Stonex S850 GNSS Base and Rover System: Precision Surveying

Professional-Grade Positioning Technology for Demanding Applications

The Stonex S850 GNSS receiver represents a significant advancement in surveying and positioning technology for Australian contractors, surveyors, and mining professionals. As part of Red Edge Resources’ comprehensive machine control and geospatial solutions portfolio, the S850 base and rover system delivers centimetre-level accuracy, rugged reliability, and versatile functionality for the most demanding field conditions.

Whether you’re establishing site control networks, performing topographic surveys, staking out construction projects, or supporting machine control operations, the Stonex S850 provides the precision and dependability that Australian professionals require.

Understanding GNSS Base and Rover Technology

What Is a Base and Rover System?

GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) base and rover configurations provide Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) positioning, the gold standard for high-accuracy surveying and construction layout:

Base Station:

Established at a known or calculated position
Receives satellite signals and calculates correction data
Transmits corrections to rover units via radio or cellular connection
Provides reference point for differential positioning

Rover Unit:

Mobile GNSS receiver used in the field
Receives satellite signals and base station corrections simultaneously
Calculates precise position in real-time
Achieves centimetre-level accuracy through differential correction

RTK Positioning Advantage:

Horizontal accuracy: ±8mm + 1ppm
Vertical accuracy: ±15mm + 1ppm
Initialisation time: <10 seconds typical
Update rate: Up to 20Hz for dynamic applications

This technology eliminates the limitations of standalone GNSS positioning, which typically provides only metre-level accuracy unsuitable for construction and surveying applications.

Stonex S850 Technical Specifications

Multi-Constellation GNSS Support

The S850 tracks all major satellite constellations for maximum reliability and accuracy:

Supported Systems:

GPS – United States Global Positioning System (L1, L2, L5)
GLONASS – Russian satellite navigation system (L1, L2)
Galileo – European Union satellite system (E1, E5a, E5b, E6)
BeiDou – Chinese navigation satellite system (B1, B2, B3)
QZSS – Japanese Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (L1, L2, L5)
SBAS – Satellite-Based Augmentation Systems (WAAS, EGNOS, MSAS, GAGAN)

Multi-Constellation Benefits:

Increased satellite availability – 120+ satellites tracked simultaneously
Improved reliability – Redundancy in challenging environments
Faster initialisation – More satellites mean quicker RTK fix
Better performance – Consistent accuracy in obstructed conditions

Accuracy Performance

The Stonex S850 delivers professional-grade accuracy across all positioning modes:

RTK Mode (with base station corrections):

Horizontal: ±8mm + 1ppm RMS
Vertical: ±15mm + 1ppm RMS
Initialisation time: <10 seconds
Reliability: >99.9%

Static/Fast Static Mode:

Horizontal: ±2.5mm + 0.5ppm RMS
Vertical: ±5mm + 0.5ppm RMS
Ideal for control network establishment

DGPS Mode (differential GPS):

Horizontal: ±0.25m + 1ppm RMS
Vertical: ±0.50m + 1ppm RMS
Useful for reconnaissance and GIS applications

Autonomous Mode:

Horizontal: <1.5m CEP
Vertical: <3.0m CEP
Backup positioning when corrections unavailable

Physical Design and Durability

Built for Australian field conditions, the S850 features:

Environmental Protection:

IP68 rating – Dust-tight and waterproof to 2 metres for 1 hour
Operating temperature – -45°C to +65°C
Storage temperature – -55°C to +75°C
Humidity resistance – 100% condensing
Shock resistance – Survives 2-metre pole drops

Physical Characteristics:

Compact design – 127mm diameter × 73mm height
Lightweight – 1.1kg including battery
Magnesium alloy housing – Durable yet lightweight construction
Integrated antenna – No external antenna required
Hot-swappable battery – Continuous operation with battery changes

Australian Conditions Performance:

Extreme heat tolerance for outback and mining applications
Dust protection for dry, arid environments
Water resistance for tropical and coastal regions
Shock resistance for rugged terrain and transport

Communication and Connectivity

The S850 offers multiple communication options for maximum flexibility:

Internal Radio Modem:

Frequency range – 410-470 MHz (configurable)
Output power – Up to 2W
Range – Up to 8km line-of-sight (base to rover)
Protocols – Transparent, SATEL, TrimTalk, PCC

Cellular Connectivity:

4G LTE modem – High-speed data transmission
3G fallback – Compatibility with older networks
NTRIP client/server – Connect to CORS networks or broadcast corrections
Network RTK support – Utilise VRS, FKP, MAC, and other network solutions

Bluetooth:

Bluetooth 4.0 – Low-energy connectivity
Range – Up to 100 metres
Controller connection – Pair with data collectors and smartphones
Multiple device support – Connect to various field equipment

Additional Connectivity:

Wi-Fi – Configuration and data transfer
USB – Direct connection for configuration and downloads
Serial ports – Legacy equipment compatibility

Power Management

Extended battery life for full-day field operations:

Internal Battery:

Capacity – 7.4V, 6800mAh lithium-ion
Operating time (rover) – 10+ hours typical
Operating time (base) – 8+ hours with radio transmission
Charging time – 4 hours to full capacity
Hot-swappable – Change batteries without losing position

Power Options:

External power input – 9-28V DC
Solar panel compatible – Extended base station operation
Vehicle power – Connect to 12V/24V systems
Power bank support – USB charging for emergency backup

Applications for Australian Construction and Mining

Site Surveying and Control Networks

The S850 base and rover system excels at establishing accurate site control:

Control Point Establishment:

Static observations for primary control networks
Fast-static for secondary control densification
RTK for tertiary control and check points
Integration with Australian coordinate systems (MGA2020, AHD)

Topographic Surveys:

Rapid data collection for existing conditions
Feature location and mapping
Contour generation for design development
As-built documentation and verification

Boundary and Cadastral Work:

Property boundary location and verification
Easement and right-of-way surveys
Subdivision layout and monumentation
Integration with state cadastral databases

Construction Layout and Machine Control Support

Red Edge Resources integrates S850 technology with machine control systems:

Design Staking:

Building corner and foundation layout
Road centreline and offset staking
Utility trench alignment
Structural element positioning

Machine Control Base Station:

Provide RTK corrections for Hemisphere VR1000 systems
Support Stonex STX-Dig excavator guidance
Enable 3D dozer and grader operations
Multi-machine correction broadcast

Quality Control and Verification:

Grade checking and verification
Volume calculations (cut/fill)
Progress monitoring and documentation
Final as-built surveys

Mining Applications

The S850’s rugged design suits demanding mining environments:

Mine Development:

Pit boundary and bench layout
Haul road design staking
Drill hole positioning and verification
Infrastructure and facility location

Production Support:

Stockpile volume calculations
Blast hole drilling guidance
Grade control sampling locations
Rehabilitation area surveys

Safety and Compliance:

Highwall monitoring and deformation surveys
Restricted area boundary definition
Environmental monitoring point establishment
Regulatory compliance documentation

Civil Construction Projects

Versatile applications across civil infrastructure:

Road and Highway Construction:

Centreline and offset staking
Cross-section verification
Drainage structure location
Pavement thickness control

Earthworks and Site Development:

Cut/fill volume calculations
Pad elevation verification
Slope and batter checking
Compaction testing locations

Utilities and Infrastructure:

Pipeline alignment and depth verification
Manhole and pit location
Service location and clearance verification
Underground utility mapping

Stonex Cube-a V7 Software Integration

Professional Field Software

The S850 pairs with Stonex’s Cube-a V7 software for comprehensive field data collection:

Survey Functions:

Point stakeout and collection
Line and arc stakeout
Surface and DTM stakeout
COGO (Coordinate Geometry) calculations

Data Management:

Multiple project management
Import/export various file formats (.dxf, .dwg, .csv, .xml)
Cloud synchronisation and backup
Real-time collaboration with office

Quality Control:

Automatic quality checks and alerts
Redundant measurement verification
Statistical analysis and reporting
Tolerance monitoring

Customisation:

User-defined codes and attributes
Custom forms and data collection templates
Configurable display and interface
Workflow automation

Red Edge Resources Training

Red Edge offers comprehensive Cube-a V7 training courses:

Self-paced online modules – Learn at your convenience
Practical field exercises – Real-world application scenarios
Australian-specific content – MGA2020, AHD, local standards
Certification programmes – Demonstrate competency
Ongoing support – Technical assistance when needed

Base and Rover Configuration Options

Standalone Base and Rover System

Complete Independence:

No reliance on external correction services
Ideal for remote locations without cellular coverage
Full control over base station positioning
Radio communication up to 8km range

Typical Setup:

One S850 as base station on tripod or fixed mount
One or more S850 rovers with data collectors
Internal radio communication
Self-contained operation

Best For:

Remote mining sites
Areas without CORS network coverage
Projects requiring dedicated base station
Maximum independence and reliability

Network RTK Configuration

CORS Network Connection:

Connect to state CORS networks (CORSnet-NSW, GPSnet, etc.)
Receive corrections via cellular 4G/LTE
No base station setup required
Wider coverage area

Advantages:

Faster mobilisation (no base setup)
Single rover operation
Consistent accuracy across large areas
Reduced equipment requirements

Best For:

Urban and suburban construction
Projects within CORS network coverage
Mobile surveying across wide areas
Single-operator efficiency

Hybrid Configuration

Maximum Flexibility:

Primary operation via network RTK
Base station backup for network outages
Radio backup for cellular dead zones
Seamless switching between modes

Red Edge Recommendation:

Optimal for Australian conditions
Addresses connectivity variability
Ensures continuous productivity
Professional redundancy

Financial Benefits of the S850 System

Reduced Survey Costs

Traditional surveying methods versus S850 RTK efficiency:

Traditional Total Station Survey:

Two-person crew requirement
Line-of-sight limitations
Frequent instrument moves
Slower data collection
Typical productivity: 50-100 points per day

S850 RTK Survey:

Single-operator capability
No line-of-sight required (except to sky)
Continuous operation without setup
Rapid data collection
Typical productivity: 300-500 points per day

Cost Comparison (typical topographic survey):

Traditional method: $8,000-$12,000
S850 RTK method: $2,500-$4,000
Savings per project: $5,500-$8,000

Machine Control Integration Savings

When used as base station for Red Edge machine control systems:

Eliminated Costs:

Network RTK subscription fees: $2,000-$4,000 per machine annually
Multiple subscriptions for fleet operations
Cellular data costs for corrections
Network coverage limitations

S850 Base Station Benefits:

One-time equipment investment
Support multiple machines simultaneously
No ongoing subscription fees
Complete independence

Annual Savings (5-machine fleet): $10,000-$20,000

Versatility Value

Single S850 system serves multiple purposes:

Site surveying and control
Construction layout and staking
Machine control base station
As-built documentation
Quality control verification

Equipment Consolidation:

Replaces multiple specialised devices
Reduces equipment inventory
Simplifies training requirements
Maximises asset utilisation

Return on Investment

Typical S850 Base/Rover System Investment: $35,000-$45,000

Annual Cost Savings and Revenue:

Survey cost reduction: $30,000-$50,000
Machine control subscription savings: $10,000-$20,000
Increased project capacity: $40,000-$80,000
Total annual benefit: $80,000-$150,000

ROI Timeline: 4-7 months typical payback period

Comparison with Competitive Systems

S850 Advantages

Value Proposition:

Professional-grade accuracy at competitive pricing
Comprehensive multi-constellation support
Rugged design for Australian conditions
Flexible communication options
Excellent support through Red Edge Resources

Versus Premium Brands (Trimble, Leica, Topcon):

30-40% lower initial investment
Comparable accuracy and reliability
Similar feature set and capabilities
Better value for money
Red Edge’s local Australian support

Versus Budget Options:

Superior build quality and durability
Better accuracy specifications
More reliable RTK performance
Professional software integration
Comprehensive warranty and support

Integration with Red Edge Ecosystem

Seamless Compatibility:

Works with Hemisphere VR1000 machine control
Supports Stonex STX-Dig excavator systems
Integrates with Cube-a V7 software
Compatible with Red Edge training programmes
Unified technical support

Complete Solution Provider:

Survey equipment and machine control from single source
Consistent training and certification
Integrated technical support (2-hour response time)
Comprehensive knowledge portal access
Long-term partnership approach

Setup and Operation

Base Station Configuration

Physical Setup:

Mount S850 on stable tripod or fixed monument
Level and centre over known point (if required)
Measure antenna height accurately
Connect external power if available (solar, battery, vehicle)
Ensure clear sky view (minimal obstructions)

Software Configuration:

Enter base station coordinates (known or averaged)
Configure radio frequency and output power
Set correction message format (RTCM 3.2 recommended)
Establish communication parameters
Verify correction broadcast

Red Edge Best Practices:

Position base for maximum radio coverage
Elevate antenna when possible
Avoid nearby metal structures
Document base station setup
Maintain setup records for repeat projects

Rover Operation

Field Setup:

Power on S850 rover unit
Connect to data collector via Bluetooth
Launch Cube-a V7 software
Establish connection to base (radio or network)
Verify RTK fixed solution
Begin surveying operations

Quality Assurance:

Check known control points before starting
Monitor satellite count and PDOP values
Verify RTK fixed status maintained
Perform redundant measurements on critical points
Document any positioning issues

Troubleshooting Common Issues

No RTK Fix:

Check base station operation and broadcast
Verify radio frequency and communication
Ensure adequate satellite visibility
Check for local interference sources
Confirm correction data format compatibility

Poor Accuracy:

Verify antenna height measurements
Check for multipath environments (reflective surfaces)
Ensure proper base station coordinates
Confirm coordinate system settings
Validate control point accuracy

Communication Problems:

Check radio frequency conflicts
Verify cellular signal strength (network RTK)
Confirm Bluetooth pairing
Test with alternative communication method
Contact Red Edge support (2-hour response)

Maintenance and Care

Daily Field Maintenance

**Before Use