SparkGNSSDO Display Failure

GPS/GNSS Enclosed Products
1

The display on my SparkPNT GNSSDO has failed. The GNSS features still seem to work, I get a 1 PPS out once the device has a good GNSS fix.

When I connect to the Config ESP32 port I get the following on reset:

ets Jul 29 2019 12:21:46

rst:0x1 (POWERON_RESET),boot:0x17 (SPI_FAST_FLASH_BOOT)
configsip: 0, SPIWP:0xee
clk_drv:0x00,q_drv:0x00,d_drv:0x00,cs0_drv:0x00,hd_drv:0x00,wp_drv:0x00
mode:DIO, clock div:1
load:0x3fff0030,len:1240
load:0x40078000,len:13012
load:0x40080400,len:3648
entry 0x400805f8 }���͡� No core dump partition found!
E (181) esp_core_dump_

Board ADC ID (mV): 1657
SparkPNT GNSSDO v1.5
Reset reason: ESP_RST_POWERON
0x3c
0x60 - SiT5358 TCXO
HALTED: Illegal display i2cBus

The “HALTED: Illegal display i2cBus” then repeats about once every 10 seconds.

Thank you for your help,

AS

2

Hi @as ,

Welcome!

I’m sorry you’re having problems with the GNSSDO display.

It sounds like: either the OLED Qwiic cable has come loose; or the OLED itself has failed. Either way, the ESP32 is not able to detect it on the Qwiic bus (hence the “Illegal display i2cBus” messages).

Please:

  • Disconnect any cables you have attached to the front of the unit
  • Remove the four screws securing the front panel
  • Gently remove the panel
  • You will see the OLED display taped to the rear of the panel
  • A standard Qwiic cable connects it to the main PCB
  • Check that the cable connectors are seated correctly at both ends
  • Replace the panel and screws and retry the firmware

If that doesn’t fix it, let me know and we’ll get a replacement OLED sent to you. That will be quicker and easier than you returning the unit for repair, if you’re OK with that?

Best wishes,
Paul

1 Like
3

I tried re-seating the cables to display but it still doesn’t work.

I’m happy to replace the display myself if you send me a replacement. In the mean time, is there a version of the firmware for the ESP32 board that I can use which will function without the display?

Thanks,

AS

4

Happy to do so - what’s your order # so I can look up an address to send the replacement to?

5

It was through Digikey - 92834487 on May 28th, 2025

6

Hi AS (@as ),

Thank you for the information. @sparky will be in touch to ask for your shipping address so we can send you the OLED.

I have just released v2.0 of the firmware. It will allow the GNSSDO to operate without a display. Please follow the link below to download the v2_0 firmware binary. The docs contain brief upgrade instructions; more detail is provided in the RTK Firmware Uploader repository.

Thank you for supporting our products,
Paul

7

Hi @as - PM was sent. Please respond to the PM with your address.