Precision Agriculture Solutions

TESSCO is your source for all the non-Trimble components you need to build, operate, maintain and use the RTK Network system.

Trimble Approved RTK Network Components

	Power Source
	RF Cable
	Antenna
	Mounting Structure

Power Source for Trimble RTK Network

A shared base station requires about 1- 3 Amps or 12 Watts of power continuously. Although the power requirement is small, it needs to be continuous, regulated, and consistent to provide good correction signal to the RTK vehicles. Any power surges or losses could disrupt the signal and cause line jumps or loss of signal.

Trimble recommends all shared base stations receive their power though a 12VDC battery system. There are two main powering solutions depending on the power availability at the shared base station site.

LinkUPS for Trimble RTK Networks

LinkUPS™ Backup Power Systems for RTK Networks

The new VENTEV LinkUPS™ outdoor backup power system is specifically designed to provide both primary and uninterrupted, reliable standby power for critical RTK equipment in harsh environmental applications.

RTK Solar Power Solution

TESSCO's solar solutions have designed systems specifically for the Trimble RTK system and are available off-the-shelf and ready to ship.

Your Geographic Location:

North of Kansas City

South of Kansas City.

Battery Charger & Deep Cycle Battery Solution

Charger

Batteries

Temp Sensor

Additional Components

Lightning Protection with PolyPhaser

Radio Surge Protection

GPS Surge Protection

RF Cable (Low Loss Coaxial)

This cable transfers the radio signal from the RTK Radio to the Antenna. Coaxial cable does lose signal power the greater the distance it is transferred. Make sure you compensate for this loss with a higher gain antenna and high quality low loss coax cable. When constructing your shared base station, the radio and antenna can be mounted at the top of the tower requiring a small coaxial cable or at the bottom of the tower requiring a longer coaxial cable. Remember, the longer the coaxial cable, the bigger it must be to compensate for the signal loss. The size of the antenna does not matter if the signal cannot get there.

Antenna

The antenna broadcasts the sub-inch correction signal to all of the vehicles within a 12 mile line of sight radius. Omni-directional antennas are recommended because they put out equal signal in all directions. No matter how you set your RTK Network up, the antenna should be mounted as high as possible to broadcast the correction signal to the vehicles below. All other components, including the RTK radio can be mounted near the ground.

Mounting Structure

All of these components are mounted on or near some type of structure. These structures could be radio/cell towers, water towers, grain elevators, buildings, or other tall structures. Due to their height, all of these options will need to be grounded and have lightning protection to protect the electronic equipment.

Note: If you mount the receiver on the structure itself, make sure it does not move or sway.

Tower Calculation Services

Stock Towers Designed for Trimble RTK Network

TESSCO stocks towers from Trylon that can be configured to support a wide array of products. Tell us what you need to put up in the air, and we'll tell you how to get it there! Just fill out TESSCO's tower calculation form and TESSCO's technical experts will determine what style of tower will work best for your application. Most tower solutions ship from stock to arrive within 3-5 days of placing your order.

Rohn tower case study:
Only One Day Needed to Erect Direct-Imbedded Poles

If your upcoming tower installation has time, space and zoning restrictions and stringent safety requirements, a direct-imbedded tapered steel pole is an economical, efficient, quickly deployed alternative to small lattice structures. Read more...