GNSS receivers have become common equipment for Ukrainian farmers. They allow determining the current position of machinery in real-time. However, they have their limitations – a large margin of error prevents their use in autopilot systems. The RTK signal solves this problem, capable of significantly improving the accuracy of remote machine control. We explain what it is, what advantages this technology has, and how it can be implemented in your farm.
What are RTK Systems
An RTK system is a network of ground-based stations that refine the coordinates of GNSS receivers. It allows reducing satellite navigation error from several meters to 2.5 centimeters. This technology helps to plot precise routes for agricultural machinery, increasing its application efficiency.
The RTK signal is transmitted via standard mobile networks with sufficient bandwidth. It can be broadcast even through GPRS/EDGE, ensuring stable reception in regions with low 3G/4G coverage. The Ukrainian company FRENDT offers base stations and modems of their own design, capable of working with two SIM cards from different operators. Switching between them is done automatically within 2 seconds. This ensures exceptional connection stability and accuracy of remote machine control.
Advantages of RTK Systems
- Maximum automation. The RTK signal allows creating autopilot systems for machinery. They significantly reduce the load on the operator, who monitors the machine’s condition and takes control only in critical situations. The cost of retrofitting a tractor or combine ranges from 8 to 16 thousand dollars depending on its modification.
- Reduced overlap. When using standard GNSS systems, its width is 20-25 cm, with RTK signal – 2.5-5 cm. In a
real example of the enterprise “Urozhayna Krayina”, which is part of the MHP holding structure, this resulted in fuel savings of up to 5%, and seed material – up to 4%. Under such conditions, the payback period for RTK infrastructure for a farm with a land fund of over 500 hectares is only 1 year. - Increased yield. According to precision farming engineer
Serhiy Yaroshenko , RTK correction of satellite signals is one of the few ways to implement Strip-Till technology, where seeds, fertilizers, water, and chemicals are applied directly into the row. This technology ensures 100% efficiency in material use, increasing agricultural productivity. - All-weather operation. The RTK signal allows machinery to work even at night or in heavy fog. The technology increases the efficiency of autopilot machines by transmitting necessary information to the operator.
- Improved control. RTK technology is often used in conjunction with geoinformation systems. It allows better monitoring of crop conditions, soil moisture, obstacles to machinery movement, and other parameters.
What is the Difference between RTK and Standard GNSS
GNSS is a Global Navigation Satellite System. Usually, it refers to the American GPS satellite constellation. But similar capabilities are also available in the European Galileo system, Chinese BeiDou, Japanese QZSS, and Russian GLONASS.
GNSS RTK is a combination of space vehicles and ground infrastructure that corrects their signals. The differences between the classic and refined versions of the system can be seen in the table below:
| Characteristics | GNSS | GNSS+RTK |
| Positioning error | From 10 cm to 10 meters | 2.5 cm |
| Time to reach maximum accuracy after equipment startup | From 10 minutes to 5 hours | From 30 seconds to 5 minutes |
| Maximum distance from the base station | Unlimited | 70 km |
| Signal type | Satellite | Satellite + mobile network |
| Subscription cost | Free options available | On average 300 euros per month or 1000 euros per year |
| Autopilot capabilities | Limited | Full |
| Dependence on atmospheric conditions | High | Low |
| Signal reception in regions with complex terrain | Strong | Weak |
Thus, RTK systems are more demanding in terms of connection quality and require a paid subscription. But they quickly pay for themselves and start generating additional profit. The online service WEAGRO provides a quick start in using innovative technologies. By choosing a supplier among our partners, you can get agricultural installment plans for purchasing GNSS receivers and RTK infrastructure, as well as provider services. You don’t need to collect large packages of documents and spend a lot of time: submit an application online – and we will review it within 30 minutes.
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What is Needed to Use RTK
The key element of any navigation system is the GNSS receiver. It is mounted on each unit of machinery, providing real-time position control of the machine. The RTK signal for correcting satellite communication is transmitted by a base station. Installation takes place on a permanent structure where there is wired internet and access to 220 Volt power. The coverage radius of such equipment reaches 70 km in ideal conditions and 50 km on average.
Rover (mobile) type transmitters are installed on agricultural machines, and receivers are installed in the company office. Usually, monitors are also placed in the machinery, allowing the driver to control route adherence and connection stability. RTK servers are used in the office, which can be organized based on desktop computers or even powerful laptops. In fact, this is the network control center, which dispatchers, managers, agronomists, or owners work with.
Software is also a very important element of RTK systems. Small farms can use ready-made solutions, such as GM Agro RTK, Geotrack, SurPAD, X-Survey, etc. Large enterprises usually create their own applications, receiving necessary data in real-time through provider APIs.
It’s also worth remembering that supporting RTK systems can be too complex for small and medium-sized farms that don’t have a team of engineers on staff. Therefore, most Ukrainian enterprises receive support from providers on a subscription basis. Its average cost is from 250 to 500 euros per month plus separate payment for repair team visits.
How RTK Systems are Used in Ukrainian Agriculture
There are already several large RTK communication providers in Ukraine:
Large agricultural enterprises, including Kernel and MHP, also have their own networks for working with RTK signals. They offer infrastructure rental services and equipment maintenance for farms that fall within their coverage area. To connect to their networks, you need to independently purchase a GNSS receiver, GSM modem, and monitor for the machine, as well as a satellite module and server for the office.
To calculate the necessary investment amount, pay attention to the approximate cost of equipment:
- tractor autopilot system – from 200,000 UAH;
- base station GNSS RTK – 125,000 UAH;
- rover receiver – 45,000 UAH;
- software – from 15,000 to 60,000 UAH.
The average cost of servicing one unit of machinery is 60-80,000 UAH per year. These figures may seem quite high. But they will only be insignificant percentages compared to the prices of modern tractors, combines, and other agricultural machines.
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Moreover, the investments fully justify themselves. Just reducing navigation error allows saving up to 5% of material resources. The application of precision farming technologies also helps to increase yield by 22%. The RTK signal makes it possible to maximize production automation, reducing labor costs and employee qualification requirements. The use of modern GNSS receivers with position correction simplifies entry into the agricultural sector and creates conditions for healthy competition in agriculture.
Gain additional profit and increase the competitiveness of your farm by combining GNSS and RTK technologies! The online service WEAGRO will help you quickly find financing for investments in enterprise digitalization. We provide agricultural installment plans on individual terms, beneficial for farmers and owners of micro, small, and medium-sized businesses. You can choose a supplier among our partners or suggest your provider join the service.
