SparkFun RTK Facet L-Band

The SparkFun RTK Facet L-Band is a high-precision geolocation and surveying device that is designed and manufactured in Boulder, Colorado, USA. It provides an easy-to-use solution for both basic and advanced users. With just a button press, you can take centimeter-grade measurements in less than a minute, thanks to the built-in corrections. You can connect your phone or tablet to the device over Bluetooth® and receive the NMEA output to work with most GIS software. This is the same technology that has been used by $10,000 surveying devices for the past decade, but SparkFun has made it faster, more precise, and more economical.

The RTK Facet L-Band 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 device utilizes corrections from u-blox's PointPerfect service, which is broadcast from a geosynchronous Inmarsat satellite. The only setup required is a WiFi SSID and password. Once entered, the device will provision itself and update the decryption keys necessary to use the PointPerfect service once a month. The price of the RTK Facet L-Band includes a 12-month subscription to this service, and additional years can be purchased.

The SparkFun RTK Facet L-Band is equipped with an ESP32 WROOM connected to a ZED-F9P GNSS receiver, a NEO-D9S L-Band receiver (for corrections), and a variety of peripheral hardware. The device also features a surveyor-grade L1/L2/L-Band antenna housed under its dome. This antenna is a unique combination of elements designed to receive the GNSS signals (L1/L2) alongside the 1.55GHz PointPerfect corrections. The RTK Facet L-Band is programmed in Arduino and can be tailored to fit your specific needs.

The device can operate in five modes: GNSS Positioning (~30cm accuracy), GNSS Positioning with RTK L-Band (1.4 to 6cm accuracy), GNSS Positioning with RTK (1.4cm accuracy), GNSS Base Station, and GNSS Base Station NTRIP Server. Depending on the mode, the device can either enter Rover or Base mode at Power On, and the mode can be changed with the press of a button.

The RTK Facet L-Band is capable of logging NMEA, RAWX, and SFRBX for post processing, making it ideal for research and advanced positioning applications. It is also an open-source hardware product, allowing you to fully obtain, see, and even modify the electrical and mechanical design files. This ensures easier maintenance and repair over time.

The SparkFun RTK Facet L-Band kit includes the enclosed device, correction subscription for 12 months, thread adapter, charger, data cables, and carrying case. Please note that a surveying pole is not included and will need to be purchased separately.