Base Station Installation Guide

The location of your RTK Base Station plays a critical role in how accurately and reliably your robot operates. A well-installed base station provides a stable reference point for navigation, helping your robot follow precise paths and perform consistently throughout the season.

To achieve the best results, make sure all five installation requirements are met:

1. Clear sky view
2. Stable mounting location
3. Safe distance from solar panels
4. Safe distance from metal surfaces
5. Reliable GSM signal
   
   
   

1. CLEAR SKY VIEW

Your GNSS antenna communicates with satellites to determine its exact position. For this reason, it needs an unobstructed view of the sky.

A clear sky view means there should be no obstacles within a 30° angle above the antenna, such as:

• Roof ridges
• Trees
• Silos
• Buildings
• Other tall structures

Best Practice

Install the antenna as high as possible, ideally at the edge of a building so it sits above nearby obstacles.

Avoid

• Locations near chimneys or other antennas

Why it matters: Obstructions can block or weaken satellite signals, reducing positioning accuracy and affecting robot performance.

 

2. STABLE, IMMOVABLE ANCHORING POINT

The antenna must remain in exactly the same position throughout the season.

Choose a mounting point that is:

• Solid
• Stable
• Resistant to strong winds and weather conditions

Recommended

• Permanent building structures
• Solid wall mounts
• Fixed roof edges

Avoid

• Masts
• Chimneys
• Towers
• Any structure that sways or vibrates

Why it matters: Even small movements of the antenna can shift the robot's reference point, causing navigation errors across the entire field. 

 3. Keep Distance from Solar Panels 

Solar panels can reflect GNSS signals before they reach the antenna.

Recommendation

Install the antenna at a higher position and well away from solar panel arrays whenever possible.

Why it matters: Reflected signals can confuse the GNSS receiver, resulting in reduced positioning accuracy and less stable operation.

 

 4. Avoid Metal Roofs and Large Metal Surfaces 

Large flat metal surfaces can reflect satellite signals and interfere with GNSS reception.

Avoid Installing On

• Metal roofs
• Shipping containers
• Metal sheds
• Large steel structures

If Installation on a Metal Roof Is Necessary

Place the antenna at the highest point available to reduce the impact of signal reflections.

Why it matters: Signal reflections can create inaccurate position calculations and reduce the stability of the RTK system.

 5. Verify GSM Signal Strength 

The robot and RTK Base Station require a reliable internet connection to communicate effectively.

Before installation, test the mobile network signal at:

• The planned Base Station location
• The robot's operating area

How to Test

1. Install a speed test application on your smartphone or visit www.speedtest.net
2. Run a test at both locations.
3. Check the download speed.

Results

✅ Above 1 Mbps

• Connection is considered sufficient.

⚠️ Below 1 Mbps

• Additional testing or improvements may be required.

Why it matters: Poor GSM coverage can interrupt communication between the robot and Base Station, affecting system reliability.

If GSM Coverage Is Weak

Contact your local distributor to discuss these options:

• Extended Range GSM Antenna (UPG07V2.0-2.3) - An external antenna with a 4-meter cable that can be mounted in a better reception area to improve connectivity.

• Internet Connection via Home or Office Router - If the Base Station is installed near a building, connecting through an existing internet router can provide a more stable connection.