Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers about high-precision GNSS receivers for UAVs, RTK vs PPK, anti-jamming technology, Septentrio modules, and more.
1. What is a high-precision GNSS receiver for UAVs?
A high-precision GNSS receiver for UAVs receives signals from multiple satellite constellations (GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, Galileo) to calculate centimeter-level position data. Unlike standard GPS modules that deliver 2-5 meter accuracy, these receivers use multi-frequency bands, RTK/PPK correction technologies, and advanced algorithms to achieve accuracy down to 1-2 centimeters. They are essential for professional drone surveying, mapping, inspection, and precision agriculture.
2. What is the difference between RTK and PPK for drones?
RTK (Real-Time Kinematic) provides real-time centimeter-level corrections via a communication link between base station and drone. Results are available instantly during flight. PPK (Post-Processed Kinematic) records raw GNSS data during flight and processes it after landing. Choose RTK for real-time operations with reliable data links. Choose PPK for remote areas without communication coverage.
3. Why is multi-constellation support important for UAV GNSS receivers?
Multi-constellation support allows a GNSS receiver to track GPS (USA), GLONASS (Russia), BeiDou (China), and Galileo (Europe) simultaneously, often seeing 40-60 satellites at once. This provides better accuracy through improved satellite geometry, faster fixes in challenging environments like urban canyons and forests, redundancy if one constellation fails, and better global coverage across different regions.
4. Do I need anti-jamming protection for my drone GNSS receiver?
Yes, anti-jamming protection is critical for professional drone operations. GNSS jamming and spoofing are real threats, especially in urban areas, near power lines, industrial sites, or critical infrastructure. Septentrio-powered receivers feature built-in AIM+ (Advanced Interference Mitigation) technology that actively detects and filters out RF interference in real time.
5. What is the accuracy of a Septentrio GNSS receiver?
Septentrio GNSS receivers deliver horizontal accuracy under 2.5 cm with RTK correction, sub-meter accuracy with SBAS without correction, and 1 cm or better with PPK post-processing. They support multi-frequency (L1/L2/L5) and multi-constellation tracking for significantly improved precision compared to single-frequency GPS modules.
6. How do I choose the right GNSS receiver for my drone?
Consider: accuracy requirements (cm-level vs meter-level), weight and size (lighter is better for UAVs), update rate (10Hz minimum, 20-100Hz for demanding applications), interface compatibility with your flight controller (UART, I2C, SPI, USB), correction support (RTK, PPK, or both), and brand reliability. Septentrio-powered receivers offer the best balance of performance, reliability, and support.
7. What is Septentrio AIM+ anti-jamming technology?
AIM+ (Advanced Interference Mitigation) is Septentrio’s proprietary technology that actively detects, characterizes, and filters out RF interference in real time. It protects against both accidental interference from radio towers, power lines, and onboard electronics, as well as deliberate jamming and spoofing attacks. Built into all Septentrio modules including mosaic-X5, mosaic-G5, and AsteRx-m3 Pro.
8. Where can I buy Septentrio-powered GNSS receivers for UAVs?
UAV GNSS (uav-gnss.com) is a trusted supplier of high-precision GNSS receivers powered by Septentrio technology. We offer a full range from compact EV322 receivers to enterprise-grade HB21 units, all with comprehensive documentation, responsive technical support, and warranty coverage. Visit our shop to browse the complete catalog.
