RTK Express startup issues

GPS/GNSS Development Boards
1

My new RTK Express is having issues.

Power button is inconsistent. Sometimes turns on when I press the button, usually doesn’t. Sometimes will turn on when I let go of button. Sometimes turns on a few seconds (maybe up to 10?) after pressing.

When it does starts up (randomly, my best success is double clicking the power button, it usually starts up a few seconds later) I get the splash screen with firmware v1.7, then a screen that says, Rover Started, then a flash of the status screen, then Shutting Down… Sometimes it turns on and goes through this process without pressing the power button at all.

I tried a force SD card firmware update. With the SD card in it flashes Forced Update, Rover Started, Shutting Down…

When I received it the battery was loose in the case (came unstuck from the tape). I did open it up to secure it back down.

I’d welcome any ideas here…

2

Sorry for the hassle! Are you seeing any serial output when you connect to the ESP32 port and open a terminal window?

Considering you unit had v1.7 firmware (dates from 2021) I suspect the accelerometer is failing (which can cause the symptoms you describe). I would recommend you return the unit for repair. See https://www.sparkfun.com/returns to get an RMA. We can get most units turned around in 24 to 48 hours.

3

I just recieved a Spark Fun Express Plus with Firmware v1.6 it was working fine for a few days but when attempting to update the firmware as per the Sparkfun guide the device will no longer boot up. When plugging usb into either port no serial is available. only sign of life is the red charging light.