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NTRIP - CORs/VRS
Equipment
Windows Laptop
Cellular Hot Spot
Ethernet Cable
NTRIP Client
Requirements:
Laptop with an internet connection.
An active account with the correction data from whatever state you are trying to fly out of (i.e. MNCORS for minnesota).
Ethernet cable for connecting to the comms box (laptop will be using wifi).
Setup
In order to use this corrections method, the NTRIP client is needed. It can be downloaded from the Sentera support pages (link to the right). The file must be extracted (unzipped) before use.
In the downloaded folder, run 'strscr.exe'. This should open the app.
Once open, select NTRIP Client under Type, and hit the Opt button, as shown. This will bring up an options panel, where the caster host and port should be entered, as shown.
Within the caster host, you need to find a proper mount point. Select the ‘Ntrip…' button to bring up a list. Select a mount point using RTCMv3, and copy it’s name. Paste it’s name into the mount point box. Enter your User-ID and Password, and hit OK.
Setup the UDP link as shown by clicking on the ‘Opt’ Button for the Output. Enter the broadcast options shown and hit OK.
Usage
Before NTRIP can be used, it needs an approximate location to work off of. To enter this, select the options button. From there, enter approximate coordinates (in decimal and meters) to the appropriate boxes and hit OK.
At this time, the link can be started, assuming the comms box is connected via ethernet. To do so, hit ‘Start’ on the client. You should see bytes start to count up, as well as a green box by Input. Allow a short amount of time for this to affect the PHX payload. Watch Fly PHX to check the type of GPS fix, or watch the lights on the RTK payload (see D4K RTK - Anatomy for light codes)
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About
CORs (Continuous Operating Reference Station), VRS (Virtual Reference Station), and RTN (Real Time Network) sources are used to generate and send corrections messages in place of a base station while using an RTK payload.
Some states offer free coverage access to these network sources via their department of transportation. Some areas are covered with private networks that require subscriptions to access the sources.
Equipment & Software
Windows Laptop
The NTRIP client provided by Sentera is a lightweight Windows application.
Mobile Hot Spot
An internet connection is required to stream corrections data from the CORs/VRS/RTN sources.
Ethernet Cable
The CommsBox will required to be connected to the laptop via Ethernet cable as the laptops Wi-Fi connection will be used to connect to the mobile hotspot.
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Some devices support mobile hotspot connectivity via USB. In this case an Ethernet connect to the CommsBox may not be required. However, an Ethernet connection to the CommsBox is always recommended. |
PHX System & D4K RTK Payload
NTRIP Client
The NTRIP client is the software that is used to pipe the correction messages from the network source up to the payload.
Sentera offers a free NTRIP client software download.
CORs/VRS/RTN Account
Most network correction sources require the users to be registered with an account. These accounts can have varying account creation times. Ensure that you have signed up for an account and received access before you need to fly (sometimes up to a week). Do not attempt to sign up while in the field.
A coverage map and service providers can be found below.
USB to Ethernet Dongle (Optional)
For laptops without an Ethernet port it is recommended to use a USB to Ethernet dongle to connect the CommsBox to the Laptop.
How To Use
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If the NTRIP client has not yet been setup, see the setup section first. |
Power on Laptop & Connect to Hotspot
Turn the laptop on and connect the laptop to the mobile hotspot.
Verify internet connection.
Open NTRIP Client Folder
Navigate to where the NTRIP Client folder was unzipped to/stored.
Run strsvr.eve
Double click strsvr.exe to start the NTRIP client.
Enter Location Information
Select the Options button.
A pop up window will appear.
Enter the Latitude (decimal), Longitude (decimal), and Attitude (meters) information of the location the pilot is flying at. Then press okay.
Start Stream
Press the start button in the lower left hand corner to start streaming corrections messages.
A successful stream will show the green check box next to Input, a green loading bar at the bottom, and the bytes/bps counters will begin to increase.
Assemble Aircraft, Payload, & CommsBox
Assemble the aircraft and payload as normal.
Power on the aircraft.
Power on the CommsBox.
Connect to Fly PHX
Connect your laptop or iPad to the CommsBox via Ethernet and launch Fly PHX.
Verify RTK Fix
Use the camera indicator icon at the top of the Fly screen to verify the payload has an RTK fix.
NTRIP Client Setup
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This process only needs to be completed for the initial setup of the NTRIP client or if network providers are changed. |
Download & Unzip
Download the NTRIP Client and unzip it to a location that can be used when needed.
DOWNLOAD
Open Ntrip Client Folder
Open the Ntrip Client folder and a list of files should be located inside.
Run strsvr.exe
Double click on strsvr.exe to launch the NTRIP client.
A small window should appear.
Setup Corrections Network
For first time set up or if the network provider is changing the following steps must be completed.
Select the “Opt” button as shown.
the NTRIP Client Options window will appear. This is where the network and account information will be input.
Caster Host & Port
The Caster host address and Port will be provided by the network you are using. This information should be given after account registration is complete.
The shown example is for the Minnesota CORS network.
Mount Point
A mount point must be set. Select the Ntrip button in the lower left corner as shown.
A list of available mountpoints from the host network will appear in a pop up window.
Select an appropriate mountpoint. The D4K RTK uses RTCMv3 messages. Most RTCMv3 or greater mountpoints should be compatible.
Ensure the Datum reference of the selected mount point meets the end use case of your data.
Copy the name of the selected mountpoint from the list and paste it into the Mountpoint box in the NTRIP Client Options window.
Login
Enter your login and password information, then press OK.
Setup of the NTRIP client is now complete.
