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Hardware Assembly

USB Programming (UART1)

The USB connection can be utilized for serial communication and configuring the LG290P GNSS module. Users only need to connect their Quad-band GNSS RTK breakout board to a computer, using a USB-C cable.

Quad-band GNSS RTK breakout board USB connection

The Quad-band GNSS RTK breakout board with USB-C cable being attached.

Default Baud Rate

The default baud rate of the UART ports on the LG290P is 460800bps.

GNSS Antenna

In order to receive GNSS signals, users will need to connect a compatible antenna. For the best performance, we recommend users choose an active, multi-band GNSS antenna and utilize a low-loss cable.

Antenna Specifications

  • Passive antennas are not recommended for the LG290P GNSS module.
  • To mitigate the impact of out-of-band signals, utilize an active antenna whose SAW filter is placed in front of the LNA in the internal framework.
    • DO NOT select and antenna with the LNA placed in the front.
  • There is no need to inject an external DC voltage into the SMA connector for the GNSS antenna. Power is already provided from the LG290P module for the LNA of an active antenna.

Quad-band GNSS RTK breakout board antenna connector

A GNSS antenna attached to the SMA connector on the Quad-band GNSS RTK breakout board.

JST Connector (UART3)

The JST connector on the Quad-band GNSS RTK board, breaks out the UART3 port of the LG290P GNSS module. In most circumstances, users will utilize the JST connector to interface with one of our radios to transmit or receive RTK correction data.

Device connected to the JST connector

The Telemetry Radio v3 connected to the Quad-band GNSS RTK breakout.

When connecting the Quad-band GNSS RTK breakout board to other products, users should be aware of the pin connections between the devices. The table below, details the pin connections of the locking JST connector on the Quad-band GNSS RTK breakout board.

Pin Number 1
(Left Side)
2 3 4
Label VCC TX3 RX3 GND
Function Voltage Output
- Default: 3.3V
- 3.3V or 5V
UART3 - Receive UART3 - Transmit Ground

Default Baud Rate

The default baud rate of the UART ports on the LG290P is 460800bps.

Radio Transceivers

We have designed the locking JST connector to be plun-n-play with the following devices and cables. However, for the SiK Telemetry Radio v3, users should modify the VSEL jumper on the back of the board to enable a 5V output on the VCC pin. Below, is a table summarizing the pin connections of the radios.

Pin Number 1
(Left Side)
2 3 4 5 6
(Right)
Label 5V RX - SiK
RXI - LoRaSerial
TX - SiK
TXO - LoRaSerial
CTS RTS GND
Function Voltage Input
- SiK: 5V
- LoRaSerial: 3.3 to 5V
UART - Receive UART - Transmit Flow Control
Clear-to-Send
Flow Control
Ready-to-Send
Ground

Radio Pin Connections

As documented in the LoRaSerial product manual, the pin connections between a host system (i.e. Quad-band GNSS RTK breakout board) and the LoRaSerial radio is outlined in the image below.

UART w/ Flow Control
The pin connections between a radio and the Quad-band GNSS RTK breakout board.

However, the flow control pins (CTS and RTS) are not available on the Quad-band GNSS RTK breakout board. Therefore, when connecting either of the radios, the pin connections should follow the table below:

Board RX TX GND
Radio TX RX GND

Breakout Pins

The PTH pins on the Quad-band GNSS RTK board are broken out into 0.1"-spaced pins on the outer edges of the board.

New to soldering?

If you have never soldered before or need a quick refresher, check out our How to Solder: Through-Hole Soldering guide.

When selecting headers, be sure you are aware of the functionality you require.

Soldering headers
Soldering headers to the Quad-band GNSS RTK breakout board.

For a more permanent connection, users can solder wires directly to the board.

Soldering wires
Soldering wires to the Quad-band GNSS RTK breakout board.

BlueSMiRF Header (UART2)

The BlueSMiRF header pins on the Quad-band GNSS RTK board, breaks out the UART2 port of the LG290P GNSS module. This pin layout is perfect for connecting a serial-to-UART adapter or a transceiver for serial data, such as the BlueSMiRF Bluetooth™ serial-link.

Male Header Attached

Soldering male header pins to the Quad-band GNSS RTK breakout board.

Male Header Attached

Soldering female header pins to the Quad-band GNSS RTK breakout board.

Female Header Attached

Soldering female header pins to the back of the Quad-band GNSS RTK breakout board.

Jumper Access

When soldering a header to the back of the board, be aware that you'll loose access to the jumper in that area.

BlueSMiRF transceiver - top
Female header covering the BT-VCC jumper.

Default Baud Rate

The default baud rate of the UART ports on the LG290P is 460800bps.

Default Baud Rate

The baud rate for the BlueSMiRF transceiver is configured by the SerialSpeed parameter. The default configuration is SerialSpeed: 115200bps.

Connecting a BlueSMiRF transceiver to a female header that was soldered to the Quad-band GNSS RTK breakout board. This will allow users to pair their board with a mobile device; and log PNT data on the mobile device and/or connect the LG290P to an NTRIP server for RTK corrections (through mobile device's cellular or WiFi connection).

BlueSMiRF transceiver - top
Female header pins soldered to the top of the board.

BlueSMiRF transceiver - bottom
Female header pins soldered to the back of the board.

Connecting a UART adapter (Serial Basic) to a male header that was soldered to the Quad-band GNSS RTK breakout board. This will allow users to configure the LG290P, when the USB connection is unavailable.

Serial Basic
The adapter connected to the Quad-band GNSS RTK breakout board.

Default Baud Rate

The baud rate for OpenLog needs to be configured in the config.txt file.

Connecting an OpenLog to the Quad-band GNSS RTK breakout board. This will allow users to automatically log PNT data from the LG290P.

BlueSMiRF transceiver - top
An OpenLog connected to the Quad-band GNSS RTK breakout board.