CLAAS releases RTK base station

CLAAS says its new RTK FIELD BASE is ideal for use in regions that are not serviced by a RTK base station network or have poor mobile phone coverage.

"Automatic steering systems are now standard equipment in large-scale cropping operations," says CLAAS Harvest Centre Precision Farming Product Manager, Travis Ryan-Salter.

"Real Time Kinematic (RTK) navigation improves the accuracy of GPS systems by correcting the signal against a known base point. However, many regions still do not have access to a reliable RTK signal.

"RTK FIELD BASE can be used anywhere where a correction signal reception is weak or non-existent.”

The unit utilises a dual-frequency GPS and Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS) receiver to achieve an accuracy of two to three centimetres.

“The quality of the correction signal can easily compete with that of stationary transmitters,” Ryan-Salter says.

He adds the system can achieve a reliable signal range of between three and five kilometres, depending on the topography.

“An even greater range can be achieved through the use of external radio technology if permitted by statutory regulations," he says.

The unit comes with a tripod assembly and compact dimensions that have been designed for easy transportation and set up.

“RTK FIELD BASE is ready to use within a few minutes, so there is no great loss of time when changing paddocks or properties,” Ryan-Salter says.

"The signal can be used by an unlimited number of machines within its range without any licensing fees for transmission being incurred.

"The correction signal is supplied in a range of formats, which allows seamless integration for customers with mixed fleets."

Find out more about the CLAAS RTK FIELD BASE at CLAAS Harvest Centre's website.