Contributors:
PaulZC What's In The Box?
The Satellite Transceiver Breakout - Swarm M138 contains everything you need to get started with the Swarm network:
Having a hard time seeing? Click the image for a closer look.
- Swarm M138 Modem
- SparkFun Satellite Transceiver Breakout
- Swarm VHF Antenna and SparkFun Ground Plane
- Molex adhesive u.FL GNSS Antenna
- 2 x 25mm u.FL cables, u.FL to SMA adapter and 2 x M2.5 screws
The M138 modem is a Mini-PCI Express (mPCIe) format board. Installing it is as easy as slotting it into the matching connector on the Breakout board and securing it in place with the two M2.5 screws. We'll talk about Hardware Assembly in more detail below.
The modem has two u.FL antenna connections on it, one marked "VHF" (for the Very High Frequency signal used to communicate with the Swarm satellites) and a separate one for satellite navigation (marked "GPS"). You can, if you wish, connect the provided antennas directly to the u.FL connectors on the modem. Or, you can use the provided 25mm u.FL cables to connect the modem to the robust SMA connections on the Breakout.
The Swarm antenna is a purpose-designed coiled quarter-wave antenna tuned to the Swarm satellite frequencies. It does require a ground plane and so we've included one of those in the box too! It comes with mounting holes to allow it to be secured to (e.g.): 2" or 1.5" antenna pole, a camera tripod, or a handrail.
Both antennas need to be located outdoors, with a clear view of the sky. But the modem and breakout board are not weatherproof. Depending on how you are going to weatherproof the boards, and where they are going to be located, you may find additional extension cables or GNSS antennas useful.
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GPS-14986
This exceptional GPS/GNSS antenna is designed for both GPS and GLONASS reception.
3
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WRL-12861
This is a basic SMA (Sub-Miniature A) male to female connector cable. Each cable is 25cm (9.8") long and has a 50Ω impedance…
1
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GPS-19576
When experimenting with GPS or RF it can be very handy to have the antenna on the top of your house or car with a clear view …
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CAB-17495
This 10m (33') SMA extension does a great job of connecting your receiver or radio to a distant antenna with as little RF los…
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If you're going to connect the Breakout to your computer, laptop or Raspberry Pi, you're going to need a USB-C cable too:
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CAB-15426
These 0.3m cables have minor modifications that allow them to be be plugged into their ports regardless of orientation on the…
1
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CAB-15425
These 0.8m cables have minor modifications that allow them to be plugged into their ports regardless of orientation on the US…
2
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CAB-15424
These 2m cables have minor modifications that allow them to be be plugged into their ports regardless of orientation on the U…
1
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CAB-14743
USB C is fantastic. But until we have converted all our hubs, chargers, and ports over to USB C this is the cable you're goin…
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Going to connect the Breakout to your Arduino board? You will probably need: break away headers and jumper wires. 2-pin jumpers will be useful for re-linking the CH340 connections later.
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PRT-00116
A row of headers - break to fit. 40 pins that can be cut to any size. Used with custom PCBs or general custom headers.
20
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PRT-09140
This is a SparkFun exclusive! These are 155mm long, 26 AWG jumper wires terminated as male to female. Use these to jumper fro…
1
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PRT-00553
A row of right angle male headers - break to fit. 40 pins that can be cut to any size. Used with custom PCBs or general custo…
5
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PRT-09044
These are two pin jumpers (also called shunts) that will create an electrical connection between two pin headers. Commonly us…
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PRT-09389
This is a SparkFun exclusive! These are 12" long, 26 AWG jumper wires terminated as female to female. Use these to jumper fro…
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PRT-11895
These are standard 0.1" spaced header pins that can be through-hole mounted. This header connects perfectly with most 8-pin m…
