The SparkFun GNSS Correction Data Receiver - NEO-D9S is a satellite data receiver for L-band correction broadcast. It can be configured for use with a variety of correction services including u-blox's PointPerfect satellite GNSS augmentation service, which provides homogenous coverage in contiguous USA and Europe. With a clear view of the sky, especially a clear view to the South, it decodes the satellite transmission and outputs a correction stream, enabling a multi-band high precision GNSS receiver (such as the u-blox ZED-F9P) to reach accuracies down to centimeter-level positioning without needing a separate RTK or NTRIP correction!
The SparkFun NEO-D9S GNSS Correction Data Receiver is a satellite data receiver for L-Band correction broadcast.
$59.95
Required Materials
To follow along with this tutorial, you will need the following materials. You may not need everything though depending on what you have. Add it to your cart, read through the guide, and adjust the cart as necessary.
Wishlist for the GNSS Correction Data Receiver (NEO-D9S) Hookup Guide
We recommend an Arduino microcontroller with the ability to connect to WiFi. This is useful for those users taking advantage of both the ThingStream PointPerfect Location-as-a-Service over L-Band Satellite and Internet Protocol (IP). The following boards with the ESP32 WROOM module can work.
The IoT RedBoard is an ESP32 WROOM-equipped development board that has everything you need in an Arduino Uno with extra perksā¦
$29.95
High Precision GNSS (HPG) Module
Along with the NEO-D9S, you will need a high precision GNSS (HPG) module from u-blox. As of the writing of his tutorial, the GNSS correction data receiver works for the ZED-F9P module. You will need to make sure that it has the latest firmware when using the modules together.
The SparkFun GPS-RTK2 is a powerful breakout for the ZED-F9P module. The ZED-F9P is a top-of-the-line module for GNSS & GPS sā¦
$249.95
Antennae and Cables
Note: We found that the GNSS Multi-Band L1/L2 Surveying Antenna (TNC) - TOP106 worked for the NEO-D9S L-Band antenna. For users that want a specific active L-Band antenna, you could look at the following antenna listed below.
For the ZED-F9P, you will need a multi-band antenna to take advantage of the L1 and L2 bands. For the NEO-D9S, you will need a L-band antenna. While the GNSS Multi-band L1/L2 Surveying Antenna (TNC) TOP106 was designed for L1 and L2, we found that it was able to pick up the correction data tuned to a frequency within the L-band (1556.29MHz in the US and 1545.26MHz in EU). Make sure to also pick up the TNC to SMA male interface cable and if necessary, an additional SMA extension cable or u.FL to SMA interface cable for the ZED-F9P breakout boards populated with the u.FL connector.
A U.FL to SMA (jack) bulkhead straight connector with a 1.32 mm diameter cable.
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You could also use the u-blox or MagmaX2 multi-band antenna for the ZED-F9P and NEO-D9S in the US. However, you would also need the ground plate. Again, while they were designed for L1 and L2, we found that it was also able to pick up the correction data tuned to a frequency within the L-band within the US. You may also need an additional u.FL to SMA interface cable for ZED-F9P breakout boards populated with the u.FL connector.
This is a 500mm long 4-conductor cable with 1mm JST termination. Itās designed to connect Qwiic enabled components togetherā¦
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LiPo Battery
A single-cell Lithium-ion battery can be connected to the ESP32 IoT RedBoard's JST connector. In turn, this will power the NEO-D9S and ZED-F9P for portability.
Slim, extremely light weight batteries based on Lithium Ion chemistry. Each cell outputs a nominal 3.7V at 1000 mAh!
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Tools
Depending on your setup, you may need a soldering iron, solder, and general soldering accessories for a secure connection when using the plated through holes.
This assortment of tools is great for those of you who have experience with tools but need a fresh set of new parts for your ā¦
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Prototyping Accessories
Depending on your setup, you may want to use IC hooks for a temporary connection. However, you will want to solder header pins to connect devices to the plated through holes for a secure connection.
These are two pin jumpers (also called shunts) that will create an electrical connection between two pin headers. Commonly usā¦
$0.45
You Will Also Need
You will need access to dynamic keys to decrypt the correct data sent from an L-band satellite. Users will need to purchase a pricing plan with the ThingStream PointPerfect Location-as-a-Service over L-Band Satellite. You can also purchase a pricing plan that includes the L-Band and Internet Protocol (IP).
As stated on the coverage map from u-blox, the service includes homogeneous coverage in the contiguous USA and Europe This includes up to 12 nautical miles (roughly 22 kilometers) off coastlines. Make sure to check back on the u-blox's website to see if there is additional coverage in your region. There are additional regions under consideration for the future but they have not been included yet for L-band reception.
All states, excluding Alaska, Hawaii, and offshore US territories
Europe (L-band + IP)
Albania, Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Holy see, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UK. Excluding Sardinia and Corsica.
Note: While they recently updated the coverage to support South Korea, it seems to be only available over IP only. SPARTN correction messages do not appear be listed under their topics for L-band reception yet.
Please note: The u-blox Thingstream PointPerfect Correction Service is only available to "B2B Customers" (Business To Business Customers). Please check the Service Terms before purchasing hardware.
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