I see references to a “radio board” via FPC connector from the Main PCB. I also notice a card guide slot on the opposite side of the internal battery from the current PCBs location.
Can you advise if/when there will be in-field installation/upgrade offerings for radio boards to support USA ISM bands via proprietary RF and/or LoRa standards? Sticky taping a Holybro radio to the bottom of the unit is not my first platform configuration choice for non-NTRIP based topologies. Thanks.
Thanks for the input! I’ll pass this along to the engineering team and post a response if they have any further info to offer 
This would be very useful! Too many dangly bits for reliable field work roving with the Facet. Tree branches keep ripping the Holybro off the sticky tape and pull the wires and pins out of the JST-GHR connectors. A little tweaking of the mechanicals and the Facets would be killer!!
I’m planning to try a pair of RFD900 radios as the Holybros don’t have enough range for my applications.
This is good feedback. We have prototypes of just a unit but it’s slated for later in 2022.
Oh, not only is there a card slot that could be used for an internal radio board, but there are two holes molded into the case that look just the right size for TWO RP-SMA bulkhead connectors (with flats) for a pair of diversity antennas.
Someone was thinking ahead. Nice work!!
I was considering drilling my Facet case to install a more robust connector for the external radio. Possibly an RJ-11 or RJ-45 jack. The RJ-11 and RJ-45 connectors can take a beating, and the plugs, jacks, and cable-making crimp tools are readily available. Maybe I’ll hold off to see what SparkFun comes up with! I’d be happy to be a beta tester (not looking for a free lunch, will pay for the boards.)
The excitement builds!
Thanks! We tried to plan ahead a bit 
Good to hear you’re interested in testing. I’ll PM you.
Hello. Interesting what I have read in previous comments about adding a radio plate or changing the connector. I continue with the idea of connecting the Facet with a professional long range radio but I haven’t had time and some electronic work has to be done.
The long range radios that I know of are rs232.
Regarding the jst token change.
Has anyone changed this jst connector for a more robust one? sma? rj45?
Saprkfun has advanced in the idea of changing this connector?
Cheers
Someday we’ll redesign with threaded chassis connectors, something like these: https://www.sparkfun.com/products/11475
That would be perfect. Especially if the pin out matches other commercial units and we can use existing cables and commercial radios. Thanks!
sparky:
This is good feedback. We have prototypes of just a unit but it’s slated for later in 2022.
Any update on a lora radio board to fit inside the Facet case?
The internal LoRa board has been pushed out indefinitely. I welcome folks chiming in saying ‘I need that!’ to help us gauge interest.
If you could put an internal radio board it would be fantastic.
Any power would work for me, as long as it is an internal radio and you only have to connect a screw-in antenna.
Yes an internal radio would’ve great. Like Amlago posted , just an antenna to screw and you’ll be setup
At this point configuring the device is very easy, the only minor detail is just the extra step to put in the radio
I need that!
Preferably the 1 watt version
It would leave a good team very complete.
If, for example, the Facet is updated with an internal radio, it would be good to sell a compatible radio as an accessory, even if it is external, for the current Facets without radio.
And I agree that at least 1 w would be fantastic.
If I have to choose between autonomy in hours and radio power, I choose radio power.
With 1 watt and a good antenna you can cover a good distance.
If the Facet with internal radio is updated, I will buy one tomorrow without hesitation.
Yes, with an internal radio it would be Really a killer product. I have gotten incredible results in terms of accuracy with the current facets, when i properly convert UTM to Ground coordinates they really matches distances measured GROUND (total stations, long tapes) and they are very repeatable, of course they need a very clear view of the sky , like every other GNSS but the facets surprise every time.
Maybe not the next day, but as soon they release the new version with 1 Watt internal radio, I’ll be saving money to buy them.