SparkFun RTK Facet

Embark on a surveying saga like no other with the SparkFun RTK Facet, the epitome of geolocation elegance crafted in the heart of Boulder, Colorado. This little gem is not just a tool, but a companion to every GNSS surveyor, whether a newbie just stepping onto the geolocation grid, or a seasoned surveyor with a thirst for pinpoint accuracy.

Surveying tools can be a fussy bunch. The market is flooded with gadgets that either require a Ph.D. to operate or empty your bank balance faster than you can say “geolocation”. And let’s not even talk about the ancient relics from the past decade that cost as much as a small car.

Your quest for precision shouldn’t feel like you’re deciphering the Da Vinci Code. You need a device that’s as sharp in function as it is easy on the wallet, without compromising on the quality of data. Fumbling through complex setups, or waiting an eternity for your device to pair with software, is as amusing as watching paint dry.

Enter the SparkFun RTK Facet, a wizard in a box, ready to leap into action from the get-go. This is where high precision meets simplicity, and affordability shakes hands with professionalism.

Key Highlights:

• Effortless Operation: A few minutes of setup is the gateway to centimeter-grade measurements. Connect your phone via Bluetooth®, and voila, you’re in business, just like the big players in the surveying game, minus the hefty price tag.
• Versatile Software Compatibility: Whether you are an Android enthusiast or an Apple aficionado, the RTK Facet plays well with common GIS software like SW Maps, Field Genius, SurvPC, and more. It’s like having a universal remote to geolocation precision.
• Customization King: With an Arduino heart beating under its hood, tweak and tailor the RTK Facet to dance to your tunes.
• Four Modes of Operation: From GNSS Positioning to functioning as a GNSS Base Station NTRIP Server, this gadget morphs to fit your needs. It’s not just a device; it’s your surveying partner in crime.
• Open Source Glory: Peek under the hood, play around, and make it truly yours. The open-source nature of the RTK Facet makes it a canvas for your geolocation aspirations.
• Compact and Portable: With a sleek design, this lightweight device is ready to roll whenever you are. It’s not just a gadget; it’s your on-the-go survey companion.
• Manufactured in Boulder, CO: A high-quality, USA-made marvel ensuring you’re investing in a durable and reliable piece of technology.
• Remarkable Accuracy: With RTK, bask in the glory of 0.010m horizontal position accuracy. It’s not just about getting the job done; it’s about getting it done with finesse.

Technical Specifications

Supported GIS Data Collector Software:

• SWMaps (Android and iOS)
• Field Genius
• SurvPC
• Survey Master
• Vespucci
• QGIS
• QField
• Any GIS software that uses Bluetooth SPP or BLE

Overall Device

• Enclosed Facet Design IP53 – Protected from limited dust ingress and water spray
• Internal Antenna: L1/L2 with ≥5dBi gain
• Internal Battery: LiPo 6Ah with fast 1 amp charging
• Radio Port: 3.3V TTL Serial (57600bps RTCM TX/RX)
• Data Port: 3.3V TTL Serial (115200bps NMEA)
• Qwiic Port: Supports I2C based add-on devices
• microSD: Compatible up to 32GB
• Embedded OLED Display for positional accuracy, available satellites, data logging, etc.
• Single push button control
• Weight: 583g (1.3 lbs)
• Dimensions: 136mm x 146mm x 80mm (5.35in x 5.74in x 3.14in)
• Works with common GIS software including: SW Maps, SurvPC, Field Genius, et al.* Open Source Hardware Certified Project
• Manufactured in Boulder, CO USA

GNSS Receiver: ZED-F9P

• Concurrent reception of GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and BeiDou
• Receives both L1C/A and L2C bands
• 184-channel u-blox F9 engine
• Current: 68mA – 130mA (varies with constellations and tracking state)
• Time to First Fix: 25s (cold), 2s (hot)
• Max Navigation Rate:
  • PVT (basic location over UBX binary protocol) – 25Hz
  • RTK – 20Hz
  • Raw – 25Hz
• Horizontal Position Accuracy:
  • 2.5m without RTK
  • 0.010m with RTK
• Max Altitude: 50km (31 miles)
• Max Velocity: 500m/s (1118mph)

Bluetooth® Transceiver: ESP32 WROOM

• Xtensa® dual-core 32-bit LX6 microprocessor
• Up to 240MHz clock frequency
• 16MB of flash storage
• 520kB internal SRAM
• Integrated 802.11 BGN WiFi transceiver
• Integrated dual-mode Bluetooth® (classic and BLE)
• Hardware accelerated encryption (AES, SHA2, ECC, RSA-4096)
• 2.5 µA deep sleep current

Dive into the technical realm of the RTK Facet and discover a world where cutting-edge GNSS Receiver ZED-F9P meets the robust Bluetooth® Transceiver ESP32 WROOM. With concurrent reception of multiple satellite constellations, and a swift Time to First Fix, this gadget is a force to be reckoned with.