Sparkfun GPS 17285 Suddenly Drops Satellites In View

Other
1

I am using the Sparkfun_Bblox_Arduino_Library.h with a NEO-M9N SMA GNSS reader
Without change or notice the number of satellites in view is now being reported as zero.
What happened?

2

Hi @fredstout3 ,

Try putting the antenna outside, with a clear view of the sky. Also check the SMA connector is correctly inserted and finger-tight.

If you need more help with this, please tell us which microcontroller board, code example and antenna you are using.

Best wishes,
Paul

3

Hi Paul,
I did all of the above. This was not a brief suspension of satellites-in-view but it lasted for hours. No change in hardware or software . The next day, satellites-in-view returned and has been working since then. The position of the antenna has not changed. So, I have no explanation but considering how well the hardware and software has worked, I can only assume that the fault is mine.
Thank you for contacting me.
Fred Stout

4

Blockquote
This was not a brief suspension of satellites-in-view but it lasted for hours.

Does it happen regularly? Maybe someone nearby has a GPS jammer running?

5

No. It only happened one time. All the other GNSS data appeared to be present and looked correct.

6

Hi Fred,

Jamming or strong interference would be my guess too.

Or did this happen during / after heavy rain? Some of our TOP106 antennas have suffered from water ingress - from a poor weld between the two halves of the case. If the antenna itself has a connector, has the cable connection been waterproofed?

Or an intermittent contact or dry solder joint? Maybe try flexing the cable and the SMA connector - gently - and see if it reoccurs?

I hope this helps.

Best wishes,
Paul

7

Hi Paul,
The antenna has never been outside the house. A loose connection may well be the culprit here. However, we are preparing to return home to Phoenix following a three week trip to North Carolina. May I ask for a few days delay so I can get home and try some of your ideas out?

I should state that, with the new hardware, the satellites-in-view has dramatically increased. I understand the line-of-sight requirement for the antenna and mine sits on the window sill. I regularly see 20 or so satellites when my original system would get 6 or 7.
Just say’n. I will try out the system when we return home.
Thanks again for your interest and support.
Fred Stout

8

Hi Fred,

We recommend placing the antenna outside as window glass regularly has a thin metal coating on it. It helps keep the heat out / in, but also does a great job of blocking GNSS signals…

Just reach out again if you need more help. The best place is the GPS/GNSS Forum:

All the best,
Paul