Upgrade Your GPS Accuracy with RTX or RTK
Maintenance Monday
Running Trimble? Here’s How to Improve Your Accuracy This Spring
If you’re already running a Trimble GPS guidance system on your tractor, you may not need new equipment to improve your performance. In this Maintenance Monday episode, Shane walks through simple upgrades that can significantly improve Trimble accuracy and overall field efficiency.
At Hanlon Ag Centre in Southern Alberta, we help farmers upgrade their precision agriculture GPS systems with better correction services, improved hardware support, and local expertise.
What is Trimble RTX and Why Does It Matter?
Trimble RTX is a satellite-delivered correction service that improves the accuracy of your farm GPS system without the need for a base station. It provides real-time corrections and allows you to work anywhere with reliable positioning.
This means you can:
- Improve pass-to-pass accuracy
- Reduce overlap and input costs
- Maintain consistency across every field pass
- Work without relying on local RTK infrastructure
For many farms in Southern Alberta, upgrading to RTX is one of the easiest ways to get more out of existing precision ag technology.
RangePoint RTX: Cost-Effective GPS Accuracy
RangePoint RTX is a great starting point if you’re looking to upgrade from WAAS or entry-level signals.
- Up to 15 cm (6 inch) pass-to-pass accuracy
- Fast convergence times (1–5 minutes)
- No additional hardware required
- Ideal for seeding, spreading, and tillage
A RangePoint RTX subscription is a simple way to improve your GPS guidance system for tractors without a major investment.
CenterPoint RTX: RTK-Level Accuracy Without the Hassle
If you need higher precision, CenterPoint RTX delivers near RTK-level performance without needing a base station.
- Up to 2 cm accuracy (sub-inch)
- Satellite or cellular delivery
- Fast convergence (as low as 1 minute in some areas)
- Works anywhere—ideal for large farms
In fact, CenterPoint RTX combines the accuracy of RTK with the flexibility of satellite correction, making it a strong fit for farms across Southern Alberta.
RTK vs RTX: What’s the Right Fit?
Both RTK and RTX offer high levels of accuracy, but the right choice depends on your operation:
- RTK: Maximum precision using cellular based network and virtual base stations
- RTX: High accuracy with no base station required
Many farms are now combining both—using RTX as a reliable, flexible alternative or backup when RTK isn’t available.
“Colour-Blind” Precision Ag Solutions
One of the biggest takeaways from this Maintenance Monday episode is that your guidance system doesn’t have to match your equipment brand.
Our solutions are “colour-blind”, meaning your Trimble GPS system can work across mixed fleets—whether you’re running green, red, or anything in between.
This allows you to:
- Standardize accuracy across your entire operation
- Reduce learning curves between machines
- Maximize efficiency without switching brands
Don’t Overlook the Small Things
Sometimes improving your precision agriculture GPS performance comes down to the basics. At Hanlon Ag Centre we offer services for GPS and Trimble components.
- Cable condition and connections
- Antenna placement and performance
- Subscription status and signal quality
These small fixes can make a noticeable difference once you’re in the field.
Why This Matters for Spring in Southern Alberta
During seeding and spraying, accuracy directly impacts:
- Seed placement
- Fertilizer efficiency
- Chemical application
- Yield potential
Consistent, repeatable corrections are critical for maintaining accuracy across multiple passes and operations.
That’s why upgrading your farm GPS system before the season starts is one of the best ROI decisions you can make.
Upgrade Your Trimble System with Hanlon Ag Centre
At Hanlon Ag Centre, we help farmers across Southern Alberta:
- Upgrade to Trimble RTX
- Set up RangePoint RTX subscriptions
- Move to CenterPoint RTX for higher accuracy
- Access RTK network solutions
- Service antennas, displays, and cabling
Whether you’re looking for a quick improvement or a full upgrade, we’ll help you find the right solution for your operation.
Watch the Full Maintenance Monday Episode
Check out this week’s Maintenance Monday video to hear Shane break down your options and help you decide what upgrade makes sense for your farm.
Ready to Improve Your GPS Accuracy?
Better accuracy doesn’t always mean new equipment.
If you’re already running Trimble, a simple upgrade to your correction service could make a big difference this season.
📞 Contact Hanlon Ag Centre today to talk to a precision ag specialist.
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