Quectel LC29D User manual

LC29D
EVB(0) User Guide
GNSS Module Series
Version: 1.0
Date: 2021-07-06
Status: Released

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Our aim is to provide customers with timely and comprehensive service. For any assistance,
contact our company headquarters:
Quectel Wireless Solutions Co., Ltd.
Building 5, Shanghai Business Park Phase III (Area B), No.1016 Tianlin Road, Minhang District, Shanghai
200233, China
Tel: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
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Or send an email to [e-mail].
General Notes
Quectel offers the information as a service to its customers. The information provided is based upon
customers’ requirements. Quectel makes every effort to ensure the quality of the information it makes
available. Quectel does not make any warranty as to the information contained herein, and does not accept
any liability for any injury, loss or damage of any kind incurred by the use of or reliance upon the information.
All information supplied herein is subject to change without prior notice.
Disclaimer
While Quectel has made efforts to ensure that the functions and features under development are free from
errors, it is possible that these functions and features could contain errors, inaccuracies and omissions.
Unless otherwise provided by valid agreement, Quectel makes no warranties of any kind, implied or
express, with respect to the use of features and functions under development. To the maximum extent
permitted by law, Quectel excludes all liability for any loss or damage suffered in connection with the use
of the functions and features under development, regardless of whether such loss or damage may have
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to any third party without prior written consent by Quectel. Quectel reserves the right to take legal action
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the documentation and information.

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Copyright
The information contained here is proprietary technical information of Quectel. Transmitting, reproducing,
disseminating and editing this document as well as using the content without permission is forbidden.
Offenders will be held liable for payment of damages. All rights are reserved in the event of a patent grant
or registration of a utility model or design.
Copyright © Quectel Wireless Solutions Co., Ltd. 2021. All rights reserved.

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Safety Information
The following safety precautions must be observed during all phases of operation, such as usage, service
or repair of any terminal incorporating Quectel LC29D module. Manufacturers of the terminal should send
the following safety information to users and operating personnel, and incorporate these guidelines into all
manuals supplied with the product. Otherwise, Quectel assumes no liability for customers’ failure to comply
with these precautions.
Ensure that the product may be used in the country and the required environment,
as well as that it conforms to the local safety and environmental regulations.
Keep away from explosive and flammable materials. The use of electronic products
in extreme power supply conditions and locations with potentially explosive
atmospheres may cause fire and explosion accidents.
The product must be powered by a stable voltage source, while the wiring must
conform to security precautions and fire prevention regulations.
Proper ESD handling procedures must be followed throughout the mounting,
handling and operation of any devices and equipment that incorporate the module
to avoid ESD damages.

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About the Document
Revision History
Document Information
Title
LC29D EVB(0) User Guide
Subtitle
GNSS Module Series
Document Type
EVB User Guide
Document Status
Released
Version
Date
Description
-
2021-03-29
Creation of the document
1.0
2021-07-06
First official release

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Contents
Safety Information...................................................................................................................................... 3
About the Document.................................................................................................................................. 4
Contents...................................................................................................................................................... 5
Table Index.................................................................................................................................................. 6
Figure Index................................................................................................................................................ 7
1Introduction......................................................................................................................................... 8
2General Overview................................................................................................................................ 9
2.1. EVK Kit Accessories .................................................................................................................. 9
2.2. Connecting Cables and Antenna to EVB................................................................................. 10
3Board User Interfaces....................................................................................................................... 11
3.1. EVB Top View............................................................................................................................11
3.2. Board User Interfaces .............................................................................................................. 12
4Using QCOM Tool to Communicate................................................................................................ 16
4.1. Communication via the Type-B USB Interface ........................................................................ 16
5Using QGNSS Tool to Test............................................................................................................... 18
5.1. COM Port and Baud Rate Setting............................................................................................ 18
5.1.1. Interface Explanation .................................................................................................... 19
5.2. Automatic TTFF Testing........................................................................................................... 21
6DR Application .................................................................................................................................. 24
7RTK Application................................................................................................................................ 25
7.1. Connecting to Base Station ..................................................................................................... 25
7.1.1. Get RTCM Data through QGNSS Tool ......................................................................... 26
7.1.1.1. Hardware Link Connection ...................................................................................26
7.1.1.2. Module Configuration Method .............................................................................. 26
7.1.1.3. RTK Account Configuration Method .....................................................................28
7.1.2. Get RTCM Data through EG25-G Module.................................................................... 29
7.1.2.1. Hardware Link Connection ...................................................................................29
7.1.2.2. Module Configuration Method .............................................................................. 30
7.1.2.3. RTK Account Configuration ..................................................................................32
7.2. Description of RTK Status........................................................................................................ 33
8Firmware Download.......................................................................................................................... 35
8.1. Firmware Upgrade in Normal Working Mode .......................................................................... 35
8.2. Firmware Download in Boot Mode........................................................................................... 37
9Appendix A Reference...................................................................................................................... 40

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Table Index
Table 1: List of Accessories........................................................................................................................10
Table 2: Detailed EVB Interfaces ............................................................................................................... 12
Table 3: J302 Pin Detailed Description ......................................................................................................14
Table 4: J501 Pin Detailed Description ......................................................................................................15
Table 5: Explanation of QGNSS Interface .................................................................................................19
Table 6: NTRIP Client Parameter............................................................................................................... 29
Table 7: Parameter..................................................................................................................................... 32
Table 8: <Quality> Parameter .................................................................................................................... 33
Table 9: Related Documents...................................................................................................................... 40
Table 10: Terms and Abbreviations ............................................................................................................40

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Figure Index
Figure 1: EVK Kit Accessories .....................................................................................................................9
Figure 2: EVB and Accessories Assembly.................................................................................................10
Figure 3: EVB Top View ..............................................................................................................................11
Figure 4: USB Ports ................................................................................................................................... 16
Figure 5: COM Port Setting Interface of QCOM ........................................................................................16
Figure 6: QCOM Receiving Bar Interface (Connected) .............................................................................17
Figure 7: QGNSS Setting...........................................................................................................................18
Figure 8: QGNSS Interface (Connected)................................................................................................... 19
Figure 9: Static TTFF Testing via QGNSS .................................................................................................21
Figure 10: AGNSS Select........................................................................................................................... 21
Figure 11: The Number of Testing.............................................................................................................. 22
Figure 12: Set TTFF Timeout (Seconds)...................................................................................................22
Figure 13: Run or Stop Test....................................................................................................................... 23
Figure 14: Test Results..............................................................................................................................23
Figure 15: IMU Axis Direction ....................................................................................................................24
Figure 16: Connect to Base Station...........................................................................................................25
Figure 17: EVB and Accessories Assembly-1#.........................................................................................26
Figure 18: USB Ports-1#............................................................................................................................26
Figure 19: QGNSS Setting-1#....................................................................................................................27
Figure 20: QGNSS Interface (Connected)-1#............................................................................................27
Figure 21: Configure RTK Account-1# .......................................................................................................28
Figure 22: RTCM Data Acquisition Successful-1#.....................................................................................28
Figure 23: EVB and Accessories Assembly-2#.......................................................................................... 30
Figure 24: USB Ports-2# ............................................................................................................................30
Figure 25: QGNSS Setting-2#....................................................................................................................31
Figure 26: QGNSS Interface (Connected)-2#............................................................................................31
Figure 27: QGNSS Setting-AT Port............................................................................................................32
Figure 28: GGA Example Diagram ............................................................................................................33
Figure 29: Firmware Upgrade –Step 1......................................................................................................35
Figure 30: Firmware Upgrade – Step 2......................................................................................................36
Figure 31: Firmware Upgrade – Step 3......................................................................................................36
Figure 32: Firmware Upgrade – Step 4......................................................................................................36
Figure 33: Successful Firmware Upgrade ................................................................................................. 37
Figure 34: Firmware Download – Step 1 ................................................................................................... 38
Figure 35: Firmware Download – Step 2 ................................................................................................... 38
Figure 36: Firmware Download – Step 3 ................................................................................................... 38
Figure 37: Firmware Download – Step 4 ................................................................................................... 39
Figure 38: Successful Firmware Download ............................................................................................... 39

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1Introduction
This document provides information on how to develop and test the Quectel LC29D module using the
Evaluation Board (EVB). The EVB is a convenient tool that allows you to become familiar with the LC29D
module.
Specifically, the document is divided into several sections:
⚫Chapter 2 provides the general overview of EVB Kit accessories;
⚫Chapter 3 describes the EVB user interfaces;
⚫Chapter 4 describes how to communicate with the module by using the QCOM tool;
⚫Chapter 5 describes how to test the module by using the QGNSS tool;
⚫Chapter 6 describes how to configure the LC29D DR;
⚫Chapter 7 introduces how to use the LC29D RTK;
⚫Chapter 8 describes how to upgrade firmware;
⚫Chapter 9 is an appendix, which summarizes the relevant documents and terms and abbreviations
appearing herein.
⚫
If you need EVB schematic and PCB layout design files for reference, please ask your local Quectel FAE
for support.
NOTE

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2General Overview
2.1. EVK Kit Accessories
The EVK Kit includes EVB, LC29D Active GNSS Antenna, EG25-G Antenna, Type-B USB Cables, and
Bolts and Coupling Nuts. You can request the software tools from our website: www.quectel.com.
The EVK Kit accessories are shown in the figure below. Check Table 1 for details.
LC29D active GNSS antenna Type-B USB cable
Type-B USB cable
Bolts and
coupling nuts
EG25-G antenna
EVB
Figure 1: EVK Kit Accessories
⚫
The EVB version is LC29D-EVB_V1.2.
NOTE

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Table 1: List of Accessories
2.2. Connecting Cables and Antenna to EVB
The connection between the EVB and its accessories is shown in the figure below. For detailed information
on how to connect the EVB and its accessories, refer to the instruction sheet inside the EVB Kit.
Figure 2: EVB and Accessories Assembly
⚫
Place the active GNSS antenna where it can detect the satellites with a clear view of the sky.
Item
Description
Quantity
EVB
Evaluation Board
Size: 100 mm × 175 mm
1
USB Cable
Type-B USB Cables
2
GNSS Antenna
LC29D Active GNSS Antenna
Request the Antenna Datasheet from our website:
www.quectel.com.
1
EG25-G Antenna
Request the Antenna Datasheet from our website:
www.quectel.com.
1
Others
Bolts and Coupling Nuts
4 pairs
NOTE

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3Board User Interfaces
3.1. EVB Top View
The EVB top view is shown in the figure below.
J403
EG25_ANT connector
S401
EG25_RESET button
J202
SD card connector
J404
(U)SIM card connector
J501
ODO connector
S301
LC29D_BOOT button
J301
LC29D_ANT connector
U301
LC29D module
J302
Test points
D301
1PPS and TXD
indication LEDs
S201
RESET_N
S203
DL/RTK
switch
J201
USB to UART
S101
POWER_SWITCH
D403
EG25-G status and netlight
indication LEDs
J101
EG25_USB
U401
EG25-G module
D104
Power
indication
LEDs
D302
GEO and RTK
indication LEDs
Figure 3: EVB Top View

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3.2. Board User Interfaces
The EVB interfaces are detailed in the table below.
Table 2: Detailed EVB Interfaces
Function
Interfaces
Description
Power Supply
J101
EG25_USB
Power supply input:
⚫DC power supply: 4.5–5.5 V, typ. 5.0 V
⚫Current capability should be > 2 A
J201
USB to UART
User Interface
J101
EG25_USB
Account configuration for RTK function
J201
USB to UART
Enhanced COM Port: Be used for LC29D
module NMEA output, command input, and
firmware download. Switch S203 to the DL
side when a firmware download or testing of
RTK via PC is needed.
Standard COM Port: Be used for LC29D
module NMEA output and command input.
Switch S203 to the RTK side when testing
RTK with the EG25-G module. The premises
are that the EG25-G module configures the
RTK function and the SD card and (U)SIM
card are inserted.
RF Input
J301
LC29D_ANT Antenna Connector
Support:
⚫GPS/QZSS L1 C/A and L5
⚫Galileo E1 and E5a
⚫GLONASS L1
⚫BeiDou B1I and B2a
⚫IRNSS L5
⚫SBAS L1
⚫Use with the antenna provided in the Kit
J403
EG25_ANT Antenna Connector
4G antenna
Signal
Indication
D301
Indication LEDs
1PPS
(Red LED)
Flash: Successful position fix
The frequency is 1 Hz.
Extinct: No position fix

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TXD
(Green LED)
Flash: The module is turned on successfully.
NMEA messages output from UART
TXD pin.
Extinct: Failed to turn on the module.
D302
Indication LEDs
GEO
(Red LED)
Geofence indicator
RTK
(Green LED)
RTK indicator
D104
Indication LEDs
POWER
(Red LED)
EVB power indicator
LC29D_PWR
(Green LED)
LC29D module power indicator
D403
Indication LEDs
EG25-G
STATUS
(Red LED)
Indicate the module operating status
EG25-G
NETLIGHT
(Green LED)
Flicker slowly (200 ms High/1800 ms LOW):
Network searching
Flicker slowly (1800 ms High/200 ms LOW):
Idle
Flicker quickly (125 ms High/125 ms LOW):
Data transfer is ongoing.
Always high: Voice calling
Switches and
Buttons
S101
POWER_SWITCH
Power the EVB on/off
S201
RESET_N
Short press the button to reset the LC29D
module.
S401
EG25_RESET
Short press the button to reset the EG25-G
module.
S203
DL/RTK Switch
DL: LC29D UART is connected to
Enhanced COM Port and will be used for
configuring LC29D module and downloading
firmware.
RTK: LC29D UART is connected to EG25-G
and will be used when the LC29D module
receives RTCM data.
S301
LC29D_BOOT
Press and hold the BOOT button when EVB
is powered on to put the module into boot
mode.
Others
J404
(U)SIM Card Connector
If the (U)SIM card is not inserted and the
LC29D RTK account is not configured, the
SD card and Standard COM Port cannot
receive data.

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Test points distribution is shown below:
J302 pin assignment:
VDD_EXT
CTS1
RTS1
TXD1
RXD1
I2C_SDA
I2C_SCL
1PPS
GND
VCC_3.3V
Table 3: J302 Pin Detailed Description
J501 pin assignment:
NC
NC
NC
NC
NC
WHEELTICK
FWD
GND
J202
SD Card Connector
The data received by the SD card and
Standard COM Port are the same.
Test Points
J302
Test Points
Pins are detailed in Table 3 below.
J501
ODO Connector
Pins are detailed in Table 4 below.
Pin Name
I/O
Description
VDD_EXT
-
Reserved
CTS1
DO
Clear to send
RTS1
DO
Request to send
TXD1
DO
Transmits data
RXD1
DI
Receives data
I2C_SDA
-
Reserved
I2C_SCL
-
Reserved
1PPS
DO
1 pulse per second
GND
-
Ground
VCC_3.3V
PO
3.3 V power output

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Table 4: J501 Pin Detailed Description
Pin Name
I/O
Description
NC
-
-
NC
-
-
NC
-
-
NC
-
-
NC
-
-
WHEELTICK
DI
Odometer wheel-tick input
FWD
DI
Forward/Backward signal input
GND
-
Ground

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4Using QCOM Tool to Communicate
This chapter illustrates how to use the QCOM tool to communicate with the module via the Type-B USB
interface.
Request the QCOM tool from our website: www.quectel.com.
4.1. Communication via the Type-B USB Interface
Step 1: Connect the EVB and the PC with Type-B USB cables via the Type-B USB interface, as shown
in Figure 2.
Step 2: Flip the power switch (S101) to the ON position to power on the EVB.
Step 3: Run the provided driver installer to install the USB driver.
Step 4: View the USB port numbers in the Device Manager, as shown in Figure 4 below.
Figure 4: USB Ports
Step 5: Install the QCOM tool provided by Quectel. The COM Port Setting interface of QCOM is shown
in Figure 5 below.
Figure 5: COM Port Setting Interface of QCOM
Step 6: Select the correct “COM Port” (USB Ports shown in Figure 5 above).

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Step 7: Set the correct “Baudrate” (default value: 115200 bps).
Step 8: Click “Open Port” as shown in Figure 5 above, then the communication with EVB is successful.
At this time, the NMEA message output by the module is displayed in the receiving bar of the
QCOM tool, as shown in the figure below. For more details on QCOM usage, see document [1].
Figure 6: QCOM Receiving Bar Interface (Connected)

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5Using QGNSS Tool to Test
This chapter explains how to use the QGNSS tool for checking the status of GNSS receivers when you
are working with the EVB. For more details on QGNSS usage, see document [3].
Request the QGNSS tool from our website: www.quectel.com.
5.1. COM Port and Baud Rate Setting
Step 1: Assemble the EVB Accessories.
Step 2: Flip the power switch (S101) to the ON position to power on the EVB.
Step 3: Start the QGNSS and click “Setting” and “Serial Port Configuration” (the LC29D module
supports 115200 bps by default), as shown in the figure below.
Figure 7: QGNSS Setting

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Step 4: Click the “Connect or disconnect”button. After connecting the module, the interface
appears as shown in the figure below.
Figure 8: QGNSS Interface (Connected)
5.1.1. Interface Explanation
You can view GNSS information, such as CNR message, time, position, speed, and precision in the
QGNSS interface. To find out more about these parameters, see the following table.
Table 5: Explanation of QGNSS Interface
Icon
Explanation
The sky interface shows visible satellites and their numbers.
⚫BDS (BeiDou): 7
⚫GLO (GLONASS): 2
⚫GPS: 8
⚫GAL (Galileo): 2
⚫QZSS: 2