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SparkFun RTK mosaic-X5
Designed and manufactured in Boulder, Colorado, USA, the SparkFun RTK mosaic-X5 is the perfect solution for your high-precision positioning and navigation needs. Based on the multi-constellation, multi-frequency, L1/L2/L5-ready mosaic-X5 from Septentrio, this is our most advanced RTK product to date.
RTK is short for Real Time Kinematics. A satellite positioning receiver capable of RTK takes in the normal signals from the Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) along with a separate correction data stream to achieve improved positional accuracy. The mosaic-X5 is a 448-channel "all in view" receiver which supports GNSS signals from GPS (USA), GLONASS (Russia), Beidou (China), Galileo (Europe), NavIC (India) plus special additional satellites (e.g. SBAS and QZSS). The mosaic-X5 also has built-in on-module support for other L-band correction services.
The RTK mosaic-X5 can be configured as an RTK Base, where it feeds corrections to other RTK Rovers, or as an RTK Rover, where it can use corrections to achieve a horizontal positioning accuracy of 6 millimeters (0.6cm) (plus 0.5 PPM). For robotics and autonomous systems applications, the mosaic-X5 can deliver position updates at 100Hz (100 times per second). The mosaic-X5 is a very sophisticated chip running a full internal web page server; the position can be monitored, and the module is fully configured through that web page using a standard browser.
Looking for a GNSS receiver that can log directly in RINEX format? This is it! The mosaic-X5 can be configured to log RINEX files with different durations and intervals. It can also log data in standard NMEA or Septentrio's SBF binary format. SBF files can be converted to RINEX using Septentrio's RxTools.
Under the hood, the RTK mosaic-X5 is based on the mosaic-X5 GNSS module from Septentrio, plus the Espressif ESP32-WROVER processor (16MB flash, 8MB PSRAM). The mosaic-X5 has USB-C connectivity (with Ethernet-over-USB), multiple UARTs, and supports full Ethernet connectivity. The only interface it doesn't offer is WiFi, so we've included the ESP32 with its own Ethernet connection. You can connect the mosaic-X5 directly to your Ethernet network - our product supports Power-over-Ethernet too. Or you can link the mosaic-X5 Ethernet port to the ESP32 Ethernet port and have the ESP32 provide WiFi connectivity. The ESP32 becomes an Ethernet to WiFi Bridge in that mode, seamlessly passing WiFi traffic to and from the mosaic-X5 via Ethernet.
We've designed the RTK mosaic-X5 to be robust and lab-friendly. Internally, all electronics (except the Qwiic OLED display) are mounted on a single circuit board. The mosaic-X5 GNSS antenna and ESP32 WiFi / Bluetooth antenna are connected via robust SMA connectors. IO connections are made via a robust 3.5mm header with cage screw connections. The IO voltage is selectable between 3.3V and 5V. The Reset and Log switches have been positioned carefully; Log is easily clicked when required, and Reset is flush and requires a more assertive press. (This helps prevent accidental resets when connecting to the ESP32 USB port.) The edge of the microSD card protrudes slightly when inserted, making it easy to eject and re-insert. Then there is the beautiful custom extruded aluminum case with machined end panels and slotted flanges, making it simple to install the RTK mosaic-X5 in a weatherproof enclosure up on the roof or in your server rack.
The included 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.
The RTK mosaic-X5 has multiple power options. Any or all of these can power it: the mosaic-X5 USB-C connection, the ESP32 USB-C connection, Power-over-Ethernet (36V to 57V), or an external DC power source between 9V and 36V. The GNSS SMA antenna connection provides 5V for the included active L1/L2/L5 antenna instead of the usual 3.3V.
Our kit includes everything you need to get up and running. Please see the 'Includes' tab for more information.
- Designed and manufactured in Boulder, Colorado, USA
- Septentrio mosaic-X5 multi-constellation, multi-frequency GNSS module
- Best-in-class reliable and scalable position accuracy
- Future proof: supporting current and future satellite signals
- AIM+ unique interference mitigation and monitoring system as part of the advanced GNSS+ algorithms
- Update rate of 100 Hz
- 448 hardware channels for simultaneous tracking of all visible supported satellite signals:
- GPS: L1C/A, L1PY, L2C, L2P, L5
- GLONASS: L1CA, L2CA, L2P, L3 CDMA
- Beidou: B1I, B1C, B2a, B2b, B2I, B3
- Galileo: E1, E5a, E5b, E5 AltBoc, E6
- QZSS: L1C/A, L1 C/B, L2C, L5
- NavIC: L5
- SBAS: Egnos, WAAS, GAGAN, MSAS, SDCM (L1, L5)
- On-module L-band
- Supports SBF, NMEA, RINEX, RTCM and CMR message formats
- 5 constellation RTK (base and rover)
- USB-C interface (UART and Ethernet-over-USB)
- ESP32-WROVER processor
- Reverse Polarity (RP) SMA WiFi / BT antenna connection
- Provides WiFi connectivity for the mosaic-X5
- USB-C interface (UART via CH340)
- Dual KSZ8041NLI Ethernet PHY interfaces
- 10Base-T / 100Base-TX with auto-negotiate and Auto MDI/MDI-X
- mosaic-X5 and ESP32 have independent Ethernet interfaces
- mosaic-X5 can be linked directly to an external Ethernet network - optionally with PoE
- Or, mosaic-X5 can be linked to the ESP32 for WiFi connectivity
- microSD socket
- Connected directly to the mosaic-X5 for fast data logging
- OLED display
- 128x64 pixels
- SMA GNSS antenna connection
- 5V power for an active antenna
- I/O Connections
- Robust 3.5mm screw terminals
- Fully isolated external DC power input (9V - 36V)
- Switchable 3.3V or 5V I/O voltage
- mosaic-X5 COM1 UART: TX, RX, RTS, CTS
- mosaic-X5 EVENT-A and EVENT-B inputs
- mosaic-X5 PPSO timing pulse output
- mosaic-X5 Log button input
- ESP32 UART: TX, RX, RTS, CTS (currently unused)
- ESP32 I2C with level-shifting
- Custom extruded aluminum case with machined end panels
- IP42 ingress protection
- A weatherproof enclosure is required for outdoor use
- Matte-effect front and rear stickers
- Power options:
- mosaic-X5 USB-C connector
- ESP32 USB-C connector
- Power-over-Ethernet (36V - 57V)
- External DC power (9VDC - 36VDC via screw terminals) (Fully isolated)
- Inspired by the Septentrio mowi (mosaic wireless) open-source design
SparkFun RTK mosaic-X5
- Quick Start Guide
- Schematic
- PCB Dimensions
- Case Dimensions
- RTK mosaic-X5 Product Manual
- mosaic-X5 Datasheet
- Hardware GitHub Repo
- ESP32 Firmware
Septentrio mosaic-X5
SparkFun RTK mosaic-X5 Product Help and Resources
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.
Customer Reviews
4.3 out of 5
Based on 4 ratings:
1 of 1 found this helpful:
This is an absolutely awesome device!
Even for a noob like me, it was very easy to send a correction signal. The Mosaic X5 user environment is also very user-friendly and very simple compared to the U-Blox F9P. All the necessary features are in the device and nothing more is needed to build a functioning base station. I am very satisfied and would recommend it to my colleagues! Greetings from Switzerland, Simon
Very slick, could use some improvement
As a dedicated base, the mosaic-X5 is great, super easy to setup. I got it running on wifi and PoE very quickly. SFE needs more documentation on how to setup a NTRIP server, but since this is all built into the chipset, there were other tutorials to help figure this part out.
However, the mosiac-X5 isn't just a base, it can be a rover and with the built-in ESP32 w/ BLE, its a bit of an omission to have such cut down firmware for the ESP32 unlike the other RTK kits based on uBlox chipset. Those can easily connect to SW Maps, etc. I was able to use the mosaic-X5s internal NMEA stream server to connect QField app over wifi.
Great for RTK base station
Very happy with using this. Easy to set up sending NTRIP data to internet as well as RTK adjustments over radio link to the "SparkFun Triband GNSS RTK Breakout - mosaic-X5".
Substandard Support
This device is certainly very powerful. With L1/L2/L5 capabilities, it is probably the most powerful and versatile option offered by SparkFun. That is why we purchased it. As a standalone, non-mobile RTK station, it is probably great. However, if you want to configure it for any alternative use, beware. It is very difficult to configure. The software all still relies on Septentrio software such as RxTools, which are not easy to navigate. There is also a browser-based configuration tool, which is also poorly documented. There seem to also be numerous challenges configuring with Windows, so you may want to use a Linux machine instead. I would encourage SparkFun and Septentrio to both provide better support and better documentation. Perhaps with this it would be easier to unlock what clearly is a very powerful device.
Hello, from what I understood in the promotional video, it can simultaneously log into multiple services. Only ONOCOY was given as an example. Can it also be used for GeodNET?
Does it also meet all the signal requirements that ONOCOY asks for, especially E5ab?
Would it be possible to connect this to an LTE mobile network module to set up as a mobile NTRIP server base in the field?
While we sell LTE options, it's not trivial to hook one to the RTK mosaic. Alternatively, the RTK mosaic can easily be put into WiFi mode and connect to the hotspot on your choice. If you don't want to use your cell phone for the connection, a mobile hot spot can be used as well.
Does the ESP support ESP-Now? Specifically, looking to use this as a reference station for the RTK Torch using ESP-Now or LORA for the corrections link.
Unfortunately the RTK mosaic does not support ESP-Now and we do not plan to add it at this time. This station is primarily designed for ethernet casting (either over WiFi or a wired connection).
Is this product a turn-key solution as a base station for Onocoy?
Yes.
Does the L5 band generally, or the Mosaic X5 specifically, provide accuracy in light to moderate tree coverage? Or are trees a non-starter for GPS applications?
Does the X5 have good accuracy as a standalone rover or is correction data still needed from a reference station?
Trees in general, will affect the accuracy of a GNSS receiver. The reason, is that they can deflect the signals, which introduce multi-path errors and/or cause interference, which reduces the signals' strength from the satellites. However, this really depends on the tree density and foilage of the trees. I would recommend reaching out to Septentrion for this specific application; they may have more insight into the performance of their receiver with that type of scenario.
We did generate some data for the receiver's expected accuracy, with the hardware included in the kit. The information is avilable in the Troubleshooting Tips section of the product manual. If I remember correctly, without any correction data, the standard deviation of the position fell within 0.5m. However, it should be noted that this data was collected for a fixed position.
Can this be used as a rover by itself? Do you foresee a rover "kit" (similar to the Facet products) based on the Mosaic-x5?
The RTK mosaic is a very good rover. The antenna is waterproof and can be mounted to the top of whatever platform you're using.
We have other products based on the mosaic-X5 but I can say what shape it will have since it's very early days.
Other than price, how is the SparkFun RTK mosaic-X5 different from SparkFun RTK Reference Station - GPS-22429 - SparkFun Electronics?
They are very different beasts. The mosaic can receive on more bands (as member 1880499 points out), as well as greater anti-jamming detection, higher accuracy, built in web configuration, multi-NTRIP client/server for fall back, and many more features. The Reference Station is very good but the industry tends to view the mosaic as the 'gold standard' for base station and rover operation.
That one does not use L5 band.
Could you provide a version without the antenna and the cable? I have already bought those and just need the station. Thanks.
Thank you sparkfun! I my reference station is up and broadcasting corrections!!
Will there a mosiacx5 equppied facet coming anytime soon??
Excellent! Glad to hear it!
Facet with mosaic - yes, it's on our roadmap but there's a pile of very large barriers to make it work. Stay tuned!
The tutorial by Nate shows a great webpage hosted for the GPS. Can someone point me to resources on what tools were used to design the webpage and how it's hosted on the ESP32? It looks really nice, with animations etc.
Thanks! Glad you liked it.
That page is generated by the mosaic not the ESP32. The ESP32 is just forwarding the packets (aka the HTML you see) from the mosaic to WiFi.
Oh I see, thank you!