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Practical Tips to Improve EX-1 PPK Accuracy

Here are a few key points to keep in mind when using Emlid Studio for PPK processing with the EX-1. Following these suggestions can significantly improve the fix rate for precise point positioning:

1. Convergence Time for Base Station:

When using the EX-1 as an RTK base station, it requires approximately one minute to acquire an SBAS position. After this initial positioning, an additional convergence period of at least 300 seconds is needed to achieve usable base station observation accuracy. Therefore, it is recommended to power on the EX-1 at least 15 minutes in advance when used as a base station.

2.Waiting Period for Rover Station:

When using the EX-1 as a rover, the satellite count may not be sufficient immediately after positioning is acquired. If PPK processing begins with this data, the initial points may not resolve as fixed solutions. To avoid this, allow the EX-1 to stabilize for about 5 minutes after acquiring a position. Then, double-press the power button to hear three beeps, indicating the start of a new track. This step helps discard trajectory points recorded during the initial unstable positioning phase.

3.Shutdown Sequence:

After completing the recording, ensure you follow the correct shutdown sequence: turn off the rover station first, followed by the base station. This ensures the base station data covers a longer time span than the rover station’s data.

4.Optimizing Emlid Studio Settings:

Once the above preparations are complete, you can further enhance the fix rate in Emlid Studio by optimizing its settings.

Example:

I recorded the files for this example, and with the default settings, the fix rate was only 11.5%.

By adjusting the following parameters:

•Set Filter Type to “Combined.”

•Enable GLONASS by setting it to “On.”

With these changes, the fix rate improves significantly.

Note:

If there are already generated files in the directory, delete them before clicking “Process,” as failing to do so may cause errors.

5.Handling Poor Signal Areas:

In areas with poor signal quality (e.g., urban environments), consider lowering the signal strength threshold. For instance, reduce it from 35 to 30. While this can improve the fix rate, achieving a 100% fix is unlikely even with real-time RTK in such environments.

6.Limitations of Emlid Studio:

Currently, Emlid Studio does not seem to support PPK data output higher than 1Hz. Even if the raw data is recorded at 10Hz, the software only processes and outputs trajectories at 1Hz (or possibly lower). While 1Hz outputs are generally accurate, if 10Hz PPK processing is required, Emlid Studio may not meet the requirement until future updates.

 

By following these suggestions and optimizing your workflow, you can achieve better accuracy and improve your overall PPK processing experience.