FastRTK

Software Version

Version 5Version 6 ·current
Version 6 · Currentdocs/hardware/mobile-base-station

Mobile Base Station

The FastRTK Mobile Base Station packages our complete RTK solution into a rugged, portable Pelican case. Perfect for remote areas with poor cell coverage, temporary job sites, or anywhere you need instant RTK without permanent infrastructure.

Key Features

Truly Portable

  • Complete system in one Pelican case
  • Set up in minutes on any tripod
  • Internal battery for all-day operation
  • Lightweight and airline-friendly

UHF Radio Broadcast

  • No cellular required in the field
  • Direct radio link to rovers
  • Multiple radio protocols supported
  • Range up to 10+ km line-of-sight

Cellular + WiFi

  • Built-in cellular modem
  • WiFi hotspot for local access
  • NTRIP streaming when connected
  • Hybrid radio + cellular operation

Multi-Constellation GNSS

  • GPS L1/L2/L5
  • GLONASS L1/L2
  • Galileo E1/E5a/E5b
  • BeiDou B1/B2/B3

Specifications

GNSS Performance

Specification Details
Horizontal Accuracy ±1-2 cm RTK
Vertical Accuracy ±2-3 cm RTK
Update Rate 1 Hz standard, up to 20 Hz
Cold Start < 60 seconds
Reacquisition < 1 second

Radio

Specification Details
Frequency 403-473 MHz (configurable)
Power Output Up to 2W
Range 10+ km line-of-sight
Protocols Satelline, PacCrest, TrimTalk, SOUTH

Power

Specification Details
Internal Battery 8+ hours operation
External Power 12V DC, solar compatible
Charging AC adapter included

[Battery Selection]

Need to extend your runtime? See our guide to choosing a 12V battery for your mobile base station.

Physical

Specification Details
Case Pelican 1500 or similar
Weight ~8 kg (17.6 lbs) complete
Antenna Mount 5/8"-11 thread (standard survey)
Operating Temp -20°C to +50°C

What's Inside

The Mobile Base Station includes everything needed for field deployment:

  • FastRTK Controller - Raspberry Pi with FastRTK software
  • GNSS Receiver - Survey-grade multi-constellation
  • UHF Radio - Configurable frequency and protocol
  • Cellular Modem - 4G LTE connectivity
  • Internal Battery - Rechargeable Li-ion pack
  • WiFi Access Point - Local configuration access
  • Antenna Cables - Pre-configured and tested

Radio Configuration

Supported Protocols

Protocol Compatible With
Satelline SATEL radios, many OEM receivers
PacCrest Pacific Crest radios
TrimTalk Trimble receivers
SOUTH SOUTH, Hi-Target, many Chinese receivers
Transparent Generic serial pass-through

Frequency Bands

  • UHF: 403-473 MHz
  • Configurable channel spacing (12.5 kHz, 25 kHz)
  • Power levels: 0.5W, 1W, 2W

[Radio Licensing]

UHF radio transmission requires appropriate licensing in most jurisdictions. Contact your local regulatory authority (FCC in USA) for licensing requirements.

[Radio Setup Guide]

For detailed configuration and troubleshooting, see our UHF Radio Connectivity guide.

Field Setup

Quick Start (5 Minutes)

  1. Position the Base

    • Set up tripod over known point or new point
    • Level the tripod
    • Mount antenna on tripod

  2. Power On

    • Open case, press power button
    • Wait for LED indicators
    • System auto-starts

  3. Access Dashboard

    • Connect to WiFi: FastRTK-XXXX
    • Open browser: http://192.168.4.1
    • Verify satellite tracking

  4. Set Coordinates

    • Enter known coordinates, OR
    • Use "Here" to average current position, OR
    • Connect to CORS for precise positioning

  5. Start Broadcasting

    • Enable radio broadcast
    • Configure NTRIP if cellular available
    • Connect rover receivers

Coordinate Options

Method Accuracy Use When
Known Point Survey-grade On established control
Average Position Sub-meter Relative accuracy sufficient
CORS/VRS Centimeter Connected to correction network

Use Cases

Remote Surveying

  • No cell coverage required
  • Set up base on control point
  • Radio corrections to rover
  • Full survey-grade accuracy

Construction Sites

  • Temporary installations
  • Machine control base
  • Move between sites
  • Quick setup/teardown

Agriculture

  • Seasonal positioning
  • Move between fields
  • Auto-steer corrections
  • No infrastructure needed

Emergency Response

  • Rapid deployment
  • Self-contained operation
  • No network dependencies
  • Instant RTK anywhere

Connectivity Modes

Radio Only (No Internet)

Mobile Base ──── UHF Radio ────► Rover
  • Completely standalone
  • No cellular required
  • Direct radio corrections

Cellular NTRIP

Mobile Base ──── Cellular ────► Internet ────► NTRIP Clients
  • Stream corrections online
  • Multiple remote users
  • Cloud dashboard access

Hybrid Mode

                    ┌──── UHF Radio ────► Local Rovers
Mobile Base ────────┤
                    └──── Cellular ────► Remote Users
  • Best of both worlds
  • Local radio + remote NTRIP
  • Maximum flexibility

What's Included

  • Pelican case with foam insert
  • FastRTK controller unit
  • GNSS receiver module
  • UHF radio transceiver
  • Cellular modem (SIM not included)
  • Internal battery pack
  • AC charger
  • GNSS antenna cable (5m)
  • Radio antenna
  • Quick start guide

Optional Accessories

  • Survey-grade GNSS antenna
  • Extended range radio antenna
  • Solar panel kit
  • External battery pack
  • Survey tripod
  • Tribrach adapter

Comparison: Mobile vs CORS

Feature Mobile Base CORS Base
Portability Highly portable Fixed installation
Setup Time 5 minutes Professional install
Power Battery + solar AC power
Radio Built-in UHF Optional
Best For Remote/temporary Permanent network
Cell Required Optional Recommended

[Questions About Mobile Base Stations?]

Our team can help you choose the right configuration: