Base Station Setup

The base station is the most critical part of RTK system. During installation, care must be taken to ensure the base has problem-free operation. There are two issues that are responsible for most problems with a base station: Shading and Multipathing. If a base station experiences one of these problems, it could be detrimental to your RTK operation. These issues are shared with the 900 MHz RTK system. Mitigation techniques have already been documented in the standard StarFire iTC – RTK manual that came with the iTC receiver. This manual provides detailed recommendations to minimizing these errors.

Base station operating mode can be either Absolute Survey Base Mode or Quick Survey Base Mode.

Once you have installed the base station receiver, installing the radio in a location to best maximize the output, can be a challenge. Below are several options currently available through John Deere.

  • Leave the RTK radio in its original configuration attached directly behind the base station receiver.
  • Use PF80821 extension harness [92 m (300 ft.) in length], moving the radio from the back of the base station receiver to an elevated position, and running the harness in between.NOTE: It is important to use the PF80821 harness and grounding wire properly according to the installation instructions. This harness has built in protection for both your radio and receiver for unwanted electrical transients developed on the harness.

    IMPORTANT: The antenna must be installed before the radio module is powered ON.

    Avoid water intrusion by keeping the antenna attached whenever possible. Removing the antenna while transmitting may damage the radio module.

    IMPORTANT: If using coaxial cable between the radio and the antenna, you need to use the lowest-loss cable available or you may suffer RTK radio link range issues.

  • Attach the RTK radio in a secured location and run low-loss coaxial cable between the radio and the antenna.NOTE: When using this option, it may be necessary to install a higher-gain antenna and/or the optional amplifier to compensate for loss.

450 MHz RTK Radio Specifications

Every 450 MHz radio comes standard with 2 dBi whip antenna that has a TNC connection.

Model Number

PF81428

Frequency Range

435-470 MHz

Bandwidth Options

25 or 12.5 kHz

Modulation

2 and 4 level GFSK

RF Baud, 25 kHz BW

19.2 kbps at L2

RF Baud, 12.5 kHz BW

9.6 kbps at L2

Frequency Channels

1400 at 25 kHz

2800 at 12.5 kHz

Output Power

0.2-2 W

Sensitivity

-110 dBm for 10^-6 BER

In/Out Impedance

50 ohm

Operating Voltage

9-15 V

Operating Temperature

-30 to 60° C

Out RF Connectors

Female TNC

Control Connector

4-pin Deutsch

Every 450 MHz radio comes standard with 2 dBi whip antenna that has a TNC connection.

450 MHz Whip Antenna Specifications

Model Number

PF81464

Gain

2 dBi

Frequency Range

450-470 MHz

Impedance

50 ohm

VSWR

< 2:1

RF Connector

Female N-Type

Length

13.2 in. (33.5 cm)

Always mount the radio antenna vertically to make sure that the RTK signal is radiating outwards. If the antenna is at an angle, it may cause the data received at the vehicle to be lower than expected.

NOTE: The 450 MHz RTK whip antenna, PF81464, looks similar to 900 MHz and 869 MHz RTK whip antennas. To differentiate, it has a white stripe near its tip.

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