Overcoming the RTK Learning Curve
Cut to the chase: To successfully connect to our RTK network and get your initial fix: choose a location with open sky, make sure your receiver is high-quality with up-to-date firmware, and pay attention to signal strength. It might take a few seconds to a few minutes to connect in some cases, depending on satellite location and atmospheric conditions.
So, you're ready to ditch the drift and embrace the centimeter-level accuracy of Point One Navigation's Polaris RTK corrections network? That's awesome! But like any powerful technology, there can be a few bumps in the road when you're first getting started.
Fear not, fellow precision-seekers! We're here to equip you with the knowledge to overcome common hurdles and achieve Real Time Kinematics (RTK) success faster than you can say "fixed location."
Pre-Trial Prep: Setting the Stage for Success
Before you even power up your receiver, take a moment to consider your environment. Your receiver needs optimal conditions to capture satellite signals effectively. Here's what to keep in mind:
- Hardware Matters: Not all receivers are created equal. High-quality receivers with advanced antennas (like those from Septentrio) are like Olympic athletes – they're built for performance and can achieve a fix faster and more reliably, even in challenging conditions. Antenna selection is equally important, an antenna should match the capabilities of your receiver.
- Open Sky is Key: Just like a plant needs sunlight, your antenna needs a clear view of the sky. Rooftops, open fields, and areas with minimal overhead obstructions are your friends. Dense foliage, buildings, and even chain-link fences can interfere with those crucial satellite signals.
- The Trial Run: Before you deploy your device in the real world, conduct a trial run in an ideal environment. This will help you understand the baseline performance of your setup and identify any potential issues early on.
Common Pain Points and How to Avoid Them
"I Can't Get a Fix!"
This is the most common frustration we hear at Point One Navigation. Here's the thing: RTK isn't always instant. It takes time for the receiver to acquire enough satellite data to calculate its precise position.
- Be Patient: With Virtual RTK, expect a convergence time of a few seconds to a few minutes. True RTK is generally much faster, often within seconds.
- Check Your Connections: Ensure your receiver is properly connected to the antenna and your device. Loose cables or incorrect settings can sabotage your efforts.
- Monitor Signal Strength: For optimal performance, aim for an C/N0 (carrier-to-noise density) of at least 45 db-Hz.
"My Fix is Unreliable!"
So, you got a fix, but it's jumping around or dropping out. This can be caused by a few factors:
- Environmental Interference: Are there any new obstructions that have appeared since you started? Even something as simple as a parked truck can disrupt your signal.
- Multipath Signals: These are reflected signals that confuse your receiver. They're common in urban environments with lots of buildings.
- Receiver Quality: Remember those Olympic athletes? A high-quality receiver is more resilient to interference and multipath errors. At a minimum, your receiver should be dual band. Remember, higher quality receivers are capable of tracking more satellite constellations and therefore more signals. These receivers will have a higher chance of performing well when attempting to get a fix. For example, a receiver that tracks L1+L2+L5 has more opportunities to track signals from satellites than a receiver that only has L1+L2. But it’s important to use the correct antenna with the correct receiver. For example: do not use an L1+L5 receiver with an L1+L2 antenna.
"My Performance is Inconsistent!"
Sometimes you get a fix quickly, and sometimes it takes a few minutes. This inconsistency can be frustrating, but it's often due to:
- Satellite Geometry: The position of the satellites in the sky is constantly changing. Sometimes they're in a favorable configuration, and sometimes they're not.
- Atmospheric Conditions: Ionospheric disturbances and tropospheric delays can affect the reliability of your fix. These interferences can also affect accuracy.
“My receiver can’t get a Fix and is in Float”
You'll see "Fix" and "Float" indicators on your receiver. "Fix" means you have the highest accuracy. But don't worry if you see "Float"—you'll still typically achieve 10-30cm accuracy, which is suitable for many applications. Your device is likely in a “Float” state due to environmental factors or sub-optimal receiver set up.
Best Practices for RTK Success
- Start with the Best: Invest in high-quality equipment.
- We recommend:
- Plan Your Environment: Choose locations with open sky and minimal obstructions. Use our portal to find ideal testing locations in your area.
- Stay Updated: Keep your receiver's firmware up to date.
- Be Patient: RTK takes time to converge, especially for the initial fix.
- Monitor Your Signals: Pay attention to the signal strength and the number of satellites being tracked.
- Reach Out: Let us know if you want to try different test environments and we’ll work with you to ensure they work as intended.
By following these tips and understanding the factors that can influence RTK performance, you'll be well on your way to achieving centimeter-level accuracy and unlocking the full potential of your applications.
Need more help? Our support team is always ready to assist you. Send us an email at support@pointonenav.com, and let's get you fixed!
