Own your own private GBAS Network RTK Node

RTK, GBAS and Network RTK Explained.

For almost all precision flight, mapping, agriculture and automation in so many more advanced areas of uncrewed systems, RTK is needed. RTK allows for the signals your aircraft is receiving from satellites via the various GPS satellite constellations, to be locally corrected for tiny positional errors.

Without RTK, aircraft accuracy in flight is nowhere near the grade required for precision mapping in any industry. Using GPS alone, DJI give a horizontal positioning accuracy of about 150cm and 50cm vertically. In practice, it's a lot better than this, but still way out of tolerance for any mapping mission, whether thats RGB (visible light) or LiDAR - all of which are used in Civil Engineering, mining and Agriculture.

In fact, most DJI aircraft now, and certainly all the latest enterprise models, won't work without RTK. So, customers in the industry have bene buying the DJI D-RTK3 base station. This is a mobile unit, with on-board battery that can also be used as a relay station. But, it's primary use is D-RTK.

Any local RTK system, mobile or fixed, is also called a GBAS - Ground Based Augmentation System. GBAS stations allow for absolute precision corrections down to centimetre level.

Mobile D-RTK stations, or fixed ground stations?

So, regardless of your operation, you're likely going to need RTK. The choice then is 'do you need a mobile solution' such as the DJI D-RTK3 or other mobile solutions? Or are your operations in a fixed area - such as a farm or mine or other operation that spans less than 60km in diameter? For the most part, the latter will apply.

Mobile stations from DJI, Trimble and others give high accuracy measurements, but are costly, especially Trimble systems which are predominantly used in civil engineering due the positional accuracy requirements of around 3cm and below. Our solution goes a lot further.

With the Dronestar™ FJD Trion solution,, a permanent, ground based installation will give real-time, always on, Network RTK positioning accuracy with no waiting for convergence of 1,5cm or below within 30km of the base station. That is hands-down industry leading.

How does the Dronestar RTK Node solution work?

The Dronestar™ FJD Trion RTK fixed node base station, is a stand alone system that uses a special radome antenna connected to a precision GNSS reference receiver. That receiver is essentially a powerful GBAS computer that connects to the internet - either via hard wire, 4G or Starlink amongst others.  The node takes all of the satellite data from 4 different constellations and continually corrects it in real time, down to that 1.5cm or less accuracy to any connected device.

Once running, users access the node via an NTRIP account. All devices capable or accessing Network RTK, have options other than add NTRIP accounts. Our solution allows for multiple private accounts that you can use for positional precision via your own, private node. Tractors, spray rigs, drones - anything that is network RTK capable can access your on-site node.

Advantages of fixed node RTK v Mobile D-RTK.

Fixed base stations, such as ours, are incredibly accurate. Far more accurate than mobile solutions. They're instant on, zero waiting for convergence and accurate within 30km of the stations position. For customers needing large area coverage, these stations can all be privately networked.

No messing around with charging batteries, waiting for satellite convergence, issues with software or having other carry a phone or an iPad around with your mobile D-RTK solution. Simply put, these stations save a vast amount of time. And therefore money.

Let's go. What do I do now?

Simply contact us by phone or email, or use the form below to choose the options you'd like. We'll then contact you to discuss and organise  a date to come to you, install and activate. There is a one-off install fee of $1000 for each node. Technical support ongoing for the life of your subscription is directly with us. No callcentre's, no overseas calls, no waiting.

Your NTRIP system is critical to everything you do. We know that, and that's why we are aiming to provide the very best, Australian Network RTK system available, backed up 100% by our reputation in the uncrewed aviation, and uncrewed aviation training space.