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GNSS Multi-Band L1/L2/L5 Surveying Antenna - TNC (SPK6618H)

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The SPK6618H is a certified GNSS/GPS surveying antenna capable of multi-band (L1/L2/L5/E6) reception for GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and BeiDou constellations. These 'UFO' antennas have incredible performance for the money. The antenna has a built in ground plane with significant filtering and amplification of L1, L2, L5, and E6 frequencies for all GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and BeiDou satellites. Excellent for surveying or fixed antenna applications.

For automobile applications please see our u-blox ANN-MB-00 GNSS antenna. For weight sensitive applications (like RTK Drones) checkout the SPK-6E helical GNSS antenna.

Designed for the latest GNSS receivers, it provides a fast, easy, and reliable multi-band antenna solution but can be used with any GPS/GNSS receiver that can benefit from the L1/L2 dual, L1/L2/L5 triband, or L1/L2/L5/E6 quadband reception. While this antenna works great with normal L1 GPS/GNSS receivers it will not make your $20 receiver into a $200 receiver. Please check your receiver to verify it is capable of utilizing the L1 and L2 signals that this antenna outputs. If your receiver is not compatible with L5/E6 signals, that is ok too, there is no harm using this multi-band antenna.

However, if your GNSS receiver is capable of utilizing the Galileo HAS and QZSS MADOCA services, it can access those Precise Point Positioning (PPP) solutions through the E6 frequency band. This offers users near RTK accuracy without the need for additional equipment or a nearby RTK base station.

We disassembled a unit because we love to see how things work! The antenna incorporates a 130mm ground plane with six hybrid couplers to obtain signal phasing which makes this design a lot more insensitive to manufacturing-imposed issues (e.g. board material with inconsistent dielectric).

This antenna has been certified by the National Geodetic Survey. The ANTEX and ANTINFO are available. You can see the full listing under SFESPK6618H on the NGS Antenna Calibrations website.

It is important that you are also aware of the unique connection points on this antenna as the data and mounting connectors may be new to some users. This antenna has a TNC female connector found on nearly all surveying antennas. We recommend a TNC Male to SMA adapter or cable when using with our GNSS receivers. Also, this antenna uses a standard 5/8"-11TPI (threads per inch) connector found on surveying equipment. This is not compatible with a camera tripod. We recommend a 5/8" to 1/4" tripod adapter. You can also find 5/8"-11TPI threaded rod in most hardware stores in North America. For information about permanently fixing this antenna to a roof, please see our tutorial on How to Build a DIY GNSS Reference Station.

Note: A GNSS receiver and interface cables are not included with the GNSS Multi-Band L1/L2/L5 Surveying Antenna. These parts will need to be purchased separately.

  • Reception Frequencies
    • 1150 to 1300MHz
    • 1520 to 1610MHz
  • Supported Constellation Signals
    • GPS - L1/L2/L5
    • GLONASS - G1/G2
    • BeiDou - B1/B2/B3
    • Galileo - E1/E5a/E5b/E6
  • LNA Gain: 38dB
  • Gain: ≥2.5dBi

    GPS
    • L1 ≥5.5dBi
    • L2 ≥5.0dBi
    • L5 ≥2.5dBi
    GLONASS
    • G1 ≥5.0dBi
    • G2 ≥4.0dBi
    BeiDou
    • B1 ≥5.0dBi
    • B2 ≥5.0dBi
    • B3 ≥3.5dBi
    Galileo
    • E1 ≥5.5dBi
    • E5a ≥2.5dBi
    • E5b ≥5.0dBi
    • E6 ≥2.5dBi
  • 50 Ohm Antenna Impedance
  • Dimensions: 150 x 58mm
  • Waterproof IP67
  • Connector: Female TNC
  • Overall antenna weight: 473g
  • Bare antenna element weight (including MMCX connector): 124.5g

GNSS Multi-Band L1/L2/L5 Surveying Antenna - TNC (SPK6618H) Product Help and Resources

Core Skill: DIY

Whether it's for assembling a kit, hacking an enclosure, or creating your own parts; the DIY skill is all about knowing how to use tools and the techniques associated with them.

1 DIY

Skill Level: Noob - Basic assembly is required. You may need to provide your own basic tools like a screwdriver, hammer or scissors. Power tools or custom parts are not required. Instructions will be included and easy to follow. Sewing may be required, but only with included patterns.
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Core Skill: Electrical Prototyping

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.

2 Electrical Prototyping

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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Comments

Looking for answers to technical questions?

We welcome your comments and suggestions below. However, if you are looking for solutions to technical questions please see our Technical Assistance page.

  • Member #1781171 / about 2 years ago / 1

    Is there any information about testing for inclusion in the NGS database? It was done for Facet and the TOP106, I'm wondering if it's ongoing or if it will not happen.

  • for better GNSS Post-Processing, this antenna is not qualified for PCV calibration

    recommend this ; https://www.ardusimple.com/product/calibrated-survey-gnss-quadband-antenna-ip67/

    with NOAA GNSS antenna calibration you can get precise results

    https://www.ngs.noaa.gov/ANTCAL/index.xhtml#

    also, I have nothing to do with this company

Customer Reviews

4.8 out of 5

Based on 4 ratings:

Currently viewing all customer reviews.

Performed as expected

MUY BIEN

BUEN PRODUCTO, LIVIANO, Y FACIL DE CONECTAR.

Great Antenna

Great antenna and works well with the GPS receivers. I had trouble mounting it to a older style surveyors tripod and will have to get a 5/8" hexagonal spacer made up as the base of the tripod prevented me connecting the antenna cable. Overall a great antenna.

Amazing Antenna!

This is an update to a previous review where I complained of the absence of ANTEX/ANTINFO data files. I see this lack has been resolved and this antenna is logged to the NGS antenna database (SFESPK6618H). With these adjustments this is a serious replacement for the TOP106 -- lower price, more L-bands, and the connector is further out from the center which is advantageous in many circumstances. I greatly appreciate the SparkFun team for getting these datafiles processed through and added!