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ArduSimple RTK Handheld 2 and RTK Smart Antenna

This guide walks you through connecting an ArduSimple receiver to Mapit GIS, configuring NTRIP for RTK corrections, and verifying your setup in the field. It covers two receivers, which connect the same way:

ReceiverGNSSConnectionStatus
RTK Handheld 2 Mapping Kitu-blox ZED-F9P, L1/L2/E5bUSB or BLE (Android), BLE (iOS)Tested with Mapit GIS
RTK Smart Antennau-blox ZED-F9P, L1/L2USB or BLE (Android), BLE (iOS)Same connection as the Handheld 2 (confirmed by ArduSimple)

Both receivers connect via USB (wired, most reliable) or Bluetooth Low Energy (wireless). Both methods support bidirectional communication, including RTCM corrections for RTK positioning.

RTK Smart Antenna
  • Power on: press and hold the button for 3 seconds. A tone confirms the change.
  • BLE name: the receiver appears in the scan as SmartAnt, unless you renamed it in its web interface.
  • Status LED: red = no fix, green blinking = RTK Float, green solid = RTK Fix.
  • Antenna height: on a pole, ArduSimple recommends the pole height plus 81 mm. Enter it in Antenna height.

See ArduSimple's RTK Smart Antenna user guide for its own settings. Tested the Smart Antenna with Mapit GIS? Let us know.

What you need​

  • RTK Handheld 2 Mapping Kit or RTK Smart Antenna (or any ArduSimple receiver with USB or BLE support)
  • USB OTG cable or adapter (for USB connection)
  • Mapit GIS with a Pro Plus subscription (required for NTRIP)
  • Access to an NTRIP caster (for RTK corrections)

Requirements: Android 10 or later

Option A: USB Connection​

USB provides the most reliable connection with no pairing required - just plug in and go.

1. Connect the receiver via USB​

  1. Power on the ArduSimple receiver.
  2. Connect it to your Android device using a USB OTG cable or adapter.
  3. Android will prompt for USB permission - tap Allow.
USB permission dialog

2. Enable USB Serial GPS​

  1. In Mapit GIS, go to Settings > External GNSS.
  2. Toggle USB Serial GPS on.
  3. Select the baud rate that matches your receiver (default: 115200).
Settings - Enable USB

3. Verify USB connection​

Return to the map and tap the GPS button. The info bar should show the USB connection indicator and coordinates should begin updating in the GPS info panel.

GPS Info - USB Connection (No NTRIP)

After short period of time you should achive sub-metres accuracy.

4. Configure NTRIP and start surveying​

Follow the NTRIP and surveying steps below to enable RTK corrections over USB and begin collecting data.

Option B: BLE Connection​

BLE provides a wireless connection without the need for classic Bluetooth pairing. This is convenient when a cable is impractical, though USB is recommended for longer sessions.

1. Power on the receiver​

Turn on the ArduSimple receiver and wait for the LED indicators to confirm it is powered and searching for satellites. On the RTK Smart Antenna, hold the button for 3 seconds.

2. Enable BLE GPS​

  1. In Mapit GIS, go to Settings > External GNSS.
  2. Toggle BLE GPS on. The app will request Bluetooth permissions if not already granted - tap Allow.

3. Scan and select your receiver​

A scan dialog appears automatically and searches for nearby BLE devices advertising the Nordic UART Service (NUS). The ArduSimple receiver should appear within a few seconds. The RTK Smart Antenna is listed as SmartAnt.

Tap your receiver's name to select it.

BLE scan dialog

4. Verify BLE connection​

Return to the map and tap the GPS button. The info bar should show the BLE connection indicator and your receiver's name. Coordinates should begin updating in the GPS info panel.

5. Configure NTRIP and start surveying​

Follow the NTRIP and surveying steps below to enable RTK corrections over BLE and begin collecting data.

NTRIP configuration​

These steps apply to both USB and BLE connections. RTCM correction data is sent to the receiver over whichever connection is active.

Configure NTRIP for RTK corrections​

To achieve centimetre-level accuracy, you need to connect to an NTRIP caster that provides RTK corrections for your area.

  1. Go to Settings > NTRIP Settings (Requires Pro+ subscription).
  2. Tap Add to create a new NTRIP profile.
  3. Enter your caster details:
    • Host - your NTRIP caster address
    • Port - typically 2101
    • Username and Password - your caster credentials
  4. Tap Get Mountpoints to fetch available streams.
  5. Select the mountpoint closest to your location.
  6. Scroll to the bottom of the page and save the profile.
NTRIP configuration

Start NTRIP and verify RTK fix​

  1. Go to Settings > NTRIP Settings and start the correction service.
Start NTRIP service
  1. Press the info button at the top of the screen to access RTCM and NMEA stream information, if needed you can start recording the streams. The data is saved into Mapit -> Logs folder.
NTRIP streams

RTCM correction data is automatically sent to the ArduSimple receiver over the active connection (USB or BLE). Within a few seconds to a few minutes (depending on conditions), the fix type in the GPS info panel should change from 3D Fix to RTK Float and then to RTK Fix.

RTK Fix achieved

At this stage your accuracy shall be in a range of centimetres.

Start surveying​

With an RTK Fix, you are now receiving centimetre-level positions. You can:

  • Add points, lines, and polygons to your GeoPackage layers
  • Use position averaging for even higher accuracy on individual points
  • Record tracks with high-accuracy positioning
  • View detailed satellite and accuracy information in the GPS Info panel

Troubleshooting​

USB: Device not detected​

  • Ensure the USB OTG cable is properly connected and your Android device supports USB OTG.
  • Try a different USB cable - some charge-only cables do not support data.
  • Check that no other app is claiming the USB device.

USB: No NMEA data​

  • Verify the baud rate in Settings > External GNSS matches your receiver's configuration (default: 115200).
  • Try disconnecting and reconnecting the USB cable.

BLE: Receiver not appearing in scan​

  • Make sure the receiver is powered on and the BLE module is active.
  • Check that Bluetooth is enabled on your Android device.
  • Ensure Mapit GIS has Bluetooth permissions granted (check Android Settings > Apps > Mapit GIS > Permissions).
  • Try moving closer to the receiver - BLE range is typically 10-30 metres.

BLE: Connection drops frequently​

  • Keep the receiver within range of your Android device.
  • Avoid placing the Android device in a pocket or bag where the BLE signal may be obstructed.
  • If the connection drops and does not auto-reconnect within a few seconds, toggle BLE GPS off and on again in settings.
  • For long sessions, consider using USB instead for a more stable connection.

NTRIP corrections not reaching the receiver​

  • Verify the NTRIP indicator is green (connected and receiving data).
  • Check that your NTRIP credentials and mountpoint are correct.
  • Ensure your Android device has an active internet connection (mobile data or Wi-Fi).
  • RTCM data is sent over the active connection (USB or BLE) - if the receiver is connected, corrections should flow automatically.

Stuck on RTK Float​

  • RTK Float is normal during convergence - wait 1-2 minutes for conditions to improve.
  • Ensure you have a clear view of the sky with no obstructions.
  • Verify that the mountpoint you selected provides corrections for your GNSS constellation (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou).
  • Check that the baseline distance to the nearest base station is within the recommended range (typically under 35 km).