Setting up your own RTK base station gives you full control over your GNSS workflow, saves on subscription costs, and boosts your field accuracy.

Whether you’re working on construction, land surveying, or agriculture, this step-by-step guide will help you confidently set up a stable RTK base station using professional-grade equipment.

🎯 What You’ll Need

Before getting started, make sure you have the following:

• 🔹 A GNSS receiver capable of operating as a base station (e.g., Trimble, Topcon, Leica, Emlid, CHCNAV, Hemisphere, etc.)
• 🔹 A heavy-duty tripod or survey pole with tribrach + optical plummet
• 🔹 External power source or fully charged internal battery
• 🔹 Radio modem (UHF/VHF) or internet access (SIM or Wi-Fi hotspot)
• 🔹 Survey controller or software to configure the base

📍 Step 1: Choose and Mark Your Base Station Location

• Pick a location with clear sky visibility (minimal obstruction from buildings or trees)
• Place the tripod on solid ground to avoid vibrations
• Use a plumb bob or tribrach with optical plummet to center the tripod over the control point

Optional: Use a known benchmark or coordinate reference if available. If not, log static data and post-process later for more accuracy.

⚙️ Step 2: Power On and Configure the Base Receiver

• Attach the GNSS base receiver to the tripod or pole
• Turn on the device and connect via controller app (e.g., Trimble Access, Emlid Flow, CHCNAV Landstar, etc.)
• Choose Base Mode or Base Configuration
• Enter base coordinates (use known coordinates or “Here Position” if unknown)
• Set output correction format (RTCM 3.x is most common)

📡 Step 3: Select Correction Transmission Method

Option 1: UHF/VHF Radio

• Set base output frequency (must match rover)
• Select baud rate (e.g., 9600 or 19200 bps)
• Connect and power external radio if required

Option 2: NTRIP (Internet Corrections)

• Connect base receiver to internet (SIM or Wi-Fi)
• Set up as an NTRIP caster/server
• Use port and mountpoint details for rover access

Note: NTRIP requires a fixed IP address or a caster service provider like SNIP, RTK2Go, or Lefebure.

✅ Step 4: Verify Corrections

• Turn on your GNSS rover
• Set it to receive corrections (via radio or NTRIP)
• Ensure base and rover match in correction format and baud rate
• Wait for fix/float solution status on rover

TIP: Walk away from the base to ensure stable signal range. For radio, test different distances and check signal loss thresholds.

📊 Recommended Base Settings

🔒 Base Station Stability Tips

• Use heavy tripod legs and hang a weight to reduce vibration
• Avoid base placement near metal roofs or tall antennas
• If permanent, consider concrete pillar and surge protection

🚀 Conclusion

Setting up your own RTK base station may seem technical, but with the right tools and planning, it becomes a routine part of your GNSS workflow. Whether you use a local UHF radio or internet-based NTRIP caster, you’ll gain full control and consistency in your field work.

Need help setting up or selecting the right GNSS base gear? Chat with us and we’ll assist you personally.

Next article: “Survey Coordinate Calibration – When and How to Apply Site Localization”