How to Get an RTK Without Going Through SonarVision

In response to the many questions raised by a Episode dedicated to RTK on Oxytude, we’re writing this guide to explain how you can get a RTK receiver at a lower cost.

Our recommendation: the Handheld Surveyor Kit

To make life easier for these customers, Ardusimple has created an iOS-compatible quick-start kit: the Handheld Surveyor Kit.

This kit includes everything you’ll need to get started! To assemble it, simply screw the antenna into the case, taking great care to do so carefully.

This kit costs about €600 (including tax), takes only a few minutes to assemble, and is ready to use right out of the box with SonarVision. However, to set up our recommended configuration with the U-Center software, you’ll need assistance from an IT professional or another skilled DIYer.

Also, expect limited accessibility, as an Ardusimple “RTK” receiver does not have an ON/OFF button.

You can easily repair it if it breaks by replacing the defective part, but for customer service, you’ll need to contact the supplier directly.

However, in terms of accuracy, it’s exactly the same as more expensive solutions.

I recommend getting the battery grip accessory to power your RTK. On iPhone 15 and later models, which have a USB-C port, you can also power your RTK directly from your iPhone. This does not work on iPhone 14 and earlier models!

To carry the RTK and your iPhone while on the go, we now offer a specially designed carrying case: Feeldom Carrying Case

Setup with u-center

This is the tricky part, and we strongly recommend that you have someone with you who’s willing to tinker for a few hours with some obscure software.

If you follow this tutorial to the letter, you should be fine:

Here’s the recommended configuration for SonarVision that I mention in the video. Install it on your RTK using U-Center:

Good luck—it can take several hours the first time!

Connecting to SonarVision

In the settings, select “RTK” and connect your device.

Once your RTK is turned on and connected, SonarVision will automatically start your route using the RTK as the geolocation source.

Now all you need to do is go to a location with a clear sky and wait for SonarVision to switch to RTK float. You’ll be geolocated with excellent accuracy, and you can start a route just like you would with VPS!

After about 30 seconds, and provided the sky is clear, SonarVision should switch to RTK fixed. This is the highest level of accuracy you can achieve with this device, and generally corresponds to an accuracy of less than 10 centimeters.

As for NTRIP corrections, SonarVision connects only to Centipede Network, but it automatically finds the RTK base station closest to you and connects to it.

Happy navigating!