The Ultimate GPS Logger shield comes tested assembled with a GPS unit and microSD socket already on it, but you'll still need need to put headers on so you can plug it into an Arduino

We don't pre-assemble the headers on because there's two options! You can either use plain 0.1" male headers (included with the shield) or Arduino Shield Stacking headers.

Assembly with male headers

Most people will be happy with assembling he shield with male headers. The nice thing about using these is they don't add anything to the height of the project, and they make a nice solid connection. However, you won't be able to stack another shield on top. Trade offs!

Assembly with stacking headers

If you want to attach another shield on top, you can use stacking headers. These headers provide a 'pass-thru' connection so multiple shields can be attached. However, if you put a shield on top, its likely it will cover the GPS patch antenna so you may need to get an external GPS antenna. Stacking headers also make the project taller (harder to fit into a small box) and the headers are thinner so connection is not as strong (so if the project is going to be shaken around a lot it may not make good connections during harsh movement)

If you want to go with stacking headers, place the the shield PCB on top of the Arduino and fit the long pins through the pads until they slot into the Arduino. Depending on which version/type of Arduino you may need to use 2 x 8pin and 2 x 6pin or 1 x 10pin, 2 x 8pin and 1 x 6pin.

Turn the Arduino upside down so its resting on the long parts of the stacky headers and solder them from below

Rev D ICSP Header

The Rev D version of the shield, released August 20, 2023, uses the 2x3 dedicated SPI port instead of pins 11, 12, 13. As a result, there is a 2x3 socket header at the end of the shield that requires soldering.