Ctrlk

SparkFun RTK Facet

The SparkFun RTK Facet is a GNSS receiver built around the u-blox ZED-F9P module, designed for the maker, DIY, and professional surveying community. It tracks GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and BeiDou on L1/L2 frequencies and delivers centimeter-level accuracy with RTK corrections. The Facet can be configured in two ways: through a Bluetooth-connected NTRIP client app (like SW Maps) on your phone, or through the device's built-in WiFi configuration portal. It features a rechargeable battery, microSD logging, and a standard 5/8"-11 survey pole thread.

Requirements

  • SparkFun RTK Facet with clear sky visibility

  • Smartphone or tablet with internet connection

  • One of the following for NTRIP:

    • Option A (recommended): SW Maps app (Android) or Lefebure NTRIP Client (Android) connected via Bluetooth

    • Option B: WiFi configuration portal for built-in NTRIP client (no phone app needed — the Facet connects directly to WiFi and fetches corrections itself)

  • RTKdata.com account with active RTK credentials

  • Survey pole (optional, 5/8"-11 thread)

Don't have an RTKdata.com account yet? 👉 Start 30-day Free Trial or View Pricing

Setup Path A: Bluetooth + SW Maps (Android)

1

Power on in Rover mode

  1. Press the power button on the RTK Facet. The OLED display will show the SparkFun logo, then switch to the status screen.

  2. Confirm the device is in Rover mode (shown on the display). If it shows "Base," short-press the mode button to switch.

  3. The display shows satellite count and solution status.

2

Pair via Bluetooth

  1. On your Android phone, go to Settings → Bluetooth and pair with RTK Facet-XXXX (where XXXX is the device serial).

  2. Open SW Maps (free on Google Play).

  3. Tap the Bluetooth GPS icon (top bar) → Select GPS Device → choose RTK Facet-XXXX.

  4. SW Maps will confirm "Connected to external GPS."

3

Configure NTRIP in SW Maps

  1. In SW Maps, tap the menu (three lines) → NTRIP Connection.

  2. Tap Add or Edit to create a new NTRIP profile.

  3. Enter the following settings. Select the tab for your region:

  • Host (domain): rtk.rtkdata.com

  • Host (IP fallback): 13.56.117.10

  • Port: 2101

  • Username / Password: From RTK Credentials in the internal dashboard (not website login)

  • Mountpoint (ALL CAPS): AUTO (recommended) — or AUTO_WGS84, AUTO_ITRF2020, AUTO_ITRF2014

Also configure:

  • Send NMEA GGA: Enabled

Only these four mountpoints are valid. Always use ALL CAPS.

  1. Tap Connect.

  2. SW Maps will show "NTRIP Connected" and the solution type will progress toward RTK Fix.

Setup Path B: WiFi Configuration Portal

This method lets the RTK Facet connect to corrections directly over WiFi, without needing a phone as a data relay.

1

Enter WiFi config mode

  1. With the Facet powered on, press and hold the mode button until the display shows WiFi Config or AP Mode.

  2. The Facet creates a WiFi access point named RTK Facet Setup.

2

Connect and open the portal

  1. On your phone or laptop, connect to the RTK Facet Setup WiFi network.

  2. Open a browser and navigate to http://192.168.4.1.

  3. The RTK Facet configuration portal loads.

3

Configure NTRIP client

  1. In the web portal, navigate to the NTRIP Client section.

  2. Enable the NTRIP Client toggle.

  3. Enter the settings. Select the tab for your region:

  • Host (domain): rtk.rtkdata.com

  • Host (IP fallback): 13.56.117.10

  • Port: 2101

  • Username / Password: From RTK Credentials in the internal dashboard (not website login)

  • Mountpoint (ALL CAPS): AUTO (recommended) — or AUTO_WGS84, AUTO_ITRF2020, AUTO_ITRF2014

Also configure:

  • Transmit NMEA GGA: Enabled

Only these four mountpoints are valid. Always use ALL CAPS.

  1. In the WiFi Networks section, add your home/office WiFi or phone hotspot credentials so the Facet can reach the internet.

  2. Click Save and Exit Config Mode.

  3. The Facet reboots and automatically connects to WiFi and then to the NTRIP caster.

What to expect

  • OLED display: Shows satellite count, solution type (3D/Float/Fix), horizontal accuracy estimate, and battery level.

  • Convergence time: 20–60 seconds to Float, 30–120 seconds to Fix.

  • Accuracy at Fix: 1.4 cm + 1 ppm horizontal (ZED-F9P specification).

  • Battery life: Approximately 10–14 hours depending on Bluetooth/WiFi usage.

  • LED ring: The Facet has colored LEDs that change based on solution status — check the SparkFun documentation for your firmware version's color scheme.

Vertical reference (heights)

Heights from RTKdata.com are ellipsoidal, not orthometric (mean sea level). If your project requires orthometric heights, apply a geoid model in your GIS software.

Troubleshooting

Problem
Cause
Fix

SW Maps cannot find the Facet

Not paired at OS level

Pair in Android Bluetooth settings first, then select in SW Maps.

WiFi portal won't load at 192.168.4.1

Not connected to Facet's AP

Verify your device is on the "RTK Facet Setup" WiFi network and not auto-switching to cellular.

NTRIP connects but no Fix

GGA not being sent

Enable NMEA GGA transmission in either SW Maps or the WiFi portal settings.

"Mount point does not exist"

Wrong capitalization

Type AUTO in all caps.

Facet gets corrections over WiFi but loses connection outdoors

Out of WiFi range

Use your phone's mobile hotspot as the WiFi network. The Facet will connect to your phone's hotspot for internet access.

Slow convergence or frequent Float drops

Firmware outdated

Update the Facet firmware via the SparkFun RTK firmware update tool. Newer ZED-F9P firmware significantly improves RTK performance.

Tips and tricks

  • Path A (Bluetooth + SW Maps) is best for fieldwork because your phone provides reliable mobile internet. Path B (WiFi) is better for static setups or when you want a phone-free solution using a local WiFi network.

  • Update the ZED-F9P firmware using u-blox u-center. SparkFun ships with a stable firmware, but u-blox regularly improves convergence times and constellation support.

  • The microSD card logs raw data by default. Use these logs for PPK post-processing if your NTRIP connection is intermittent.

  • SW Maps is free and powerful. It supports data collection, stakeout, area calculations, and KML/shapefile export — a full survey workflow at no cost.

  • The Facet is open-source. If you need custom behavior, the firmware is available on SparkFun's GitHub and can be modified with the Arduino IDE.

  • For iOS users, consider Lefebure NTRIP Client or similar apps, as SW Maps is Android-only.

PreviousBad Elf Flex MiniNextSeptentrio mosaic-X5

Last updated

Was this helpful?