SparkFun GPS-RTK Dead Reckoning Breakout - ZED-F9R (Qwiic)

The SparkFun GPS-RTK Dead Reckoning Breakout - ZED-F9R is a top-notch, sensor fusion GPS board that leverages u-blox's Automotive Dead Reckoning (ADR) technology. This module offers an extremely precise and continuous position by integrating a 3D IMU sensor, wheel ticks, a vehicle dynamics model, correction data, and GNSS measurements.

The ZED-F9R module is a 184-channel u-blox F9 engine GNSS receiver, capable of receiving signals from the GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and BeiDou constellations with an impressive accuracy of approximately 0.2 meters. However, it should be noted that the ZED-F9R can only operate as a rover and needs to be connected to a base station. With the ability to support the concurrent reception of four GNSS systems and integrated 3D sensor measurements, the ZED-F9R can provide accurate, real-time positioning rates of up to 30Hz.

What sets this GPS module apart is its ability to maximize position accuracy in dense cities or covered areas. It ensures continuous positioning in urban environments even under poor signal conditions and remains available during complete signal loss, such as in short tunnels and parking garages. This makes the ZED-F9R the ultimate solution for autonomous robotic applications that require accurate positioning under challenging conditions.

The u-blox receiver is also equipped with I²C, also known as Display Data Channel, making it compatible with Qwiic without the need to use up valuable UART ports. With the Qwiic system, no soldering is required to connect it to the rest of your system. However, 2.54mm-spaced pins are still available for those who prefer to use a breadboard.

The ZED-F9R can be configured using the popular windows program called u-center, allowing for the adjustment of various functions such as baud rates, update rates, geofencing, spoofing detection, external interrupts, SBAS/D-GPS, and more. All of these configurations can be done within the SparkFun Arduino Library.

Furthermore, the SparkFun ZED-F9R GPS Breakout comes with an on-board rechargeable battery that powers the RTC on the ZED-F9R. This feature significantly reduces the time-to-first fix from a cold start (~26s) to a hot start (~2s). The battery can maintain RTC and GNSS orbit data for a considerable time without being connected to power.

Remember this product requires an antenna. Make sure to choose a suitable cable and u.FL antenna for your project from the related products/hookup accessories.

The SparkFun Qwiic Connect System is an ecosystem of I²C sensors, actuators, shields, and cables that make prototyping faster and less prone to error. All Qwiic-enabled boards use a common 1mm pitch, 4-pin JST connector. This reduces the amount of required PCB space, and polarized connections mean you can’t hook it up wrong.

Get started with the SparkFun GPS-RTK Dead Reckoning ZED-F9R Guide for a smooth and successful setup.

Key Features:

• 2x Qwiic Connectors
• Integrated u.FL connector for use with an antenna of your choice
• Concurrent reception of GPS, GLONASS, Galileo and BeiDou
• 184-Channel GNSS Receiver
• Receives both L1C/A and L2C bands
• Horizontal Position Accuracy: 0.01m with RTK
• Max Navigation Rate: Up to 30Hz
• Time to First Fix: Cold: 26s, Hot: 2s
• Operational Limits: Max G: ≤4G, Max Altitude: 80km, Max Velocity: 500m/s
• Velocity Accuracy: 0.05m/s
• Heading Accuracy: 0.2 degrees
• Built-In Accelerometer and Gyroscope
• Time Pulse Accuracy: 30ns
• Voltage: 5V or 3.3V but all logic is 3.3V, Current: ~85mA to ~130mA (varies with constellations and tracking state)
• Software Configurable: Geofencing, Odometer, Spoofing Detection, External Interrupt, Pin Control, Low Power Mode, and many more!
• Supports NMEA, UBX, and RTCM protocols over UART or I2C interfaces
• Dimensions: 43.18mm x 50.8mm

Revision Change: With v1.2 of the GPS-RTK Dead Reckoning Breakout, the silkscreen has been updated.