RTK Express board SMA connector

GPS/GNSS Development Boards
1

Our RTK Express has always been a bit temperamental. Sometimes would hook up and zero satellites, check everything, disconnect, reconnect and it would work. However, a while ago when manoeuvring the unit the SMA connector literally snapped off the board.

It does look like a dry joint, but also I was kind of surprised that by design there is no strain relief and you are literally hooking up to it direct from the board. I’m surprised I haven’t snapped it off before to be honest. I’m going to attempt to re-solder this back on, but would appreciate if someone could indicate the P/N of the SMA connector so I can get a fresh one to use.

Thanks in advance.

2

Can you take some photos?

Depending on when you purchased your unit, it may have an SMD or hand soldered connector.

Below is what the SMD connector looked like:

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Below is the end-launch SMA:

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image121×146 26.6 KB

Let us know which one you have. Regardless of the type, I recommend you send it in for repair (I can probably do it for free). We’ve got a handful of solutions that can make it just as strong or stronger than the original without affecting the RF path too much.

3

Hi Sparky, I’m not on site now, but can remember clearly it is the end-launch SMA. I’m in the UK, so need to factor in cost for shipping back and forth and if it is viable.