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.
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:
Below is the end-launch SMA:
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.
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.
Hi @sparky, I have the unit now. Could you send me info on where to send and what I need to put inside for documents so it gets to you.
Yep - please start a return by going here. Mostly we need the original order # so we can assign an RMA to the unit. You can reference this forum thread and it should sail through.
Hi @sparky, unfortunately my company went into administration (chapter 11) and I have no access to that original info now. I know it was purchased from Mouser in the UK, in 2022.
That might makes things a bit more tricky…we generally warranty the enclosed RTK devices for one year from the purchase date
@marky9074 - No worries. As @TS-Russell points out, you’re outside of warranty but we fix units any time the need arises. Please start the RMA process. We’ll get you a quote to fix the unit once we have your contact details.
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Hi all, completed the RMA request and received a reply saying that I would have to go back to Mouser. I explained the situation and directed them to this thread and am hoping to hear back with next steps.
That’s the usual protocol but this is a special case, sending them a link to this thread should help things along - let us know if you have any other snags once they re-respond!
