How RTK positioning actually works
A standard GNSS receiver positions a vehicle to within a few metres — good enough for mapping and logging, useless for driving the same line twice. RTK (real-time kinematic) positioning compares the satellite signals at the vehicle with signals at a known reference, and the difference — correction data — cancels most of the error, bringing repeatable accuracy down to centimetres. The terminal's part in that system is threefold: host the RTK-capable receiver module, receive the corrections (over a mobile network, or by radio from a local base station), and run the guidance software that turns position into steering and records. Break any leg of that tripod and the system's accuracy is a brochure claim.
Correction delivery: the decision buyers postpone and regret
Network RTK is the comfortable route where mobile coverage is honest: a subscription service streams corrections over 4G, and the terminal needs no local infrastructure. Farms, sites and regions with patchy coverage need the second route — a base station on known ground broadcasting corrections by radio, which is why the PDS range's T10 Pro lists a radio module in the 410-470 MHz band alongside its RTK receiver options. Antenna placement is the third leg's quiet half: a survey-grade antenna with a clean view of the sky, mounted away from cab shadows and metalwork, is part of the accuracy budget. Decide the correction source before the terminal model; the model choice usually follows from it.
- Standard GNSS: metre-level, for mapping and logging
- RTK: centimetre-level repeatability for steering and guidance
- Corrections by network (4G) or by radio from a local base
- Receiver modules in this range: UNICORE UM982, UM482 and UB482 family options
- A survey antenna with open sky is part of the system, not an accessory
- Match correction source to your real coverage, not the coverage map
Terminals built around RTK options
For RTK GNSS guidance, the T10 Pro brings a 10.1" IPS, 1280 x 800, brightness 750 cd/m2 or higher, fully laminated multi-touch and runs Android 11 on Qualcomm QCM6125, octa-core 64-bit at 2.0 GHz (Kryo 260, Adreno 610 at 950 MHz), Hexagon DSP 1 TOPS. Its positioning fit is Qualcomm built-in GNSS module (optional fit); RTK module UNICORE UM482 or UM982 (optional); optional Harxon 1022D radio module, 410-470 MHz, and the interface side reads: Four simultaneous camera recording channels; 14PIN connector x1 and 23PIN connector x1, both function extension interfaces; default function set of 4 x camera, 2 x CAN, 2 x RS232 and 1 x USB 2.0; TNC antenna ports x2 for high-precision GNSS antennas. That is why it appears in this shortlist: the combination matches the data and connections this work actually uses, in a housing specified for 9-36 V DC input (ISO 7637-II); IP66 sealing; operating temperature -20 to +70 C.
For RTK GNSS guidance, the T12 brings a 12.1" IPS, 1280 x 800, brightness 750 cd/m2 or higher, fully laminated multi-touch and runs Android 13.0, or Linux kernel 5.15 with QT 5.15 (optional) on 64-bit octa-core Cortex-A55 at 1.8 GHz. Its positioning fit is GPS + BeiDou module (optional fit); RTK module UM982 (optional), and the interface side reads: 26-pin connector plus four 4-pin aviation connectors for 1080p cameras; standard expansion of 2 x CAN, 2 x RS232, 1 x RS485, 1 x 100M Ethernet and 1 x GPIO. That is why it appears in this shortlist: the combination matches the data and connections this work actually uses, in a housing specified for 9-36 V DC input (ISO 7637-II); IP66 sealing; operating temperature -20 to +70 C.
Specifying an RTK terminal system
State the work the accuracy must serve — steering, section control, land levelling, machine guidance — and the correction source your region supports. Confirm the receiver module, antenna and correction path for your build with the sales team, trial the system in your own field or site, then confirm minimum order quantities and lead times.
Ask about an RTK terminal system for your machines
Send your vehicle, software and interface list. The sales team replies with a configuration and price.