SparkFun RTK Express Kit • Reviews

The RTK Express Kit has everything you need to get centimeter level global positioning measurements using GNSS RTK. We've created a handy carrying case to protect the most expensive bits, allowing you to quickly attach the L1/L2 antenna and RTK Express housing to the pole or tripod of your choice. The kit includes all the antenna bits, cables and chargers you need to jump right into the field. The RTK Express is a Bluetooth® enabled multi-band GNSS receiver based on the ESP32 from Espressif and the ZED-F9P from u-blox. Power it up and you'll have 300mm approximate accuracy out of the box and 14mm accuracy with RTCM corrections. This kit provides the L1/L2 antenna, adapters, interface cables, and chargers needed for general GNSS use. The RTK Express Kit works with common GIS software for Android and iOS including SW Maps (Android / iOS), ArcGIS Survey123, Field Genius, SurvPC, Survey Master, Vespucci, QGIS, QField (Android / iOS), and any GIS software that supports NMEA over Bluetooth or TCP. We generally recommend using your cellular phone as the radio backhaul for RTCM but you can also use your own, higher power radios as long as they support 57600bps. We also recommend logging all data to your phone over Bluetooth®. This is as simple as checking a box within SW Maps. But if you prefer to do long surveys, or need to deal with RAWX measurements where a phone will not be present, a microSD card should be purchased (any size up to 32GB). Please keep in mind that you will need to provide your own mono-pod or tripod as well as a cell-phone type holder for securing the RTK Express to your mono-pod or tripod. We've found this style clamp and this style clamp work well. Your mileage may vary. Note: The L1/L2 antenna has a 5/8" thread which will fit most surveying platforms. The kit includes a 5/8" to 1/4" adapter as well which will fit most camera mono-pods and tripods. You may need additional adapters for your specific equipment. Important: The SparkFun RTK Express is not designed for permanent outdoor mounting. Please mount the L1/L2 antenna (which we've had outside constantly for over three years in Colorado UV) outside with a SMA cable running to the RTK Express that is located inside or protected from the elements. See Creating a Permanent Base for more information. Includes: SparkFun RTK Express GNSS Receiver RTK Kit Carrying Case GNSS L1/L2 Multi-Band Antenna - TOP106 Antenna Interface Cable - SMA to TNC (300mm) 1/4" to 5/8" Antenna Thread Adapter USB Wall Charger - 5V, 2A USB A to C Cable - 0.8m Data Cable Radio Cable Not Included/Optional: Camera Mono-pole or Tri-pod Phone/Enclosure Holder Telemetry Radios - 500mW microSD Card - 16GB