If you’re working in remote areas or want to avoid subscription fees from third-party correction services, setting up your own RTK base station is a smart move. With the right GNSS receiver and software, you can broadcast real-time corrections to multiple rovers for centimeter-level accuracy.
In this post, we’ll walk you through the steps to create your own RTK base station using GNSS equipment — no expensive server required!
📦 What You Need
- 1 GNSS receiver with base station mode (e.g. Trimble, South, Emlid, Leica GS16)
- Tripod or fixed mount location with known coordinates
- External power source or battery pack
- Internet connection (optional for remote access)
- NTRIP caster software or a service like SNIP, Emlid Caster, or RTK2go
🛠️ Step-by-Step: Setting Up Your GNSS Base
Step 1: Fix the Base Station Location
Place your base receiver on a known point or fix it to a stable tripod. If you don’t have known coordinates, allow it to average over a long period (e.g., 10–30 mins) to reduce error.
Step 2: Configure Base Station Mode
Access the receiver’s settings via web UI or Bluetooth app. Set:
- Base mode: Enabled
- Coordinates: Enter known XYZ (or average)
- Message format: RTCM 3.2 (or your rover-compatible format)
Step 3: Start Broadcasting Corrections
You can transmit the correction stream using:
- Serial/USB/RS232: Connect directly to a laptop or radio
- Wi-Fi or Ethernet: For LAN or internet broadcasting
- Bluetooth: For close-range connections
🌐 Option 1: Use a Free NTRIP Caster (Cloud)
If your base receiver is connected to the internet, you can broadcast corrections using:
- Emlid Caster (free)
- SNIP Lite (Windows)
- RTK2go (public & free)
Enter your base output stream details and get the mountpoint, username, and password. Share those with your rover device or clients.
📱 Option 2: Use Radio or Local Network
If you don’t have internet, many GNSS base receivers support internal radios (e.g., UHF 410-470 MHz). Set both the base and rover to the same frequency and protocol (e.g., Trimtalk, Satel, etc.).
Alternatively, use a local hotspot or LAN if both devices are on the same network.
🎯 Final Tips
- Always use a stable tripod or pole for your base receiver
- Place it in open-sky area to maximize satellite visibility
- Keep a backup battery or solar panel for long-term setups
- Use a fixed known point for repeatability in projects
🛒 Need a Base-Ready GNSS Receiver?
We sell used, high-quality GNSS units ready for base mode — including Leica GS16, South Galaxy G1, Emlid Reach RS2, and more.
📞 Contact us on WhatsApp for expert advice or a quote.
🔗 Browse base-capable GNSS devices here
Next up: Learn how to test your RTK rover connection in the field