SparkFun RTK Facet

The SparkFun RTK Facet is a high-precision geolocation and surveying device, designed and manufactured in Boulder, Colorado, USA. It is calibrated by the National Geodetic Survey (NGS) and can take centimeter-grade measurements in just a few minutes. The RTK Facet can connect to your phone via Bluetooth, allowing your phone to provide correction data and receive the NMEA output from the device. This is the same method used by costly surveying devices, but SparkFun has made it simpler, smaller, and more affordable.

The RTK Facet 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.

Inside the SparkFun RTK Facet is an ESP32 WROOM connected to a ZED-F9P, along with peripheral hardware such as a LiPo fuel gauge and microSD. It also houses a surveyor-grade L1/L2 antenna under its dome. The RTK Facet can be programmed in Arduino, allowing you to tailor it to your specific needs.

The device can operate in four modes: GNSS Positioning (with ~30cm accuracy), GNSS Positioning with RTK (with 1.4cm accuracy), GNSS Base Station, and GNSS Base Station NTRIP Server. It also has the capability to log NMEA, RAWX, and SFRBX for post-processing, making it ideal for research and advanced positioning applications.

The RTK Facet is an open-source hardware product. This means that you can access, view, and even modify the electrical and mechanical design files. This makes maintenance and repair over time easier. Please note that the SparkFun RTK Facet package only includes the enclosed device with a thread adapter, charger, data cables, and carrying case. Serial telemetry radio and associated mounting poles need to be purchased separately.

The SparkFun RTK Facet is not designed for permanent outdoor mounting. Instead, it is recommended to use the L1/L2 antenna, mounted outside with a cable running to the RTK Surveyor that is located inside or protected from the elements. Alternatively, the ESP32 attached to the ZED-F9P breakout is a great solution.