SparkFun GPS-RTK Dead Reckoning Kit (SMA)

The SparkFun GPS-RTK Dead Reckoning Kit (SMA) equips you with everything necessary to utilize u-blox's ZED-F9R and GPS Real Time Kinematics. This high-precision GPS board leverages u-blox's Automotive Dead Reckoning (ADR) technology, offering accurate and continuous positioning by integrating a 3D IMU sensor, wheel ticks, a vehicle dynamics model, correction data, and GNSS measurements.

The ZED-F9R module, featuring an 184-channel u-blox F9 engine GNSS receiver, can receive signals from GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and BeiDou constellations with approximately 0.2-meter accuracy. This precision is achieved through an RTK navigation solution when connected to a correction source. Note that it operates solely as a rover and must be connected to a base station. The module supports concurrent reception of four GNSS systems, delivering real-time positioning rates of up to 30Hz.

This breakout board excels in dense urban environments and covered areas, maintaining continuous positioning even under poor signal conditions. It is ideal for autonomous robotic applications requiring accurate positioning in challenging conditions, such as short tunnels and parking garages.

The u-blox receiver supports I2C (referred to as Display Data Channel by u-blox), making it compatible with the Qwiic system, eliminating the need to use UART ports. With the Qwiic system, no soldering is required, though 2.54mm-spaced pins are available for breadboard use.

Configuring the u-blox-based GPS products is straightforward with the comprehensive Windows program u-center. The ZED-F9R's various functions, including baud rates, update rates, geofencing, spoofing detection, and external interrupts, can all be configured using the SparkFun Arduino Library.

The onboard rechargeable battery powers the RTC on the ZED-F9R, reducing the time-to-first fix from a cold start (~26 seconds) to a hot start (~2 seconds). This battery maintains RTC and GNSS orbit data without a power connection for extended periods.

The kit includes a GNSS multiband antenna with a magnetic base that receives the classic L1 and L2 GPS bands, and a reversible USB-A to C cable for easy connectivity.

---

The SparkFun Qwiic Connect System is an ecosystem of I²C sensors, actuators, shields, and cables that streamline prototyping, minimizing errors. All Qwiic-enabled boards use a common 1mm pitch, 4-pin JST connector, reducing PCB space and ensuring correct connections.

---

Includes:

• 1x SparkFun GPS-RTK Dead Reckoning Breakout - ZED-F9R, SMA (Qwiic)
• 1x GNSS Multi-Band Magnetic Mount Antenna - 5m (SMA)
• 1x Reversible USB A to C Cable - 0.8m

Features:

• GPS-RTK Dead Reckoning Breakout - ZED-F9R, SMA:
  • 2x Qwiic Connectors
  • Integrated SMA connector for antenna
  • 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 (logic is 3.3V), Current: ~85mA to ~130mA
  • Software Configurable: Geofencing, Odometer, Spoofing Detection, External Interrupt, Pin Control, Low Power Mode, etc.
  • Supports NMEA, UBX, and RTCM protocols over UART or I2C interfaces
  • Dimensions: 43.18mm x 50.8mm
  • Weight: 12.1g
• Antenna:
  • Frequency: L1 Band: 1559-1606MHz, L2/L5 Band: 1197-1249MHz
  • Peak gain (over 15cm ground plane): L1 Band: 3.5dBic, L2/L5 Band: 0-2.0dBic
  • VSWR: max. 2
  • Bandwidth: min. 200MHz
  • Impedance: 50 Ohm
  • Polarization: RHCP
  • Supports GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and BeiDou
  • 5m coaxial cable with SMA connector
  • Magnetic base, fixed installation option (screw mount, 2 x M4 screws)
  • Dimensions: 60mm x 82mm x 22.5mm
  • Weight: 175g (including cable)
• USB Cable:
  • Reversible USB-A connector
  • Reversible USB-C connector
  • 0.8 meter cable length

Documents:

• GPS-RTK Dead Reckoning Breakout - ZED-F9R, SMA:
  • Schematic
  • Eagle Files
  • Board Dimensions
  • Hookup Guide
  • Datasheet (ZED-F9R)
  • Product Summary
  • Integration Manual
  • u-blox Interface Description
  • u-blox ECCN
  • Arduino Library
  • GitHub Hardware Repo
• Antenna:
  • Datasheet (ANN-MB-00)
  • Product Summary
• USB Cable:
  • Product Drawing

Videos