ELT RTK Base

Overview

ELT_RTKBase is a stationary GNSS base station built on multi-constellation, multi-frequency receivers such as the Unicore UM980, Bynav M20, Septentrio mosaic-X5 or u-blox ZED-X20P. It offers advanced connectivity options over the internet or local networks. The package includes detailed documentation, making it user-friendly even for beginners.

ELT_RTKBase can operate as an NTRIP server (2 connections), NTRIP caster, TCP server, or TCP client (2 connections as well), record measurements, and allow downloading in RTCM3 and RINEX formats.

Typical Use Cases

• Cryptocurrency mining with base station networks like Onocoy and RtkDirect
• Local base station for dozens or hundreds of rovers (e.g., drones or tractors)
• Survey-grade base station (excluding systems using the Bynav M20 receiver)

Advantages

Rich Functionality

ELT_RTKBase is like a Swiss Army knife among base stations. We believe that if a feature is needed by 1% of users today, it will be used by 10% in the next 10–20 years. Over 80% of users will end up using at least one additional feature during the device's lifetime. That’s why we keep adding features, even if currently relevant to a small group of users—to increase system flexibility and versatility.

Open Source andamp; Customization

Since ELT_RTKBase is open source, advanced users can make custom modifications and add new capabilities. This makes it highly adaptable for specific needs, with all changes shared back with the community under the AGPL 3.0 license.

User-Friendly Design

It’s built not only for professionals but also for beginners. One of the project’s goals was to lower the entry barrier into GNSS base station technology. That’s why our documentation is extremely detailed and full of illustrations—making our station easier to set up compared to other solutions.

Modern Technology at an Affordable Price

ELT_RTKBase uses cutting-edge multi-constellation, multi-frequency receivers for high-quality performance and precise RTK corrections—at a price that makes it accessible for GNSS mining, surveying, drone ops, and agriculture.

© Eltehs SIA 2025

Types of CORS Stations

CORS stands for “Continuously Operating Reference Station.” So when we talk about CORS, we mean a stationary GNSS base station with an antenna installed on a roof. When we say GNSS base station without context, we usually refer to a portable surveying GNSS base - a receiver with an antenna.

The software is the same between these two types. However, portable base stations usually include a radio or cellular modem, while stationary CORS stations typically connect via Ethernet and WiFi.

Professional CORS Stations

These cost between €10,000 and €20,000. A typical example is the Trimble Alloy GNSS CORS receiver. Features can include a built-in UPS, hot-swappable batteries for power outages, multiple I/O options, advanced software capabilities, and top-tier measurement quality.

Linux-Based CORS Stations

These are primarily ELT_RTKBase units but also include simpler DIY systems based on RtkBase. With Linux offering a wide range of software, these stations provide great functionality, including built-in VPN. They typically use portable Linux computers like Raspberry Pi, Orange Pi, Banana Pi, etc.

We offer 6 models: ELT0231, ELT0233, ELT0631, ELT0633, ELT0731, ELT0733, built on three different receiver types.

CORS Based on Septentrio Mosaic

The Septentrio Mosaic X5 provides a minimal but complete set of base station features—calculating base coordinates (via RTK or 24-hour RINEX processing), manually entering geodetic coordinates, sending data to an external NTRIP caster, and using an internal NTRIP caster to stream corrections to rovers.

ArduSimple and SparkFun produce such stations. From this category of stations, we offer the ELT0728 and ELT0718 with Ethernet and PoE, as well as the ELT0722 USB dongle, which can also be used as a station of this type.

Basic Miners

These aren’t full base stations or CORS units. They lack coordinate determination/input and don't have their own NTRIP caster. Instead, they operate solely as NTRIP servers sending data to an external caster that handles coordinate computation—e.g., GeodNet and Onocoy.

Most use ArduSimple WiFi NTRIP Master clones based on ESP32-XBEE (e.g., NTRIP-X from GNS Electronics, Onolink, LOCOSYS Technology), but many DIY versions exist. We offer a USB dongle (ELT0222) that works with WinRtkHost, and soon WinRtkHost will also support the ELT0622 USB dongle.

© Eltehs SIA 2025

Feature list

ELT_RTKBase Features

1. Two NTRIP v1 servers, which can also function as TCP clients.
2. Documentation with many screenshots tailored for beginners.
3. NTRIP v1 caster supporting hundreds of clients (for connecting rovers directly to the device).
4. TCP server.
5. Data output to a connected USB-COM.
6. Measurement logging in RTCM3 and RINEX formats.
7. A choice of four modern multi-system, multi-frequency receivers from Unicore, Bynav, Septentrio and u-blox. If you don’t need configuration and detection features, you can use any receiver that outputs RTCM3 data.
8. Built-in PPP with coordinate display on a detailed world map for quality evaluation.
9. Online version updates via a button in the web interface.
10. Dynamic (DHCP) and static IP support.
11. Full Linux computer (Raspberry Pi) functionality for other uses (e.g., ADS-B mining).
12. Antenna coordinate configuration through the web interface.
13. Four methods for determining base coordinates.
14. Antenna type configuration through the web interface.
15. Selection of RTCM3 packet types for transmission.
16. Built-in VPN from TailScale for remote management.
17. Ability to operate as a rover (currently only with Windows).
18. Internet connection status indicator.
19. Disk space monitoring.
20. DIY mode using your own Raspberry Pi. In this case, you only need to buy a USB or HAT receiver and an antenna
21. User-modifiable functionality with open-source code available on GitHub.
22. Web interface indication of disconnection reasons.
23. Service logs showing disconnection reasons and extensive technical information.
24. Supports exotic characters in SSID and Passwords.
25. WPS PBC support for initial WiFi connection.

All gnss.store CORS Stations Include

1. Built-in splitter for triple mining with Geodnet.
2. LED indicator showing internet connection.

Wired CORS Stations (ELT0231, ELT0431, ELT0631, ELT0731)

1. Wired Ethernet.
2. PoE (Power over Ethernet) or USB power, at your choice.
3. Dual-band WiFi (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz).
4. Available USB ports.
5. LED indicator for 1PPS.
6. Four mounting options including rack mount.
7. Internet access via 4G/5G USB modems such as Huawei HiLink
8. Hardware reboot of receivers in case of a freeze (except ELT0631)
9. Data Transmission via Radio Modem

Budget CORS Stations (ELT0233, ELT0433, ELT0633, ELT0733)

1. WiFi (2.4 GHz only).
2. USB power only.
3. USB receiver output for firmware updates or use as a standalone receiver.
4. LED showing satellite count.
5. LED showing first NTRIP connection status.

I might have missed something, so don’t be too harsh. ELT_RTKBase doesn’t bake pies or make coffee — yet.

In upcoming versions, we expect

• NTRIP 2.0 HTTP.
• NTRIP 2.0 RSTP.
• NTRIP 2.0 UDP.
• Five NTRIP servers, each capable of operating with five protocols.
• “MOVED BASE” mode, enabling simultaneous rover and base operation.
• Automatic shutdown in case of overheating.
• Software-based enhancement of solution quality (code smoothing using carrier phase) for Unicore UM980 and Bynav M20.
• Data transmission via LoRa.

© Eltehs SIA 2025