Emlid Reach RS3, RS4 and RS4 Pro Comparison
This article will compare Emlid's next generation of GNSS receivers with the current Emlid Reach RS3. Emlid's new lineup positions the impressive performance of the RS3 as the baseline, while the completely redesigned RS4 and RS4 Pro take that performance to the next level. Boasting an All-Band GNSS chip, Emlid designed their own antenna to receive those bands more cleanly than off-the-shelf options at a fraction of the cost, positioning the RS4 line to compete with the best GNSS models from any brand at an incredible price.
The fully redesigned RS4 improves on its predecessor in almost every way. Constructed with a magnesium alloy body and optional protective bumpers, Emlid’s latest GNSS receiver was designed with durability and repairability in mind. Now boasting a 2W dual-band radio, the RS4 can now output and receive in both 915 MHz and 450 MHz Trimtalk bands. That combined with the new all-band GNSS and newly designed antenna, the RS4 is an even more capable base and rover than its predecessor. Other notable improvements include the new quick release compatible ⅝” threads, a faster IMU for tilt compensation, and a made for iPhone certification that allows the RS4 simple integration with 3rd party apps on iOS devices.
Moving over to the RS4 Pro, all of the core improvements of the RS4 are identical, with the addition of factory calibrated cameras. These cameras allow for augmented reality stakeout as well as visual capture, which enabling users to collect points that would be hard to reach, unnecessarily dangerous, or otherwise GNSS denied, like measuring points underneath a deck or awning.
Taking a look at some of the major categories side by side with the RS3 it is apparent that Emlid has taken a step forward in almost every category. The RS3’s flexibility as a rover that is capable of receiving corrections from a 450 MHz Trimtalk radio has been taken to the next step in the RS4 by enabling the output of those Trimtalk corrections to more seamlessly update and integrate into existing equipment as either a base or a rover. Sticking with the radios, boosting the power from .1W in the RS3 to the 2W radio of the RS4 should yield a more stable and longer range correction stream. The faster Gen.2 IMU will speed up the time from bootup to measurements with the RS4. The already impressive performance of the RS3 will truly feel next gen in the RS4 with the addition of the L5 satellite band boosting its positioning stability under thick canopy. And finally the RS4 Pro makes no compromises with the addition of augmented reality and accurate visual capture sensors.
Which receiver best fits your needs?
Starting with the tried and true RS3, it is the perfect option for drone service providers in need of a base station to enable RTK inspection work or to serve double duty as a base for your drone and a network rover or a base and rover pair for making ground control points. The RS3 still outperforms the competition in its price range and is an excellent choice if your work is in generally favorable GNSS conditions.
The RS4 is for everyone else. The unit rivals the tech of the long time industry leaders of most capable receivers, at a small fraction of the cost. Not only is the hardware much improved from last generation but with MFi certification integration into 3rd party apps like ArcGIS FieldMaps will be easy no matter the operating system of your data collector.
The RS4 Pro is Emlid’s Flagship GNSS receiver for those who make no compromises. The calibrated cameras of the RS4 Pro and the capability of the rest of the hardware puts it in direct competition with other industry leading receivers, yet it still comes in under $5,000. With the same ease of use that Emlid users have come to expect, the advancement in Emlid’s new lineup of receivers provides for an even more efficient tool across a wider range of applications.