Eos Arrow Gold: How It Works & RTK Setup

Navigating the world of GNSS technology can be daunting. With several high-precision GNSS receivers on the market, it can be challenging to determine which product will provide the most precision and reliability. 

Today, we’ll dive into Eos Arrow Gold, a state-of-the-art GNSS receiver, and how you can set it up with Polaris RTK to achieve unparalleled location accuracy.

What is EOS? 

Eos Positioning Systems is known for designing and manufacturing high-accuracy GNSS hardware, and specifically for their GNSS receivers. Eos products are used for various applications, from environmental conservation to construction surveying.

Based in North America, Eos products are specifically designed for compatibility with your existing setup. The Eos GNSS receivers are compatible with all mobile devices, third-party data collection apps, and GNSS correctional methods.  

This makes them a promising solution for individuals and businesses who seek a flexible, high-performance receiver that integrates seamlessly with their existing tools and workflows.

What is EOS Arrow Gold?

The Eos Arrow Gold is a premier GNSS receiver offering robust, high-accuracy positioning by processing signals transmitted by GNSS satellites to determine precise location, velocity, and time. The Eos Arrow Gold supports all four global constellations (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and BeiDou) and dual-frequency GNSS signals, ensuring superior performance even in challenging environments, such as dense urban environments or tree canopies.

The Arrow Gold RTK GNSS receiver is sold as a complete survey-grade positioning kit, including the receiver as well as an antenna, mounting plate, antenna cable, carrying case, pole bracket and clamp, battery pack, 12VDC power supply, and access to Eos Tools Pro, their monitoring application.

What is EOS Arrow Gold+?

The Arrow Gold is the predecessor to the Arrow Gold+. The Eos Arrow Gold+ is a high-accuracy Bluetooth GNSS receiver. Building on the capabilities of the Eos Arrow Gold, the Arrow Gold+ includes additional features like RTK network compatibility and advanced data-collection tools. 

RTK setup on an Eos Arrow with Polaris RTK

So today we're going to go through the setup of an Eos Arrow Gold GNSS RTK receiver.

We're going to configure that to work with the Point One Polaris network and show you all the steps involved. So normally you would have this on your survey pole and it would mount to the pole. Here, since we're inside, we've brought an RF connection to our device from an antenna that's mounted on the roof. So you plug in your antenna and then you'd power on the device. Once you've enabled power, you should see some lights on the side. You'll want to make sure that you see the power LED and that the GPS lights are on. You'll also occasionally see the Bluetooth indicator blink, indicating that it's searching for your phone.

So we're going to go in and open the Eos tools application. We'll connect to the device and then we want to make sure that we see our approximate position here in the EOS app. The first thing that we're going to have to now do is set up the differential correction service. So go down to the menu where it says differential and then you'll see a series of fields. For the IP address, you'll want to type in the address of the Polaris service. It's simply polaris.pointonenav.com in the US and in Europe it will be polaris-eu.pointonenav.com.

Your username and password will be in the Point One Nav web application. So we can switch to that application here in our device list. We'll have to create a new device. So we'll go ahead and create an Arrow RTK. You can name it whatever you like and we'll see that the Arrow RTK device has been created. I can go to that device and see my username and password. So I'm going to go ahead and copy the username, put that here, and then go back, copy the password and paste that in and then hit the Get Mount point button here.

I'm going to be presented with a list of our base stations. You can automatically use the optimum base station by connecting to the Polaris mount point. So go ahead, click that and then you'll see that the Polaris mount point is selected in the menu. You need to make sure that you have these options all set and you can hit the Start button. And what you should see is a timer start that indicates that it's now connected to the Polaris service.

If we go and switch back to the status of the device, switch to an RTK fix, and that's indicating that it has the highest possible accuracy. And you can see the RM's accuracy reported here is 8mm. So that's obviously a very good solution and that's what we'd expect to see on the Polaris network. If I go into the web application, I can actually see that my device is actually reporting its position. Happens to be at our office. This is a very great way to see that both the network is seeing your device and then in the Eos application, we can also see that it's using the correct service and position and everything.

Furthermore, we can go into the RTK status item and we can see that we have all the different frequencies and signal types across all the different constellations active. And so that's very good and that's what you'd expect to see. So at this point we're ready to survey. You can go ahead and use whatever survey application you like and that will work the standard way that it would for all of the applications that you're using today with your Eos Arrow Gold receiver.

EOS Arrow Gold Overview

The Eos Arrow Gold is a critical building-block in creating a highly accurate positioning setup. Whether you’re working in surveying, mapping, or construction, this receiver is engineered to provide high levels of accuracy and reliability

Features & Specs

Both models provide high accuracy and compatibility:

• Survey-grade accuracy: Centimeter-level accuracy when paired with real-time kinematic (RTK) corrections.
• Multi-constellation support: GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, QZSS (and, with Arrow Gold+, IRNSS excluding S-Band)
• Dual-frequency GNSS: L1/L2 support for enhanced accuracy and faster fix times (and, with Arrow Gold+, 800+ channels for maximum field productivity).
• Durability: Rugged design, IP67-rated, and capable of withstanding harsh environmental conditions.
• Battery life: Long-lasting lithium-ion battery ensuring continuous operation in the field (10+ hours)
• Flexibility: Compatible with all consumer mobile devices and any third-party data collection apps
• Connectivity: Bluetooth, wi-fi, and USB options for seamless data transmission.
• Dimensions: 12.6 x 7.4 x 4.2 cm
• Weight: 500 grams

Here are the main differences between the two models:

Accuracy 

Both the Arrow Gold and Arrow Gold+ receivers are capable of centimeter-level accuracy. Accuracy is determined based on the correction sources. The Eos receivers are compatible with RTK networks and base stations, Galileo HAS, and Atlas satellite services.

• 10-15 cm accuracy with Galileo HAS
• 4cm accuracy with Atlas® subscription
• 1cm accuracy with RTK networks and base stations

The accuracy of Eos receivers reaches its peak when paired with a real-time kinematic (RTK) network. RTK enhances GNSS accuracy by providing real-time corrections to the position data received from satellites. RTK positioning technology relies on communication between a rover and the RTK provider’s base station. 

The ground-based reference station is surveyed so that its precise position is known within a centimeter or two. The base station then transmits its observations to the rover receiver, like those provided by Eos, in real time. By comparing the measurements the receiver makes to those obtained from the base station, the receiver cancels out any errors in its own measurement, resulting in measurements 100x more precise.

Choosing the best RTK network for your receiver can be challenging, but solutions like Point One Polaris make it simple by offering the highest density network in the United States at a competitive and fair price. You can set up in 5 minutes by connecting to a single NTRIP mount point. After that, you access high-precision GNSS accuracy from 10cm to 1cm–at lightning-fast convergence times of less than five seconds.

With over 1,400 base stations around the world, connecting your Eos Arrow Gold/Gold+ to Polaris RTK network provides unparalleled accuracy worldwide.

When a GNSS receiver like the Eos Arrow Gold+ connects to the Polaris RTK network, it receives these corrections, drastically reducing positional errors caused by atmospheric conditions, satellite orbits, or other variables. As a result, users can achieve centimeter-level accuracy, which is essential for high-precision applications like surveying, construction, and precision agriculture. 

The combination of the advanced GNSS technology offered by Eos and the RTK corrections offered by Point One ensures the highest level of accuracy and reliability in geospatial positioning, at 8mm horizontal accuracy and 2cm vertical accuracy.

Additionally, Arrow Gold+ includes SafeRTK, which maintains near-RTK-level accuracy in areas with spotty cell coverage. For the highest possible accuracy, SafeRTK should be used together with an RTK corrections network like Polaris.

Eos Arrow Gold Price 

The cost of the Eos Arrow Gold and Arrow Gold+ can vary depending on the vendor and additional accessories or services included. While an exact price is not listed, for the most accurate and up-to-date pricing, request an official quote by visiting the official Eos Positioning Systems website.

Other Eos Arrow GNSS Receivers

Eos offers a range of GNSS receivers tailored to different needs and budgets:

Eos Arrow 200 

The Arrow 200 RTK GNSS receiver is a robust, dual-frequency, multi-constellation device that provides centimeter-level accuracy with RTK networks and supports all global GNSS constellations. It offers 30-60 cm accuracy with SBAS corrections when no RTK network is available. 

It’s compatible with all consumer mobile devices and third-party apps, making it highly flexible and productive. Arrow 200 supports fewer constellations and frequencies than the Arrow Gold series, and does not include SafeRTK, making it a less accurate and precise option. Instead, if there is not an available RTK network or Atlas service, the Arrow 200 will work with free SBAS corrections, providing ~30cm horizontal accuracy. 

Though a bit less accurate, it provides a more affordable option for those who do not need extreme precision, and can still offer centimeter-level accuracy when used with an RTK network.

Features and Specs:

• Accuracy: Centimeter-level with RTK, 30-60cm with SBAS
• Constellations supported: GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou
• Frequency: Dual-frequency
• Battery life: 10 hours
• Connectivity: Bluetooth, USB, Serial
• Dimensions: 12.6 x 7.4 x 4.2 cm
• Weight: 500 grams

Eos Arrow 100 / Eos Arrow 100+

The Arrow Lite is an affordable submeter GPS receiver suitable for those who need a balance of accuracy and affordability. By utilizing the GPS constellation and free SBAS corrections, it provides the most accuracy possible given its limitations. 

Like all other Eos products, it is compatible with all mapping or data-collection apps on any mobile device. The limitations of the Eos Arrow Lite are that it only works with the GPS constellation, and not the full GNSS satellite constellation. 

Additionally, it is not compatible with correction sources outside of SBAS, the free worldwide differential corrections for GPS.

Features and Specs:

• Accuracy: Submeter
• Constellations supported: GPS, GLONASS
• Frequency: Single-frequency
• Battery life: 10 hours
• Connectivity: Bluetooth, USB
• Dimensions: 12.6 x 7.4 x 3.2
• Weight: 340 grams

Eos Bridge

The Eos Bridge is a device designed to facilitate real-time data streaming and connectivity for GNSS receivers. It can be used in conjunction with any of the Eos GNSS receivers. Unlike the receivers, it does not collect GNSS data directly, but rather facilitates the transmission of data collected by receivers.

Acting as a bridge for connecting GNSS receivers to various data sources and networks, the Eos Bridge enables real-time data streaming and processing. It can integrate with existing GNSS setups to enhance data accessibility and functionality. 

The Eos Bridge is commonly used in applications that require real-time GNSS data transmission, such as remote sensing, surveying, and mapping because it enables seamless data transfer and communication.

Features and Specs:

• Connectivity: Supports real-time data streaming via cellular, wi-fi, and Bluetooth
• Compatibility: Works with various GNSS receivers and data collection systems
• Data Transmission: Facilitates transmission of GNSS data to cloud-based platforms or remote servers
• Integration: Compatible with existing GNSS setups for enhanced data access and workflow efficiency
• Power Supply: Operates on a standard power supply with low power consumption
• Durability: Built to withstand rugged conditions for reliable performance in the field.
• Configuration: Features user-friendly setup and configuration for easy integration with GNSS systems.

More about EOS Arrow

How accurate is the EOS Arrow Lite?

The Arrow Lite offers sub-meter accuracy, and is most suitable for field applications where absolute precision is not critical. For applications requiring higher precision, try the Arrow Gold/Gold+.

What is the difference between GPS and GNSS receivers?

GNSS receivers, like the Eos Arrow Gold, can utilize multiple satellite constellations (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou) for enhanced accuracy and reliability. On the other hand, GPS-only receivers, such as the Arrow Lite, utilize only GPS satellites.

What does GNSS stand for?

GNSS stands for Global Navigation Satellite System, encompassing all global satellite constellations.

Ultimate EOS Arrow Gold Accuracy with Polaris RTK

To achieve effortless precision with your Eos Arrow Gold, leveraging the Polaris RTK network is essential. This combination ensures you get real-time, centimeter-level accuracy, perfect for demanding applications in surveying, construction, agriculture, and mapping.

By applying the Polaris RTK network, you’re not just getting accurate data; you’re also ensuring efficiency and reliability in your field operations. With its expansive network of over 1,400 base stations across the US, EU, and AU, Polaris is the premier RTK network for your Eos receiver. 

Polaris offers:

• Centimeter-level accuracy
• Unparalleled reliability at 99.99% uptime
• Highest density of RTK corrections network in the U.S.
• Seamless connection to the nearest local base station with automatic transfer
• Dual band GNSS compatibility
• Modern and scalable solutions with a network built on modular architecture
• Predictable, transparent, and reliable pricing with no hidden costs

By integrating Eos Arrow Gold with Polaris RTK, you’re investing in the pinnacle of GNSS technology, ensuring precise, reliable data collection for all your professional needs.

Learn more about the Polaris RTK Network and get started today with a free trial.