Permanent GNSS Base Setup Guide (S980 + SR35)

A properly configured permanent GNSS base station is the backbone of reliable RTK positioning in surveying, mining, and machine control. Whether you’re running a fixed site base or supporting a fleet of machines, the combination of a Stonex S980 receiver and SR35 external radio provides a robust, long-range solution.

This guide outlines how to design and install a clean, stable, and high-performance base setup—covering antenna placement, power systems, communications, and radio configuration.

Why a Permanent Base Setup Matters

A well-installed base station delivers:

Consistent RTK corrections across site
Extended radio range (20–50 km depending on terrain)
Reduced downtime and maintenance
Scalability for multiple rovers and machines

Poor setups, on the other hand, lead to signal dropouts, limited range, and unreliable positioning—costing time and money in the field.

1. Antenna Setup (The Most Critical Component)

GNSS Antenna Installation

The GNSS antenna determines positional accuracy and signal quality.

Best practices:

Install on a fixed pillar or rigid mast (avoid temporary tripods)
Maintain clear sky visibility (no overhead obstructions)
Position at least 1.5–2.5 metres above surrounding structures
Keep away from reflective surfaces to minimise multipath

UHF Antenna for SR35 Radio

Radio performance is primarily driven by antenna height—not just wattage.

Recommended setup:

Use a high-gain collinear antenna (5–9 dBi)
Mount as high as possible (rooftop or mast)
Maintain 1–2 metres separation from GNSS antenna
Use low-loss coax (LMR400 or better)

Grounding & Lightning Protection

For any permanent installation in Australia—especially mining sites—grounding is essential.

Minimum requirements:

Inline lightning arrestor on UHF cable
Proper earth stake grounding system
Bond all metal components:
- Mast
- Antenna mounts
- Equipment enclosure

This protects your investment and prevents catastrophic failures.

2. Power System Design

Power stability is one of the most overlooked aspects of GNSS base performance.

Mains Power Setup (Preferred)

Use a regulated DC power supply
Install a UPS backup system
Protect against voltage fluctuations

Off-Grid Solar Setup (Common in Mining)

For remote sites, a solar system is the standard solution:

Typical configuration:

200–400W solar panels
100–200Ah battery bank (lithium preferred)
MPPT charge controller
Regulated 12V/24V output

Power Best Practices

Use correct cable sizing to prevent voltage drop
Keep power and RF cables separated
Install inside an IP-rated enclosure

Clean power = stable corrections and fewer system faults.

3. Communications Architecture

A modern GNSS base should never rely on a single communication method.

Primary: UHF Radio (SR35)

Provides long-range corrections across site
Ideal for machine control and remote rovers
Works independently of network coverage

Secondary: Network (4G or Starlink)

Adding network connectivity enables:

NTRIP correction streaming
Remote monitoring and troubleshooting
Backup communication path

This is especially valuable on large or remote Australian sites.

Recommended Hybrid Setup

For maximum reliability:

UHF (SR35): primary for field operations
Network (NTRIP): secondary and remote access

This ensures continuity even if one system fails.

4. SR35 Radio Configuration

Correct radio setup is critical for achieving maximum range and stability.

Connection Setup

Connect S980 via serial (external mode)
Match baud rate (typically 38400 or 115200)
Use RTCM3 correction format

Radio Parameters

Frequency: Licensed UHF channel (Australia regulations apply)
Channel spacing: Must match rover radios
FEC (Forward Error Correction): Enabled for noisy environments
Power output: Adjust to suit coverage—not always maximum

Optimising Data Output

Use a lean RTCM message set
Avoid unnecessary messages that overload bandwidth
Balanced configuration improves range and reliability

5. Physical Installation Layout

A clean install improves longevity and performance.

Inside Enclosure

Secure mounting for S980 and SR35
Power distribution system
Surge protection

Cable Management

Separate GNSS, radio, and power cables
Use drip loops on external connections
Minimise cable bends and joins

6. Expected Performance

With a properly configured setup:

Typical UHF range:
- 20–30 km (rolling terrain)
- Up to 50 km (flat or elevated sites)
System reliability:
- Near continuous uptime with correct power and grounding

7. Common Installation Mistakes

Avoid these frequent issues:

Low antenna placement
Poor grounding or no lightning protection
Cheap or incorrect coax cable
Overloading radio with unnecessary data
Relying on a single communication method

Conclusion

A permanent GNSS base station is only as good as its installation. By focusing on:

Antenna height and quality
Stable and clean power
Redundant communications
Proper SR35 configuration

—you can achieve a highly reliable RTK solution suited to demanding environments like mining and large-scale surveying in Australia.