About the SXM-E Reference Station

The SXM-E Reference Station is designed to be a powerful and economical Continuously Operating Reference Station (CORS). The onboard mosaic-X5 from Septentrio is a 448-channel "all in view" receiver which supports multi-constellation GNSS signals. The mosaic-X5 also has built-in on-module support for other L-band correction services.

In addition to functioning as an RTK base, the SXM-E Reference Station can be configured as an RTK Rover, where it can use corrections to achieve a horizontal positioning accuracy of 6mm. The mosaic-X5 is a sophisticated chip that can also run an internal web server.

Need RINEX format?

We've got you covered! The mosaic-X5 can be configured to log RINEX files with different durations and intervals. It can also log data in standard NMEA or Septentrio's SBF binary format. SBF files can be converted to RINEX using Septentrio's RxTools.

Under the hood

The SparkPNT SXM-E Reference Station is based on the mosaic-X5 GNSS module from Septentrio, plus the Espressif ESP32-WROVER processor (16MB flash, 8MB PSRAM). The mosaic-X5 has USB-C connectivity (with Ethernet-over-USB), multiple UARTs, and supports full Ethernet connectivity. The only interface it doesn't offer is WiFi, so we've included the ESP32 with its own Ethernet connection. You can connect the mosaic-X5 directly to your Ethernet network - our product supports Power-over-Ethernet too. Or you can link the mosaic-X5 Ethernet port to the ESP32 Ethernet port and have the ESP32 provide WiFi connectivity. The ESP32 becomes an Ethernet to WiFi Bridge in that mode, seamlessly passing WiFi traffic to and from the mosaic-X5 via Ethernet.

Included in the Box

  • Cased GNSS Receiver

  • L1/L2/L5 Antenna

  • USB-C, Ethernet, & TNC-SMA Cables

  • SMA WiFi / BLE Antenna

  • USB-C Power Supply

  • 32GB microSD Card (Class 10)

Robust and lab-friendly

All electronics are mounted on a single circuit board inside an extruded aluminum case with machined end panels and slotted flanges, making it simple to install the RTK mosaic-X5 in a weatherproof enclosure up on the roof or in your server rack.

Technical Specifications

GNSS Details

Reception:
  • L1
  • L2
  • L5
Constellations:
  • GPS
  • GLONASS
  • Galileo
  • BeiDou
Module:

Septentrio mosaic-X5

Antenna

Multi-Band L1/L2/L5 Surveying Antenna - TNC (SPK6618H)

NGS Certified:

SFESPK6618H on the NGS Antenna Calibrations website.

ANTEX and ANTINFO files are available.

Supported Protocols & Data Formats

Corrections:
  • NTRIP
  • SBAS
Data Logging:
  • RINEX
  • NMEA
  • RTCM

Device Details

Weight:

1.6lbs

Dimensions:

180 x 102 x 41 cm

Power Options

  • USB-C
  • Power Over Ethernet (PoE)
  • External DC power

Communications

Wireless:
  • Bluetooth/BLE
  • WiFi 802.11 b/g/n

Compatible with your favorite GIS apps.

Bluetooth connectivity gives you wireless connection to your preferred data collecting mobile applications.

Supported platforms include:

See Full List

FAQs

Please read our FAQs page for more general help.

Can the SXM-E be used as both an RTK base station and an RTK rover?

Short answer, yes. While mainly designed to be a permanent base/reference station, the SXM-E can operate as either an RTK base station that generates correction data for other receivers, or as an RTK rover that consumes correction data to achieve centimeter-level positioning accuracy.

When configured as a rover, the integrated Septentrio mosaic-X5 receiver can achieve horizontal positioning accuracy down to 6 mm + 0.5 ppm under ideal RTK conditions. This flexibility allows the same hardware platform to be used for permanent CORS deployments, field surveying, robotics, autonomous systems, and precision agriculture applications.

What GNSS constellations and correction services does the SXM-E support?

The SXM-E supports all major global and regional GNSS constellations, including GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, NavIC, SBAS, and QZSS.

Its integrated Septentrio mosaic-X5 receiver is a 448-channel, all-in-view GNSS engine that can simultaneously track signals from multiple satellite systems. The receiver also supports L-band correction services, enabling access to precise positioning services beyond traditional RTK networks.

Can the SXM-E log RINEX data for post-processing and CORS applications?

Yes. The SXM-E can record GNSS observations in RINEX format, making it suitable for CORS deployments, geodetic monitoring, and post-processing workflows.

The receiver can be configured to log RINEX files with selectable durations and intervals. It also supports logging in NMEA and Septentrio Binary Format (SBF). SBF files can be converted to RINEX using Septentrio RxTools software, providing flexibility for different GNSS processing workflows.

How do I access and configure the SXM-E?

The SXM-E can be configured through a built-in web interface hosted directly on the Septentrio mosaic-X5 receiver.

Users can connect through Ethernet, Ethernet-over-USB, or Wi-Fi (via the integrated ESP32 bridge) and access the receiver using a standard web browser. The web interface provides status monitoring, receiver configuration, logging controls, and correction service management without requiring specialized software.

All of this is covered in our guide.

What makes the SXM-E suitable for permanent CORS and infrastructure deployments?

The SXM-E is designed for long-term installation with multiple power options, robust connectivity, and a durable enclosed architecture.

The system supports Power-over-Ethernet (PoE), USB-C power, and external DC power from 9–36 V. It features an aluminum enclosure, SMA antenna connections, cage-screw I/O terminals, microSD logging, and an NGS-certified antenna with published ANTEX and ANTINFO calibration data. These features make it well suited for rooftop CORS installations, infrastructure monitoring, server rack deployments, and other professional GNSS applications.

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