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Integrating Reach RS4 / RS4 Pro with Topcon for machine control

This guide explains how to integrate the Reach RS4 / RS4 Pro base with the Topcon rover for machine control.

Overview​

Reach RS4 can be used as an RTK base station with a Topcon rover for machine control applications using the built-in UHF radio.

In this workflow, the Reach receiver broadcasts RTK corrections over UHF radio, while the Topcon rover mounted on the machine receives the corrections and calculates a centimeter-level position. The base and rover must use the same radio frequency and TrimTalk 450S protocol.

The machine control system then uses this corrected position to control:

  • Blade height
  • Bucket position
  • Grading surfaces
  • Excavation depth

Configuring Reach RS4 as base​

To set up your base, follow the steps below:

  1. Open the Emlid Flow app and connect to Reach RS4 / RS4 Pro.

  2. Go to Settings and tap GNSS settings.

  3. Keep the default constellation selection and update rate, as shown in the screenshot below.

  4. Go back to the Receivers screen and tap Base settings.

  5. Tap RTCM3 messages. By default, all RTCM3 messages are enabled.

    However, in some regions, local regulations may limit the available radio bandwidth, preventing Emlid Flow from using the default message set. In this case, we recommend applying one of the following configurations depending on your region:

    RegionRecommended constellations
    EuropeGPS + Galileo
    Northern EuropeGPS + Galileo + GLONASS
    AsiaGPS + BeiDou
    North AmericaGPS + Galileo or BeiDou + GLONASS
    South AmericaGPS + Galileo or BeiDou
    AfricaGPS + Galileo or BeiDou
    Australia/OceaniaGPS + BeiDou + Galileo

    GPS is used as the baseline constellation. Galileo, BeiDou, and GLONASS all provide global coverage, but may offer regional advantages due to their orbital configuration. Galileo is typically preferred in Europe, BeiDou in Asia and Oceania, and GLONASS at higher northern latitudes. When bandwidth is limited, we recommend enabling GPS and the constellation most relevant to your region.

  6. Go back to the Receivers screen and tap Base output 1.

  7. Select UHF radio and tap the Edit button to set up the output.

  8. nota

    This step applies only to the US. In the United States, UHF transmission requires a valid FCC license issued by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the US government agency responsible for regulating radio communications. For this reason, the UHF output interface remains blocked until a valid license is submitted to our Support team for verification. For more information on obtaining a license, consult the FCC's official licensing process.

    To request activation from our Support team, do as follows:

    1.  Select UHF radio.

    2.  Tap Submit license. This will open the form, where you can submit your FCC license, the receiver's serial number, and your email address, required for the UHF output activation.

    3.  Once your submission is verified, usually within one working day, you will receive an activation code at the email address you provided in the form. The code is issued specifically for the receiver identified by the submitted serial number. Enter this code in Emlid Flow, and tap Apply code.

    After you enter the activation code, the UHF channel will operate only on the frequencies and output power allowed by your license. The UHF screen will display your license details, call sign, and expiration date. When your license expires, the system will automatically block the UHF channel, and you will have to submit a new license to restore access.

    If you take the receiver to another country, you need to provide a local license if the country requires one. If no license is needed, you can unlock the UHF channel for use without additional documentation.

    cuidado

    To remove the license, reflash the receiver. Resetting settings or updating the firmware will not remove it, because the license is stored on the receiver, not in the app. Consequently, if you connect a receiver without a license to Emlid Flow, the app will prompt you to enter one.

  9. Choose a frequency supported by your Topcon rover.

  10. Go back to Settings, and then tap Base settings and set up your base position by choosing the appropriate base coordinates entry method.

    dica

    Learn more about base setup in the Choosing base setup method guide.

Once configured, Reach RS4 will start broadcasting corrections via UHF.

Configuring Topcon rover​

To configure your Topcon rover to receive corrections from the Reach RS4 base station, configure the radio link settings in the machine control software as follows:

  1. In Radio Config, select the correct UHF radio model, and make sure the corrections format is set to RTCM3.

  2. In Radio Parameters, select the Trimble-GMSK protocol.

  3. Make sure the radio channel and frequency match the settings used on Reach RS4, then tap OK.

Once configured, the Topcon rover will start receiving RTK corrections transmitted by Reach RS4.