Skip to main content

01: Starting Up the RTKUSA Base Unit

Getting Started

OverviewWhat You’re Setting Up

How to connect and power up yourYour RTKUSA Base unit.Station is the foundation of your accuracy. Once installed correctly, it continuously transmits correction data to improve positioning down to the centimeter level.

This is how you stop guessing—and start knowing.

Installation

What’s

Unpackin the base station.

Contents

Box
  • Triple-Band 4 ConstellationMulti-band GNSS Receiver
  • SurveySurvey-grade Grade Triple-Band RoofGNSS Antenna
  • 9m Antenna Cable (~9m)
  • WiFi Antenna
  • USB-C Power Cable
  • Mounting Pole (0.3m) and BracketsHardware

Antenna Installation

PrepareWhy theThis GNSSMatters

Antenna

If you get this wrong, nothing else matters.

Placement Requirements

  • Mount antenna in a location withFull 360° unobstructedopen sky view
  • No obstructions (trees, buildings, metal structures)
Mounted as high as possible

Best option: Roof peak isor idealelevated mast

Installation Steps

  1. AttachMount the antenna tousing mountingincluded pole and brackethardware
  2. Connect one end of the 9mantenna cable to antenna
  3. RunRoute cable to base station

Pro Tip

OptionalSignal mounting:quality https://amzn.to/41bshqA= performance.

Prepare

Bad theplacement = bad corrections = wasted time.

Base Station Setup

Connect Hardware

    Remove red cap from WiFi-BT input
    1. Attach WiFi antenna
    2. RemoveConnect cap from "GNSS+" port
    ConnectGNSS antenna cable PowerPlug usingin USB-C power (minimum 11A) amp)

    Power On

    LED Indicators

      Red (Power): Solid Green (WiFi): Blinking Orange (Satellite Sync): Off initially

      OptionalThe cable:unit https://www.pasternack.com/showProduct.aspx?SEName=tnc-male-sma-male-lmr400uf-cable-assembly-pe3c1704-hsis now ready for configuration.

      Connect to the Base Station

      ImportantStep Notes1: Join the Network

      • InitialNetwork Name: MobileCM
      Password: Device serial number

      “No Internet” message is normal.

      Step 2: Open Setup Page

      Go to: 192.168.4.1

      Step 3: Enter Network Info

      Required Inputs

        SSID: Your WiFi name (must be 2.4GHz) Password: Your WiFi password Miner Key: Unique name (12–18 characters)

        Example: DFW_Base01

        Save Settings

          Green LED should turn solid = success Blinking = failed connection

          Confirm Connection

          Access Device on Network

            Log into your router Find device named: espressif Note IP address (192.168.x.x) Enter IP into browser

            Login

            Use your Miner Key

            System Active

            Confirmation

            When setup is complete:

              Status: TRANSMITTING Green LED: Solid

              Your base station is now sending correction data.

              Accuracy Lock Period

              What to Expect

              Your base station needs time to establish a precise positionposition.

              can
              takeEstimated uptime: to 5–7 days No FIXfixed availablesolution until completion RTK credentials are issued after FIX is achievedcomplete

              Why This Matters

              This process enables:

                Repeatable accuracy Reliable RTK corrections Survey-grade results

                Skipping this step leads to poor data.

                Troubleshooting

                WiFi Issues

                  Confirm network is 2.4GHz Re-enter password carefully Avoid special characters

                  Reset Device

                  Press reset button to return to setup mode

                  Weak Performance

                  Check antenna placement:

                    Must have clear sky view Elevation improves results

                    Signal Quality (SNR)

                    Acceptable Range

                      Ideal: 37–45 Below 32: Not usable

                      What Affects Signal

                        Trees Buildings Metal structures Poor placement

                        Recommendation

                        Install antenna in open sky for best performance

                        What Happens Next

                        After Stabilization

                        Once your base station is fully established:

                          It becomes part of a correction network Provides consistent high-accuracy positioning Improves field efficiency and reliability

                          Outcome

                            Faster workflows Better deliverables Increased confidence in your data

                            RTKUSA Perspective

                            RTK isn’t just about hardware—it’s about execution.

                            Most users struggle not because of the technology, but because:

                              Setup is unclear Expectations are not explained Critical steps are overlooked

                              RTKUSA focuses on clarity, reliability, and real-world performance.

                              Set your system up correctly, and it will work for you every day in the field.