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Hardware Assembly

Board Alignment

The GNSS Flex system is a modular ecosystem designed around two 2x10-pin, 2mm pitch headers, so boards are pin-compatible for upgrades and easily swapped for repairs. Users simply, stack a SparkPNT GNSS Flex module onto the headers of its associated carrier board. The alignment of these boards is annotated with a triangle in the corner of the mating area.

Flex system board mating

The alignment and connection of a SparkPNT GNSS Flex module on top of a carrier board.

External Antenna

In order to receive GNSS signals, users will need a compatible antenna. For the best performance, we recommend an active, L1/L2/L5/L6 GNSS antenna.

  • External antennas can be connected through the U.FL connector on the GNSS Flex board.
  • For a sturdier connection, there is a signal pass-through between the U.FL and SMA antenna connectors of the Flex carrier boards. Users can to bridge the U.FL connections of the boards to utilize the SMA connector for a GNSS antenna.

Antenna connection

Attaching an antenna directly to the GNSS Flex board.

Antenna connection

Bridging the U.FL connections to utilize the SMA connector on a carrier board.

Tip

For the best performance, we recommend users choose a compatible L1/L2/L5/L6 GNSS antenna and utilize a low-loss cable. Also, don't forget that GNSS signals are fairly weak and can't penetrate buildings or dense vegetation. The GNSS antenna should have an unobstructed view of the sky.

Note

Please keep in mind that these are general suggestions for our GNSS Flex modules. Some of these boards may have multiple GNSS antenna connections, an integrated antenna, support specific frequency bands, etc. For more details on a specific GNSS Flex module, please refer to their hookup guide.