TinkerRTK ESPNow RTK Communication - image 1
Build Guideintermediate

TinkerRTK ESPNow RTK Communication

Open-source Arduino project using ESP-NOW protocol for peer-to-peer RTK correction data exchange between TinkerNav boards, enabling infrastructure-free centimeter-level GPS positioning.

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Boards:ESP32-S3RP2040
Firmware:Arduino
Use Cases:GPS TrackingRobotics
GitHub

Overview

This project uses ESP-NOW, Espressif's connectionless WiFi communication protocol, to transmit RTK correction data between TinkerNav boards without requiring any WiFi infrastructure. ESP-NOW provides low-latency, peer-to-peer communication ideal for short-to-medium range RTK applications.

Key Features

  • No WiFi Infrastructure Required: ESP-NOW enables direct board-to-board communication
  • Low Latency: ESP-NOW protocol provides faster data transfer than traditional WiFi connections
  • Simple Setup: Minimal configuration needed compared to WiFi network or NTRIP approaches
  • Open Source: Full Arduino source code available on GitHub

Use Cases

  • Quick RTK setup in the field without WiFi access
  • Robotics applications requiring low-latency position corrections
  • Temporary surveying deployments
  • Educational demonstrations of RTK positioning

Hardware Required

  • 2x TinkerNav RTK GNSS base boards
  • 2x GNSS antennas
  • USB-C cables for programming

Getting Started

  1. Clone the repository from GitHub
  2. Open the base station and rover sketches in Arduino IDE
  3. Flash each TinkerNav board with the appropriate sketch
  4. Deploy outdoors with GNSS antennas and ground planes

Resources

GitHub Repository

Source code & project files