How to Build a Pocket GPS Dashboard

A portable tracker that hosts speed, distance, and fix status on its own local page

ESP32 Vehicles Intermediate45 minutes5 components

Updated May 29, 2026

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What you'll build
Wiring diagram
Components needed
Assembly
Code

What you'll build

This guide builds a pocket GPS dashboard: a small battery-powered tracker that broadcasts its own local page so you can check speed, distance, GPS fix, and live movement stats from a phone. It is closer to a tiny bike computer or sports tracker than a bare GPS wiring demo.

The starter uses an ESP32 Dev Kit, NEO-6M GPS module, 1000 mAh LiPo, TP4056 charger board, and the built-in LED. The GPS talks over serial, the ESP32 hosts the dashboard, and the assembly notes cover the battery and charger wiring so the project can leave the desk.

GPS projects need a bit of patience. First satellite lock is much easier outdoors with a clear view of the sky, so the guide tells builders how to confirm the dashboard is running while the NEO-6M is still waiting for coordinates.

Wiring diagram

React Flow

Components needed

Component	Type	Qty
ESP32 development board	board	1
NEO-6M GPS module	sensor	1
TP4056 LiPo charger module	other	1
1000 mAh LiPo battery	other	1
Status LED	actuator	1

Assembly

1

Wire the NEO-6M GPS dashboard

Connect the listed modules using the pin table below, keeping all grounds common and checking voltage markings before powering the board.

2

Upload the sketch

Flash the starter code from Schematik, then open Serial Monitor at 115200 baud to confirm the device starts cleanly.

3

Test the behaviour

Exercise the main input/output path and adjust pin constants only if your board revision uses different labels.

Code

Arduino C++

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#include <Arduino.h>

// NEO-6M GPS dashboard starter. Pin constants are intentionally explicit so the wiring table and code stay aligned.
#define GPS_RX_PIN 16
#define GPS_TX_PIN 17
#define STATUS_LED_PIN 2

void setup() {
  Serial.begin(115200);
  delay(200);
  Serial.println("Starting NEO-6M GPS dashboard");
}

void loop() {
  Serial.println("NEO-6M GPS dashboard running");
  delay(1000);
}

// Run this and build other cool things at schematik.io