SparkFun RTK Reference Station
The SparkFun RTK Reference Station is a high-precision GNSS base station designed for surveying, geolocation, and time reference applications. Set up a fixed-location NTRIP server to provide RTK corrections to rovers, or use it as an NTP server for network time synchronisation — all with just a few minutes of configuration.
RTK (Real Time Kinematics) combines standard GNSS signals with real-time correction data (RTCM) to achieve 1.4 cm positional accuracy, compared to ~30 cm from GNSS alone. The Reference Station generates correction data locally and shares it via Ethernet, keeping baseline distances short for optimal rover accuracy.
Key Features
- u-blox ZED-F9P GNSS Module – Multi-band receiver supporting GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, SBAS, and QZSS, connected via high-speed SPI
- ESP32-WROOM Processor – Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity with RP-SMA antenna connector
- 10/100 Mbps Ethernet – WIZnet W5500 interface with auto-negotiate and Power-over-Ethernet (36–57 V) support
- High-Speed Data Logging – microSD via 4-bit SDIO interface; log RAWX and SFRBX from all constellations at up to 20 Hz
- OLED Display – On-device status display with antenna fault indicators
- SMA Time Pulse Output – 3.3 V default (configurable for 5 V), up to 100 kHz output (1 Hz in NTP mode)
- GNSS Antenna Port – SMA connector with 5 V active antenna power, short-circuit and open-circuit detection
- ATECC608A Crypto Co-Processor – Available for custom firmware applications
- Aluminium Enclosure – Custom extruded case with machined end panels, IP42 rated, with slotted flanges for rack or enclosure mounting
Operating Modes
- NTRIP Base Station – Send RTCM corrections to a caster over Ethernet
- NTP Time Server – Provide high-accuracy timing data to network devices via Ethernet
- GNSS Rover – Standard positioning (~30 cm) or RTK-corrected positioning (1.4 cm) via NTRIP over Ethernet or Bluetooth
- TCP Client – Stream NMEA/UBX navigation data to a remote server over Ethernet
Power Options
- ESP32 USB-C connector
- u-blox GNSS USB-C connector
- Rear USB-C power connector
- Power-over-Ethernet (36–57 V)
- 5 V I/O screw terminal (5.5 V maximum)
Ideal For
- Surveying and high-precision geolocation
- Setting up local NTRIP correction servers
- Network time synchronisation (NTP)
- GNSS data logging and research
Package Contents
- 1× Cased Reference Station
- 1× L1/L2/L5 GNSS Surveying Antenna
- 1× Reinforced RG58 TNC-SMA Cable (10 m)
- 1× SMA Wi-Fi / Bluetooth Antenna
- 1× 32 GB microSD Card (Class 10)
- 1× USB-C Power Supply (5 V 1 A)
- 1× USB-C Cable (A to C, 2 m)
- 1× Ethernet Cable (CAT-6, 1 m)
Resources
Product Information
Product Information
Shipping & Returns
Shipping & Returns
Description
The SparkFun RTK Reference Station is a high-precision GNSS base station designed for surveying, geolocation, and time reference applications. Set up a fixed-location NTRIP server to provide RTK corrections to rovers, or use it as an NTP server for network time synchronisation — all with just a few minutes of configuration.
RTK (Real Time Kinematics) combines standard GNSS signals with real-time correction data (RTCM) to achieve 1.4 cm positional accuracy, compared to ~30 cm from GNSS alone. The Reference Station generates correction data locally and shares it via Ethernet, keeping baseline distances short for optimal rover accuracy.
Key Features
- u-blox ZED-F9P GNSS Module – Multi-band receiver supporting GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, SBAS, and QZSS, connected via high-speed SPI
- ESP32-WROOM Processor – Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity with RP-SMA antenna connector
- 10/100 Mbps Ethernet – WIZnet W5500 interface with auto-negotiate and Power-over-Ethernet (36–57 V) support
- High-Speed Data Logging – microSD via 4-bit SDIO interface; log RAWX and SFRBX from all constellations at up to 20 Hz
- OLED Display – On-device status display with antenna fault indicators
- SMA Time Pulse Output – 3.3 V default (configurable for 5 V), up to 100 kHz output (1 Hz in NTP mode)
- GNSS Antenna Port – SMA connector with 5 V active antenna power, short-circuit and open-circuit detection
- ATECC608A Crypto Co-Processor – Available for custom firmware applications
- Aluminium Enclosure – Custom extruded case with machined end panels, IP42 rated, with slotted flanges for rack or enclosure mounting
Operating Modes
- NTRIP Base Station – Send RTCM corrections to a caster over Ethernet
- NTP Time Server – Provide high-accuracy timing data to network devices via Ethernet
- GNSS Rover – Standard positioning (~30 cm) or RTK-corrected positioning (1.4 cm) via NTRIP over Ethernet or Bluetooth
- TCP Client – Stream NMEA/UBX navigation data to a remote server over Ethernet
Power Options
- ESP32 USB-C connector
- u-blox GNSS USB-C connector
- Rear USB-C power connector
- Power-over-Ethernet (36–57 V)
- 5 V I/O screw terminal (5.5 V maximum)
Ideal For
- Surveying and high-precision geolocation
- Setting up local NTRIP correction servers
- Network time synchronisation (NTP)
- GNSS data logging and research
Package Contents
- 1× Cased Reference Station
- 1× L1/L2/L5 GNSS Surveying Antenna
- 1× Reinforced RG58 TNC-SMA Cable (10 m)
- 1× SMA Wi-Fi / Bluetooth Antenna
- 1× 32 GB microSD Card (Class 10)
- 1× USB-C Power Supply (5 V 1 A)
- 1× USB-C Cable (A to C, 2 m)
- 1× Ethernet Cable (CAT-6, 1 m)
