RTK RADIO 900

Precision Ag Technology

Provides +/- 1 inch pass-to-pass accuracy season after season, and year after year
Use a Dealer-owned RTK network to reduce your administrative expenses
Provides less chance of radio interference, and RTK Extend to minimize shading signal loss
Requires a StarFire 6000 receiver, SF3 Ready Activation, and RTK Ready Activation
Requires RTK subscription provided by your John Deere dealer or your own base station

Features

John Deere RTK Radio 900

Base stations using John Deere RTK Radio 900 are very easy to set up for several reasons:

Licensing

The John Deere RTK Radio 900 operates in the 902-MHz to 928-MHz frequency range. This range does not require a license from the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC), so the base station can be set up anywhere as long as it does not broadcast more than 4 W of power.

For more information on FCC regulations of the 902-MHz to 928-MHz range, visit www.fcc.gov or talk to a local John Deere dealer.

Mounting

Mobile base station configuration

Permanent base station configuration

A John Deere RTK Radio 900 base station can be used in a mobile setup or mounted permanently to a building, concrete silo, or radio tower. Depending on the operation, either type of mounting can be used:

Mobile base station
- Fields are spread out and one base station cannot cover all of the ground
- For producers in areas with hilly terrain and lots of foliage where a permanent base station would not provide adequate coverage
- Situations where accuracy is needed, but not repeatability
Permanent base station
- Producers in areas with flat terrain and little foliage where a permanent base station would provide adequate coverage in a large region
- Multiple tractors in different fields could use the same base station instead of purchasing a second one
- Situations where accuracy and repeatability are needed

Repeaters

Repeater diagram with Repeater (1) and RTK Base Station (2)

If a producer using RTK discovers a signal hole where the signal is lacking, a repeater radio can be easily set up to help fill the gap.

Repeater diagram with repeater (1) and RTK base station (2)

Broaden RTK availability with repeaters

RTK repeaters are radios that can be used to improve base station signal coverage around obstacles, such as trees or rolling terrain. The purpose of the RTK repeater is to receive the correction signal coming from the base station and then transmit that correction signal.

More than one repeater can be used with one base station, but the repeater cannot receive signal from each other in a daisy-chain configuration. In order to operate, a repeater must be connected to a 12-V power source.

A repeater is the same as the radio that is on a machine or base station receiver.

A repeater consists of the following:

John Deere RTK Radio 450 or 900
Power harness and bracket

Dealers are critical to RTK network's success

More than 200 John Deere dealers across the United States and Canada have set up a large, robust RTK network. This is beneficial for several reasons:

Producers have a lower investment cost because the dealer purchases and is responsible for base station upkeep.
Dealer networks cover more area with the RTK signal, giving many producers access to RTK on all of their grounds.
RTK network is owned, maintained, and supported by a local, certified John Deere dealer.

Contact a local John Deere dealer to inquire about RTK network coverage.

A U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) license is required when utilizing the John Deere RTK Radio 450 on a base station or as a repeater.

Licensing is not required for an RTK machine configuration.

For more details and assistance on obtaining a license, refer to the Dealer Corner section of StellarSupport™ system.

Specs & Compare

RTK RADIO 900 Precision Ag Technology FAQs

What accuracy does the John Deere RTK Radio 900 provide?

The John Deere RTK Radio 900 delivers plus or minus 1 in. pass-to-pass accuracy that is repeatable season after season. RTK Extend helps minimize signal loss from shading, and the radio's frequency range means less chance of interference.

What do I need to use the John Deere 900 RTK radio?

The RTK Radio 900 requires a StarFire 6000 receiver with SF3 Ready Activation and RTK Ready Activation. You also need an RTK subscription from your John Deere dealer or your own base station.

Does the John Deere RTK Radio 900 need an FCC license?

No. The RTK Radio 900 operates in the 902 MHz to 928 MHz range, which does not require a license from the U.S. Federal Communications Commission, so a base station can be set up without one. By comparison, the RTK Radio 450 needs an FCC license when used on a base station or as a repeater.

Can the John Deere RTK Radio 900 be used as a mobile or permanent base station?

Yes. A mobile base station suits spread-out fields or hilly, wooded ground, while a permanent base mounted on a building, concrete silo or radio tower can serve several tractors in different fields with accuracy and repeatability. Repeaters built from an RTK Radio 450 or 900 with a power harness and bracket can fill signal holes around trees or rolling terrain.

Can I use a dealer RTK network with the John Deere RTK Radio 900?

Yes. A dealer-owned RTK network lowers your investment because the dealer buys and maintains the base stations, and it can cover more of your ground. Ask Koenig Equipment about RTK network coverage and subscriptions in your area.

Where can I buy genuine parts for my John Deere RTK Radio 900?

Koenig Equipment stocks genuine John Deere parts for the RTK Radio 900, and our parts teams across Ohio and Indiana can find what you need for your machine. Choose same-day delivery from a nearby Koenig store or pick up in store.