# External GPS: necessary if interfacing directly with MCU?

**URL:** <https://discuss.blues.com/t/external-gps-necessary-if-interfacing-directly-with-mcu/2087>\
**Category:** Hardware\
**Created:** [April 23, 2024, 9:14am UTC](https://discuss.blues.com/t/external-gps-necessary-if-interfacing-directly-with-mcu/2087 "2024-04-23T09:14:12Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 2\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![gauteh](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex020/user_avatar/discuss.blues.com/gauteh/32/269_2.png) [@gauteh](https://discuss.blues.com/u/gauteh)\
**Post date:** [April 23, 2024, 9:14am UTC](https://discuss.blues.com/t/external-gps-necessary-if-interfacing-directly-with-mcu/2087/1 "2024-04-23T09:14:13Z")

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Hi,

I’m considering adding an external GPS. Is there any reason to route it through the notecard as well if I plan to use it directly from the MCU? Will the notecard function as it should with no GPS (and it’s own GPS turned off)?

Regards, Gaute

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**Author:** ![RobLauer](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex020/user_avatar/discuss.blues.com/roblauer/32/1567_2.png) [@RobLauer](https://discuss.blues.com/u/RobLauer)\
**Post date:** [April 23, 2024, 1:41pm UTC](https://discuss.blues.com/t/external-gps-necessary-if-interfacing-directly-with-mcu/2087/2 "2024-04-23T13:41:37Z")

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Hi @gauteh,

The Notecard will operate fine with its own GPS disabled. However, routing an external GPS through the Notecard AUX does provide the following:

- the accelerometer can be automatically used to enable and disable the GPS either on a timed basis, or when the module has moved, by using AUX-EN, which uses the accelerometer to detect the lack of movement
- all Notes created are automatically tagged with location
- the card.location.mode/card.location.track APIs allow for automatic creation of tracking notes and journey segments
- on Notehub, the device, and events created by the device, are tagged with location.

Hope that helps!  
Rob