Freefly RTK GPS Ground Station

The Freefly RTK GPS Ground Station is a high-precision positioning accessory designed to enhance the GPS accuracy of compatible Freefly professional drones, including the Astro and Alta X. Using Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) technology, the ground station provides real-time GPS correction data to help achieve centimeter-level horizontal and vertical positioning accuracy when used with a compatible onboard RTK GPS module.

Designed for professional aerial operations that demand precise positioning, the Freefly RTK GPS Ground Station supports improved navigation accuracy, reliable geolocation, and more precise data collection. It is an ideal solution for applications such as aerial mapping, surveying, inspection, and other workflows where accurate aircraft positioning is essential.

Key Features

• Centimeter-Level Positioning Accuracy: Uses RTK correction technology to improve positioning accuracy from several meters to a few centimeters under suitable operating conditions.

• Real-Time GPS Corrections: Supplies correction data from the ground station to the aircraft's onboard RTK GPS receiver.

• Multi-Band GNSS Technology: Uses Freefly's RTK GPS platform featuring a u-blox ZED-F9P multi-band receiver for enhanced satellite positioning performance.

• Professional Drone Integration: Designed for use with compatible Freefly Astro and Alta X aircraft configurations.

• Convenient Computer Connectivity: Connects to a compatible ground station computer through the included USB cable.

• Flexible Mounting: Includes a magnetic mounting system with a standard 1/4"-20 tripod interface for stable ground installation.

• Improved GPS Performance: The multi-band receiver can provide enhanced satellite reception and faster satellite acquisition, including when operating without RTK corrections.

• Professional-Grade Design: Manufactured and assembled in the United States.

Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) Technology

RTK technology improves satellite positioning accuracy by using correction data from a stationary ground reference receiver. The Freefly RTK GPS Ground Station operates as the base station, while a compatible GPS module installed on the aircraft acts as the rover.

The base station establishes its position through a survey-in process and supplies GPS correction data through the ground station computer and a compatible communications link. The aircraft's onboard receiver uses these corrections to calculate a more precise position in real time.

When properly configured and operating under suitable satellite and communications conditions, this system can deliver centimeter-level positioning accuracy in both horizontal and vertical dimensions.

Compatibility

The Freefly RTK GPS Ground Station is designed for compatible Freefly drone systems.

• Freefly Astro: Supports full RTK capability when used with the appropriate onboard RTK GPS hardware and compatible ground station setup.

• Freefly Alta X: Supports RTK functionality with compatible GPS configurations. Additional hardware requirements depend on whether the aircraft uses the F9P or Here2 GPS configuration.

Compatibility Note: Freefly's RTK system is not compatible with Alta X DIU Blue and NDAA configurations that use the RFD900 radio link. The ground station is also not suitable for providing the GPS band coverage required by Freefly Flux LiDAR payloads. Verify aircraft configuration and system requirements before purchasing.

Applications

The Freefly RTK GPS Ground Station is suitable for professional drone operations where improved positioning precision is important, including:

• Aerial mapping and geospatial data collection

• Land surveying and site documentation

• Infrastructure and industrial inspections

• Precision aerial photography and mapping workflows

• Construction progress monitoring

• Research and technical data acquisition

• Professional drone navigation and positioning applications

Installation and Operation

The ground station module should be mounted securely on a stable tripod or other suitable support with a clear view of the sky. It connects to a compatible ground station computer through the supplied USB cable.

Once the appropriate ground station software and aircraft communications link are configured, the system performs a survey-in process to establish the base station position. After survey-in is complete, correction data can be transmitted to the aircraft's onboard RTK GPS receiver.

For optimal performance, the ground station should remain stationary throughout the survey-in process and subsequent operation. Moving the module requires restarting the survey-in process to establish an updated reference position.

Additional equipment, including a compatible computer, software, and communications hardware where required, must be supplied separately.

Package Contents

• 1 × Freefly RTK GPS module

• 1 × Multi-band RTK GPS antenna

• 1 × Magnetic mounting kit with 1/4"-20 tripod interface

• 4 × M3 × 6 countersunk mounting screws for the magnetic mounting kit

• 1 × USB Type-C to Type-A cable, approximately 3 m (9.84 ft)

• 3 × M3 × 16 socket-head mounting screws for Alta X rover installation

Technical Specifications

• Product Type: RTK GPS ground station module

• Positioning Technology: Real-Time Kinematic (RTK)

• GPS Receiver Platform: u-blox ZED-F9P

• Receiver Type: Multi-band L1/L2 GNSS

• Positioning Accuracy: Centimeter-level horizontal and vertical accuracy under suitable RTK operating conditions

• Computer Connection: USB

• Mounting Interface: 1/4"-20 tripod interface

• Primary Compatibility: Freefly Astro and compatible Alta X configurations

• Manufacturer: Freefly Systems

• Country of Manufacture and Assembly: United States

• Manufacturer Part Number: 910-00659

Important Compatibility and Setup Information

The Freefly RTK GPS Ground Station is one component of a complete RTK positioning system. Achieving full RTK functionality requires compatible onboard GPS hardware, appropriate ground station software, and a suitable communications setup.

A compatible radio link is required for applicable Alta X configurations. A ground station computer, tripod, and certain communications equipment are not included. Confirm the requirements for your specific aircraft before ordering.

The system's actual positioning performance depends on satellite visibility, base station setup, survey-in accuracy, communications reliability, and the configuration of the aircraft's onboard GPS receiver.

Why Choose the Freefly RTK GPS Ground Station?

The Freefly RTK GPS Ground Station provides a practical way to add high-precision positioning capabilities to compatible Freefly drone systems. By supplying real-time GPS corrections to the aircraft, it supports more accurate geolocation and improved positioning for demanding professional aerial workflows.

For drone operators working in surveying, mapping, inspection, and technical data collection, this accessory offers an effective solution for achieving greater positioning precision with a compatible Freefly platform.