C-RTK3 X20P User Guide


This chapter applies to the scenario of using the C-RTK3 X20P with ArduPilot vehicles.

[!NOTE] ArduPilot 4.4.0 and later versions support the C-RTK3 X20P.

Using as an RTK Base Station

The C-RTK3 X20P supports operation as an RTK base station. When used as a base station:

  • Connect the X20P to the flight controller via CAN or UART.
  • Set the base station position through the ground station (enter precise known coordinates).
  • The base station will broadcast differential correction data via the RTCM protocol.

C-RTK3 X20P

  • Take out the CAN cable from the accessory package, connect the flight controller to the CAN port of the C-RTK3 X20P; install the antenna and ensure a clear sky view.
  • Connect the flight controller to the ground station (such as Mission Planner / LGC) via USB.
  • Enter the Full Parameter List, input parameter names in the search bar and set the following parameters. // Mission Planner path: Configuration/Tuning → Full Parameter List → Search bar on the right
Parameter Value Remark
GPS1_TYPE 9 DroneCAN: 9; UART: 26
CAN_P1_DRIVER 1 Enable CAN1 driver
GPS_AUTO_CONFIG 2 Auto configure DroneCAN GPS
GPS1_POS_X Value (m); set according to installation Antenna X-axis offset relative to center of gravity, positive forward
GPS1_POS_Y Value (m); set according to installation Antenna Y-axis offset relative to center of gravity, positive right
GPS1_POS_Z Value (m); set according to installation Antenna Z-axis offset relative to center of gravity, positive below CG

[!NOTE] The C-RTK3 X20P is a single-antenna positioning module and does not support dual-antenna heading. There is no need to configure antenna offset parameters.

For firmware versions below ArduPilot 4.6 (exclusive):

Parameter Value Remark
GPS_TYPE 9 DroneCAN: 9; UART: 26
CAN_P1_DRIVER 1 Enable CAN1 driver
GPS_AUTO_CONFIG 2 Auto configure DroneCAN GPS
GPS_POS1_X Value (m); set according to installation Antenna X-axis offset relative to center of gravity, positive forward
GPS_POS1_Y Value (m); set according to installation Antenna Y-axis offset relative to center of gravity, positive right
GPS_POS1_Z Value (m); set according to installation Antenna Z-axis offset relative to center of gravity, positive below CG

Positioning Verification

  • GPS positioning data can be viewed in the status bar of the Mission Planner flight data toolbar.
  • Check whether the positioning status is RTK Fixed.
  • Observe the satellite count, HDOP value, and other indicators to confirm good positioning quality.

[!NOTE] For RTK positioning, ensure the base station is functioning properly and the data link is working.

Troubleshooting

  1. Unable to obtain RTK Fixed solution. Possible causes:
  2. The base station is not working properly or the data link is disconnected.
  3. Poor satellite positioning quality; place the module outdoors with open sky view.
  4. Poor antenna and feeder connection; check the connection status.
  5. RTCM data is not correctly received by the module.

  6. Position drift or insufficient accuracy in GPS mode:

  7. Check whether the GPS position offset settings match the actual installation (GPS_POS1_X/Y/Z).
  8. Poor GNSS positioning quality; check satellite count and HDOP.
  9. Disable SBAS augmentation. In areas with weak or no SBAS coverage, enabling SBAS may cause position drift.

UART Connection Parameter Configuration

C-RTK3 X20P

[!NOTE] ArduPilot 4.4.0 and later versions support the C-RTK3 X20P.

Parameter Value Remark
GPS1_TYPE 26 DroneCAN: 9; UART: 26
GPS_AUTO_CONFIG 1 Auto configure serial GPS
GPS1_POS_X Value (m); set according to installation Antenna X-axis offset relative to center of gravity, positive forward
GPS1_POS_Y Value (m); set according to installation Antenna Y-axis offset relative to center of gravity, positive right
GPS1_POS_Z Value (m); set according to installation Antenna Z-axis offset relative to center of gravity, positive below CG
SERIAL3_PROTOCOL -1 Disable Serial3 if no GPS is connected to GPS&Safety port; GPS2/UART4 will be recognized as GPS1
SERIAL4_PROTOCOL 5 Set Serial4 as GPS port, generally no modification required
SERIAL4_BAUD 460800 Set Serial4 baud rate to 460800

Interference Status Display

[!NOTE] The C-RTK3 X20P supports interference status display with built-in CW interference detection and spectrum analysis; this requires compatible flight controller firmware and ground station support. Please contact CUAV technical support if needed.

C-RTK3 X20P

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