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configuring the zed f9p

lansalot edited this page Feb 19, 2024 · 5 revisions

Configuring the Ardusimple F9P (a.k.a U-Blox Zed f9p GPS Receiver) ZED-F9P

Make life easy by using the AOG-Config-O-Matic! Get it here! https://github.com/lansalot/AOGConfigOMatic/releases


But if you want to do it the hard way (or if the above way fails..)

Common mistakes that you can avoid:

  • Always use 460,000 baud rate.
  • Always Save Config.

So, you've a selection of expensive hardware in front of you - what next?

Well, before you plug them in, you did do those board checks first, as mentioned here ?

First, get the firmware and configuration files here, so go grab them (you can get them all in one zip file here.

Unzip them, the 4 text files are the configuration you upload to the F9Ps, and the .bin file is the firmware.

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U-Center

Follow this ArduSimple Guide (except step 1, you already have the firmware) on how to perform a firmware upgrade, for which you'll need U-Center v22.07 installed on your PC. U-Center might need .NET environments. Brute force all-in-one installer

How to connect the receiver?

If you're using the Micro F9Ps, the Ag board will need 12V to power it up, and use the micro USB jacks to connect to your PC one at a time!

If you're using the Standard F9Ps that have the USB jack on, use the jack at the FRONT next to the antenna connector, not the one at the rear. You can flash the standard ones direct with your PC, you do not need them plugged into the board.

On the board, and looking at them from the point of "antenna jack at the front", you'll have a LEFT and a RIGHT socket. Plug one of the Micro F9Ps in and And PLUG an antenna in, don't power up the F9P without one. Remember, Micros are powered by the board. It doesn't matter which port you use to flash the firmware/config, but don't get them mixed up afterwards. Note which is which.

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Open U-Center, and connect to your F9P (there should only be one) and it will have picked a COM port number (this is why you do one at a time); In the top left menus, find that COM port and pick a speed of 460800. imageimage

If you have multiple COM ports you might need to keep trying util it connects successfully to the GPS receiver.

How to upgrade the firmware?

Download the latest firmware:

Connect to your receiver.

Tools -> Firmware Update

Choose Baud Rate of 460,000 image

Hit Go! at the bottom left wait a minute or two and if there's no error message you're good.

Explaining the configuration files

These GPS modules can be used for multiple purposes. There are some configuration files to assist you. Choose the files according to your needs:

  • SingleAntenna -> use this when you have only 1 GPS receiver in your system (with or without the AIO board)
  • DualAntenna -> use these when you have 2 GPS receiver in your system. Don't forget to OFFSET the GPS antenna in AgOpenGPS as 1 antenna is used for the position and the other is for the heading/roll to act like the IMU in single antenna config. Make sure you don't mix up the antennas when installing them on the board. 1.32 firmware has some issues. Roll is not stable it can only do 8Hz so we recommend using 1.13 for Dual. And don't forget to configure the offset for your antenna in AgOpenGPS!
  • RadioBaseStation -> use this for the RTK base station

How to Configure?

Open Tools, Receiver Configuration,

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and pick your file

Then click "Transfer File -> GNSS".

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Once that's done, go to Receiver -> Action -> Save Config and SAVE IT! Alternatively you can do View -> Messages View and SAVE IT! This will be the F9P that will end up in your left-hand socket.

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For single board you'll all set. For Dual board: power the board down, disconnect USB and put the other one in, reconnect USB, power up the board.

Follow the same procedure and this time for Right receiver pick 1.13 DualAntennaPosition_GGA VTG RTCM-Right.txt This will be the F9P going in the right-hand socket.

As above, save.

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