Buying Guides
Beginner's Guide to Buying an RTK GPS Receiver
A simple guide to choosing the right RTK receiver for drones, agriculture, and robotics
Who This Guide Is For
This guide is written for you if you are:
A drone operator working on mapping, surveying, or precision agriculture projects
A system integrator building autonomous vehicles, robots, or farm machinery
A hobbyist looking to upgrade from basic GPS to centimeter-level positioning
Anyone new to RTK technology and unsure where to start
What to Look for in an RTK Receiver
These are the key factors to compare when choosing your model:
1. Accuracy & Heading Capability
Positioning Accuracy: Look for receivers with centimeter-level (cm-level) accuracy in RTK fixed mode.
Heading Accuracy: If you need to control direction (for vehicles or drones), choose a dual-antenna receiver. The AK978H, for example, provides stable heading data based on the distance between its two antennas.
2. Multi-Constellation Support
A receiver that supports multiple satellite systems will perform better in trees, buildings, or urban environments. Ensure it covers:
- BDS, GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS
3. Data Update Rate
For fast-moving applications like drones or tractors, a higher update rate (10Hz–20Hz) ensures smooth and responsive positioning data.
4. Interfaces & Integration
The receiver must work with your existing hardware. Check for:
Output protocols: NMEA 0183, RTCM3.X
Common interfaces: RS232, RS485, or CAN bus
Voltage range: Industrial-grade models like the AK978H support a wide range (e.g., DC +9V~36V)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Choosing single-frequency receivers for critical work: They are cheaper but less stable and more prone to errors.
Ignoring heading requirements: Even a high-precision position won’t help if your vehicle can’t stay on course.
Overlooking environmental factors: Industrial-grade receivers are built to handle vibration, temperature changes, and moisture. Our Recommendations
Based on the factors above, here are our top picks from DaLang:
1. DaLang AK978H Dual-Antenna RTK Receiver
Best for: Precision agriculture, drones, robotics, and vehicle control
✅ All-constellation support (BDS/GPS/GLONASS/GALILEO/QZSS)
✅ Built-in 1W radio, works as both base and rover station
✅ cm-level positioning accuracy + reliable heading output
✅ Supports CORS networks and local base stations
2. Entry-Level Single-Frequency GNSS Module
Best for: Basic positioning and hobby projects
✅ Low cost and low power consumption
❌ Not suitable for surveying or high-precision tasks
3. High-Precision Base Station Kit Best for: Setting up your own correction network
✅ Ideal for farms, construction sites, or remote areas
✅ Works seamlessly with our rover receivers ---
Ready to Choose?
View DaLang AK978H Product Page to check full specs and pricing.https://gnssrtkmall.com/products/ak978h-rtk-receiver-gmss-high-precision-dual-antenna-directional-agricultural-automatic-instrument-radio-gps-antenna-module-radio
Contact Our Team if you need help confirming compatibility with your system.https://gnssrtkmall.com/pages/contact-us
A simple guide to choosing the right RTK receiver for drones, agriculture, and robotics
Who This Guide Is For
This guide is written for you if you are:
A drone operator working on mapping, surveying, or precision agriculture projects
A system integrator building autonomous vehicles, robots, or farm machinery
A hobbyist looking to upgrade from basic GPS to centimeter-level positioning
Anyone new to RTK technology and unsure where to start
What to Look for in an RTK Receiver
These are the key factors to compare when choosing your model:
1. Accuracy & Heading Capability
Positioning Accuracy: Look for receivers with centimeter-level (cm-level) accuracy in RTK fixed mode.
Heading Accuracy: If you need to control direction (for vehicles or drones), choose a dual-antenna receiver. The AK978H, for example, provides stable heading data based on the distance between its two antennas.
2. Multi-Constellation Support
A receiver that supports multiple satellite systems will perform better in trees, buildings, or urban environments. Ensure it covers:
- BDS, GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS
3. Data Update Rate
For fast-moving applications like drones or tractors, a higher update rate (10Hz–20Hz) ensures smooth and responsive positioning data.
4. Interfaces & Integration
The receiver must work with your existing hardware. Check for:
Output protocols: NMEA 0183, RTCM3.X
Common interfaces: RS232, RS485, or CAN bus
Voltage range: Industrial-grade models like the AK978H support a wide range (e.g., DC +9V~36V)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Choosing single-frequency receivers for critical work: They are cheaper but less stable and more prone to errors.
Ignoring heading requirements: Even a high-precision position won’t help if your vehicle can’t stay on course.
Overlooking environmental factors: Industrial-grade receivers are built to handle vibration, temperature changes, and moisture. Our Recommendations
Based on the factors above, here are our top picks from DaLang:
1. DaLang AK978H Dual-Antenna RTK Receiver
Best for: Precision agriculture, drones, robotics, and vehicle control
✅ All-constellation support (BDS/GPS/GLONASS/GALILEO/QZSS)
✅ Built-in 1W radio, works as both base and rover station
✅ cm-level positioning accuracy + reliable heading output
✅ Supports CORS networks and local base stations
2. Entry-Level Single-Frequency GNSS Module
Best for: Basic positioning and hobby projects
✅ Low cost and low power consumption
❌ Not suitable for surveying or high-precision tasks
3. High-Precision Base Station Kit Best for: Setting up your own correction network
✅ Ideal for farms, construction sites, or remote areas
✅ Works seamlessly with our rover receivers ---
Ready to Choose?
View DaLang AK978H Product Page to check full specs and pricing.https://gnssrtkmall.com/products/ak978h-rtk-receiver-gmss-high-precision-dual-antenna-directional-agricultural-automatic-instrument-radio-gps-antenna-module-radio
Contact Our Team if you need help confirming compatibility with your system.https://gnssrtkmall.com/pages/contact-us
