Emlid, based in Hong Kong, has introduced the Reach RS, a rugged, battery-powered real-time kinematic (RTK) GNSS receiver. The Reach RS enables centimeter-accurate positioning for survey, mapping, agriculture and drones, and is designed to provide an economical solution, according to the company.
With an integrated high-performance dual-feed antenna mounted on a large ground-plane, the field-ready receiver is able to reliably track GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, Galileo, QZSS and Space Based Augmentation Systems (SBAS) satellites. The receiver features several connectivity options. Via built-in Wi-Fi it is able to access Network Transport of RTCM via Internet Protocol (NTRIP) corrections, stream data to the cloud and retrieve software updates.
In remote areas Reach RS units can communicate via integrated LoRa radios to provide a reliable correction link on distances up to eight kilometers. Solution data can be accessed over Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and RS232, and functionality is extendable even further using the USB OTG. With RTCM and RINEX support this receiver can be a seamless addition to existing equipment.
A power-efficient processor runs the RTK engine with up to 14 hertz update rate and can operate as much as 30 hours on a single battery charge. Easy charging over USB allows the battery to stay charged on missions.
Reach RS comes with a ReachView web app that works on any device with a browser and does not require an internet connection. Users can easily configure settings, correction input and solution output, as well as record and download RINEX logs, view status, satellite signal strength, captured events and your location on a map. Two gigabytes of internal storage are available for raw data RINEX logs and solution tracks which can be easily accessed from the app.
With an IP67 rating and a rugged polycarbonate enclosure the lightweight receiver is ready for outdoor work. It weighs 690 grams and is 145 millimeters wide. For laying out GCPs, or other types of survey work two Reach RS units operate together, one in base and another in rover mode. Reach RS is also seamlessly compatible with the already-available Reach module — compact and lightweight solution for drones with ability to integrate with autopilots for navigation and cameras for photo geotagging.
Reach RS is available for pre-order on Emlid’s website. The receivers are now being manufactured and will be shipped in mid-March 2017. Each Reach RS comes with an adapter for the survey pole, a USB cable, an antenna and a carry case.
According to the company, Emlid is continuing the development of Linux-based autopilots and affordable GNSS RTK receivers and is focused on broadening the range of its products.
Both Reach and Reach RS use u-blox receivers as the source of raw data and run open-source RTKLIB at the core. Emlid developed its app to run on the device and manage everything from data processing, wireless connectivity and logging to user settings and UI. Reach and Reach RS are not software-defined receivers, but rather an off-the-shelf GNSS raw data chip combined with a powerful Linux-enabled central processing unit (CPU).
Image: Reach RS RTK GNSS Receiver. Photo source: Emlid.
