RTK and Charging Station Relocation Guide

Understanding how the mower uses the charging station and RTK base station for positioning is critical before moving either device. Incorrect relocation can corrupt all map data.

How Positioning Works

The BESTMOW navigation system relies on two fixed reference points:

Charging station: The mower detects the charging station's location by sensing charging current when it docks (charging mode). The mower records this as the charging station's position. All maps are stored as coordinates relative to the charging station.
RTK base station: The RTK provides centimeter-level positioning correction data. When the RTK is first set up, it establishes an initial anchor coordinate. All localization data is referenced to this anchor.

Rules for Relocation

Scenario	Impact	What to Do
RTK moved, charging station stays	Localization data is shifted — the mower's position calculations will be offset from the real world	Go to Operations & Connectivity → Relocate RTK in the app. This refreshes the initial anchor coordinate to the new RTK location, and translates all map coordinates based on the relative position between the maps and the (unchanged) charging station. Maps are preserved.
Charging station moved (with the mower), RTK stays	The mower updates the charging station location when it detects charging current while docked. Maps remain valid because the RTK anchor is unchanged. Important: The charging station has no GPS module — if it is moved while the mower is out mowing, the mower cannot find the new location and will attempt to return to the old coordinates.	Stop any active mowing task first. Move the charging station with the mower on it (or dock the mower immediately after). Once charging begins at the new location, the position is updated. Run a test mow to verify.
Both RTK and charging station moved	All map data will be corrupted. The system has no fixed reference point to recalculate from.	All maps must be recreated from scratch. There is no recovery option.

Key Takeaways

Avoid relocating the RTK unless absolutely necessary. If the RTK must be moved, always use the "Relocate RTK" function in the app afterward.
Never move both the RTK and charging station at the same time. Always keep at least one as a fixed reference point.
During RTK relocation, the charging station must stay in the same place. The map coordinate translation depends on the charging station's position being unchanged.

Virtual RTK (PointOne Navigation)

Virtual RTK is not self-service. It is issued by the BESTMOW team on a case-by-case basis, primarily for customers who do not have a suitable mounting location for a physical RTK, or whose physical RTK is malfunctioning and awaiting replacement.

When switching from a physical RTK to virtual RTK, the charging station must remain in its original location. The virtual RTK provides a new positioning anchor from the cloud, and the system recalculates maps based on the charging station's unchanged position. If the charging station is also moved during the switch, all maps will be corrupted and must be recreated.

Replacement Mower or Charging Station

When receiving a replacement unit:

Replacement mower: Keep the RTK and charging station in their current positions. The new mower will automatically detect the charging station when docked. Maps from the old unit can be transferred by the tech team.
Replacement charging station: Install the new charging station in the exact same location as the old one. The RTK stays in place. The mower will register the new charging station's position when it docks.
Replacement RTK: The old RTK should not be sent back until the new RTK is installed and calibrated in the same location, or the "Relocate RTK" procedure is completed. If possible, leave the old RTK powered on and in place until the replacement arrives. Do not ship the RTK back and leave the mower without any RTK — request virtual RTK as a bridge if needed, but remember the charging station must not move during the switch.

Winter Storage — Relocation Risk

If the charging station is moved indoors for winter storage, the RTK should remain in place outdoors. When spring arrives, the charging station must be returned to the same location — or as close as possible. If the RTK was also moved during winter, all maps will need to be recreated. See the Winter Storage article for full guidance.