Can old firmware cause GPS issues?

Hi all. Still waiting on updated firmware to be pushed to my replacement core (I’m on v3.11.0 still). I did want to get some mowing done where I could, but the past two days my GPS has been horrendous. I can’t get a “strong” signal unless I’m literally in the middle of my yard. Places that were strong with the original core are weak , and I get frequent “Waiting for GPS signal to recover” messages. I had an issue with the replacement core last week where it thought it was about 10 feet off and slid into a drainage ditch (thankfully not into the water). Is it possible being so out of the date on firmware (and mismatched with the DC/app could be the cause)? I have a few pictures, where it was “waiting for GPS to recover”. It’s sitting near a (still pretty bare) tree, and not getting a signal. All screenshots are during that period:

I will add that while I’ve been trying to figure it out, many times the DC shows nothing (no dots/satellites at all), then will show them a few minutes later. I have tried unplugging the battery and the DC for 15 to 20 minutes, then bringing each back up (DC first), and it didn’t change. I also did a DC reinstall and swapped the rover RTK antennas, and no help there either. Oddly, it always can make it back to the dock when I tell it to, but when on the dock usually is disconnected from GPS.

There could be some mismatch causing you to see the GPS issues with the app while docked or whatever. But running a plan it shouldn’t be affected. However yesterday there was some solar activity and more today I believe. Could be a factor. Bluetooth delay can be why the DC shows nothing for a bit. Your DC signal looks good. What is odd is your zero L2 and high HDOP. Where was that screenshot of the diagnostics taken?

Thanks. Yesterday was when I first noticed, but it was rainy and overcast all day, so I chalked it up to that (not that I was mowing, just doing some minor cleaning of the core). Super clear today though. It does have issue when running a plan. I didn’t know there were solar issues going on currently, that could be it. Hopefully they aren’t all year…

And now, zero signal on the rover, despite seeing 22 satellites. If it doesn’t improve with the firmware, then I guess it’s support ticket time.

For sure. Honestly couldn’t hurt to get one going now anyways.

Hi there,

If you haven’t received the latest firmware yet, some features like PPVS may be temporarily affected, especially if there’s a mismatch with the app or Data Center.

That said, based on your description, we’d recommend submitting a support ticket so our team can take a closer look and investigate the issue in detail.

Thank you, I’ll do that. Is it possible to escalate the firmware push? I’ve waiting a couple weeks.

Post your ticket number here after you open it. @Yarbo-Forum can hopefully help with the escalation.

Ticket for just requesting the firmware push is #188927.

Ticket for GPS issues (just opened today) is #191554.

Just out of curiosity.

Have you removed the (im guessing on material here) silicone washer that is on the antenna base?

I hadn’t removed mine and was getting some patchy spots with the signal.

I removed them and had better results.

No, haven’t tried that. I assumed they were supposed to be there. I’ll give it a shot, couldn’t hurt.

I never installed the rubber gaskets when I got my Yarbo.

Might be a coincidence, but I’ve never had any of the weird intermittent loss of GPS issues. My personal opinion is that removing the gaskets is the way to go.

If you watch the latest 26 setup videos they tell you to leave it there for weatherproofing. It also helps with anti vibration and backing off/loosening. I run it, but it is one of the first things they tell you to remove for troubleshooting if there’s an issue. Generally they send you a new antenna if that fixes it.

First thing I never installed last year :slight_smile: Haven’t looked back and haven’t had any of the crazy GPS issues others have encountered.

Could always put a bit of lock tite on the threads…

I haven’t noticed any issues (yet) with my antennas loosening, but I guess I should go out and check them just to be on the safe side.

Now that you mention it, I forgot to remove the antenna extenders for summer work. Odds are, I won’t bother though. I am anal about Yarbo’s maps not allowing the robot to bump into any branches, so the extra height isn’t an issue.

Thought you might be on to something, but it looks like probably not. I removed the gaskets (while powered off). Tried a bit, and some areas appeared to be getting a better signal (not “none” to “full”, but improved). Tried to run a plan, and dropped in the same places again. My HDOP spiked to over 400 and started coming down. It got to less than 10, then spiked some more. It never resumed mowing.

Interesting. Hope the issue gets resolved soon for you. My money was on the antennas not being fully seated.

Fresh outta ideas at the moment, but I’ll chime in again if I think of anything else.

This season my GPS has been absolutely horrendous. Im having the exact same problems. Done all the troubleshooting methods. Last season worked great and this season its not working at all regarding positioning/GPS. It went from mowing many different sections last year to now not being able to complete one without GPS issues. Unscrewed and cleaned up all the antennas but nada. Ive noticed lots of updates regarding RTK… hard for me to think this isnt a firmware issue.

It’s also still possible you have some issues with your RTK antennas themselves. But definitely need to get the updated firmware first to rule out anything there.

What does your diagnostics look like (RTK, status, Data Center, HaLow sections) and your DC diagnostics scatterplot?