RTK Facet L-Band GNSS RTK – Trouble Updating Firmware, Saving Wi-Fi, and Accessing PointPerfect

GPS/GNSS
1

Hello SparkFun Community,

I purchased an RTK Facet L-Band GNSS RTK around August 2023, and it had been working perfectly until recently. A few days ago, I noticed that it could no longer update the keys from PointPerfect. After some investigation, I realized that a subscription is required for this service.

In addition, I attempted to update the firmware. The device indicated that it could be upgraded from v3.6 to v4.2, but the upgrade never completed successfully. To troubleshoot, I performed a factory reset. Since then, every time the device powers on, it starts as a blank unit - it does not retain the Wi-Fi SSID or password. I have to manually re-enter these credentials on every startup, which was not the case before.

I would greatly appreciate guidance on:

  1. Why the device is failing to retain Wi-Fi credentials after the factory reset.

  2. Whether there are known issues with upgrading the firmware from v3.6 to v4.2.

  3. How to obtain a PointPerfect subscription specifically for the RTK Facet L-Band, and whether it is still worthwhile at this point.

  4. If PointPerfect is no longer a viable option, what alternative correction services you would recommend.

Any help or advice from the community would be sincerely appreciated.

Thank you in advance!

2

Check RTK2Go.com to see if there is a free NTRIP Server nearby.

Here’s another potential source - https://www.ardusimple.com/rtk-correction-services-and-ntrip-casters-in-the-united-states-of-america-usa/

3

Hi @Shank ,

Welcome!

May I ask why you think the upgrade didn’t complete successfully? Please tell us what update method you used (micro SD, OTA, or the GUI) and where you saw it fail. If the firmware upgrade didn’t complete, I would strongly recommend re-upgrading to 4.2. Until you have firmware fully installed, you really don’t know where you are. Also, we always recommend setting the settings to the factory defaults after an upgrade.

Please be aware that u-blox are discontinuing the US PointPerfect L-Band service at the end of the year. The European service was discontinued earlier this year. It’s a sad situation, and completely beyond our control.

Your Facet will continue to support NTRIP corrections - via WiFi or Bluetooth. RTK2go is an excellent option if there is a Base near your location. If not, there are plenty of paid options.

I hope this helps,
Paul