SparkFun RTK Express Plus Spontaneously Turns On

GPS/GNSS Development Boards
1

Order #: 9544921

Purchase date: 2022-12-21

Device: SparkFun RTK Express Plus GPS-18590

Hello!

The SparkFun RTK Express Plus (GPS-18590) unit which I purchased on 2022-12-21 had been working well. Thanks for a good product.

Unfortunately, last week it began to turn on spontaneously without any pressure on the power button. It can be turned off but shortly turns itself on again eventually discharging the battery. As soon as the battery is recharged the same thing happens making the unit unfit for use.

Have other customers reported similar problems? Can you suggest a solution? May I send you the unit for repair or replacement under warranty?

Thanks in advance for your assistance!

2

There are a few ways I can think of that would cause your problem:

  • What firmware do you have loaded? If it is a developer firmware (anything that doesn’t show a ‘v’ on boot) then the power button filtering may be disabled. If you are in doubt, the latest firmware v3.9 is a safe way to go.

  • There could be corrosion on the connector on the main PCB that is shorting pins that leads the ESP32 to believe the power button is being press.

  • The button within the overlay (sticker) may be failing that is leading to partial shorts.

I have very rarely seen an overlay fail. I have seen a few units with excessive corrosion (mostly near the ocean).

If it becomes a real problem we are happy to have it returned for inspection and possible repair. https://www.sparkfun.com/returns is where to start to get an RMA.

3

Thanks very much for your detailed reply, that is very helpful.

Regarding the points you make:

  1. The firmware is the original with which the unit was shipped. No developer firmware.

  2. I briefly checked the unit for corrosion but could not see any.

  3. How does the power button work? Is there a contact right under the button overlay, or is it filled with air and pressing the button generates increased air pressure which in turn closes a contact elsewhere in the device?

  4. The unit has never been taken anywhere near the ocean.

To be perfectly honest, it is already a real problem and I would be very grateful if I could send it in for inspection and possible repair. I will follow the instructions at https://www.sparkfun.com/returns as you suggest. Should the unit be sent to your attention?

Many thanks!

4

Sounds good. All RTK RMAs will be taken care of by our team, no need to send atn to me.