Kolida K5 IMU Product Review

Unboxing the Kolida K5 IMU!

How to use the Kolida K5 IMU in radio mode?

Featuring a powerful 555 channels GNSS mainboard inside, K5 IMU can track and process all the existed satellite constellations. With the utility of BEIDOU (COMPASS) signal, the data acquisition speed and GNSS signal stability are greatly improved from old generation technology.  Thanks to the inertial measurement technology, K5 IMU allows user to do a tilt survey with a maximum tilt angle of 60 °. Centering is not a must, so surveyors can stay in safe position when they measure on motorway, and don’t need to step into water.

Inertial Measurement, a Technology that Greatly Improves Efficiency

The latest inertial measurement technology is onboard with K5 IMU. The tilt survey is no more affected by the earth’s magnetic field and requires no correction. It can be activated and start working within only few seconds. With a maximum tilt angle of 60°, there is no need for centering, this fast positioning will increase measurement speed by 20% or even more. The combination algorithm of IMU + GNSS can get fixed solution faster and keep measurement results more stable.

Corner of wall? Points underneath pipe? Points occupied by car? These targets are no more inaccessible. SDL400 built-in radio can send signal as far as 7 km in urban area, 8 km in suburban. The maximum coverage is up to 200 sq.km, suitable to have multiple rovers work simultaneously. In difficult environment you may lost connection with base station or VRS network. Don’t be disappointed, you can choose from 3 creative work modes to continue surveying without interruption. (Repeater/ Router/ Mobile Refenrence Station)

New Radio Link, Improved Functions and Higher Performance

SDL-400 built-in radio can send signal as far as 7km in urban area and 8km in suburb. The maximum coverage area is up to 200 sq. km. It also features anti-interference capability, so K5 IMU can work close to interference source. The next upgrade will increase the communication channels from 8 to 120, to improve the signal transmission quality to a new level. Meanwhile, K5 IMU will support more radio protocol such as Satel, CHC, ZHD, user will have more flexibility to organise the working team and equipment according to mission demand.

• RTK Enabled for 1-2cm accuracy. Compatible with RTK FIX
• 555 Channels
• All Constellations supported
• 4G Mobile data
• All-new Long Range Radio 10-470MHz frequency Link with Anti-interference Capability
• IMU 60 degrees tilt surveying
• WiFi
• USB
• Bluetooth
• intelligent voice technology provides status indication and operation guide.

This receiver can be used in all applications where a centimetre accurate position is needed:

• Surveying
• GIS applications
• Earthworks
• Roadworks
• Construction
• Agriculture
• Mapping
• Landfill
• Hydrographic
• UAV Base Station

Rover setup

When using this device in a rover configuration you may need the following accessories besides the receiver itself

• RTK Correction service. To achieve centimetre accuracy your receiver will need RTCM correction data so it can calculate your exact position. Without an RTK provider your receiver won’t be able achieve a 1-2 centimetre accuracy.
• Surveying software. Your receiver provides you with the coordinates you need but you still need surveying software in order to process this information. Which software you need depends on your needs. We recommend keeping it simple and don’t pay for things you don’t need. Having that said, if you do have to do complicated surveying work make sure you get the right software. Some recommended options are Apglos, Carlson, Aplitopand FieldGenius. If you need help, feel free to contact us by phone or via the chat below!
• Data collector. You might need a tablet or controller to run your software on. The type of tablet depends on which software you have choosen as some are Android based and some are Windows.
• Bracket and Holders. These are used to connect your tablet to your surveying pole so the whole set is easier to handle.
• Surveying pole. In order to get the best performance out of your receiver you want to minimise the disturbances around you and give it a clear sight to the satellites above. That why its recommended attaching your receiver on a 2 meter minimum surveying pole. These come in fixed rods and in telescopic rods.

Rover Base setup

When you don’t have access to an  RTK network you might have to setup your own base station in order to receive corrections. These are the accessories you might need besides the receiver itself:

• A second RTK GNSS receiver. preferably from the same brand. If you already have another one, then make sure they run on the same frequency.
• Surveying software. Your receiver provides you with the coordinates you need but you still need surveying software in order to process this information. Which software you need depends on your needs. We recommend keeping it simple and don’t pay for things you don’t need. Having that said, if you do have to do complicated surveying work make sure you get the right software. Some recommended options are Apglos, Carlson, Aplitop and FieldGenius. If you need help, feel free to contact us by phone or via the chat below!
• Data collector. You might need a tablet or controller to run your software on. The type of tablet depends on which software you have choosen as some are Android based and some are Windows.
• Bracket and Holders. These are used to connect your tablet to your surveying pole so the whole set is easier to handle.
• Surveying pole. In order to get the best performance out of your receiver you want to minimise the disturbances around you and give it a clear sight to the satellites above. That why its recommended attaching your receiver on a 2 meter minimum surveying pole. These come in fixed rods and in telescopic rods.
• Tripod and Tribrach. These are needed to setup your base station with the second receiver. The Tripod gives good stability so errors in sudden movements of the base station are avoided.
• External Radio. Most RTK GNSS receiver have an internal UHF radio build in. However, sometimes the power output is not strong enough to give you the workable distance you need and an external radio required. Internal radios can go up to 3 Watts that can work up to 8km. External radios can easily achieve 35 Watt outputs, thereby increasing your working range.

Global GPS Systems is currently in the process of independantly testing every single receiver on the market. In collaboration with an highly recognised surveying company we will be testing all receivers on its performance in increasingly more difficult environments, accuracy claims, Time to first fix, cold start and more. Want to know more about this? Please Contact us.

Kolida K5 IMU Specification