D
J103
Micro-USB connector
E
S302
Force_on button
F
J301
Reset button
G
U201
USB and SD switch
H
D303,D304,D305,D306,D307
Indication LEDs
I
S401
Boot button

GNSS Module Series
LC86L EVB User Guide
LC86L_EVB_User_Guide 9 /22
2.2. LC86L EVB & Kit Accessories
Figure 2: LC86L EVB & Kit Accessories
Table 2: List of Accessories
Items
Description
Quantity
USB Cable
USB cable
1
EVB
Evaluation board
1
Antenna
GNSS antenna (active)
1
USB Flash Drive
USB flash drive (including LC86L related documents,
tools, drivers, etc.)
1
Instruction Sheet
A sheet of paper giving instructions for EVB
connection, details of EVB accessories, etc.
1
Others
Bolts and coupling nuts
4 pairs

GNSS Module Series
LC86L EVB User Guide
LC86L_EVB_User_Guide 10 /22
2.3. EVB and Accessories Assembly
The following figure shows the assembly of LC86L EVB and its accessories.
Figure 3: LC86L EVB and Accessories Assembly

GNSS Module Series
LC86L EVB User Guide
LC86L_EVB_User_Guide 11 /22
3Interface Applications
3.1. Micro-USB Interface
Micro-USB connector is used for EVB power supply as well as data transmission.
Figure 4: Micro-USB Connector

GNSS Module Series
LC86L EVB User Guide
LC86L_EVB_User_Guide 12 /22
3.2. Antenna Interface
The antenna connector is used to connect an external passive or active GNSS antenna.
Figure 5: Antenna Connector
3.3. Switches and Buttons
The following figure illustrates the switches and buttons of the EVB.

GNSS Module Series
LC86L EVB User Guide
LC86L_EVB_User_Guide 13 /22
Figure 6: Switches and Buttons
Table 3: Switches and Buttons
Part No.
Name
I/O
Description
D101
POWER
PI
Power switch
S201
USB/SD switch
DI
LC86L for data transmission via USB
S301
RESET
DI
The module will be reset through pressing and then
releasing the button.
S302
FORCE_ON
DI
In Backup mode, press this button, the module will
be woken up
S401
BOOT
DI
Unused

GNSS Module Series
LC86L EVB User Guide
LC86L_EVB_User_Guide 14 /22
3.4. Operation Status Indication LEDs
Figure 7: Operation Status Indication LEDs
Table 4: Operation Status Indication LEDs
Part
Name
I/O
Description
D303
1PPS
DO
Light: positioning success, frequency 1Hz
Dark: no positioning
D304
TXD
DO
Light: data output
Dark: no data output
D305
JAM_IND
DO
Jamming detection indicator, LC86L not used
D306
GEO_FORCE
DO
Geo-fence boundary indicator, LC86L not used
D307
AADET_N
DO
Light: active antenna is connected well
Dark: active antenna is not connected to EX_ANT or has poor
contact with antenna feeding point

GNSS Module Series
LC86L EVB User Guide
LC86L_EVB_User_Guide 15 /22
3.5. Test Points
The following figure illustrates the test points of the EVB.
Figure 8: Test Points - J104
Table 5: Pin Description
Pin No.
Signal
I/O
Description
1
RXD
DI
Receive data
2
TXD
DO
Send data
3
1PPS
DO
One pulse per second
4
RESET
DO
Module reset
5
GND
/
Ground
6
3.0V
PI
/
7
SCL
I/O
/
8
SDA
I/O
/
9
3DFIX
DO
/
10
GND
/
Ground

GNSS Module Series
LC86L EVB User Guide
LC86L_EVB_User_Guide 16 /22
4EVB Operation Procedures
This chapter mainly illustrates the operation procedures of LC86L EVB.
4.1. Communication via Micro-USB Interface
Step 1: Connect the EVB and the PC with a Micro-USB cable through Micro-USB interface, and then
switch POWER to ON state to power on the EVB.
Step 2: Run the USB flash drive on PC to install the USB driver. The USB port numbers can be viewed
in Device Manager of the PC after the USB driver is installed, as shown below.
Figure 9: USB Ports
Step 3: Install and then use the tool QCOM provided by Quectel to realize the communication between
LC86L module and the PC.
The following figure shows the COM Port Setting of QCOM: select the correct “COM Port” (USB
Port shown in the above figure) and set the correct “Baudrate” (the default value: 9600bps). For
more details about the usage of QCOM, please refer to document [4].
Figure 10: COM Port Setting of QCOM

GNSS Module Series
LC86L EVB User Guide
LC86L_EVB_User_Guide 17 /22
4.2. Firmware Download
The LC86L module upgrades the firmware through the USB port by default. Please follow the procedure
below to upgrade the firmware:
Step 1: Install and open the Flash tool software;
Step 2: Connect the EVB to a PC through the USB cable, and switch POWER to ON state to power on
the EVB.
Step 3: Follow these steps to upgrade the firmware:
⚫Click "Settings"-"Baud rate"-"Auto Detect" to select the baud rate;
⚫Click "Settings"-"COM Port"-"COM3" to select the communication port;
⚫Select the download file: Click the two red boxes shown in step c in the figure below to select the
corresponding file path: "Reserve" corresponds to the download management file, and "ROM"
corresponds to the project firmware;
⚫Click the "Download", "OK" and "Go" buttons to start the firmware upgrade
Figure 11: Flash tool configuration and firmware upgrade

GNSS Module Series
LC86L EVB User Guide
LC86L_EVB_User_Guide 18 /22
5PowerGPS instructions
The PowerGPS tool can be used to view the status of GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, and Galileo satellite
reception. This chapter will mainly introduce the use of the tool
5.1. COM Port and Baud Rate Setting
Step 1: After the EVB and its accessories are properly connected, power on the EVB and start
PowerGPS (this article uses PowerGPS Trial 2.3.5 as an example), and the following main interface is
displayed:
Figure 12: PowerGPS main interface (not connected)
Step 2: At the bottom of the interface, select a correct COM port and baud rate (LC86L module
supports 9600 bps by default), click the button “Create Connection”, and then the following
interface in default layout will be shown:

GNSS Module Series
LC86L EVB User Guide
LC86L_EVB_User_Guide 19 /22
Figure 13: PowerGPS main interface (connected)
5.1.1. PowerGPS interface description
On the PowerGPS interface, GNSS information such as CNR message, time, position, speed and
precision can be viewed. Explanations are listed in the table below.
Table 6: Explanations of PowerGPS Interface
Icon
Explanation
⚫SV with PRN 65. If the position of SV is near to the centre of
the Sky View, the elevation angle of SV is close to 90°.
⚫Blue means this satellite is being tracked.
⚫Light blue means this satellite is not being tracked.