GNSS Basestation - RTKit

with GNSS Module & Single-Board Computer (SBC)

RTKit is a straightforward, cost-effective project for building your own GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) base station using a single-board computer (SBC) and a high-precision GNSS module.
Powered by ELT_RTKBase – supports both modules out-of-the-box. Integrates seamlessly with onocoy.

📄 Key Components

Component	Recommendation/Example	Image	Notes
Raspberry Pi Zero 2W	Official Site (WH preferred)		"H" = pre-soldered headers (for fans).
Ethernet/USB Hub	Waveshare ETH/USB Hub HAT		HAT: Compact; BOX: For Mosaic-X5 (enclosed GNSS).
USB-A to USB-C OTG	AliExpress (Male-Male)		Required for UM980.
Aluminum Heat Sink	Passive Cooling		Passive cooling.
2x Fans (30x30x8mm)	AliExpress 5V/3V		Active cooling; connect to GPIO (pinout: link).
Power Supply	Official Micro USB 5.1V/2.5A		Essential for stable operation.
MicroSD Card	8-32GB, Class 10 recommended		For Raspberry Pi OS.
Enclosure/Case	User's choice → See [Optional Section]

One of these GNSS modules / GNSS Module Variants

Module	Connection	Enclosure Needs	Image	Notes
UM980	USB-A → USB-C OTG Adapter	Separate case (3D/custom)		Compact board; needs mounting.
Mosaic-X5	USB-C Cable	Built-in housing; use ETH-USB-HUB-BOX		Dongle-style

To complete your setup, you will need the following components:

Component	Recommendation/Example	Image/Link	Notes
GNSS Antenna	Beitian BS-800S		Multi-band, skyward view.
LM400 Cable	SMA to TNC-K		⚠️ TNC-K required (not standard TNC) – Different sizes! Buy antenna + cable bundle from same supplier for compatibility.
Mounting Bracket	Pole mount		For stable outdoor installation.

🚀 Installation Guide

Prerequisites:

• A computer for initial SD card flashing.
• Internet access for downloads and configuration.

🏠 Optional: Custom Enclosures & 3D Printing

Choose any waterproof case for outdoor use.
3D-printable files: /print_files.

Enclosure Options

Option	Pros	Image/Link
3D-Printed	Custom fit, low-cost	(https://github.com/airtkey/RTKit/tree/main/print_files)
Waveshare USB-HUB-BOX		(https://www.waveshare.com/product/raspberry-pi/hats/interface-power/usb-hub-box.htm)
Off-the-Shelf	Quick, rugged (outdoor-ready)	Examples

3D Print Settings

Parameter	Recommendation
Materials	PETG, ASA, or PLA+
Orientation	Flat (bottom down)
Supports	None required
Infill	20-40%
No Printer?	Craftcloud3D

🔨 Assemble the Main Board

Choose your GNSS variant and cooling method first. Both UM980 and Mosaic-X5 auto-detect in software (see Setup).

Cooling Options (Pick One)

Type	Components	Steps	Image
Passive (Recommended for low-power)	Aluminum Heatsink	Peel & stick on Pi CPU. No wiring.
Active (For hot environments)	2x 30x30x8mm Fans (5V/3V)	Mount on lid → Wire to GPIO (Pinout below).

GPIO Fan Pinout (Active only):

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Variant 1: UM980 GNSS Board (Compact Stack)

1. Stack ETH-Hub on Pi Zero: Follow Waveshare manual (snap/align headers).
2. Attach OTG Adapter: USB-A to USB-C → Right port on Pi Zero.
3. Connect UM980: Plug board into OTG adapter.
4. Mount in Case: Place assembly inside (ETH-USB-HUB-BOX or 3D-printed).
5. Secure: Screws to fix board.
6. Antenna: Route cable through gland → Screw TNC plug.
7. Cooling: Apply heatsink or attach/connect fans (as chosen).

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Variant 2: Mosaic-X5 GNSS (Dongle w/ USB-C Cable)

1. Stack ETH-Hub on Pi Zero: Follow Waveshare manual.

2. Connect Mosaic-X5: USB-C cable → ETH-Hub USB port (dongle has housing).

3. Mount in Case: ETH-USB-HUB-BOX (Pi+Hub inside); Mosaic external.

4. Secure: Screws for board.

5. Antenna: Route through case gland → Screw to Mosaic.

6. Cooling: Apply heatsink or attach/connect fans.

   
   

⚠️ Important Notes: Mosaic-X5 Setup & Operation

• Pre-Installation Requirement Connect the Mosaic-X5 before performing a fresh OS installation. Switching from UM980? → A full reinstallation is required (ensure Mosaic is plugged in during setup).

• Startup/Reboot Behavior After power-up or reboot, the Mosaic-X5 requires several minutes to fully initialize. Operational status: All three LEDs must be active.

• Troubleshooting: No Signals in Dashboard? Verify GNSS reception via the Mosaic web server:

  1. Open Settings → Scroll to GNSS Receiver Information (bottom of the page).
  2. Check signal status.

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Flash the OS

Download and flash Raspberry Pi OS Lite (64-bit) in the Debian Bookworm version to your microSD card using Raspberry Pi Imager. Enable SSH and Wi-Fi before proceeding. For more detailed information on flashing and setup, please refer to: https://www.raspberrypi.com/documentation/computers/getting-started.html#installing-the-operating-system.

2. Connect via SSH

Insert the SD card into your Raspberry Pi and power it up.
Then connect using an SSH client like PuTTY:

3. Update the System

Before proceeding with the installation, ensure your system is up to date. Run the following commands:

sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade -y

3. Install the ELT_RTKBase Software

Open a terminal (ssh with putty) on the Pi and run two times:

wget https://github.com/GNSSOEM/ELT_RTKBase/raw/main/install.sh
chmod +x install.sh
./install.sh

The script will install the required software and drivers, and start the dashboard (usually accessible at http://raspberrypi.local).

💡 After installation, you can connect it to onocoy directly from the web dashboard.

Quick Start Guide (w/ Manual Refs)

Manual Link: (https://github.com/GNSSOEM/ELT_RTKBase/blob/main/Doc/ELT_RTKBase_v1.8.1_EN.pdf)

Step	Manual Page
Access to the dashboard	Site 18
Setup for onocoy stream	Site 47

🔗 Related Links

• onocoy Network
• ELT_RTKBase

📬 Contact

Questions? Ideas?
Feel free to:

• Reach out via YouTube
• Message me on Discord – you’ll find me in the onocoy server as alex_multimining.
• Or on X (Twitter): @alex_multimining

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