Main features:
Used to working “by eye” but starting to feel it’s no longer enough? In modern agribusiness, even a single centimeter matters. That’s why more and more Ukrainian farmers are switching to RTK navigation, where every step in the field – from seeding to spraying – is executed with pinpoint accuracy.
What Is an RTK Base Station and How Does It Work?
RTK (Real-Time Kinematic) is a high-precision satellite positioning technology that operates in real time. Standard GPS has an accuracy margin of up to 30 cm. That might be fine for manual soil cultivation, but when machinery is operating at 8–30 km/h and performing tasks at variable depths, that kind of inaccuracy means real financial losses on every meter.
With RTK, accuracy increases to as little as 2.5 cm – enabling full automation of fieldwork and eliminating overlaps and missed spots.
How Does an RTK Base Station Operate?
An RTK station is typically installed on a permanent structure with a stable internet connection. Here’s how it works:
- It receives satellite signals (from GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, Beidou).
- Instantly calculates correction data to enhance accuracy.
- Transmits corrections to farm machinery via internet or radio signal.
- Tractors, seeders, and sprayers receive centimeter-accurate positional guidance.
This isn’t the future – it’s already a working reality in Ukrainian fields.
Why Build an RTK Base Station Network?
In a word: efficiency.
✅ Cost savings: Precise movements mean reduced fuel, fertilizer, seed, and crop protection waste.
✅ Improved accuracy: Planting is uniform, with no gaps. Spraying is exact, with no overlaps. Tillage happens at the right depth, on the right path.
✅ Higher yields: Timely, precise fieldwork leads to fewer errors and better results.
✅ All-weather operation: RTK works in fog, dust, or low visibility – your machinery “sees” even when you don’t.
✅ Ready for automation: Thinking about autonomous or robotic equipment? RTK base stations are the backbone of automation.
What’s Inside an RTK Station?
Put simply – it’s a brain, an antenna, and a transmitter. But every part is built to survive the elements.
- GNSS receiver – captures signals from all major satellite constellations.
- High-precision antenna – ensures stable performance.
- Internet module – transmits corrections in real time.
- Rugged enclosure – protects from dust, moisture, and wind; works in rain or extreme heat.
- Low power consumption – starts from 3.8 W depending on setup and peripherals.
How Do RTK Stations Work Without the Internet?
At FRENDT, we know most fields don’t come with Wi-Fi. That’s why multiple communication channels are available:
- GSM – via local mobile providers (Kyivstar, Vodafone, Lifecell, etc.)
- Radio channel – for remote areas with no cell coverage.
- Satellite internet – when nothing else is available.
RTK Stations Are Compatible With All Major Equipment Brands
Most modern farm machines already have built-in GPS receivers. All you need to do is activate the RTK signal and connect a GSM modem.
Compatible with: John Deere, Trimble, CNH (CASE, New Holland), CLAAS, AGCO (Fendt, Massey Ferguson, Valtra), Horsch, Kinze, Hexagon, TopCon – nearly all major brands.
RTK Base Station Pricing: What Influences the Cost?
The Ukrainian market offers both entry-level solutions for small farms and high-end systems for large holdings. Instead of choosing the cheapest, it’s smarter to choose what’s optimal for your machinery and precision farming goals.
Key factors that affect price:
- Package contents (modem, antenna, battery, etc.)
- Number of satellite tracking channels
- Brand and technical specs
Where to Buy an RTK Base Station?
FRENDT is Ukraine’s trusted precision farming partner with over 12 years of hands-on experience. We don’t just sell RTK stations – we provide:
- Expert consultations
- Professional installation and setup
- Full warranty and post-warranty support
- Connection to our proprietary RTK network
- Reliable signal – 24/7
- Flexible subscription options – monthly or seasonal packages
In modern farming, it’s not about working more – it’s about working smarter. RTK technology is your gateway to next-generation agriculture, where digital insights and soil management go hand in hand.