Troubleshooting RTK integration with QGroundControl

[LarsFlores]

I’m a part of a university senior project that is trying to get RTK implemented using two of these boards https://www.sparkfun.com/products/15136 and these antennas https://www.sparkfun.com/products/15192. As of time of writing, both boards were configured in the same manner using u-center, but only one board

(RTK 1) functions while the other

(RTK2) has been incapable of getting a lock. Both boards are detected by u-center and QGroundControl using the same USB data transfer cable. I did try using both boards with both of the GPS antennas, and RTK 1 was able to lock onto multiple satellites

I did my best to follow all of the basic troubleshooting recommended here https://learn.sparkfun.com/tutorials/sp … oting-tips, but that didn’t change the way either board functioned. After talking to the department shop manager, he suggested that it might be the SMA side mount connector, so we’re ordering a couple more. While we wait for those to come in, does anyone have suggestions on what else we might be able to check to get RTK 2 working?

Also, should the troubleshooting attempts not work, what would be the conditions under which we could get a refund/replacement board?

[YellowDog]

Board 2 looks like it’s missing a component near the antenna connector.

[PaulZC]

Hi,

Yes, it is missing an inductor - near the A and A of “Antenna Active”.

If you need a quick fix, you can solder those two pads together. Disconnect the board first, and take anti-static (ESD) precautions, but it is easy to do. The inductor provides power for the active antenna, while helping to prevent power supply noise entering the RF signal. But the board and antenna will still work OK with the inductor pads shorted out.

Or, you can return the board: https://www.sparkfun.com/returns

Apologies for the inconvenience,

Paul

[LarsFlores]

Thanks so much for the quick response! I think we’ll try to get a return done.