Centimeter Precision for Agricultural Automation

X43-C2 and HAC26A: Precision Positioning for Agricultural Automation

Mar 16, 2026

Addressing Precision Agriculture Challenges

Modern farming operations require centimeter-level positioning accuracy to optimize resource usage and minimize environmental impact. Conventional GNSS solutions often struggle with signal obstruction under dense crop canopies, near irrigation structures, or in rolling terrain. These limitations compromise spraying accuracy, planting consistency, and autonomous navigation reliability—critical factors affecting yield and operational efficiency.

Integrated RTK Solution Architecture

JUMP STAR's X43-C2 RTK receiver paired with the JS-HAC26A quad-arm helical antenna delivers a purpose-built positioning system for agricultural automation. The X43-C2 provides 8mm+1ppm horizontal and 15mm+1ppm vertical RTK accuracy with 0.2° heading precision at 1-meter baseline. Its integrated IMU maintains trajectory continuity during brief satellite signal outages—common when operating beneath tree lines or near metal structures. The receiver supports all major constellations including BDS-2/3, GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and QZSS across full frequency bands.

The JS-HAC26A antenna complements this performance with true 360° omnidirectional coverage and ±2mm phase center stability. Unlike planar patch antennas requiring precise orientation, its quad-arm spiral design ensures consistent signal reception regardless of vehicle attitude or terrain inclination. The antenna's 30±2dB low-noise amplifier gain and ≤3dB axial ratio optimize carrier-phase measurements essential for rapid RTK convergence.

Field Deployment Advantages

The compact form factor—43.8×34.0×11.5mm for the X43-C2 (<25g) and Ø27.6×58.8mm for the HAC26A (<19g)—enables seamless integration into agricultural equipment without compromising mechanical design. Operating across -40°C to +85°C temperature ranges ensures reliability in diverse climatic conditions. With 60dB interference suppression capability, the system maintains positioning integrity near irrigation pumps, electric fences, or communication infrastructure generating RF noise.

Field applications demonstrate measurable operational improvements: variable-rate applicators achieve precise chemical placement within 2cm boundaries, reducing overlap waste by up to 15%. Autonomous guidance systems maintain consistent row spacing during planting operations, while harvesters utilize the solution's continuous positioning to optimize yield mapping accuracy.

Technical Integration Pathway

The solution interfaces via UART (9600–921600 bps) and Type-C connections, supporting standard NMEA 0183, RTCM 3.x, and proprietary binary protocols. Default 10Hz positioning output scales to 50Hz for high-dynamic applications, with IMU data streamed at 100Hz for advanced sensor fusion. Power requirements remain modest at <0.87W (5V nominal), compatible with standard agricultural vehicle electrical systems.