RTK | Feature Guide

I. RTK Feature Overview

Updated

I. RTK Feature Overview

RTK (Real-Time Kinematic) positioning technology is marketed as Lighthouse Tracking on the HOVERAir AQUA. It delivers centimeter-level positioning accuracy and effectively solves the problem of visual tracking losing its target.
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1. Positioning Principle & Advantages
 
RTK corrects GPS signal errors and provides centimeter-level positioning accuracy, while standard GPS can drift by several meters. Both the HOVERAir AQUA and the Lighthouse are equipped with RTK hardware, enabling precise mutual positioning. This supports accurate following when the target is obstructed and enables Virtual Tether functionality — all without the need for a base station or third-party service provider.
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2. Application in HOVERAir AQUA
  • It is part of AQUA's navigation system and must be used together with the Lighthouse device. When paired, it enables fully automated control.
  • During outdoor flights, especially in complex environments, always ensure RTK is active (icon glows green) — this is one of the key measures to prevent flyaways on AQUA.
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3. Other RTK Status Indicators
Icon
Status
Meaning
Safe to fly?
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RTK Inactive
Search failed for more than 1 minute
⚠️ Not recommended — relying on basic GPS
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RTK Searching
Connected to Lighthouse; RTK level below 2.5
⚠️ Wait — limited accuracy

 
💡Note: RTK lock-in takes a moment. If the icon stays amber or shows "Inactive" after more than a minute, move to a more open area with less overhead obstruction (buildings, mountains, and canyons can block satellite signals). If the issue persists, contact support and upload your device and Lighthouse logs for professional troubleshooting.
 

II. RTK Differences Across Models

 
✅️AQUA: Supports RTK (Lighthouse Tracking) — the only model equipped with RTK hardware.
 
HOVERAir X1: Does not support OmniTerrain or RTK. supports VIO TOF.

HOVERAir X1 PRO / PROMAX: Does not support RTK; supports OmniTerrain mode and relies on GNSS for positioning.
 
💡 RTK (Lighthouse Tracking) is exclusive to HOVERAir AQUA ans for this function is currently only available on the AQUA model.

III. RTK Use Cases & Limitations

(A) Suitable Environments

  • Open areas: Unobstructed outdoor spaces with no strong electromagnetic interference.
  • Control Distance:
    Typical follow modes: Effective range approximately 50 m – 100 m
    Beacon mode (manual control): Maximum control range approximately 1 km (open, unobstructed environment)
  • RTK must be used outdoors: Indoor environments cannot acquire RTK signals; RTK cannot be activated indoors.
  • Lighthouse antenna pointing straight up: Ensures good signal reception.

(B) Effective Operating Conditions

  • Flight altitude: 0.5 – 15 m (normal low-altitude range)
  • Ground surface: The ground should have moderate reflectivity — light-colored surfaces, grass, or paved roads work well. Avoid flying over very dark surfaces (e.g., dark tarps) or fully reflective ones (e.g., large glass areas).
  • Lighting: Avoid completely dark environments. Overcast skies or shaded areas are fine — but nighttime flying is not recommended.
  • GPS signal: The sky above your flight area should be unobstructed, with good satellite coverage. Locations surrounded by tall buildings, dense trees, or deep valleys may affect positioning accuracy.

(C) Flight Risks When RTK Is Inactive

  • When RTK is inactive, the device relies on GNSS for basic positioning, and accuracy will decrease.
  • Buildings, mountains, and other obstructions block satellite signals, causing RTK to fail to activate or lose signal.
  • It is recommended to use RTK in an open outdoor environment with the Lighthouse antenna pointing straight up.
  • If there is no signal for an extended period, upload device and Lighthouse logs for professional technical support.
     
⚠️ Safety Notice: When RTK becomes inactive, do not continue flying in complex environments (such as near buildings, in valleys, or over water). It is recommended to land immediately and move to an open area before attempting to reactivate RTK.

IV. RTK Technical Deep Dive

(A) RTK vs. Standard GPS

  • Standard GPS: Can drift 3–5 meters, making it unreliable for high-speed tracking of surfers or kayakers.
  • RTK: Reduces error to 1–2 centimeters, eliminating sudden camera drift and ensuring rock-solid device stability.

(B) System Architecture: Two-Component Collaboration

  • Base Station (Lighthouse): Acts as the reference point, continuously monitoring satellite signals for atmospheric interference, calculating precise correction values, and transmitting them to the device in real time.
  • Moving Receiver (AQUA): Receives the correction data and uses it for precise self-positioning.

(C) ShadowTrack Dual-Tracking Synergy

  • AQUA pairs RTK with ShadowTrack (visual AI), and both run simultaneously.
  • RTK handles absolute spatial positioning and flight path, while ShadowTrack fine-tunes camera framing.
  • The combination of coordinate data and real-time visual recognition creates a highly robust tracking system built specifically for open-water environments.

(D) Lighthouse Wearing Instructions

  • Secure the Lighthouse to your upper arm with the antenna pointing straight up to maintain a clear satellite signal.
  • If the tracking status changes (e.g., a temporary signal loss), the Lighthouse will vibrate to alert you — no need to look at your phone.
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V. RTK Performance Across Water Sports

(A) Surfing🏄‍♀️

RTK locks onto precise GPS coordinates, so when a surfer ducks under the lip of a wave or makes a sharp turn, AQUA follows the momentum without hesitation, maintaining perfect framing — even catching the moment of bursting out of the tube.
 

(B) Kayaking / Lakes🛶

When morning fog or continuous spray obstructs visual tracking, AQUA relies on precise coordinates rather than line-of-sight tracking, maintaining smooth accompaniment flight. It can sustain stable tracking even in environments with significantly reduced visibility.
 

(C) Solo Sessions

No need to stare at your phone. The Lighthouse vibrates to provide tracking status feedback — pause and wait for the signal to recover, then continue focusing on your sport with both hands completely free.
 

(D) No Network Required

RTK runs entirely on satellite data and a direct link between the device and the Lighthouse — no Wi-Fi or cellular network required. It performs just as well in remote canyons, alpine lakes, or offshore locations.
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VI. RTK Flight Safety & Troubleshooting

(A) Flight Risks When RTK Is Inactive

  • When RTK is inactive, the device relies on GNSS for basic positioning, and accuracy will decrease.
  • Buildings, mountains, and other obstructions block satellite signals, causing RTK to fail to activate or lose signal.
  • If AQUA exceeds the preset distance from the Lighthouse, the device automatically returns within the user's reach (VirtualTether protection).

(B) Troubleshooting Recommendations

  • It is recommended to use RTK in an open outdoor environment with the Lighthouse antenna pointing straight up.
  • If there is no signal for an extended period, upload device and Lighthouse logs for professional technical support.
     
⚠️ Safety Notice: When RTK becomes inactive, do not continue flying in complex environments (such as near buildings, in valleys, or over water). It is recommended to land immediately and move to an open area before attempting to reactivate RTK

 

(C) Obstacle Awareness & Manual Return

AQUA does not have full obstacle avoidance — it relies on RTK for positioning and flight path control. If you anticipate an obstacle ahead (e.g., a low-hanging branch or bridge), you cannot rely on the device to auto-navigate around it.

If you see a potential obstacle and want to stop or redirect the device, press the Return button on the Lighthouse. The device will immediately return to the area near the Lighthouse. We recommend using orbit and follow modes in open, obstacle-free areas whenever possible.

 

VII. FAQ

Q1: Is RTK better than GPS? 
Yes. Standard GPS can drift 3–5 meters, causing the device to wander and footage to shake; RTK is accurate to 1–2 centimeters, keeping the camera locked on the moving subject — better suited for high-speed water sports filming.
 
Q2: Can RTK work without a network? 
Yes. The HOVERAir AQUA's RTK system runs entirely on satellite data and a direct link between the device and the Lighthouse — no Wi-Fi or cellular network required. It works normally even in areas with no cellular signal.
 
Q3: What are the main advantages of RTK? 
The primary advantage is reliable hands-free tracking. In environments where standard devices fail, RTK tracks precise coordinates rather than relying solely on vision. The device won't be thrown off by spray or drift, maintaining a smooth flight path — allowing for fully solo filming without needing to look at your phone screen.
 
Q4: How does the return-to-home (RTH) work on AQUA?
Currently, AQUA does not support setting a custom return-to-home point. Instead, the device dynamically updates its return point based on the Lighthouse's real-time location — it will return to the area near the Lighthouse. If you need to return to a specific location, use the Beacon or the App to initiate a manual return home.

Q5: How do I check the Lighthouse battery level? 
The Lighthouse has no built-in screen, so it cannot display battery level visually. If the device battery runs low, you will receive a voice prompt alerting you to land and replace or charge the battery.