Quick Answer
The Reach RX and RX2 are both compact network RTK rovers from Emlid, meant to pair with your phone and a correction network instead of a base station. The RX2 is the newer model, with improved satellite tracking and a refined design. The original RX still works well for surveyors on tighter budgets or in areas with strong network coverage. Choose based on your budget and how demanding your local sky conditions are.
What Makes a Rover-Only Receiver Different
Most Reach receivers, like the RS-series, can work as either a base or a rover. The RX-series is built for one job only: being a rover that connects to network RTK.
This focus keeps the hardware simple. There is no base radio to configure, no need to set up over a known point, and no second unit to buy. You mount the rover on a pole, connect it to a correction network over your phone's data connection, and start collecting points.
This approach only works if a reliable network RTK service covers your work area. If you often work in remote sites with no coverage, an RX-series rover alone will not be enough, and you would need a base-and-rover kit instead. Our Emlid Reach receiver guide covers how the RX fits alongside the RS and M-series options.
Satellite Tracking and Fix Reliability
Both the RX and RX2 track multiple satellite systems across more than one frequency band, which helps them find and hold a fixed solution in normal outdoor conditions.
The RX2 uses a newer receiver chip that generally tracks a wider set of signals and holds a fixed solution more reliably under partial sky blockage, such as near buildings, walls, or thin tree cover. If your work is mostly on open sites with clear sky, this difference will show up less often. If you regularly work in tighter urban or wooded areas, the RX2's improved tracking is worth the extra cost.
Design, Size and Build
Both models keep the same basic idea: a small, light, pole-mounted rover with a simple button and light interface rather than a full screen. You do all your real work through the Emlid Flow app on a connected phone or tablet.
The RX2 refines the physical design based on feedback from RX users in the field, including changes to the antenna and the connector layout. If you already own poles, brackets, or mounts from the original RX, check the RX2's dimensions before assuming everything will fit without adjustment.
Setting Realistic Expectations
Neither rover turns a poor internet connection into a good one. If your phone's data signal is weak or drops out often at your work site, both the RX and RX2 will struggle to hold a fixed solution, no matter which generation you own.
Before buying either model, it helps to test your phone's data connection at the actual sites where you plan to work. A quick check of signal bars, or a short data speed test, can save you from an expensive surprise on your first real job.
Battery and Field Day Length
Both rovers are designed to run for a full field day on their internal battery under normal use. Actual run time depends heavily on temperature, how often the screen or light indicators are active, and how the unit is communicating with your phone, so treat any specific number you see as a best case rather than a guarantee for your conditions.
Network RTK Setup Basics
Getting either rover working with network RTK follows the same general steps:
- Confirm a network RTK service covers your work area and get connection details (an NTRIP address, port, and login).
- Connect the rover to the Emlid Flow app on your phone over Bluetooth.
- Enter the network RTK connection details in the app.
- Wait for the rover to report a fixed solution before collecting any points.
- Set your coordinate system correctly before you start, since this affects every point you collect afterward.
If you are new to the app itself, our guide to getting started with Emlid Flow walks through creating your first project.
Which One Should You Buy?
| If you... | Consider |
|---|---|
| Work mostly on open sites with clear sky | The original RX is likely enough |
| Often work near buildings, walls or trees | The RX2's improved tracking is worth it |
| Are on a tight budget for your first RTK rover | The original RX, if still available new |
| Want the newest hardware and best fix reliability | The RX2 |
Neither model replaces a full base-and-rover kit if you regularly work without any network RTK coverage. In that case, an RS-series pair is the better starting point.