Reach: affordable centimeter-level precise RTK GPS on Indiegogo
Emlid presented a new product – Reach, compact and truly affordable RTK GPS receiver. It aims to deliver high precision positioning at a fraction of a cost of other systems. RTK is a widely used technology well-known in surveying and precision agriculture. Currently available systems cost thousand of dollars and are not affordable to hobbyist, makers and small businesses.
Reach has a tiny Linux computer inside, which runs open-source RTKLIB engine and has comprehensive connectivity options. Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Serial, USB on-the-go – Emlid made sure that whatever your application is, integration would be seamless. Reach can be connected to the internet and work independently with NTRIP casters.
With precision time stamping feature, Reach can be used for geo tagging and user accessible GPIOs can trigger camera at exact locations. Emlid is developing an app to make configuration easier and provide fast access to the logs.
High quality antennas are the key to great RTK performance. Tallysman Wireless, an industry leading company in high accuracy antennas provided their latest advanced antennas for the project. These antennas receive Glonass G1, Beidou B1, GPS L1 and Galileo E1 signals as well as signals from corrections services.
“The Emlid Reach program is an excellent example of the potential for huge reductions in cost available of precision RTK positioning systems. Tallysman’s Accutenna™ technology is a great match for the Reach product because it too provides high precision at new price levels. Just as one wouldn’t expect a high quality image from an expensive TV receiver with a “rabbit ear” antenna, one should not expect the levels of precision the Reach product is capable of with a low precision antenna. Tallysman’s raison d’etre is production of high quality, high precision antennas at an affordable price for systems exactly such as the Emlid Reach product.”
Allen Crawford – Director Marketing & Sales, Antennas and RF Products, Tallysman Wireless
“Reach opens new, exciting applications that were previously limited by price barriers. We rely on open-source technology and latest GNSS chipsets advancements to bring the cost down.”
Mikhail Avkhimenia – Emlid co-owner
Reach highlights:
Raw data receiver: U-blox NEO-M8T – 72 channels, output rate is up to 18Hz, supports GPS L1, GLONASS G1, BeiDou B1, QZSS, Galileo E1, SBAS
Processing unit: Intel Edison – dual-core 500MHz
Connectivity: I2C, UART, GPIO, TimeStamp, OTG USB, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
GNSS Antenna: external with MCX connector
Very compact: 25x35mm
Lightweight: 20gr
Emlid is now funding the project on Indiegogo platform and early supporters can get an RTK kit with two receivers and survey-grade antennas for just 499$.
