How To Choose A GNSS Receiver?

With the development and popularity of GNSS technology, there are many GNSS brands emerging in the market, providing plenty of different models of GNSS Receivers. This is a good trend, but on the other hand, it can be confusing for users when you want to buy one GNSS receiver from so many choices.

In this blog, our technologist will share his ideas and skills on how to choose the most suitable GNSS receiver for your needs, based on his over a decade of experience in the GNSS field.

1. What are the key points in the specifications?

Show in the table below, it is a typical example of the GNSS Receiver specifications, which can stand for the main specifications of most brands of GNSS receivers. It contains a total of seven parts: Signal Tracking, Accuracy, Data Format, Communication, Electrical, Physical and Environment. 

Faced with so many headache parameters, actually we only need to pay attention to a few key parameters.

Satellites Tracking

The first is satellite tracking ability, which is fundamental to the performance of a GNSS device. It is very important whether all working constellations are supported. Except for the common GPS, GLONASS and Galileo, the BeiDou Global Signal is also a judgment reference, which greatly improves the satellite coverage density, especially in Latin America. 

For other regional satellite systems, Japanese users can pay attention to whether QZSS is supported, and for Indian users is the Navic (IRNSS).

Accuracy

The second is accuracy, this part is very important, but most receiver models will not have much difference in specifications, which is the accuracy under statistically value. You just have to do a quick check to confirm the value is around 1 cm.

Working Hours

Then there is the continuous working time, the battery capacity is only a reference, it also depends on the power consumption of the device. So how many hours the receiver can work continuously on site is what we need to care about.

The hot-swap battery is also a good feature, which can allow us to replace the battery without interrupting the work of the device.

Weight & Size

In addition, the size and weight of the device in actual use are also important factors that affect the user experience. A smaller-sized device with a small package can be more portable during commutes. The light weight will relieve a lot of the burden of daily work. 

Environmental 

Last but not least we should care about is the environmental feature. No one wants to risk accidental damage to equipment. 

IP67 waterproof and dustproof and 2-meter drop protection are the most basic requirements to protect your device from accidental damage. You can also check it based on your actual work environment, like what is the temperature of your working environment.

2. What Functions Do You Need?

Except the basic parameters, we should also concern how many functions a device has. 

4G, radio, IMU, NFC, WIFI, display, memory... What functions do you need according to your work scenario? Here I will list some common functions that surveyors care most about.

4G & Radio

For 4G and radio, it is easy to understand. It’s just a way to establish communication between Base and Rover. If you are in a city with a good network, 4G is always the first choice for RTK. Then for areas with poor network coverage, the radio working range is key feature we need to focus on. If the radio working range is too short, it will increase the workload of surveyors.

IMU For Tilt

IMU used for Tilt survey can largely improve our survey efficiency. But for some very rigorous projects, you also need to consider the tilt accuracy issue.

NFC Connection

NFC is used to simplify the connections of GNSS receivers to data collectors. One touch without searching and pairing. Although it's just a small feature, some surveyors say it really improves their user experience. 

Learn more about the NFC 
https://www.singularxyz.com/358.html

WIFI & WEB UI

WIFI and WEBUI functions may not be very familiar to surveyors. The main advantage of which is that no cables are required, and static data can be downloaded by connecting to the WIFI of the receiver.

Front Panel

The front panel of most receivers includes the power button and status indicators for your basic needs. If you have further demand, you can choose receivers with display and configuration buttons on the front panel. It is easy to check the detailed status and do some configuration, such as setting up base mode without any controller.

So, in the face of a dizzying array of features advertised by various manufacturers, we need to ask ourselves what these features can bring us. Is it really helpful? Do I really need it?

3. Is the Price Reasonable

When talking about price, it should be compared under the same specs and features.

Now in the GNSS market, the promotion of many models does not talk about performance and functions, but only boasts low prices. That's why we should compare specs and features before comparing prices.

We have made a comparison table for the popular GNSS receivers. If you are interested, you can contact us to get the table.

4. Warranty and After-sales 

Finally, when you get the right receiver with proper specifications you need at a reasonable price, you still need to care about warranty and brand aftermarket capabilities.

It is recommended to purchase GNSS equipment from the original manufacturer or their local distributor. Otherwise, the warranty and after-sales service cannot be well guaranteed.

We, SingularXYZ Intelligent Technology Ltd., is a professional GNSS equipment manufacturer. Our Y1 GNSS Receiver is an all-around device with an affordable price. Our vision for Y1 is to provide surveyors a high-spec and fully-functional device but with reasonable price. Thus, you don't spend too much time comparing and headache choosing.

Learn more about Y1
https://www.singularxyz.com/Y1.html
https://www.singularxyz.com/Y1_Land_Surveying_Solution.html