APEKS Max5 + AP40 Laser + CS3i: Colombia's Popular RTK Kit Combo
The Max5 + AP40 Laser+ + CS3i combination is a popular RTK GNSS kit configuration promoted by APEKS' local dealer network in Colombia, pairing a high-power base station, a laser-equipped rover, and a rugged data controller into one complete field-ready system. This combination covers the core needs of most survey projects: long-range base correction broadcast (up to 25km via Max5's 5W LoRa radio), laser-assisted offset measurement and AR stakeout (AP40 Laser+), and a durable Android controller built for all-day field operation (CS3i).
1. Why This Combination Is Popular in Colombia
Across Colombia and neighboring Latin American markets, APEKS' local dealer network has seen strong adoption of the Max5 + AP40 Laser+ + CS3i bundled kit. Field surveyors, engineering contractors, and cadastral mapping specialists frequently choose this configuration because it eliminates hardware compatibility guesswork and provides a complete, out-of-the-box RTK workflow.
The three components address the three pillars of field productivity: the Max5 provides high-power base correction broadcasting across challenging topography; the AP40 Laser+ delivers millimetric precision, wide-angle IMU tilt compensation, and non-contact laser measurement at the pole; and the CS3i acts as the rugged Android command hub running ApekSurv software.
👉 Learn more about regional GNSS setups: GNSS Surveying in Latin America: Datum & CORS Guide
2. Max5: The High-Power Base Station
The APEKS Max5 serves as the operational anchor of the kit. Built with a heavy-duty internal radio, it delivers reliable differential corrections without requiring external battery packs or bulky booster amplifiers.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| GNSS Channels | 1408 Full-Constellation Tracking |
| IMU Tilt Compensation | 120° Calibration-Free |
| Onboard Display | 1.39-inch Color Touchscreen |
| Internal Battery | 13,200mAh High-Capacity Li-ion |
| Internal Radio | 5W LoRa / UHF, up to 25km operational range |
| Thermal Design | Integrated rear heat sink chassis for continuous transmission |
The core technical advantage of the Max5 is its internal 5W LoRa radio. While standard base stations typically broadcast at 1W to 2W (limiting reliable coverage to 8–15 km in rolling terrain), the Max5 extends coverage up to 25 km. This substantially minimizes base relocation frequency during large corridor, farm, or municipal projects.
3. AP40 Laser+: The Laser-Equipped Rover
The AP40 Laser+ acts as the precision measurement rover, combining multi-constellation satellite positioning with advanced optical and visual sensors.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| GNSS Channels | 1408 Channels (GPS, BDS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS) |
| IMU Tilt Compensation | 120° Calibration-Free Tilt Sensor |
| Working Range | Up to 15km receiving internal radio corrections |
| Connectivity | 4G LTE, Dual-Band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC |
| Specialized Feature | 120m Green Laser Surveying & AR Visual Stakeout |
With its 120m green laser rangefinder and dual cameras, the AP40 Laser+ allows surveyors to measure inaccessible or hazardous target points — such as building corners behind security fencing, steep drainage embankments, and dense forest boundaries — with millimetric coordinate accuracy directly from a safe vantage point.
4. CS3i: The Rugged Field Controller
The CS3i provides the interface between surveyor, design blueprints, and raw GNSS telemetry, running ApekSurv data collection software on an industrial-grade Android platform.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Android 11 OS |
| Touchscreen Display | 5.5-inch Sunlight-Readable Multi-Touchscreen |
| Memory & Storage | 4GB RAM + 64GB Onboard ROM (Expandable) |
| Battery Capacity | 9,000mAh High-Capacity Battery |
| Durability Rating | IP68 Certified (Submersible & Shock-Resistant) |
Designed for demanding field environments, the CS3i features an IP68 waterproof rating, physical alphanumeric keys for gloved operation, and a large 9,000mAh battery that guarantees uninterrupted full-shift performance without mid-day recharging.
5. How the Three Components Work Together
Mount the Max5 over a known control benchmark or high-visibility ground point. Power on the unit and activate the 5W internal radio to broadcast differential corrections across a radius of up to 25 km.
Power on the AP40 Laser+ rover on the range pole. The receiver locks onto 1408 satellite channels, secures an instant RTK Fixed solution via the Max5 radio link, and enables 120° IMU tilt compensation or 120m laser offset measurement as needed.
Launch ApekSurv on the CS3i controller. Import CAD drawings (DXF/DWG), manage layer attributes, execute AR visual camera stakeout, and log survey points with complete metadata traceability.
6. Real Applications in Colombia
Field deployments of this kit in Colombia span a range of project types — from urban cadastral boundary surveys to street and road alignment work, and even specialized layout projects such as sports court construction. This versatility reflects the combination's core strength: a high-power base station paired with a precision laser rover handles both open-area corridor work and tight-tolerance layout tasks within the same kit.
7. Full Specification Summary
| System Component | Primary Functional Role | Core Key Specifications |
|---|---|---|
| Max5 | Base Station | 5W LoRa / UHF Radio, 25km Range, 1408 Channels, 13,200mAh Battery, OLED Touchscreen |
| AP40 Laser+ | Survey Rover | 120m Green Laser, 120° IMU Tilt, AR Visual Stakeout, 1408 Channels, 4G / Wi-Fi / Bluetooth |
| CS3i | Data Controller | Android 11 OS, 5.5" Sunlight Display, IP68 Sealing, 9,000mAh Battery, 4GB+64GB Memory |
8. FAQ
Why is the Max5 + AP40 Laser+ + CS3i combination popular in Colombia?
This kit combines a 5W high-power base station (Max5) capable of penetrating rugged Andean terrain, a versatile rover with 120m laser measurement for inaccessible boundary points (AP40 Laser+), and a durable IP68 Android field controller (CS3i) into a fully integrated, cost-effective surveying package.
What is the advantage of Max5's 5W radio over standard 2W base stations?
The Max5's internal 5W LoRa radio extends broadcast range up to 25 km, compared to 8–15 km on typical 2W units. This extended coverage provides stronger signal penetration through vegetation and hilly terrain, significantly reducing the need to relocate base stations during large-scale surveys.
Can the AP40 Laser+ be used as both a base and a rover?
Yes. The AP40 Laser+ features full transceiver capabilities and can operate as an independent base station or rover. However, pairing it with the dedicated 5W Max5 base allows the AP40 Laser+ to maximize its utility as a dedicated, lightweight laser rover.
Where can I get local support for this kit in Colombia?
APEKS maintains authorized dealer representation across Colombia providing local stock, training, technical troubleshooting, and warranty support. Contact our sales team online or via WhatsApp to connect with your local Colombian representative.
ONE KIT. FULL COVERAGE. FIELD-PROVEN IN COLOMBIA.
Max5 + AP40 Laser+ + CS3i — a complete RTK GNSS system covering base correction, precision rover measurement, and rugged field control. Popular among APEKS dealers across Latin America.
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