SparkFun RTK Express Plus Kit

The SparkFun RTK Express Plus Kit is a comprehensive package offering centimeter-level global positioning measurements using GNSS RTK. The kit is equipped with a protective carrying case, facilitating easy attachment of the L1/L2 antenna and RTK Express Plus housing to the pole or tripod. It also includes all necessary antenna components, cables, and chargers for immediate use.

The RTK Express Plus is a multi-band GNSS receiver with built-in IMU. This Bluetooth® enabled device is based on the ESP32 from Espressif and the ZED-F9R from u-blox. Once powered, it provides an approximate accuracy of 300mm out of the box and 14mm accuracy with RTCM corrections. The kit also provides the L1/L2 antenna, adapters, interface cables, and chargers needed for general GNSS use.

This kit is compatible with common GIS software for Android and iOS, including SW Maps, Field Genius, SurvPC, Survey Master, Vespucci, QGIS, QField, and any GIS software that supports NMEA over Bluetooth.

The RTK Express Plus integrates an internal IMU (ZED-F9R) to combine real-time GNSS tracking with advanced sensor fusion. This results in precise automotive positioning even in places where GNSS is lost, like tunnels or parking garages. However, the RTK Express Plus does not support a base station or generating RTCM corrections.

It is recommended to use your cellular phone as the radio backhaul for RTCM. Data can be logged to your phone over Bluetooth®, which can be easily enabled within SW Maps. For long surveys or dealing with RAWX measurements where a phone will not be present, a microSD card of up to 32GB can be used.

Note that a mono-pod or tripod and a cell-phone type holder for securing the RTK Express Plus are not included in the kit and will need to be provided separately.

The L1/L2 antenna has a thread of approximately 15.88mm which will fit most surveying platforms. The kit includes a 15.88mm to 6.35mm adapter as well, which will fit most camera mono-pods and tripods. Additional adapters may be needed for specific equipment.