With GNSS you are able to know where you are, where you're going, and how to get there anywhere on Earth within 30 seconds. This means the higher the accuracy the better! GNSS Real Time Kinematics (RTK) has mastered dialing in the accuracy of their GNSS modules to just millimeters. The SparkFun MicroMod GNSS Function Board takes everything we love about the ZED-F9P module from u-blox and combines it with the flexibility and easy use of the MicroMod Main Board system allowing you to test and swap out different MicroMod Processors and also add in extra functionality to your GNSS project with other Function Boards all without any soldering required! This means solderless access to the ZED-F9P modules features via UART1, SPI, and I2C ports!
The ZED-F9P module on the MicroMod GNSS Function Board raises the bar for high-precision GPS and is in a line of powerful RTK boards featuring the ZED-F9P module from u-blox. The ZED-F9P is a top-of-the-line module for high accuracy GNSS and GPS location solutions including RTK that is capable of 10mm, three-dimensional accuracy. With this board, you will be able to know where your (or any object's) X, Y, and Z location is within roughly the width of your fingernail! The ZED-F9P is unique in that it is capable of both rover and base station operations. Utilizing the M.2 connector, no soldering is required to connect it to the rest of your system.
The Function Board includes a USB-C connector for powering and programming the ZED-F9P directly. The board also includes a selection of 0.1"-spaced PTH pins for signals not connected to the MicroMod M.2 connector including UART2, Geofence and RTK status signals as well as the ZED-F9P interrupt and reset pins.
We've even included a rechargeable backup battery to keep the latest module configuration and satellite data available for up to two weeks. This battery helps 'warm-start' the module, decreasing the time-to-first-fix dramatically. This module features a survey-in mode allowing the module to become a base station and produce RTCM 3.x correction data.
The number of configuration options of the ZED-F9P is incredible! Geofencing, variable I2C address, variable update rates, even the high precision RTK solution can be increased to 20Hz. The MicroMod GNSS carrier board even has five communications ports, four of which are all active simultaneously: USB-C (which enumerates as a COM port), UART1 (with 3.3V TTL), UART2 for RTCM reception (with 3.3V TTL), I2C, and SPI. As previously mentioned, because of the MicroMod M.2 connector, the ZED-F9P's UART1, SPI, and I2C ports are available without soldering!
We've also written an extensive Arduino library for u-blox modules to make reading and controlling the MicroMod GNSS Function Board over the MicroMod's I2C bus is easy. Leave NMEA behind! Start using a much lighter weight binary interface and give your microcontroller (and its one serial port) a break. The SparkFun Arduino library shows how to read latitude, longitude, even heading and speed over I2C without the need for constant serial polling.
MicroMod is a modular interface ecosystem that connects a microcontroller “processor board” to various “carrier board” peripherals. Utilizing the M.2 standard, the MicroMod standard is designed to easily swap out processors and function boards on the fly. Pair a specialized carrier board for the project you need with your choice of compatible processor!
MicroMod GNSS Function Board Documentation:
ZED-F9P Documentation:
MicroMod Documentation:
If a board needs code or communicates somehow, you're going to need to know how to program or interface with it. The programming skill is all about communication and code.
Skill Level: Competent - The toolchain for programming is a bit more complex and will examples may not be explicitly provided for you. You will be required to have a fundamental knowledge of programming and be required to provide your own code. You may need to modify existing libraries or code to work with your specific hardware. Sensor and hardware interfaces will be SPI or I2C.
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If it requires power, you need to know how much, what all the pins do, and how to hook it up. You may need to reference datasheets, schematics, and know the ins and outs of electronics.
Skill Level: Rookie - You may be required to know a bit more about the component, such as orientation, or how to hook it up, in addition to power requirements. You will need to understand polarized components.
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