GY-273 HMC5883L 3-Axis Digital Compass Magnetometer Module | Pro Tronix

Product Description

The GY-273 is a compact, high-precision 3-axis digital magnetometer module designed for low-field magnetic sensing and digital compass applications. At its core is the Honeywell HMC5883L (or its highly compatible successor, the QMC5883L), which utilizes state-of-the-art anisotropic magnetoresistive (AMR) technology. This allows the sensor to measure both the direction and magnitude of the Earth’s magnetic fields with exceptional accuracy.

Communicating over a standard I2C digital interface, the module outputs precise 12-bit heading data, enabling your projects to calculate absolute headings or detect nearby ferrous objects. Outfitted with an onboard low-dropout (LDO) voltage regulator and level shifters, the GY-273 is fully compatible with both 3.3V and 5V microcontrollers without requiring any external level converters.

💡 Pro-Tip for Makers: Many GY-273 modules on the market today use the QMC5883L chip instead of the original HMC5883L. While they function identically, they use different I2C addresses and registers. If your code isn’t reading data, try using a standard “I2C Scanner” sketch to verify the address: the original HMC5883L sits at address 0x1E, while the QMC5883L sits at 0x0D.

Pinout / Layout Connections

The module breaks out a simple 5-pin interface for straightforward wiring:

• VCC: Power supply input. Connect to 3V to 5V DC.

• GND: Connect to your system’s common ground (0V).

• SCL: I2C Serial Clock line. Connect to your microcontroller’s SCL pin.

• SDA: I2C Serial Data line. Connect to your microcontroller’s SDA pin.

• DRDY (Optional): Data Ready interrupt pin. Goes High when new magnetic sensor data is ready to be read. Usually left disconnected for basic setups.

Applications

• Robotics Navigation: Providing autonomous ground vehicles, rovers, and quadcopters with absolute directional orientation (heading) data.

• Interactive Digital Compasses: Designing handheld navigation tools, hiking companions, and smart-mirror orientation displays.

• Ferrous Metal Detection: Detecting the proximity of iron, steel, magnets, or overhead high-current electrical wiring.

Technical Specifications

What’s in the Box

• 1 x GY-273 3-Axis Magnetometer Module.

• 1 x 5-pin Straight Male Header Strip.

Available now from Pro Tronix with guaranteed quality and fast delivery nationwide.