SparkPNT GNSS Documentation
website·Indexed 31 days ago
https://docs.sparkpnt.comTechnical documentation for SparkPNT GNSS Flex modules and devices, including the mosaic-X5, FPM-T, and FPL-T. Covers hardware specifications, firmware updates, and integration guides for GIS applications on Android and iOS such as QField, SW Maps, and ArcGIS Field Maps.
What's inside SparkPNT
- To achieve millimeter accuracy, the FPL requires correction values (often called RTCM or RTK corrections) to refine GNSS position calculations. These corrections are generally categorized into three types: Commercial Reference Networks (subscription-based), Public Reference Stations (often free government-provided networks), and Civilian Reference Stations (user-owned base stations).
Overview of GNSS Correction Sources for TX2
To achieve millimeter accuracy, the TX2 requires correction values (often called RTCM or RTK corrections) to refine position calculations. These sources are categorized into three main types: Commercial Reference Networks (subscription-based), Public Reference Stations (often free government-provided services), and Civilian Reference Stations (user-owned base stations).Overview of GNSS Correction Sources for FPL-T
To achieve millimeter accuracy, the FPL-T requires correction values (often called RTCM or RTK corrections) to refine GNSS position calculations. These sources are categorized into three main types:
- Commercial Reference Networks: Large-scale networks covering regions or countries, typically requiring a monthly subscription (e.g., PointPerfect, Onocoy, PointOneNav).
- Public Reference Stations: Free networks often provided by state or national departments of transportation (e.g., Wisconsin CORS, CentipedeRTK in France).
- Civilian Reference Stations: Privately owned stationary GNSS receivers (Base Stations) set up by the user.
Overview of SparkPNT GNSS Hardware Products
SparkPNT offers a range of ruggedized GNSS receivers and timing solutions. The product line includes:
- TX2: Rugged rover with multi-band RTK, waterproof aluminum enclosure, and Galileo-HAS support.
- FP: Future-proof rover/base station with a die-cast magnesium enclosure and swappable GNSS modules.
- FPL / FPL-T: Rugged combination rover and base station with multi-band RTK and Galileo-HAS support. The 'T' model adds tilt-compensation.
- FPM / FPM-T: High-performance multi-band RTK combination rover and base station. The 'T' model adds tilt-compensation.
- FPX / FPX-T: All-band RTK combination rover and base station. The 'T' model adds tilt-compensation.
- SXM-E: High-precision RTK base station featuring signal jamming and spoofing mitigation.
- SXT & SXT-D: GNSS-based disciplined oscillators for high-precision timing, supporting the Fugro AtomiChron® L-band timing service.
Overview of GNSS Correction Sources for FPM-T
To achieve millimeter accuracy, the FPM-T requires correction values (often called RTCM or RTK corrections) to refine GNSS position calculations. These sources are categorized into three main types:
- Commercial Reference Networks: Large-scale networks covering regions or countries, typically requiring a monthly subscription (e.g., PointPerfect, Onocoy, PointOneNav).
- Public Reference Stations: Free networks often provided by state or national departments of transportation (e.g., Wisconsin CORS, CentipedeRTK in France).
- Civilian Reference Stations: User-owned stationary GNSS receivers (Base Stations) that provide corrections to the rover.
Overview of GNSS Correction Sources for FPX
To achieve millimeter accuracy, the FPX requires correction values (RTCM or RTK corrections) to refine GNSS position calculations. These sources are categorized into three types:
- Commercial Reference Networks: Subscription-based services providing regional or global coverage (e.g., PointPerfect, Onocoy, PointOneNav).
- Public Reference Stations: Free networks often provided by state or national departments of transportation (e.g., Wisconsin CORS, CentipedeRTK in France).
- Civilian Reference Stations: A privately owned, stationary GNSS receiver (Base Station) set up by the user.
Overview of FPX-T Correction Sources
To achieve millimeter accuracy, the FPX-T requires correction values (RTCM or RTK corrections) to refine GNSS position calculations. These sources are categorized into three main types:
- Commercial Reference Networks: Paid subscription services providing wide regional or national coverage.
- Public Reference Stations: Free networks often provided by government agencies (e.g., state Departments of Transportation or CORS networks).
- Civilian Reference Stations: User-owned stationary GNSS receivers (Base Stations) that provide corrections to the rover.
SparkPNT FPL-T Hardware Overview
The SparkPNT FPL-T is an MFi certified, multi-band GNSS RTK surveying unit featuring Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity. It includes a built-in 1W 915MHz LoRa radio for transmitting/receiving RTK corrections over line-of-sight up to 16km. Key features include an upgradeable GNSS receiver, SD card-based configuration for fleet management, and the ability to operate as a base station (NTRIP Caster/Server) with a 'Base Assist' function for rapid configuration.Understand FPM-T Rover operating modes and accuracy levels
The FPM-T operates as a Rover by default, acting as a GNSS receiver that receives corrections from a Base station to improve accuracy. There are three primary levels of location solutions:
- 3D Fix: Standard GNSS solution achieved within 30 seconds. Accuracy is generally 1 to 2 meters.
- RTK Float: A transitional state where the receiver is resolving ambiguities in high-precision calculations after receiving base corrections. This typically lasts a few seconds.
- RTK Fix: The highest precision mode. It requires continuous corrections (via Bluetooth or WiFi) every few seconds to maintain accuracy due to ionospheric turbulence.
Access SparkPNT technical support and community forums
For technical questions and community support, use the SparkPNT forums. For issues regarding specific orders, contact SparkPNT customer support directly.Understand FPM Rover operating modes and fix levels
The FPM operates as a Rover by default, acting as a GNSS receiver that receives corrections from a Base to improve location accuracy. There are three primary fix levels for a Rover:
- 3D Fix: The basic location solution achieved within 30 seconds. Accuracy is generally 1 to 2 meters.
- RTK Float: A transitional state where the receiver is resolving ambiguities in high-precision calculations after receiving base corrections. This typically lasts a few seconds.
- RTK Fix: The highest precision mode. This is achieved by combining GNSS signals with continuous corrections (delivered via Bluetooth or WiFi every few seconds).
Understand RTCM data requirements for RTK Fix
To maintain an RTK Fix, RTCM data should be delivered approximately once per second. The data rate is roughly 1000 bytes per second. If the connection is interrupted, the FPM can typically maintain an RTK Fix for about 30 seconds before reverting to RTK Float mode. This allows for brief periods of cellular latency or packet loss without immediate loss of precision.