GPS centimeter-level precision

[aaron4522]

Normal GPS is accurate to ~5m. Massachusetts has a network of stations which will give us much better precision.

• What do we need to do to get this working?

https://www.mass.gov/how-to/the-massachusetts-continuously-operating-reference-station-network-macors https://macors.massdot.state.ma.us/SBC/Account/Index?returnUrl=%2FSBC

[BrianLucas26]

MassDot - MaCORS is a subscription service to provide real-time GNSS RTK correction data from stations around Massachusetts's. (link --> https://macors.massdot.state.ma.us/SBC/User/Shop)

We need a new GNSS receiver to recognize RTK data formats. Exact receiver to be bought needs to still be researched.

[BrianLucas26]

Leading candidate: https://www.sparkfun.com/products/18037

[aaron4522]

Created a MaCORS account using sailbot email. Closest RTK station is ~4km away in Amesbury meaning we only need a rover (maCORS supplies the correction data). If competition is <20km away from a correction source we'll need to buy and set up a base station.

RTK Rover receiver candidates

MaCORS requirements:

• Uses any of these formats: RTCM 2.3, RTCM 3.1, CMR, CMR+, RTCM3.2 MSM4
• Capable of sending NMEA data to station
  • Cellular data connection via NTRIP protocol

Options:

TODO: Needs more research All boards: https://www.sparkfun.com/rtk#boards

• $180 https://www.sparkfun.com/products/15005
• $275 https://www.sparkfun.com/products/16481 or https://www.sparkfun.com/products/15136
• $350 https://www.sparkfun.com/products/22560

Setup

Overall process: https://learn.sparkfun.com/tutorials/gps-rtk2-hookup-guide#connecting-the-zed-f9p-to-a-correction-source

[aaron4522]

Competition will be in Worcester this year. Check if there's any nearby RTK stations.