UHF Radio Connectivity: Setup and Troubleshooting
This guide provides step-by-step instructions for configuring your UHF radio to achieve a reliable RTK connection. Follow these steps to ensure optimal performance.
1. Base Radio Configuration
Access Radio Settings
- Access your base station's admin UI
- Navigate to the RTK Streaming tab
- Click on Settings
Enable and Configure the Radio
Enable the Radio - Toggle the "Radio Disabled" checkbox to On
Configure Radio Settings:
Setting Description Frequency Enter your FCC-assigned frequency Protocol Retain the default (SATELLINE-3AS) unless using rover radios from a different manufacturer Transmit Power Adjust based on required range (higher power = longer range, but increased battery consumption) Channel Spacing Keep the default (12.5kHz) unless your rover radios use a different setting Save your settings - The RTK service will restart, and your radio settings will appear in the status card
Verify Transmission
The LEDs on the radio should flash at 1-second intervals, indicating data transmission.
[No LED Activity?]
If the LEDs are not flashing, ensure you have established a base reference coordinate. The radio will not transmit without valid coordinates.
2. Rover Radio Configuration
Match Base Settings
Consult your rover radio's instructions or manual to configure its settings to match the base radio settings from Step 1.
| Setting | Must Match Base |
|---|---|
| Frequency | Yes |
| Protocol | Yes |
| Channel Spacing | Yes |
[SATEL Radios]
For SATEL Compact Proof radios, refer to the manufacturer's configuration instructions for detailed setup steps.
Verify Signal Reception
Most rover radios indicate signal reception through:
- Flashing LEDs
- LCD indicator display
- Status lights
3. Connect Rover Radio to GNSS Receiver
Serial Connection
- Connect cable between the radio and GNSS receiver
- Match baud rates - Ensure the baud rates of the radio and GNSS receiver are identical
| Common Baud Rates | Use Case |
|---|---|
| 9600 | Legacy equipment |
| 19200 | Standard |
| 38400 | Higher data rate |
| 115200 | High-speed connections |
4. Confirm RTK Corrections on the GNSS Rover
Monitor your GNSS receiver for these indicators of a successful RTK connection:
| Indicator | Expected Value |
|---|---|
| Fix Type | RTK FIXED |
| Correction Age | ~1 second (ideally) |
| Differential ID | Should match the value set in the "RTK Streaming" tab on the base station |
[What is Correction Age?]
Correction age indicates how old the RTK correction data is. Lower values (under 2 seconds) indicate a healthy, real-time connection. Higher values may result in reduced accuracy.
Troubleshooting
No LED Activity on Base Radio
| Check | Solution |
|---|---|
| Base coordinates | Verify base reference coordinate is established |
| Power | Power cycle the radio |
| Radio enabled | Confirm radio is enabled in settings |
| Connections | Check all cable connections |
Rover Not Receiving Signal
| Check | Solution |
|---|---|
| Frequency | Verify rover frequency matches base exactly |
| Protocol | Ensure protocol settings match |
| Channel spacing | Confirm channel spacing is identical |
| Line of sight | Check for physical obstructions between base and rover |
| Antenna | Verify rover radio antenna is securely attached |
| Range | Ensure rover is within radio range of base |
Poor RTK Fix or High Correction Age
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Weak signal | Increase transmit power on the base radio |
| Poor antenna placement | Ensure antennas have clear sky view and are elevated |
| Distance | Minimize the distance between base and rover |
| Interference | Move away from sources of radio interference |
Common Radio Protocols
If your rover uses a different radio brand, you may need to change the protocol:
| Protocol | Compatible With |
|---|---|
| SATELLINE-3AS | SATEL radios (default) |
| PacCrest | Pacific Crest radios |
| TrimTalk 450S | Trimble receivers |
| SOUTH | SOUTH, Hi-Target receivers |
| Transparent | Generic serial pass-through |
[Best Practices for Reliable Radio Links]
- Antenna height matters - Elevate both base and rover antennas for best range
- Line of sight - Radio signals work best with clear line of sight
- Avoid interference - Stay away from power lines, heavy machinery, and other radio equipment
- Monitor battery - Higher transmit power drains batteries faster
By carefully following these steps and troubleshooting tips, you can ensure a robust and accurate RTK connection for your surveying or mapping applications.