What is RTK?

A. RTK - Real Time Kinematics is a process for computing a position.  RTK of Iowa utilizes a Trimble based RTK signal which provides +/- one inch accuracy 95% of the time within an eight mile radius of the base station. 

What do I need to do to get started?

A. In order to see if RTK sub-inch GPS guidance is right for you and your operation, please contact one of our Central Iowa Distributors to learn more.

My town isn’t in your service area. Can I still get service?

A. RTK base stations are currently operating in the following areas:  Albert City, Alleman, Arcadia, Bayard, Beaver, Bode, Bondurant, Bouton, Boxholm, Churdan, Colo, Conroy, Dallas Center, Dawson, Duncombe, Fonda, Gowrie, Granger, Grundy Center, Jefferson, Kellogg, Lidderdale, Luther, Lytton, Malcom, Melbourne, Mingo, Nevada, Palmer, Pickering, Prairie City, Randall, Redfield, Rockwell City, Stratford, Traer, Ulmer, and West Bend.  If you are in an outlying area, please contact us or one of our distributors.  To view a downloadable PDF Map and learn more about our coverage areas, click here.

When will service be available in my area?

A. RTK of Iowa, LLC will continue to expand this network as needed to provide service to the agricultural community where there is a demand for our services.

What GPS manufacturing system is RTK of Iowa associated with?

A. RTK of Iowa, in association with Trimble Agricultural Products, provides a Trimble based RTK (Real Time Kinematic) signal to it's subscribers.

What products are compatible with the RTK of Iowa RTK network?

A. The RTK of Iowa Network is compatible with all Trimble navigation products: Trimble Auto Pilot, Case IH Accu Guide, New Holland Intelli Steer.  Please contact your local auto guidance dealer or an RTK of Iowa signal distributor for questions regarding your specific guidance system.

What is the difference between repeateable and relative accuracy?

A. Reapeatable accuracy, also known as Year-to-Year Accuracy, is the GPS receiver’s ability to return to previously marked or mapped obstacles or run-lines (A-B lines) that need to be revisted a week, month or year. RTK of Iowa utilizes dual frequency Real Time Kinetic (RTK) technology that can deliver +/- 1 inch year to year accuracy or repeatability on your land. Relative Accuracy, also known as Pass-to-Pass Accuracy, is the GPS receiver’s ability to provide accuracy within a field operation from one pass to the next. These lower grade GPS receivers provide 6-12 inch pass-to-pass performance over a 15 minute interval. RTK of Iowa does not utilize the Relative Accuracy method.

What does a subscription cost?

A. Please see the subscription page for the most current pricing options.

How accurate is it?

A. The RTK correction signal distributed by RTK of Iowa offeres pass to pass and year to year repeatable accuracey of +/- one inch, 95% of the time within an 8 mile radius of the base station.  So whether you are driving back and forth across the field today or a year from now you will be within one inch of your row 95% of the time.

What if I am farther than 8 miles from the base station?

A. The accuracy level will degrade as you get further from the base station.  A mathematical calculation is used to figure this degradation.  At 16 miles from the base station you would see an accuracy level of +/- two inches.

Are there factors that affect RTK correction signal distribution?

Yes.  Some of these factors are: Terrain, foliage, structures, height.  If this is a concern please consult with you local signal distributor for assistance.

How long will I be without service if the network goes down?

A. RTK of Iowa personnel install and maintain the network and will make reasonable efforts to provide service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  However, the customer acknowledges that there are many factors affecting the availability and quality of GPS correction data that are beyond the conrtol of RTK of Iowa.

Does GLONASS increase accuracy?

No.  GLONASS will not increase the accuracy any more than it already is with a RTK correction signal.  GLONASS will allow you to better keep a fixed RTK correction signal during time periods of low satellite visibility.  It will not guarantee a fix during these time periods but will greatly enhance it.

Are all Trimble recievers GLONASS capable?

No.  The following recievers are GLONASS capable: Trimble 432, Trimble 442, Trimble FMX, FM 1000, Trimble SN900 and Trimble SNB900.  The following receivers are not GLONASS capable: Trimble 332, Trimble 252, Trimble 262, and Trimble RTK EZ-500.

If my receiver is not GLONASS capable or I don't unlock my GLONASS capable receiver to receive the GLONASS signal will I still receive RTK corrections from the RTK of Iowa RTK network?

Yes.  All of the above Trimble receivers, wether they are GLONASS capable or not will continue to operate just as they have been and you will not see any changes.

Is there an additional charge for the GLONASS satellite signal?

No.  The addition of the GLONASS satellite signal to the RTK of Iowa RTK network does not affect the current subscription rates.  This upgrade is an enhancement to the network and is provided to better serve our subscribers.