Introduction

This article explains how to use Skylark, Swift Navigation's cloud-based GNSS corrections, with Quectel LG290P receiver, to improve computed position accuracy. 


The LG290P is compatible with the following Skylark variants:

Skylark Nx RTK


Preparation and Tips

To use Skylark corrections with LG290P, the following are required:

  1. Quectel LG290P with firmware version LG290P03AANR01A05S (Check Appendix A to check Firmware version and Appendix B to update Firmware version) or newer

  2. L1/L5 or L1/L2/L5 GNSS antenna in open sky location (refer to GNSS Antenna Placement Guidelines)

  3. Windows, macOS, or Linux computer with Internet access connected to LG290P over USB

  4. QGNSS V2.1 or newer software available for download on Quectel's Website

  5. Skylark account (if you do not have an account, go to Skylark Sign up)

The procedure outlined below has been tested using LG290P with firmware version LG290P03AANR01A05S and the QGNSS V2.1 tool from Quectel.


Receiver Connections

The Skylark corrections are distributed over the Internet using NTRIP protocol. Quectel's QGNSS tool features a built-in NTRIP client that operates over an Internet connection (preferably via Ethernet). A reliable Internet connection is required for good navigation performance.


The receiver must be connected to an L1/L5 or triple-band GNSS Antenna with a good open sky v. A USB cable is used to connect the receiver to the Control Computer.


Connection Diagram


Setting up Quectel LG290P

  1. Connect the receiver to the computer and note the COM port. Ensure there is internet access.

  2. Start the QGNSS2 software. On the toolbar, click the gear icon, 'Set Device Information'. 
    1. Select the correct COM port
    2. Select the receiver model as LG290P from the drop down
    3. Set the baud rate as 460800
    4. Click OK

  3. Click on the 'Connect or Disconnect' Icon.


  4. There should be at least 10 satellites in view, strong GNSS signals should reach a level of around 45 dB-Hz, and the receiver should have a valid DGNSS Quality Indicator.
  5. Check if the firmware version is LG290P03AANR01A05S or newer (Appendix A) otherwise, perform firmware update (Appendix B)


Using Skylark Corrections

  1. On the toolbar, go to Tools -> NTRIP -> NTRIP Client


  2. In the NTRIP Client window, under the Client tab, enter one of the following URLs based on your region. Please note that in the URL, l1l5 is lower case L1L5. 
    RegionURL
    Europeeu.l1l5.skylark.swiftnav.com
    North Americana.l1l5.skylark.swiftnav.com
    Asia / Pacificap.l1l5.skylark.swiftnav.com


  3. Enter the Port as 2101 and your Skylark Account credentials

  4. Click 'Update NTRIP source table' button to get the mount points populated.

  5. From the NTRIP mount point drop-down menu, select:

    NXRTK-MSM5RTK MSM5 corrections (ITRF2020 reference frame)


  6. Toggle the 'Connect To Host' button to receive corrections.
  7. Refer to NTRIP Client Configuration for Skylark Corrections for a full list of available mountpoints (corrections data streams), including regional reference frames (datums).

Verifying Use of Corrections


To verify that the receiver is using corrections, check the Data View window and look at the Quality Indicator field. You should see Fixed RTK if you are using NXRTK-MSM5 mount point.



Appendix A - Checking Firmware Version

To check the Firmware Version on the receiver,

  1. On the toolbar, go to Tools -> Command Console

  2. Enter the command $PQTMVERNO*58

  3. Check the Text Window for the response. 


Appendix B - Firmware Update


To update the firmware to the latest version,

  1. On the Toolbar, go to Tools -> Firmware Download

  2. In the Firmware Download window, click Browse and select the latest firmware.pkg file.

  3. Click Start
  4. Press Reset Button to complete the Download.

  5. Power cycle the receiver and Firmware download is complete.

References

Skylark Sign up

Quectel DownloadZone 

Quectel LG290P Series


Related Articles

Skylark Nx RTK Specification

NTRIP Client Configuration for Skylark Corrections

Receiver Configuration for Skylark Nx RTK Operation