SparkFun GPS-RTK-SMA Kit

The SparkFun GPS-RTK-SMA Kit is a superior product that offers users the ability to pinpoint their location anywhere on Earth within 30 seconds. Its high-precision GPS Real Time Kinematics (RTK) technology offers incredible accuracy down to the millimeter. This kit is an upgrade on the SparkFun GPS-RTK2 designs, featuring the ZED-F9P module from u-blox that is capable of 10mm, three-dimensional accuracy.

The ZED-F9P module is a top-tier solution for high accuracy GNSS and GPS location solutions, including RTK. It's capable of both rover and base station operations. The module connects easily to your system via the Qwiic system, requiring no soldering. However, 2.54mm-spaced pins are also available for those who prefer to use a breadboard.

This kit includes a rechargeable backup battery that maintains the module configuration and satellite data for up to two weeks. This feature significantly reduces the time-to-first-fix. The module also features a survey-in mode, allowing it to become a base station and produce RTCM 3.x correction data. The U.FL connector has been replaced with an SMA connector in this version of the board.

The ZED-F9P module offers a vast range of configuration options. These include geofencing, variable I2C address, variable update rates, and even the ability to increase the high precision RTK solution to 20Hz. The GPS-RTK2 boasts five active communication ports simultaneously: USB-C, UART1, UART2 for RTCM reception, I2C, and SPI.

The kit includes the GNSS multiband antenna, ground plate, and a reversible USB-A to C cable. The antenna, with its magnetic base, is designed to receive both the classic L1 and L2 GPS bands. The ground plate significantly boosts the performance of the included antenna.

The SparkFun GPS-RTK-SMA Kit is part of the Qwiic Connect System, 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 setup reduces the amount of required PCB space, and polarized connections mean you can’t hook it up wrong.

The kit includes the SparkFun GPS-RTK-SMA Breakout - ZED-F9P (Qwiic), GNSS Multi-Band Magnetic Mount Antenna - 5m (SMA), GPS Antenna Ground Plate, and Reversible USB A to C Cable - 0.8m.