Sharing my SnapperGPS experience

[Keriz]

Hi everyone,

As part of my ongoing work on a hardware snapshot GNSS receiver, I was experimenting with the python snappergps implementation (mostly acquisition) that you developed. I commend you for the extensive documentation that simplifies the understanding of your work.

I took the time to assemble a hardware unit on my leisure time and acquired a few snapshots. The entire pipeline is smooth and the end user experience incredibly easy. I was able to run the python code (minus a few fixes for some packages due to my setup), setup my board and read back the data with on the hosted backend.

A few notes taken during the whole process:

• I'd probably not recommend to use a paperclip to short VDD and SWCLK, but rather use a slim button or solder a wire (depending on how often you flash the firmware..)
• Sadly the Skyworks SE4150L L1 receiver is discontinued! It was a bit of a pain to source, although I was able to find it for a higher price. I did not find a pin compatible replacement part.

Now a few pictures:

1. During the vapor phase soldering..

2. With the 3D printed tray

3. 110mAh battery before assembly with the connector :>)

4. It's alive!

I guess I should attach it on my bicycle and ride further!

Cheers and congratulation for the work,

Guillaume

[JonasBchrt]

Hey, thanks for sharing!

Your first comment on the paperclip sounds too familiar... we had to flash more than 100 devices so far. @amanda-matthes ended up printing a really helpful "flash cradle" to speed up the process. Basically, just a tray in which you push the PCB upside-down. But there are 2 shortened pogo pins in the cradle that will make contact with the VDD and SWCLK pads of the PCB.
Maybe she finds some time to make her design open source. If not, I will at least document the idea properly on GitHub.

[JonasBchrt]

Hi @Keriz

We are currently running a structured, anonymous survey among SnapperGPS users and I was wondering if you'd be willing to spend ~5 min of your time to put your feedback in?
Would be highly appreciated. We are currently working on our PhD theses and would like to include the results.
Almost all questions are optional - any amount of feedback would be appreciated.

[Keriz]

Hi Jonas,

I answered your survey - good luck with the PhD thesis.