The idea for this project was born out of my frustration with the inaccuracies of my bait boat’s GPS. I had found a perfect feeding spot in a dense weed bed, about the size of a dustbin lid. However, my casting skills weren’t precise enough to hit a spot 90 meters out and only 400mm across. Even if I managed to cast accurately, the trajectory would likely embed my lead and rig in the weed. The only viable solution was to use the bait boat, but the M8N GPS navigation system was unreliable, often being up to 1 meter off the mark and dropping the baited hook directly into the weed. Clearly, something needed to change.

Earlier in the year, I had heard about Real-Time Kinematics (RTK) but knew nothing about it or how it worked. My initial research into kinematics led me to complex algebra! In October 2022, I began delving into RTK, exploring its applications and history.

In professional settings, RTK is used in construction, agriculture, and surveying, but it comes with a hefty price tag. Further research revealed that RTK had been effectively used in the hobbyist UAV community for several years. However, finding an off-the-shelf product that would plug and play directly into my autopilot was challenging. The UAV marketplace catered to everything imaginable that could fly or cut grass, but nothing for bait boats.

Determined to find a solution, I continued my research, but the results were disappointing. UAV RTK setups typically use Windows-based PCs or laptops for configuration and operation, thanks to uBlox and Ardupilot. This was impractical for my needs, as I use an Android tablet to operate the boat’s autopilot via Carp Pilot Pro and didn’t want to lug a laptop to the lake along with all my fishing gear. I needed an alternative.

The alternative was to build a bespoke system myself. This required extensive coding, which is not my forte, so I enlisted the help of a software developer. While the coding experts worked their magic, my impatience grew. After much back-and-forth, they delivered a solution.

With the initial code drafts complete, I needed a crash course in PCB design. This process involved trial and error, but after several revisions, we developed two PCBs specifically designed for bait boats. A few fine-tuning tweaks to the code and adjustments to the PCBs later, the final results were astounding. I couldn’t have been happier!

The Kinexion module is the boat component that sends the boat’s GPS position to a base station in the form of NMEA GGA messages. It also receives RTCM correction messages from the base station. Kinexion is built with a uBlox F9P GPS and offers connectivity via Cellular, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and LORA radio.

The Kast module is the base station component that receives NMEA GGA messages confirming the boat’s position and sends RTCM messages back to the boat. Kast also uses a uBlox F9P GPS and supports Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and LORA radio connectivity.

When both modules work together, Real-Time Kinematics (RTK) status is achieved. Kast and Kinexion together form the Navis RTK system. Both modules are configurable via their own web interfaces using any Wi-Fi-enabled device. Since we use an Android tablet to run the Carp Pilot Pro app, there’s no need for a laptop at the lake. Moreover, the uBlox F9P GPS modules can be programmed via the web interface from an Android tablet!

Navis RTK is designed around the ArduRover flight controller and Carp Pilot Pro, providing centimetre-level accuracy never before seen in UK bait boats.

It’s important to note that the Navis & Kinexion RTK system required a base station and an IP-corrected system to function optimally, which came with subscription costs. This setup ensured the highest level of accuracy and reliability in bait boat navigation but was not a financially viable option for many.

Its now September 2024 following eight months of R&D, we have launched HP-RTX, a significant advancement in our technology that replaces the Navis & Kinexion RTK system.

This innovation represents a leap forward in achieving centimetre-level accuracy, making your bait boat operations more efficient and effective than ever before.

HP-RTX uses SiS corrections with the Galileo High Accuracy Service (HAS) system, providing subscription free centimetre-level accuracy. This connectivity ensures that your bait boat benefits from the most precise and reliable positioning data available, enhancing your fishing experience to new heights.

The excellence of HP-RTX ensures unparalleled precision and reliability in every fishing expedition.