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We are glad to announce the start of crowdfunding campaign for Reach– affordable and compact RTK GPS receiver.
RTK allows to achieve centimeter level precision, it is a widely used technology well-known in surveying and precision agriculture. Currently available systems cost thousands of dollars and are not affordable to hobbyist, makers and small businesses.
Reach has a tiny Linux computer inside, which runs open-source RTKLIB engine and has comprehensive connectivity options. Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Serial, USB on-the-go – whatever your application is, integration would be seamless. Reach can be connected to the internet and work independently with NTRIP casters.
We are working on integration with Pixhawk and other APM based autopilots. Reach can be powered from autopilot port and will send accurate coordinates using NMEA protocol.
Antennas matter
Tallysman Wireless, an industry leading company in high accuracy antennas provided their latest advanced antennas for the project. These antennas receive Glonass G1, Beidou B1, GPS L1 and Galileo E1 signals as well as signals from corrections services.
The Emlid Reach program is an excellent example of the potential for huge reductions in cost available of precision RTK positioning systems. Tallysman’s Accutenna™ technology is a great match for the Reach product because it too provides high precision at new price levels. Just as one wouldn’t expect a high quality image from an expensive TV receiver with a “rabbit ear” antenna, one should not expect the levels of precision the Reach product is capable of with a low precision antenna. Tallysman’s raison d’etre is production of high quality, high precision antennas at an affordable price for systems exactly such as the Emlid Reach product.
Allen Crawford – Director Marketing & Sales, Antennas and RF Products, Tallysman Wireless
Reach features
Raw data receiver: U-blox NEO-M8T – 72 channels, output rate is up to 18Hz, supports GPS L1, GLONASS G1, BeiDou B1, QZSS, SBAS, ready for Galileo E1
Processing unit: Intel Edison – dual-core 500 MHz
Connectivity: I2C, UART, GPIO, TimeStamp, OTG USB, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
GNSS Antenna: external with MCX connector
Very compact: 25×35 mm
Lightweight: 20 gr
How to get it?
We are now funding the project on Indiegogo platform and early supporters can get an RTK kit with two receivers and Tallysman survey-grade antennas for just $499. To get it simply go to the Reach Indiegogo page and pick a perk.