ArduSimple simpleRTK 4 Dual Board

Introduction

The ArduSimple simpleRTK 4 Dual Board is a high-precision GNSS RTK evaluation board designed for projects that require accurate position and heading information. Built around the u-blox ZED-X20D receiver, it uses dual antennas and triple-band GNSS capabilities to deliver centimeter-level positioning and reliable attitude data.

Part Description

The simpleRTK 4 Dual Board, product code AS-RTK4-X20D-NH, is a dual-antenna GNSS RTK evaluation platform from ArduSimple. Its two-antenna configuration enables not only precise geographic positioning but also accurate heading determination, even when a vehicle or platform is stationary.

The board supports triple-band GNSS reception and can operate as either an RTK rover or an RTK base station. When used with correction data from a compatible RTK base, network, or correction service, it can achieve centimeter-level location accuracy.

Key features include:

• u-blox ZED-X20D GNSS receiver
• Dual-antenna support for position and heading measurements
• Triple-band GNSS capability
• Centimeter-level RTK positioning
• Up to 25 RTK position and attitude updates per second
• Base station and rover operating modes
• USB and UART connectivity
• XBee-compatible socket for wireless communication modules
• Timepulse output for synchronization applications
• Event input for timestamping external events
• Evaluation-board form factor for integration and prototyping

Applications

Potential applications for the simpleRTK 4 Dual Board include:

• RTK-enabled drones and unmanned aerial vehicles
• Autonomous ground robots
• Precision agriculture equipment
• Surveying and mapping systems
• Robotics navigation platforms
• Marine navigation and vessel heading systems
• Construction machine guidance
• Asset tracking systems requiring high positional accuracy
• Vehicle localization for autonomous or assisted-driving research
• Timing and synchronization systems
• Scientific field data collection
• Antenna heading and orientation measurement

Industries

The board can be used across a variety of industries, including:

• Agriculture
• Surveying and geospatial services
• Construction
• Robotics and automation
• Transportation
• Automotive research and development
• Aerospace and unmanned systems
• Marine and offshore operations
• Mining
• Environmental monitoring
• Telecommunications
• Academic research and education

Usage Ideas

1. Autonomous Field Robot
   Integrate the board into a small agricultural robot to provide centimeter-level path guidance for crop inspection, seeding, or targeted treatment tasks.

2. Dual-Antenna Drone Navigation System
   Use two GNSS antennas on a UAV to obtain both precise position and true heading, supporting stable navigation without relying solely on a magnetic compass.

3. RTK Surveying Base and Rover Kit
   Configure one board as a stationary base station and another as a rover for accurate site measurements, mapping, and construction layout work.

Conclusion

The ArduSimple simpleRTK 4 Dual Board is a versatile GNSS RTK evaluation board for developers who need highly accurate location and heading data. With dual-antenna support, triple-band reception, flexible communication interfaces, and base or rover capability, it is well suited to advanced robotics, surveying, automation, navigation, and precision-control projects.