RTK internet data link

Use an internet data link if you are obtaining GNSS corrections for your RTK survey over the internet. RTK data is transferred by connecting to a server using an IP address.

Configuring the RTK survey style for an internet data link has two parts:

  • GNSS corrections source: where the Origin software will obtain RTK data from

  • GNSS internet source: how the GNSS rover or the GNSS base will connect to the internet to obtain or transmit RTK data

To use an RTK internet data link at the base, you must be using a Spectra Geospatial SP100 GNSS receiver.

At the rover

For the rover, the GNSS correction source is where the Origin software will obtain RTK data from.

Depending on the services you have access to and your equipment setup, the options are:

  • Trimble CenterPoint RTX correction service

  • an NTRIP server

  • a broadcast server

  • a controller connected to the base receiver (if you have a controller that you can leave at the base)

For more information, see To configure a rover internet data link.

At the base

For the base, the GNSS correction source is where the Origin software will upload RTK data to.

Depending on your equipment setup, the options are:

  • an NTRIP server

  • a broadcast server

For more information, see To configure a base internet data link

At the rover

For the rover, the most common GNSS internet source options are:

  • Controller internet: use the SIM card in the controller or the controller's connection to a Wi-Fi network to connect to the internet.

  • Receiver internet - Wi-Fi: connect the SP100 receiver over Wi-Fi to another device that is connected to the internet, such as a cell phone or MiFi device.

When the GNSS internet source is:

  • Controller internet, you can use the internet for other functions during the RTK survey, not just receiving RTK data. Other functions include downloading projects and jobs or sending email.

  • Receiver internet - Wi-Fi, you can use the internet only to receive RTK data. You cannot use the internet for other functions.

Less commonly, you might connect to the internet using these GNSS internet source options:

  • Receiver modem: use the modem in an older Spectra Geospatial receiver such as the SP85 to connect to the internet.

  • Add your own source, such as a smartphone connected to the controller or a mobile phone that supports the Bluetooth DUN service.

For more information, see To configure a rover internet data link.

The only GNSS internet source option that enables you to disconnect the controller from the SP100 receiver after setup is:

  • Receiver internet - Wi-Fi: connect the receiver over Wi-Fi to another device that is connected to the internet, such as a cell phone or MiFi device.

If you can leave additional equipment connected to the base receiver, you could select the following GNSS internet source options:

  • Controller internet: use the SIM card in the controller or the controller's connection to a Wi-Fi network to connect to the internet. This option is only suitable if you can leave the controller connected to the base receiver.

  • Receiver internet - cable: connect the receiver to an external device such as a laptop using a USB or ethernet cable.

For more information, see To configure a base internet data link.