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Our base station

See what’s inside the base and why we chose each component.

Explore the hardware

Inside the base station

Select a component to find out more.

Open RTK Solutions base station with carrier PCB, heatsink, GNSS receiver, communications and battery; background removed

Inside our base station · select a numbered component

Why we built it this way

The base uses a dedicated GNSS receiver, a Raspberry Pi Compute Module and a 4G modem on our own carrier board. Plug-in modules make repairs and replacements straightforward.

One Ethernet cable carries power and data. The carrier board charges the battery and provides UPS backup during a power cut. Approximately 10–12 hours of battery runtime at around 20°C. Runtime varies with battery condition and power use.

The components

Why we chose each part. Photos are representative; supplied versions may vary.

01

Raspberry Pi Compute Module

Representative Raspberry Pi Compute Module product photograph

Runs the base station software and manages its connections.

Why it’s the best choice for our base

Raspberry Pi gives us a compact computer with strong software support and a widely supported Linux platform. The plug-in format makes it straightforward to replace or service without changing the whole carrier board.

Details & origin

Module version and configuration are matched to your base station.

Made in the UK.

Manufacturer details ↗

2-year warranty.

02

Septentrio mosaic GNSS module

Supplied Septentrio mosaic GNSS receiver module close-up

Receives satellite signals for RTK corrections. Pre-configured with the correct base files for your existing setup, so guidance lines and boundaries stay in place.

Why it’s the best choice for our base

Septentrio specialises in high-precision GNSS. Its mosaic range tracks multiple satellite systems and frequencies, with technology to reduce radio interference and errors from reflected signals. These are useful strengths for a base that needs to produce consistent measurements throughout the working day. We chose Septentrio for its receiver technology and focus on reliable positioning in demanding conditions.

Details & origin

Replacement receivers are supplied with the correct base files to match your existing installation.

Designed in the Netherlands; made in Spain.

Manufacturer details ↗

2-year warranty.

03

Silvertel AG5300 PoE module

Representative Silvertel PoE module product image

Takes power from the Ethernet cable to supply the base.

Why it’s the best choice for our base

Silvertel is an industry leader in Power over Ethernet modules.

Details & origin

Soldered to and included with the carrier board.

Manufacturing origin unconfirmed.

Manufacturer details ↗
04

Quectel EM05 4G module

Quectel EM05 product image with placeholder variant and serial markings

Connects the base to the internet over the mobile network.

Why it’s the best choice for our base

Quectel is a leading supplier of cellular modules. The EM05 gives the base a compact 4G connection where a suitable mobile signal is available.

Details & origin

Requires a SIM and mobile data service. The regional version is matched to your base.

Supplied-unit origin unconfirmed; China is listed for the EM05-G.

Manufacturer details ↗

2-year warranty.

05

TI BQ25750 power controller

Illustrative Texas Instruments chip package shown from above and below

Controls battery charging and power flow on the carrier board.

Why it’s the best choice for our base

Texas Instruments is a leader in power-management electronics. The BQ25750 combines battery charging and power-path control in one controller.

Details & origin

Mounted on the back of the carrier board and included with it.

Manufacturing origin unconfirmed.

Manufacturer details ↗
06

Custom main carrier PCB

RTK Solutions carrier board with unpopulated compute, GNSS and modem sockets; Ethernet socket at the lower right

Connects the modules, charges the battery and provides UPS backup during a power cut.

Why we built it this way

Our board brings the computing, satellite receiver, modem and power supply together. Built-in charging and UPS control keep the base running from its battery when mains power is lost, while the plug-in modules can be replaced individually.

Details & origin

UPS backup needs a connected, charged battery. Approximately 10–12 hours of battery runtime at around 20°C. Runtime varies with battery condition and power use.

Manufacturing origin unconfirmed.

5-year warranty.

Carrier board part exchange for replacements: £850.00 ex VAT (£1,020.00 inc VAT). View replacement options.

07

Samsung 2S2P battery pack

Representative 7.4 V 5200 mAh protected 2S2P battery pack using Samsung cells

A protected 7.4 V, 5200 mAh pack using Samsung 18650 cells. Approximately 10–12 hours of battery runtime at around 20°C.

Why it’s the best choice for our base

Samsung is one of the leading names in rechargeable battery cells. We chose its 18650 cells for the base’s backup supply, with a protected pack that fits inside the enclosure.

Details & origin

Approximately 10–12 hours of battery runtime at around 20°C. Runtime varies with battery condition and power use.

Pack assembly origin unconfirmed.

2-year warranty.

08

Kingston Industrial 8 GB microSD

Kingston Industrial microSDHC card marked 8 GB, SDCIT2/8GB and Taiwan

An 8 GB industrial microSD card with our base station software pre-installed.

Why it’s the best choice for our base

Kingston is a well-established name in memory and storage. Its Industrial card uses pSLC flash and wear levelling to handle repeated writes, making it a good choice for a base that runs continuously.

Details & origin

Supplied with RTK Solutions software pre-installed.

Made in Taiwan.

Manufacturer details ↗

2-year warranty.

Find out more

See base station options, spare parts and prices, or get in touch.

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