SparkFun RTK EVK - Positioning and Navigation Platform

Description

The SparkFun RTK EVK (Evaluation Kit) is designed and manufactured in Boulder, Colorado, USA, as an ideal platform for the development of precise positioning and navigation applications, both stationary and mobile. The RTK EVK kit offers a comprehensive range of connectivity options, including WiFi, Bluetooth®, Ethernet, and LTE. At its core, the kit features the Espressif ESP32-WROVER processor with 16 MB of Flash memory and 8 MB of PSRAM. The GNSS system is built around the excellent dual-band ZED-F9P module from u-blox. The integrated u-blox NEO-D9S module provides L-Band reception and access to correction services like PointPerfect. Additionally, the u-blox LARA-R6001D module enables global cellular connectivity—simply insert a nano SIM card into the front panel to start using its features.

The RTK EVK kit comes pre-installed with RTK Everywhere software, enabling the device to be configured as an RTK Base to transmit corrections to an NTRIP Caster via WiFi or Ethernet, or as an RTK Rover that receives corrections over WiFi, Bluetooth, or Ethernet. While the software does not yet support LARA-R6 connectivity, additional code examples are available for transmitting correction data via MQTT from PointPerfect locations over the LARA-R6 cellular connection, minimizing data costs.

The RTK EVK kit features Zero-Touch RTK. Simply register the device, connect it to Ethernet or enter WiFi credentials, enable PointPerfect, and the device will automatically acquire corrections without additional configuration. No NTRIP credentials are required. Corrections are obtained via Ethernet or WiFi from u-blox PointPerfect and are available in the USA, EU, and various regions in Australia, Canada, Brazil, and Korea. The latest version of RTK Everywhere software supports both local distribution and AssistNow.

The RTK EVK kit is designed to be robust and laboratory-friendly. All electronics (except for the Qwiic OLED display) are mounted on a single board, and the GNSS, WiFi/Bluetooth, and dual LTE antennas are connected using durable SMA connectors. I/O connections are made via a removable 3.5 mm screw terminal. The microSD card is easily removable thanks to a slightly protruding edge, while the nano SIM card is securely mounted to prevent accidental removal.

The RTK EVK kit offers multiple power supply options. It can be powered from the following sources: USB-C from u-blox, USB-C from ESP32, Power-over-Ethernet (36V to 57V), or an external DC source in the range of 9V to 36V. The SMA GNSS antenna connection provides 5V for the included active L1/L2/L5/L-Band antenna, instead of the standard 3.3V. The kit includes everything needed for quick setup. The included antenna has been certified by the National Geodetic Survey.

Features

• Designed and manufactured in Boulder, Colorado, USA
• GNSS Receiver: ZED-F9P
  • Simultaneous reception: GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou
  • Bands: Receives both L1C/A and L2C bands
  • 184-channel u-blox F9
  • Time to first fix: 25 s (cold), 2 s (warm)
  • Maximum navigation frequency: 20 Hz / 25 Hz depending on mode
  • Horizontal position accuracy: 2.5 m without RTK; 0.010 m with RTK
  • Maximum altitude: 50 km (31 miles)
  • Maximum speed: 500 m/s (1118 mph)
  • Correction data receiver: NEO-D9S
  • L-Band compatibility: SESTB28A
  • Frequency range: 1525 to 1559 MHz
  • Sensitivity: -133 dBm
  • Time to first frame: <10 s
  • Receives PMP messages from geostationary Inmarsat satellites
• LTE Cat 1 Module:
  • Module: LARA-R6001D
  • Region: Global
  • LTE FDD bands: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28
  • Certifications: PTCRB, GCF, FCC, ISED, RED, UKCA, NCC, RCM, Giteki, Anatel, KC, AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, Deutsche Telekom, Telefonica, NTT DoCoMo, SBM, KDDI, Telstra
  • Note: While LARA supports GSM/GPRS, the RTK EVK does not due to high power consumption.
• Processor and Memory:
  • Processor: ESP32-WROVER
  • Flash Memory: 16 MB
  • PSRAM: 8 MB
• Connectors and Outputs:
  • WiFi/BT Antenna Connector: Reverse Polarity SMA
  • USB Type-C Interface: (UART via CH340)
  • microSD Slot
  • Nano SIM Card Slot
  • OLED Display: 1.3”, 128x64 pixels
  • GNSS Antenna Connector: SMA with short-circuit and disconnect detection
  • Power for Active Antenna: 5V
• I/O Connectors:
  • 3.5 mm Screw Terminal Connector: Rugged
  • Isolated External DC Input: (9V - 36V)
• ZED-F9P Connectors:
  • UART2: TX, RX (3.3V)
  • EXT-INT input (3.3V)
  • Pulse output (3.3V)
  • I2C (3.3V)
• Aluminum enclosure with machined end panels, IP42 rated
• Power Options:
  • USB-C Connector: u-blox
  • USB-C Connector: ESP32
  • Power-over-Ethernet: (36V - 57V)
  • External DC Power: (9VDC - 36VDC via screw terminals) (fully isolated)
• Dimensions: 180.60 x 101.8 x 41 mm
• Weight: 405 g

Kit contains

• GNSS Receiver in enclosure
• Geodetic GNSS Antenna L1/L2/L5
• Reinforced RG58 TNC-SMA Cable (10 m)
• RPSMA WiFi/Bluetooth Antenna
• SMA LTE Cellular Antennas
• 32 GB microSD Card (Class 10)
• USB-C Power Supply (5 V 1 A)
• USB-C Cable (A to C, 2 m)
• Ethernet Cable (CAT-6, 1 m)
• Holographic eUICC nano-SIM Card