Key Features of the LRTK Rover & Portability Highlights

Compact design—survey anywhere: The foremost advantage of the LRTK series rover is its ultra-compact form factor. Every component required for positioning—antenna, GNSS receiver, battery, and radio module—is fully integrated, eliminating the need to link separate devices with cables as in conventional systems.

For instance, the LRTK Phone clips into its dedicated smartphone case with a single touch, transforming the handset into a pocket-sized surveying instrument.

By adding a device that weighs only about 100 g to the phone, you gain centimeter-level positioning accuracy—light enough to carry in a bag or pocket and use anywhere on site. Its compact form factor is a major advantage when working in confined spaces, at height, or during long on-foot surveys, where traditional equipment would be cumbersome.

Battery life & charging: Despite its compact form, the LRTK rover operates for long periods on its built-in battery—up to about 12 hours of continuous use, providing enough stamina for a full workday without recharging. When you do need to top up, a standard USB cable is all it takes, so you can recharge easily from a power bank or a vehicle’s 12-volt socket while traveling to the site or working from a mobile office.

The smartphone app lets you monitor battery level in real time, so you can top up early and avoid unexpected shutdowns. Carrying a spare power bank adds an extra safety margin—extending operating time and allowing an instant recharge if the main battery runs low.

Environmental durability—water- and shock-resistant: Construction-survey sites subject equipment to dust, rain, puddles, and frequent impacts. The LRTK series is engineered with a rugged hardware design specifically for field use, ensuring dependable performance even in the harshest conditions.

Water-, dust-, and shock-resistant: Construction survey sites expose equipment to dust, rain, standing water, and repeated impacts. The LRTK series is engineered with a rugged, field-ready hardware design, so it operates reliably and safely even in the most demanding environments.

The housing carries an IP65/IP67-grade dust- and waterproof rating, so light rain or wind-blown grit pose no problem. It is also moderately shock-resistant; transported in its dedicated case, the unit is shielded from minor drops and impacts. A wide operating-temperature range keeps the receiver working smoothly from sweltering midsummer heat to sub-zero winter mornings. Toughness is essential for field tools, and the LRTK series delivers it—while remaining remarkably compact and lightweight—giving engineers a device they can rely on under any site conditions.

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Transporting the Rover Unit
To move the LRTK rover safely and efficiently to the job site, keep the following key points in mind.

Transporting in a dedicated case or padded bag: Because the rover is a precision instrument, protect it from vibration and shock during transit by using a purpose-built hard case or a padded bag. If the unit ships with its own hard case or soft pouch, always stow it there before moving it. Internal foam and dividers keep the device firmly in place, minimizing damage if the case is bumped or dropped. When transporting other gear at the same time, the case also prevents surface scratches and accidental button presses. Keep the case in an easy-to-reach spot so you can remove the equipment as soon as you arrive on site.

Precautions when transporting by vehicle: Handle the LRTK rover with care en route to the site. Never leave the unit for long periods in places exposed to direct sunlight and high temperatures; a dashboard or open truck bed in summer can overheat the housing, stressing the battery and internal circuits. During transport, store the case in an air-conditioned cabin or a shaded area, and use a sunshade if necessary.Secure the case so it cannot roll with driving vibrations—belt it in, wedge it under a seat, or place it in a stable spot in the luggage compartment. Avoid stacking heavy items on top of the case, and position it where it cannot be stepped on or crushed if cargo shifts.
Key points for long-distance transport (air or sea): When sending the equipment to a remote site by air or sea, remember that it is an electronic device containing a lithium-ion battery.Under International Air Transport Association (IATA) regulations, devices containing lithium batteries must generally be carried in cabin baggage. Because the LRTK rover is compact and its battery capacity is under 100 Wh, it can be taken on board; however, be sure to declare it to the airline in advance and follow any instructions they provide.

Turn the device off for the flight, place it in its protective case, and stow it in a stable location—such as an overhead bin—to prevent impact damage.For sea transport, pack the unit in a waterproof case with desiccant to guard against heat, humidity, and salt, and store it in a secure area of the cabin whenever possible.After any long journey, inspect the device for external damage and check the remaining battery charge; recharge if necessary before putting it back into service. These pre-use checks help you avoid unpleasant surprises such as “the battery is dead” or “the unit was damaged in transit.”

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On-Site Setup Procedure

Once you arrive at the work site, you can begin positioning with the LRTK rover. Below is a step-by-step guide to the basic setup process, presented in clear stages so even first-time users can follow along easily.

​1. Site selection: Begin by choosing a spot well-suited for positioning. Ideally, the sky should be as open as possible, with few tall buildings or trees that could block satellite signals. The wider the sky view, the more stable GNSS accuracy becomes, so secure the clearest line-of-sight available on site. Radio conditions are another key checkpoint.

If you are relying on network RTK, make sure the site is within mobile-data coverage for your smartphone. If you are using the LRTK’s proprietary 920 MHz radio link, confirm there are no major sources of interference or obstructions between the rover and the base station. In addition, verify that the ground is level and stable, and choose a spot where the pole or tripod that supports the equipment will not be prone to tipping.

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2. Deploy and mount the LRTK unit: Prepare the LRTK rover itself. First, confirm that the device is powered off. Attach any required accessories—antenna or phone mount—before installation. For an LRTK Phone, snap the rover into its dedicated phone attachment and lock it securely onto the handset.

For an LRTK Pro unit, screw it firmly onto the tip of your survey pole; for the helmet-mounted version, attach the device securely on top of the helmet. Once the rover is in place, power it on. Press and hold the power button for a few seconds until the LED indicator lights up—the unit will begin its start-up sequence and automatically start tracking GNSS satellites. Leave it stationary with a clear view of the sky for a short time while it acquires signals.

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3. Connect to the mobile app: Open the dedicated LRTK app on your smartphone and link it to the device. On first use, go to the Bluetooth settings, pair with the LRTK unit (select its name from the list), and return to the app. After pairing once, the app will reconnect automatically whenever it starts. When the display shows “Device connected” and begins reporting satellite count, battery level, and other status data, the link is established. No cables are required—setup is completely wireless. Even if the unit is a few metres away on a pole or tripod, the Bluetooth connection remains stable.

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4. Configure correction data: RTK positioning requires correction information from a reference station. In the LRTK app, specify how the rover will obtain these corrections.
If you are using a network-RTK service, open the settings screen and enter the Ntrip client details—service URL, port, mount point, and your user ID/password. Once these parameters are saved, the app will reconnect automatically on future sessions. When the connection is established, the reference-station data stream begins flowing to the device in real time.

In remote areas without internet access—such as mountainous regions—you can rely on Japan’s Quasi-Zenith Satellite System “Michibiki” and its centimeter-level augmentation service (CLAS). Because LRTK units are triple-frequency receivers capable of tracking the L6 CLAS signal, they can obtain correction data directly from the satellite even when the smartphone is out of cellular range.

Certain “out-of-coverage” models automatically switch to CLAS and maintain centimeter-grade accuracy without any user intervention. In all cases, the app displays the current correction source—whether network RTK or CLAS—so you can verify at a glance which feed is active.

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5. Start positioning and confirm the mode: Once the rover begins receiving corrections, it performs the computations needed to achieve an RTK “Fix” solution. After several seconds, accuracy improves and the app shows a status such as “Fix” or “RTK Fix,” indicating that centimeter-level positioning has been achieved. When the mode reads Fix, you can start full data collection.As a precaution, check the current error estimates shown in the app—for both horizontal and vertical accuracy—and confirm they are in the centimeter range. If the status still reads “Float,” accuracy is not yet adequate; wait a bit longer until more satellites are locked or the correction stream stabilizes.

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6. Configure settings and begin measurement: Once positioning is stable, move on to the actual survey work. Start by specifying the antenna height and selecting the desired measurement mode. If the receiver is mounted on a pole, measure the distance from the ground to the antenna’s phase center accurately and enter this value in the app. The LRTK application automatically applies this antenna-height correction, ensuring that the recorded ground or survey-point elevations are accurate.

Next, choose the measurement mode. For single point observations (individual GNSS survey points), use Point Mode and record each point separately.Alternatively, you can switch to Continuous Mode, which records positions continuously as you walk—capturing up to 10 points per second and automatically generating a trajectory file.

This mode is particularly useful for longitudinal terrain profiles and large-area mapping. Select the mode that best fits your surveying objective.

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7. Operating the app and saving data: In the LRTK mobile app, tap Start Positioning to begin data collection. Move the device (or its antenna) to the point you wish to survey and hit Record to save that point’s coordinates. In continuous mode, positions are logged automatically at set intervals, so you can walk slowly and capture an entire path. All observations are stored in the app, where you can name and organize them by project. The built-in camera function lets you attach high-precision location tags to photos taken at each point. Later, back at the office, you can export the data as CSV or PDF files or import them into surveying CAD software. If the system is linked to LRTK Cloud, every measurement is uploaded automatically, giving office staff real-time access to the field data. When surveying is complete, simply power off the device—the on-site setup and positioning workflow is finished.

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Field Troubleshooting

Even the best equipment can encounter unexpected issues on site. Below are common problems you may face while operating an LRTK rover in the field—and how to resolve them.

Handling Unstable Communications: If mobile coverage drops or disappears while you are using network RTK, the rover may lose correction data and positioning can become unstable. Don’t panic—make use of the LRTK rover’s built-in safeguards. On an out-of-coverage model, the unit automatically switches to Japan’s QZSS “Michibiki” CLAS augmentation signal whenever cellular service is lost, allowing you to maintain centimeter-level accuracy even offline.

If your device is not CLAS-enabled—or if you must return to cellular coverage—pause positioning and move to an area with a stronger signal. Step out from behind buildings into open sky, or climb to higher ground in mountainous terrain. You can also restore the link by toggling Airplane Mode on your smartphone off and on to force a fresh connection.

If you are running your own reference station (a second LRTK unit), you can switch to the 920 MHz low-power radio link for corrections. The LRTK Pro 2 includes an “L-Link” feature that lets one device act as a simple base and broadcast correction data simultaneously to multiple rovers. In remote areas where neither public base-station networks nor cellular service reach, bring two LRTK units: set one up on a control point as the base and use the other as the rover. Having these alternative channels in place ensures you can maintain centimeter-level accuracy even when conventional communications fail.

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Tips for Minimizing Weather- and Temperature-Related Issues: GNSS equipment is designed to operate in all weather, but extreme conditions can still affect both the hardware and positioning accuracy. During heavy rain or snowfall, water droplets or snow can accumulate on the antenna and obstruct signal reception.In that situation, regularly brush off the buildup or fit a waterproof cover over the antenna—while the LRTK unit itself is waterproof, a layer of snow can still weaken signal reception. Because a wet smartphone is hard to operate, protect it in the rain by using touchscreen-compatible gloves or an umbrella.

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In high-temperature environments, protect the device from direct sunlight to curb heat buildup. During prolonged work under a midsummer sun, create shade for the unit—setting up a small parasol, for example—or move it into the shade between measurement sessions to let it cool. If the device becomes too hot, an internal thermal-protection mode can activate, temporarily reducing performance. In cold environments, battery performance declines, so keep a spare battery or power bank warm—inside a pocket, for example—until needed. Carry the receiver itself inside your jacket to retain heat, exposing it to the cold only for the brief periods required to take measurements. In very low temperatures the device’s LCD or LED indicators may dim, but you can still monitor status on the smartphone display without issue.

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Using Spare Batteries & Accessories: Battery management is crucial for all-day surveys or multi-day operations. Although the LRTK’s internal battery powers the unit for roughly 12 hours, it is wise to carry backup power. A high-capacity power bank connected to the device’s USB port lets you recharge while continuing to work; topping up the unit during breaks ensures you can finish the afternoon with confidence. Because long Bluetooth sessions and screen use also drain the smartphone, keep a spare phone battery or an in-vehicle charger on hand as well.

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Additionally, take advantage of the various accessories that best suit your on-site conditions. For example, using an optional monopod or tripod enables stable positioning without the need to hold the device. When setting up a tripod, verify that it is level with a bubble level to enhance accuracy. The LRTK helmet mount lets you attach the unit to your head and capture continuous positioning data while walking—even when both hands are occupied. This setup allows you to survey hazardous areas—such as landslide sites—where it would be unsafe to carry equipment by hand. By combining accessories to match each site’s requirements, you can work safely, maintain precision, and respond flexibly to any issues that arise.

LRTK Series Use Cases
Leveraging its easy portability and high precision, the LRTK rover is finding applications across a wide variety of job sites. Below are some representative scenarios and real-world examples.

Construction Sites: In construction, boosting survey efficiency and reducing manpower are major goals. By introducing LRTK, site supervisors and crew members can perform surveys themselves whenever needed, without waiting for a dedicated surveying team.

At a construction site in central Tokyo, LRTK is now used for layout (line-marking) work. Instead of calling in a survey crew with a total station or conventional GNSS gear, the site supervisor clips a 125-gram LRTK unit to an iPad, overlays the design drawing in AR, and performs the positioning and marking personally. The ability to “turn a tablet into an all-in-one survey instrument” with such a tiny device has been greeted with amazement on site.

LRTK is also proving valuable for daily as-built verification. Crews walk the limits of excavations or embankments in continuous-log mode, then upload the data directly to the cloud. Office staff can immediately view each day’s progress on a plan view, without waiting for a specialist survey team. Because site engineers handle the measurements themselves, scheduling is more flexible and overall project duration is shortened.

Disaster Recovery & Infrastructure Inspection: The LRTK rover’s mobility is a game-changer for post-disaster surveys and routine infrastructure checks. During the 2023 Noto Peninsula earthquake response, LRTK units were deployed amid collapsed buildings and severed roadways.

Large survey instruments are difficult to transport in disaster zones, and telecom networks are often down. A single palm-sized, out-of-coverage LRTK model can still deliver centimeter-level positioning offline via QZSS CLAS satellite corrections.

Teams used the devices to geotag damage-assessment photos with high-precision coordinates and sync them to the cloud, accelerating information flow between field crews and remote support staff. Even when “heavy gear won’t fit” and “cellular service is unavailable,” a compact LRTK became the eyes and feet of the operation.

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In the infrastructure-inspection sector, LRTK is now being used to maintain large-scale assets such as expressways, railways, and bridges.

For example, when inspecting glare shields installed on an expressway’s central median, technicians wear an LRTK-equipped helmet and walk the route. They record each shield’s position and condition with accompanying photos, allowing them to pinpoint—at centimeter accuracy—which panel in which section is defective. In the past, crews often wondered, “Which panel was it again?” but now the precise LRTK coordinates are automatically plotted on a cloud-based map, so the problem location is never lost once they’re back in the office. Similarly, during bridge repairs, inspectors photograph damaged spots while logging their precise coordinates, providing an exact answer to the question, “Where, precisely, do we need to fix?” By leveraging LRTK’s continuous-logging mode, inspectors can walk the alignment of a road or railway and record positions continuously, detecting subtle deformation or settlement. In one railway case study, track-maintenance staff wore an LRTK helmet and patrolled the line, capturing centre-line coordinates on the move. This hands-free surveying—essential where both hands must remain free, such as on active tracks or atop elevated work platforms—shines in safety-critical environments. The data upload instantly to the cloud, allowing engineers in a remote control room to monitor alignment in real time and radio instructions back to the field, enabling true remote collaboration.

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Use cases in the transport and rail sectors: Because of its portability, the LRTK series is increasingly being adopted for the maintenance and surveying of transportation infrastructure. For example, road‐management authorities use LRTK to capture precise coordinates for urban road signs and guardrails, consolidating these assets in a single database. Items that were once tracked only approximately on maps are now logged with exact lat-long values and uploaded to a cloud database, streamlining inspection and replacement planning. During route-selection studies for new roads, survey crews even venture into forested areas with LRTK units to perform quick reconnaissance surveys, gathering elevation data for multiple route alternatives in a short time. In the rail sector, LRTK is used to inspect embankment slopes along the tracks. As crews walk the line, they identify areas at risk of collapse and log each problem spot’s exact coordinates with the rover. Later, those precise points guide drone flights and detailed follow-up surveys, ensuring nothing is overlooked and safety management is strengthened. From construction and civil works to infrastructure maintenance and disaster response, the LRTK series is fast becoming a “portable, dependable partner” across a broad spectrum of field operations.