Creating a Local Base Station with Your Used GNSS Receiver

Creating a Local Base Station with Your Used GNSS Receiver

If you’re working in areas without reliable NTRIP correction services or want more control over your GNSS operations, setting up a local base station is the way to go. Many used GNSS receivers โ€” such as the Trimble R8, Topcon Hiper V, or Leica GS series โ€” still support full RTK base capabilities.


๐ŸŽฏ Why Set Up a Local Base Station?

  • โœ”๏ธ Independence from internet-based correction (NTRIP)
  • โœ”๏ธ Reduced RTK latency & faster FIX times
  • โœ”๏ธ Ideal for remote sites, agriculture, or construction zones
  • โœ”๏ธ More reliable correction over short baselines (0โ€“5 km)

๐Ÿงฐ What Youโ€™ll Need

  • ๐Ÿ“ก 1x GNSS receiver with base station capability (Trimble, Topcon, Leica, Emlid, etc.)
  • ๐Ÿ”Œ Radio modem (UHF, LoRa, or built-in)
  • ๐Ÿ”‹ Power supply (battery or solar)
  • ๐Ÿ“ Accurate known base position (or average position)
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Configuration software (Field Genius, SurvCE, Emlid Flow, etc.)

๐Ÿ“ Step-by-Step Setup Guide

  1. Mount Your GNSS Base on a stable tripod or pole in a clear-sky area
  2. Power On the receiver and connect via cable, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi
  3. Configure the Base Mode:
    • Set operation to “Base Station”
    • Enter known coordinates or use “Average FIX” if unknown
    • Select output correction type: RTCM 3.2 or CMR+
  4. Set Radio Output (optional):
    • Configure UHF/LoRa modem settings (channel, power, baud rate)
    • Ensure same settings are matched on the rover
  5. Save and Start Broadcasting corrections
  6. Test with Your Rover receiver by attempting RTK FIX connection

๐Ÿ›ฐ๏ธ Choosing the Right Base Position

To minimize drift and increase accuracy:

  • ๐Ÿ“ Use a previously surveyed point if available
  • ๐Ÿงฎ Alternatively, “Average FIX” for 10โ€“20 minutes
  • ๐Ÿ“Œ Record this position for future sessions

โš ๏ธ Changing base position coordinates will cause shift in RTK rover measurements!


๐Ÿ› ๏ธ Real-World Tips

  • ๐Ÿ”‹ Use solar power for long-term or all-day setups
  • ๐ŸŒฆ๏ธ Protect gear with waterproof boxes or enclosures
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Always double-check antenna height settings
  • ๐Ÿ” Monitor base station health with an Android app or web UI (if supported)

๐Ÿ“ท Visual Setup Diagram

See image below showing the connection from GNSS base to rover using UHF radio or Bluetooth with Android:

Local Base GNSS Setup Diagram


๐Ÿš€ Recommended Used GNSS for Base Mode

  • ๐Ÿ”น Trimble R8/R6 Series โ€“ Stable and configurable
  • ๐Ÿ”ธ Topcon Hiper V โ€“ Built-in UHF with 2W output
  • ๐Ÿ”น Leica GS14/GS15 โ€“ Compact with strong performance
  • ๐Ÿ”ธ Emlid RS2 โ€“ Easy setup, perfect for beginners

๐Ÿ’ฌ Need Help Building Your Own RTK Base?

We provide consultation and support in setting up your used GNSS unit as a local base โ€” including configuration, mounting tips, and software guidance.

๐Ÿ›’ Check Available GNSS Inventory


Next up: RTK for Beginners โ€” Explaining Base, Rover, and Corrections in Simple Terms

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