How to Use Your GNSS Receiver as a Base Station for Local RTK
Need centimeter-level accuracy in remote areas? You don’t need an internet connection or a CORS subscription. You can set up your own GNSS receiver as a base station and transmit corrections to a rover nearby.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to configure your receiver for local RTK — perfect for construction, boundary marking, or land surveys.
🎯 When Should You Use a Base Station?
- 📵 No internet access in the field
- 📍 Working in areas without reliable CORS service
- 🗺️ You need total control over your survey site
All you need is:
- 1️⃣ RTK-enabled GNSS receiver (as base)
- 2️⃣ GNSS rover unit
- 🔁 Radio or Bluetooth connection (e.g., UHF, LoRa, internal radio)
- 🔋 Power supply or battery packs
⚙️ Step-by-Step Setup Guide
1. Choose Your Base Station Location
- Stable, open sky view
- Avoid buildings, power lines, and trees
- Known coordinates? Use them to reduce cumulative errors
2. Configure the Base Receiver
- Set mode to Base Station
- Enter known or averaged coordinates (Lat, Lon, Height)
- Enable RTK corrections output (RTCM3, CMR+, etc.)
- Set output via internal UHF radio, LoRa, or serial
3. Set Up the Rover Receiver
- Set mode to Rover
- Select same radio channel/frequency as base
- Enable RTK correction input
- Start surveying — wait for FIX status
📸 Setup Diagram
Here’s what your local RTK setup looks like:
- 🚩 Base: Transmitting corrections
- 📡 Rover: Receiving corrections via radio
- 🧭 Survey app: Logging data on Android or controller
We can generate a custom infographic for your brand or product — just let us know.
🛠️ Pro Tips for Stable RTK Performance
- 📶 Set radio baud rate and frequency carefully
- 🔋 Use reliable power (external battery or solar for base)
- 📐 Re-measure base position if reusing coordinates
- 🧭 Avoid changing antenna position during survey
🙋 Need Preconfigured Base & Rover Kits?
We offer GNSS kits ready for local RTK — including base + rover units, radios, and setup training. Save hours in configuration and testing.
Next article: “Understanding GNSS Receiver Specifications: What Really Matters”