GPS Geodetic Emlid RS2

Backstory

When we introduced Reach RS back in 2016, it became clear that many need a survey grade receiver, but couldn’t afford any existing options. It just felt wrong that making centimeter-accurate measurements required a $20k device that worked only with a Windows CE controller.

I heard many stories of surveyors using legacy receivers they bought a decade ago—upgrading was too expensive. Engineers, farmers, landscapers, archaeologists, and drone pilots just did not have access to this level of precision and resorted to the use of legacy or imprecise equipment that decreased their productivity.

With Reach RS providing centimeter accuracy for $799, we were hardly able to produce them quickly enough and had frequent backorders in our online store.

Reach RS2: top specs, no compromise

To achieve the low price of Reach RS, some compromises had to be made. Reach RS is not as performant as higher end RTK devices, yet it gave access to centimeter-accurate GNSS measurements to thousands of users all around the world. When we started working on Reach RS2, there was one clear goal—no more compromise.

Main features

GNSS: L1/L2/L5 and multi-feed antenna. RTK/PPK/PPP

Covering multiple bands on all major GNSS, Reach RS2 has remarkable RTK performance. Using more systems means that when the sky view is obstructed there are still enough satellites in view to calculate an accurate position. Using L1/L2 bands on GPS, GLONASS and BeiDou and L1/L5 on Galileo make it possible to get a fixed solution in just seconds—even when the base station is dozens of kilometers away. The multi-feed antenna with a stable phase center and multipath rejection ensures that you get precise and fast fixes every time.

With support for multiple frequency, Reach RS2 RINEX raw data logs are compatible with OPUS, CSRS-PPP, AUSPOS, and other PPP services. You can now get cm-precise results in any place on Earth.

Autonomy: 16 hours of RTK, USB charging, 6–40 V external power

The internal battery is an industrial grade LiFePO4 that handles both high and low temperatures and can endure thousands of recharge cycles.

Reach RS2 works for 16 hours with RTK and 3.5G on, a very typical use case that is most harsh on the battery life. If you only need to log raw data in RINEX the working time extends to 22 hours. Others have “hot-swappable batteries,” but in order to get the same working time as Reach RS2, you’d need to change the batteries two times. We are not big fans of battery juggling.

Reach RS2 can quick charge over USB-C. It only takes 3–4 hours from zero to full. RS2 charges from any USB port, but for fastest charging, we recommend a 5 V 3 A USB-C Power Delivery wall adapter.

If you need to extend the working time from an already impressive 16+ hours, you can connect a USB power bank connector or any other DC power source via 6–40 V power input in the extension connector.

Cellular: Global 3.5G with internal antenna

Reach RS2 3.5G modem works globally, so you can work with NTRIP wherever work takes you. It will revert to 2G networks if 3G is not available. The nano-SIM card is hidden in a waterproof compartment and can be accessed for replacement without any special tools.

LoRa radio: 868/915 MHz operation, ultra-high sensitivity, new antenna

LoRa radio in Reach RS2 features ultra-high sensitivity while keeping compatibility with earlier Reach receivers. Known for its long-range performance (some of our users tested it up to 20km), LoRa is used to connect the rover to the base when Internet-delivered corrections are not available. We have also upgraded the LoRa antenna—it is rugged and precisely tuned specifically for Reach RS2.

Durability: IP67, shockproof, 5/8”

Reach RS2 is engineered to be impact-resistant. The main body is manufactured in a two-step injection process. First, the internal layer is molded out of Polycarbonate, an extremely durable material that is used in bulletproof glass (and Reach RS). A precision CNC machined 5/8″ threaded insert is added during the molding process and becomes one with the plastic. Finally, the hard shell is covered with a special elastomer, forming a shock absorber around the whole device. Compared to conventional silicone bumpers this method offers more strength and better durability.

The precision 5/8″ threaded metal insert in RS2 is used to transfer heat away from the components ensuring stable operation in a hot climate.

All connectors are protected from water and dust with silicone plugs.

The Reach Platform: fast CPU, 16GB of memory, crypto and mainline Linux

There are numerous things that we do “under the hood” that deserve separate posts. These things make Reach really stand out, yet are hidden from the user: custom processing module with a quad-core processor and large memory. Robust OTA updates, onboard crypto, mainline Linux, numerous bits of firmware, kernel drivers. The Reach Platform is a remarkable piece of engineering in which we take great pride.

Testing: hundreds of parameters are tested before Reach RS2 leaves the factory

We do thorough testing of every device by running them under full load for 24 hours while verifying operation of every system: GNSS sensitivity, battery performance, 3.5G, memory speeds, Bluetooth connectivity, sending corrections over LoRa and many more. We will check hundreds of parameters before Reach RS2 is considered ready to ship. All that geekery to ensure that your Reach RS2 works perfectly out of the box, that it is secure, robust and receives regular updates with new features.

ReachView: collect and stakeout points on iOS or Android

The easiest to use software for GNSS RTK receiver that is available both for Android and iOS. With ReachView you can collect and stakeout points and control all the features of Reach RS2. Setting up a base station, logging RINEX data, configuring NMEA output—all can be done in ReachView. Geodata can be imported and exported as CSV, DXF, and Shapefile.

Later this year we are launching the next episode in ReachView development. Stay tuned! It will be a good one!

The Bag: protects Reach RS2, light and compact

We received plenty of positive feedback about the carry bag that comes with Reach RS. It is light, compact and soft. It does not bump into your legs like the hard plastic case others use. For Reach RS2 our team designed a bag that is even better and looks cooler. The new bag can be opened while hanging from your shoulder and follows the general design approach of Reach RS2.

Reach RS2 World Tour starts in April

In April our team heads to Amsterdam, Munich, Albuquerque, and Melbourne to showcase Reach RS2 at the industry-leading exhibitions for land surveying, drone mapping, construction, and archaeology. Later, we ‘ll be revealing Reach RS2 in Ankara, Novosibirsk, Chicago, and São Paulo. Check when and where you can find us on the events page and schedule a meeting with our team.