Emlid Reach RS2+ Review & RTK Set Up
The Emlid Reach RS2+ is a state-of-the-art GNSS receiver that offers high-precision positioning suitable for various surveying tasks. The advanced device is designed to meet the demands of professionals who require reliable and accurate data.
When paired with an RTK network like Point One Polaris, it can achieve centimeter-level accuracy in real time. Supporting a host of satellite constellations, the Emlid Reach RS2+ stands out as a highly accurate solution in the market of GNSS receivers. This article will review the EMLID Reach RS2+ specs, pricing, and how to set up an Emlid Reach RS2+ with the Point One Polaris RTK network.
What does the Emlid Reach RS2+ do?
The Emlid Reach RS2+ is designed to provide high-precision positioning data by leveraging multiple GNSS constellations such as GPS, Galileo, GLONASS, QZSS, and BeiDou. This enables the device to deliver centimeter-level accuracy in real time, making it suitable for construction surveying, mapping, and other geospatial applications.
Its versatility and advanced features ensure that it performs reliably even in challenging conditions. Whether navigating dense vegetation, remote locations, or urban environments prone to signal reflections and multipath errors, the reliability of Emlid RS2+ is consistent.
Emlid RS2+ vs Emlid RS2 vs Emild RX
There are a few key differences between Emlid RS2+ and other Emlid products:
- Emlid Reach RS2+: Features an 184-channel GNSS receiver, built-in 4G modem, and support for multiple GNSS constellations. Enhanced accuracy and real-time data logging.
- Emlid Reach RS2: The predecessor to the RS2+, it lacks the built-in 4G modem, relying instead on external devices for cellular connectivity. While it utilizes a GNSS receiver, it has a lower channel count, resulting in slightly reduced performance in challenging environments.
- Emlid RX: A compact lightweight receiver designed for mobile use, providing far fewer features than the RS2+
Emlid Reach RS2+ Review
The Emlid Reach RS2+ has received positive reviews for its precision, reliability, and ease of use. Users appreciate the robust design, long battery life, and the intuitive ReachView app that simplifies data collection and logging.
The built-in 4G modem and radios facilitate seamless integration with RTK networks, enhancing the overall user experience.
Emlid Reach RS2+ Specifications
General Specs
- Channels: 184
- GNSS Support: GPS, Galileo, GLONASS, QZSS, BeiDou
- Accuracy: Centimeter-level
- Build-in Modem: 4G
Mechanical Specs
- Dimensions: 126x126x142 mm
- Weight: 950g
- Housing: Rugged, IP67-rated
Electrical Specs
- Battery life: Up to 22 hours
- Power supply: 6-40V input
Extension Cables Specs
- Compatible with various extension cables for enhanced connectivity.
Emlid Reach RS2+ Accuracy
The Emlid Reach RS2+ delivers centimeter-level accuracy by utilizing multiple GNSS constellations and RTK technology. This high level of precision is essential for applications requiring exact positioning, such as RTK surveying, construction, agriculture, and mapping.
Emlid Reach RS2+ Price
The price of the Emlid Reach RS2+ is typically priced in the range of $1,800 to $2,700 depending on the retailer and the region.
Benefits of the Emlid Reach RS2+
Let’s explore some of the benefits of the Emlid Reach RS2+.
Fast, centimeter precision
The RS2+ provides rapid and precise positioning, ensuring accurate data in real time. Whether you’re conducting land surveying, construction layout, or precision agriculture, the RS2+ ensures that you achieve centimeter-level accuracy swiftly and efficiently.
User-friendly Emlid Flow software
The Emlid Flow app provides an intuitive design for efficient data collection and stakeout. Some of the most promising features include:
- Compatibility with over a thousand coordinate systems, including built-in support for grid and geoid transformations
- Ability to seamlessly switch between units of measurement (such as feet or meters), with the app automatically adjusting survey pole height and stakeout distance based on the project’s coordinate system
- Complex project capacity, allowing users to load thousands of points and smoothly control map panning and zooming
- Offline data storage, enabling access at any time without requiring the receiver to be turned on
- Simplified data collection using averaging or single-click methods
- Efficient data export using any file-sharing application installed on the device
- Convenient NTRIP profile switching, with all credentials securely stored on the device
Opus PPP support
With OPUS PPP (Online Positioning User Service - Precise Point Positioning) for precise point positioning, you can get centimeter-level precision results from anywhere on Earth. This feature is particularly valuable for remote or challenging environments where traditional GNSS corrections may not be readily available.
Built-in modems and radios
The integration of a 4G modem and radios ensures seamless connectivity with RTK networks. Particularly in land surveying, 4G has become the industry standard. The 4G modem enables the receiver to receive RTK corrections in real time, even in areas with limited cellular network coverage.
Long-lasting charge
With up to 22 hours of battery life, the RS2+ can handle long field sessions in any condition. Without the need for frequent recharges, it is the most durable solution on the market. When charging, RS2+ uses either a wall charger or a power bank over USB-C.
Accessible code libraries
Emlid provides accessible code libraries for developers, facilitating customization and integration with third-party software and hardware. The availability of code libraries eliminates the need to memorize codes, as they are always at your fingertips, thereby streamlining the development process.
Multiple use-cases
The Emlid Reach RS2+ is versatile and adaptable, capable of fulfilling various surveying tasks with ease. From collecting precise points for land surveying to staking out lines for construction projects, the RS2+ offers flexibility and reliability across different applications.
Its ability to handle both lines and points makes it an ideal solution for professionals in construction, agriculture, geospatial mapping, and more.
Emlid Reach RS2+ Challenges
While the Emlid Reach RS2+ is highly capable, some users might find the initial setup challenging. The initial configuration involves setting up various parameters such as base and rover modes, coordinate systems, and correction inputs, as well as ensuring that the device firmware is up-to-date.
Additionally, integrating an RTK Network and configuring NTRIP settings can be tricky if users are unfamiliar with the required credentials and server details. Fortunately, setting up an Emlid Reach RS2+ with the Point One Polaris RTK network can be completed in just a few steps. Thanks to the Emlid Flow app, by pairing your RS2+ and your Point One to the same wifi, configuration of the two devices is relatively seamless. In just a few minutes you will be receiving RTK corrections directly to your Emlid Reach RS2+.
Emlid Reach RS2+ Manual: Easy RTK setup on the Emlid Reach Rs2+ with Polaris RTK
Let's go step-by-step through the setup of an Emlid Reach RS2+ with the Point One Polaris RTK network.
What we have here is an Emlid Reach RS2+ and so all we need to do is turn this on. If we just hit the button on the bottom and hold, we'll see the lights come up. You should have already paired your RS2 with your WiFi as the rover is going to require internet so that it is able to get to the correction service.
Once the LEDs are done circling, we'll know that the device has powered up and is ready to be configured. We'll want to make sure that we have the blue icon here indicating that it's connected to the Wifi. Now we're going to show you how to use the Emlid Flow application with the Polaris RTK network so that you can get RTK corrections to your Emlid Reach RS2+.
Start by opening the Emlid Flow application and then connect to the device. You'll usually have the device automatically connect and then, once you're there, we're going to set up the corrections. So to do that we click on the corrections input menu and then we're going to hit NTRIP. Now under this you're going to create a new profile. We can call this profile Point One. You can call it anything you like. The address is going to be polaris.pointonenav.com and then the port will be 2101. Note that if you're in Europe, you want to use the polaris-EU.pointonenav.com address.
For the username and password we'll have to go to the Point One website so we can go ahead. I'm already logged in and we can create a Point One device here called Emlid. If we go into our Emlid device, we'll see that we have a username and password so we can go ahead and copy that, bring it into the application here, and then do the same with the password.
Once we've done that, we can go ahead and now select our mount point. You'll want the Polaris mount point and you want to make sure that this NMEA GGA option is set to true. Hit save. And then you'll see the NTRIP menu shows Point One which is the corrections that we created. And then in a few seconds, you'll see it say receiving corrections. You can also notice that in the top right menu it will say fix, indicating that the receiver has achieved an RTK fix, which is the highest degree of accuracy that the receiver is capable of. You will also notice now that your correction input says NTRIP.
If we go back to the Point One website, we'll see that the Emlid device registers its position correctly in the location that we're in, indicating that our servers are also seeing the Emlid device where its position is being sent. Now you know that everything is working correctly, and you can continue your surveying work as you normally would.
Compatible Tools
The Emlid Reach RS2+ is known for its compatibility with other state-of-the-art surveying technologies, making it an ideal choice.
RTK networks
The RS2+ works seamlessly with RTK networks, significantly enhancing its accuracy and reliability. For users of Point One Polaris, this integration means access to a global network of base stations, enabling precise positioning even in remote locations or challenging environments.
Point One’s state-of-the-art infrastructure, industry-leading accuracy, extensive coverage, and seamless integration options make it a top-tier RTK network solution. With over 1400+ base stations, users who pair their RS2+ with Point One Polaris will experience unparalleled precision and reliability, ensuring their surveying projects are completed with the highest level of accuracy and efficiency.
Learn more about Point One Polaris
Data collectors
The RS2+ is also compatible with a range of data collectors for efficient data management. Among the most commonly used are:
- Emlid Flow
- FieldGenius
- X-PAD Ultimate
- Carlson SurvCE/SurvPC/Layout
- ArcGIS Collector/Survey123
Accessories
A variety of accessories are available to enhance functionality and ease of use. These accessories include rugged cases, pole mounts, external batteries, and GNSS antennas, allowing users to tailor their setup to specific project requirements.
Software
Finally, RS2+ supports integration with various surveying and mapping software for comprehensive data processing. Whether you are using industry-standard software like Trimble Business Center or open-source solutions like QGIS, the RS2+ ensures seamless integration for efficient data analysis and visualization.
Other Emlid Survey Devices
In addition to the RS2+, Emlid offers a range of survey devices tailored to meet various needs, from traditional land surveying to mobile and UAV applications. Each device serves a specific niche within the surveying field.
Emlid Reach Rs+
An earlier model, the Reach RS+ delivers solid performance for standard surveying needs. It supports single-frequency GNSS, making it less suitable for demanding applications. It also lacks the multi-frequency capability and advanced features of some of the newer models, which may limit its performance in environments with poor satellite visibility or changing conditions.
Emlid Reach Rs3
The Reach RS3 is a newer model that brings enhanced features and improved accuracy to the table. It supports multi-frequency GNSS and has better hardware. However, its higher price point and potential overkill for basic projects will likely not justify the upgrade for all users.
Emlid M+/M2
The Emlid M+ and M2 are compact GNSS receivers designed for mobile and UAV applications. While they are lightweight and easy to integrate into various platforms, their smaller form factor and specific design focus make them less suitable for traditional ground-based surveying compared to the RS series. Consider the M series for aerial mapping or other dynamic tasks.
Set Up Your Emlid Reach RS2+ with Point One
The Emlid Reach RS2+ is a versatile and reliable GNSS receiver that meets the needs of modern surveying professionals. Its high precision, user-friendly software, and robust build make it a valuable tool for various applications and use cases. For optimal performance, integrate it with Point One’s advanced RTK correction services.
Point One’s network provides enhanced accuracy and reliability, ensuring that your RS2+ performs at its best, even in the most challenging conditions. By leveraging Point One’s global network of base stations and seamless integration with the Emlid Reach RS2+, you can achieve centimeter-level precision and improve the efficiency of your surveying projects.
Ready to elevate your surveying projects? Visit Point One to learn more and start your subscription for RTK correction services. Unlock the full potential of your Emlid Reach RS2+ with Point One and take your surveying to the next level.
