Emlid REACH RX Operator's manual

REACH RX
USER DOCUMENTATION
Firmware version 1.4
Emlid Flow app version 8.4 or newer
June 15, 2023
©2023 Emlid Tech Kft

Table of contents
1 Before you start 3
1.1 Powersupplyandoperation .............................. 3
1.2 ConnectingtoReachRX ................................. 4
1.3 UpdatingReachRXfirmware .............................. 5
1.4 Placement ......................................... 5
2 Quickstart 6
2.1 HowRTKworks ...................................... 6
2.2 WorkingwithNTRIPservice............................... 7
2.3 Working with Reach RS2+ base . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
2.4 Working with third-party base . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
3 Tutorials 13
3.1 Preparing ground control points for PPK UAV mapping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
3.2 Getting Reach coordinates on Android devices via Bluetooth . . . . . . . . . . . 14
4 Reference 16
4.1 Firmwareflashing..................................... 16
4.2 Howtofindserialnumber................................ 16
2

1 Before you start
1.1 Power supply and operation
Overview
Reach RX has 2 LEDs—Battery LED and Status LED. The Battery LED indicates the battery
charge level and is located above the power button. The Status LED indicates the operating
states of the receiver. The power button is used to turn on and off the receiver and to check
the battery charge level.
Checking battery charge level
You can check the battery charge level with a short press on the power button. Possible
statuses of the Battery LED are the following:
RX is turned off
31–100% Solid green
11–30% Solid yellow
1–10% Solid red
0% Blinking red
RX is turned on
31–100% Solid green
11–30% Solid yellow
0–10% Blinking red
RX is charging
100% Solid green
31–99% Blinking green
11–30% Blinking yellow
1–10% Blinking red
Charging Reach RX
Reach RX has a built-in Li-Ion battery providing up to 16 hours of autonomous work when
operating as an RTK network rover. You can power and charge Reach RX over the USB Type-C
cable supplied with the receiver using power supplies like a power bank or USB wall adapter.
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Operating receiver
You can check the operating state of the receiver by watching its Status LED. Possible statuses
of the Status LED are the following:
Off Reach RX is turned off.
“Breathing” white Reach RX is loading.
Solid light Reach RX is operating. This state can be represented by 3 different
colors: white, yellow, and green.
1.2 Connecting to Reach RX
Downloading Emlid Flow
To manage Reach RX, download the Emlid Flow app on your iOS or Android mobile device.
Powering on Reach RX
To power up your Reach RX, follow the steps below:
1. Press the Power button once to display the current charge level. If it’s low, charge the
receiver from a USB wall charger or a power bank using the supplied USB Type–C cable.
2. Hold the power button for a couple of seconds to turn the unit on.
3. Wait until the loading is over, and the Status LED becomes solid white. Learn more
about the Reach RX operating states in the Power supply and operation guide.
Now you can connect to your Reach RX using Emlid Flow.
Connecting to Reach RX
To connect to your Reach using Emlid Flow, follow the steps
below:
1. Enable Bluetooth on your mobile device.
2. Open Emlid Flow and find your Reach from the list of
available devices. Once you connect to the receiver, the
Status LED will blink 2 times.
The app will automatically connect to your Reach if no
other receivers are available in the list of devices.
Troubleshooting:
•If your Reach RX has not been detected, make sure that
Bluetooth is turned on and all the permissions are enabled
on your device.
•Some Android devices have the Battery optimization setting
enabled by default. Make sure you disabled it for Emlid
Flow to avoid disconnection.
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1.3 Updating Reach RX firmware
Updating Reach RX firmware requires a PC or Mac and uses Reach Firmware Flash Tool.
Please, refer to the guide in our official online documentation.
1.4 Placement
Clear sky view without any obstacles
Reach needs to have a clear sky view 30°above the horizon. There should be no obstacles
that could block the view like buildings, trees, cars, humans, laptops, etc.
Take a look at 2 pictures below. The left picture demonstrates desirable conditions for Reach
location. The right one is an example of bad surrounding conditions such as the reduced
view of the sky, possible obstructions or vegetation nearby.
Examples of good environments for Reach placement: field, top of the hill, rooftop.
Examples of bad environments for Reach placement: indoors, urban area, forestry area.
No electronics nearby
Electronic devices may produce RF noise that could affect the reception of the GNSS signal.
Keep all electronics as far as possible from Reach.
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2 Quickstart
2.1 How RTK works
Overview
RTK is a technique used to improve the accuracy of a standalone GNSS receiver. Traditional
GNSS receivers, like the one in a smartphone, could only determine the position with 2–4
meters (7–13 feet) accuracy. RTK can give you centimeter accuracy.
GNSS receivers measure how long it takes for a signal to travel from a satellite to the receiver.
Transmitted signals travel through the ionosphere and atmosphere and are slowed down
and perturbed on the way. For example, travel time on a cloudy day and in clear sky conditions
would be different. That is why it is difficult for a standalone receiver to precisely determine
its position. RTK is a technology that solves this issue.
Our YouTube channel has a video that will show you how RTK technology works.
High real-time precision
Two receivers are used in RTK. One of them is stationary, another moves freely. They are
called base station and rover.
The base’s mission is to stay in one place and send corrections to a moving receiver. Rover
uses that data to achieve centimeter precise position. Any number of rovers can connect to
one base if their input settings match the base’s output.
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Corrections over NTRIP
You do not necessarily need a second unit for RTK all the time. Usually, there are local services
that share base corrections over the Internet. This technology is called NTRIP.
NTRIP is a good option for areas with strong 3G/LTE coverage and a vast network of NTRIP
bases nearby. In other cases, using the second receiver as a local base station has two advantages:
•autonomy in remote areas as there’s no need in the Internet connection;
•independency from local providers, no additional fees by NTRIP service.
2.2 Working with NTRIP service
Overview
With the help of Emlid Flow, you can easily configure your Reach RX to receive corrections
from an NTRIP service over Bluetooth. The app uses the internet connection on your phone
or tablet to access network corrections and send them to Reach RX over Bluetooth.
In order to access NTRIP services, you need to register and get a subscription. The cost and
coverage area depends on your NTRIP service provider.
Workflow
You can configure an NTRIP connection on your Reach before the survey. However, to make
sure it receives RTK corrections, you need to provide it with a clear sky view.
Emlid Flow allows you to add an NTRIP profile and apply it for correction input at once. To
configure correction input on your Reach RX, follow the steps below:
1. Connect to your receiver using Emlid Flow.
2. Tap Correction input and configure your Reach RX to receive network corrections over
Bluetooth.
3. Tap Add profile and fill in the information from your NTRIP provider.
To find out which mount point suits you better, check the website of your NTRIP provider.
Make sure that the baseline doesn’t exceed 60 km (37 mi).
If your NTRIP provider requires information about receiver’s position, such as VRS
service, enable Send receiver’s position to the provider.
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4. Tap Save. In a few seconds, your Reach RX will start receiving corrections.
You can add a required number of NTRIP profiles and choose between them right on the
Correction input screen later.
Before surveying, make sure your Reach has a clear sky view of at least 30°above the horizon.
There should be no obstacles that could block the view like buildings, trees, cars, humans,
laptops, etc. Learn more about Reach RX placement in the Placement guide.
Viewing results
When you completed your RTK setup, you can watch the current solution status in the top
right corner of the Emlid Flow app or watch the Status LED on your Reach RX:
White SINGLE means that Reach has found a solution relying only on the satellite signals.
In this case, the precision is usually at the meter level.
Yellow FLOAT means that Reach receives corrections from the base station but needs
more time to calculate the solution. In this case, the precision is usually at
the submeter level.
Green FIX means that Reach using the base corrections calculated a solution with
a centimeter precision.
Reach RX gets a fixed solution withing a short period of time. In good environments, it will
take a few seconds. In tough conditions, it may take a little longer. Once the rover gets FIX,
you are all set for surveying.
You can also find the current solution status as well as your real-time position on the Status
screen.
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2.3 Working with Reach RS2+ base
Overview
With the help of Emlid NTRIP caster, you can combine Reach RS2+ as a base and Reach RX
rover in one setup and pass corrections from Reach RS2+ to Reach RX over the internet.
Make sure that you can provide internet access for both receivers. You can learn more about
Emlid Caster in our official online documentation.
Get access to NTRIP credentials
First, you need to get your NTRIP credentials for both Reach RS2+ base and Reach RX rover.
Follow the steps below:
1. Go to caster.emlid.com.
2. Sign up or sign in using your Emlid account.
Once you sign up, you will access the page with NTRIP credentials for both base and rover,
which are generated automatically. From this moment, you can use these credentials to
connect your base and rover to a mount point.
Connect base to a mount point
To connect your Reach RS2+ base to a mount point, follow the steps below:
1. Activate the mount point you want to use by switching on the toggle.
2. Connect to your base via Emlid Flow, go to Base output, and set it up to send corrections
over NTRIP using the obtained credentials (Address, Port, Password, Mount point).
Make sure you configured your base to output corrections via NTRIP. Once you successfully
connect your base, you will see the ONLINE notification next to the mount point name.
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Connect your rover to a mount point
1. Access the rover’s credentials. Once you activate the mount point for the base, you
will see it in the rover’s credentials.
2. Connect to your rover via Emlid Flow, go to Correction input, and set it up to get corrections
over NTRIP using the obtained credentials for the rover (Address, Port, Username,
Password, Mount point).
Make sure you configured your rover to receive corrections from the base via NTRIP. If you
want to add more rovers, repeat the steps above.
Once you successfully connect your rover, you will see the ONLINE notification and the number
of the connected rovers in the My rovers section.
To ensure successful corrections transmitting, double-check the credentials you entered on
both base and rover. When you set up and connected both base and rover to the mount
point, you are all set for the survey.
Before surveying, make sure your Reach has a clear sky view of at least 30°above the horizon.
There should be no obstacles that could block the view like buildings, trees, cars, humans,
laptops, etc. Learn more about Reach RX placement in the Placement guide.
When you completed your RTK setup, you can watch the current solution status in the top
right corner of the Emlid Flow app or watch the Status LED on your Reach RX. Learn more
about solution statuses in the Viewing results section.
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2.4 Working with third-party base
Overview
With the help of Emlid NTRIP caster, you can combine a third-party base and Reach RX rover
in one setup and pass corrections from the base to Reach RX over the internet.
Make sure that you can provide internet access for both receivers. You can learn more about
Emlid Caster in our official online documentation.
Get access to NTRIP credentials
First, you need to get your NTRIP credentials for both Reach RS2+ base and Reach RX rover.
Follow the steps below:
1. Go to caster.emlid.com.
2. Sign up or sign in using your Emlid account.
Once you sign up, you will access the page with NTRIP credentials for both base and rover,
which are generated automatically. From this moment, you can use these credentials to
connect your base and rover to a mount point.
Connect base to a mount point
To connect your third-party base to a mount point, follow the steps below:
1. Activate the mount point you want to use by switching on the toggle.
2. Set up your base to send corrections over NTRIP using the obtained credentials (Address,
Port, Password, Mount point).
Make sure you configured your base to output corrections via NTRIP. Once you successfully
connect your base, you will see the ONLINE notification next to the mount point name.
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Connect your rover to a mount point
1. Access the rover’s credentials. Once you activate the mount point for the base, you
will see it in the rover’s credentials.
2. Connect to your rover via Emlid Flow, go to Correction input, and set it up to get corrections
over NTRIP using the obtained credentials for the rover (Address, Port, Username,
Password, Mount point).
Make sure you configured your rover to receive corrections from the base via NTRIP. If you
want to add more rovers, repeat the steps above.
Once you successfully connect your rover, you will see the ONLINE notification and the number
of the connected rovers in the My rovers section.
To ensure successful corrections transmitting, double-check the credentials you entered on
both base and rover. When you set up and connected both base and rover to the mount
point, you are all set for the survey.
Before surveying, make sure your Reach has a clear sky view of at least 30°above the horizon.
There should be no obstacles that could block the view like buildings, trees, cars, humans,
laptops, etc. Learn more about Reach RX placement in the Placement guide.
When you completed your RTK setup, you can watch the current solution status in the top
right corner of the Emlid Flow app or watch the Status LED on your Reach RX. Learn more
about solution statuses in the Viewing results section.
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3 Tutorials
3.1 Preparing ground control points for PPK UAV mapping
Overview
Ground control points (GCPs) are points with known coordinates on the ground in the survey
area that serve as reference points and help accurately map areas.
Use ground control points for any of the following purposes:
•To check and improve the accuracy of the map.
•To get the correct scale and orientation of the map.
•To ensure absolute positioning of the map.
To ensure precise drone mapping, you need to place and collect GCPs in RTK mode in the
survey area. In most cases, GCPs are necessary to obtain absolute accuracy and georeference
the map. In this case, you should place the base over a known point and manually enter its
coordinates.
Placing GCPs
When placing GCPs, follow the requirements below:
•Make your GCPs clearly visible on the drone’s images: they
should be big enough and contrast with the surroundings.
•Provide enough GCPs depending on the survey area. Usually,
you need 5–10 points.
•Place GCPs evenly in the survey area. For example, if you use
5 points, set one for each corner and the last one in the center
of the area.
To ensure good area cover, avoid placing GCPs in single
straight lines.
•Try to place GCPs at the highest and lowest points on the site.
It will help perform the correct flat projection.
Measuring GCPs
After placing GCPs, you need to collect them. First, you need to configure your Reach RX to
receive RTK corrections. To collect points using Emlid Flow, follow the steps below.
If you have trouble working with the mobile app, we recommend referring to our official
Emlid Flow documentation.
1. Go to the Survey tab and create a project.
2. Collect your ground control points.
3. Export the project once you collected GCPs.
Now the list of your points is ready for import to photogrammetry software.
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3.2 Getting Reach coordinates on Android devices via Bluetooth
Overview
Mock location feature on Android devices allows using an external GNSS receiver as if it
was a device’s built-in GPS receiver. This way, you can stream position in the NMEA format
from Reach RX to GIS apps on Android devices.
Below are some survey and GIS apps that can be used with Reach RX:
•Mobile Topographer Pro
•PointMan
•Mapit GIS
•LandStar
•Autocad360
•QField
Reach RX uses Bluetooth and streams its position in the NMEA format by default. No
pre-configuration is needed. To configure mock location on Android devices with your Reach
RX, you need to use an app that supports the mock location feature and allows NMEA data
input via Bluetooth. We provide a guide on how to use Reach RX with Lefebure NTRIP Client.
Pairing Android device
1. Navigate to the Bluetooth configuration screen on your Android device and enable
Bluetooth.
2. Wait for your Reach RX to be listed as an available device. Keep Reach within a few
meters from the device.
3. Tap the name of your Reach in the list of available devices on the Android device. If
your device requires a PIN code, enter 0000.
4. Pair Reach with the Android device.
Once you paired your Reach with the Android device, you can configure mock location on
the device.
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Configuring mock location on Android device using Lefebure NTRIP Client
To configure the mock location on the Android device, follow the
steps below:
1. Download and install the Lefebure NTRIP Client app on your
Android device.
2. Open Developer Options on your Android device. To learn more
about accessing Developer Options on your device, check your
Android device’s instructions.
It is recommended to switch off the power-saving mode on
your device, as it may limit background data usage for the
Lefebure NTRIP client app.
3. In the Select mock location app field, choose Lefebure NTRIP
Client.
4. Launch the Lefebure NTRIP Client app and tap the Settings icon.
5. Go to Receiver Settings. Configure the following:
•Receiver Connection: External via Bluetooth.
•Bluetooth device: Reach RX, your device is paired with.
•Bluetooth Connection Method: Secure via Reflection.
•Enable GPS Mock Locations.
Configuring corrections input in Lefebure NTRIP Client
To configure your Reach RX to receive corrections from an NTRIP service in the Lefebure
NTRIP Client app, follow the steps below:
1. In Lefebure NTRIP Client, go to NTRIP
Settings and fill in the information from
your NTRIP provider.
2. Save settings.
3. Go back to the main screen and tap the
Connect button.
4. Check the log messages to make
sure that corrections are coming and
information about satellites is updated.
From this moment, all survey and GIS apps that use location services installed on your device
will automatically have access to the positional data streamed from Reach RX.
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4 Reference
4.1 Firmware flashing
To flash your Reach RX, you’ll need to download and install Reach Firmware Flash Tool on
your computer. Please, refer to the guide in our official online documentation.
4.2 How to find serial number
To find the serial number of your Reach, perform the following steps:
1. Scan the QR code under the USB port cover.
2. Copy the serial number of your Reach that appeared on the screen of your mobile
device.
Now you can send the serial number of your Reach to the Support team at [email protected].
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