I feel like I’m missing something here.
We’ve always used Trimble products for fieldwork, but I was asked to test out different field data collection software like FieldGenius, Carlson Layout, and SurvPC.
Right now, I have 30-day trials for each, but I can’t seem to get an RTK solution working (Base + Rover).
For example, if I configure some old R10s to transmit NMEA messages through the web GUI:
- All the software will connect an R10 as an NMEA rover.
- But none of them allow me to connect a R10 as a base via NMEA.
Carlson Layout comes close, but when I try to connect, it just fails.
Am I missing something? Or do these programs only support certain models for GNSS bases for an RTK solution?
When mixing Trimble with anything other than Trimble, I always felt like it was an uphill battle. I'm sure there are some work arounds, and maybe they're not as convoluted as they used to be, but I wouldn't spend a bunch of time trying to make Trimble play nice with others.
I love Carlson SurvCE with Leica TSs and Carlson GNSS receivers. I find the interface intuitive, particularly with field coding. However, the owner likes the yellow box, so I use Trimble Business Center, Trimble Access, S series robots and R12is and R980s and they all play nicely together.
I would just start the base using the webUI and set it to transmit RTCM or CMRx. The rover will receive these corrections (over cell or radio) and output NMEA strings. Note that the transmitted corrections are applied in the receiver, not the data collector. There is no reason that I can think of for the base to output NMEA
I love Carlson SurvCE with Leica TSs and Carlson GNSS receivers. I find the interface intuitive, particularly with field coding. However, the owner likes the yellow box, so I use Trimble Business Center, Trimble Access, S series robots and R12is and R980s and they all play nicely together.
Thank you so much for the information : )
A little more information to add to this are the owners are looking to buy some cheaper GNSS receivers that use the UM980 boards for less accurate projects. Like the UniStrong 970ii, FoiF A90, CHCNAV, SparkFun...etc
I am just wondering if Carlson Layout or FieldGenius will allow a base connected NMEA this way? Is Carlson just blocking Trimble units or all units that aren't the BRx7? I know SurvPC blocks a lot of the GNSS units now, like the S631 if your are in North America but was unsure if Carlson Layout did as well? I like that Carlson layout plays nice with all our Carlson office software.
I have not messed with FieldGenius much other than to see that it didn't like the R10 as a base either.
I looked at a work around using NTRIP caster on the R10 but am I correct in assuming that both the R10 caster and Data collector would have to have internet access to work like this?
Yes, both the base and the rover need internet access. Not as hard as it sounds (assuming you have cell coverage).
One way is to use inexpensive mifi's at each end, unlimited plan on Verizon is $20/month. These cost around $120 on Amazon. I also use an external Microhard cell modem with Trimble Alloy at the base.
I recently purchased two Starlink Mini terminals, and pay $50/month for 50GB. Mainly used with rover for areas with no cell. It fits well above a moveable sunroof. I have also tested it at the base with an ecoflow power station, that also works fine.
Admittedly we do a lot more work than most in remote areas, so it is worth it for me to be able to continue to work when there is no cell. We rarely ever use RTK over radio, most projects are simply too big an area. Last week for example I had to survey 140 LiDAR GCP over an area of 440 sq miles. We have had projects as large as 15,000 sq miles. That was done using a VRS. I did have two locations with no cell, so I used starlink, which fits in my laptop bag and plugs into cigarette lighter in the vehicle.
I would just start the base using the webUI and set it to transmit RTCM or CMRx. The rover will receive these corrections (over cell or radio) and output NMEA strings. Note that the transmitted corrections are applied in the receiver, not the data collector. There is no reason that I can think of for the base to output NMEA
How do I configure this for radio and not cell? This is exactly what I am looking for I think.
Yes, both the base and the rover need internet access. Not as hard as it sounds (assuming you have cell coverage).
One way is to use inexpensive mifi's at each end, unlimited plan on Verizon is $20/month. These cost around $120 on Amazon. I also use an external Microhard cell modem with Trimble Alloy at the base.
I recently purchased two Starlink Mini terminals, and pay $50/month for 50GB. Mainly used with rover for areas with no cell. It fits well above a moveable sunroof. I have also tested it at the base with an ecoflow power station, that also works fine.
Admittedly we do a lot more work than most in remote areas, so it is worth it for me to be able to continue to work when there is no cell. We rarely ever use RTK over radio, most projects are simply too big an area. Last week for example I had to survey 140 LiDAR GCP over an area of 440 sq miles. We have had projects as large as 15,000 sq miles. That was done using a VRS. I did have two locations with no cell, so I used starlink, which fits in my laptop bag and plugs into cigarette lighter in the vehicle.
Sorry, I replied before I noticed this reply. I live in an area that has very spotty cell service so it'd be ideal for me to use radio.
In the webui (connect to the receiver via wifi, usually 192.168.142.1 unless you changed it):
1) under receiver configuration, set the antenna type, measurement type, and HI
2) under receiver configuration, set the reference position (either enter a coordinate or use HERE)
3) Under I/O configuration, setup the radio to broadcast CMRx or RTCM
In the webui (connect to the receiver via wifi, usually 192.168.142.1 unless you changed it):
1) under receiver configuration, set the antenna type, measurement type, and HI
2) under receiver configuration, set the reference position (either enter a coordinate or use HERE)
3) Under I/O configuration, setup the radio to broadcast CMRx or RTCM
Thank you so much!!
I will try this when I get back to the office : )
I should add that is the way for anyone to start a (newer) Trimble base without using a data collector, just using a phone or laptop
I should add that is the way for anyone to start a (newer) Trimble base without using a data collector, just using a phone or laptop
Are you able to login on the rover side webui and connect to the base via radio? Or is access required for this part?
@cgi2099 No. The rover radio is receive only, and the base is transmit only. That is why I like using cell, I can login to the base (if I have a static IP) from my phone or laptop.
@cgi2099 No. The rover radio is receive only, and the base is transmit only. That is why I like using cell, I can login to the base (if I have a static IP) from my phone or laptop.
I see, so the only way to make the Base transmit radio to the Rover is with Trimble access software? Or setting up NTRIP caster on the base, which would require cell/internet on both the Base and Rover? Or am I misunderstanding?
Sorry for being ignorant on all of this, I have always just used Trimble units with a Trimble collector.
@cgi2099 No, as I said, you can login to the Webui on the receiver over wifi from a phone or laptop. You do not need access to start a base.
@cgi2099 No, as I said, you can login to the Webui on the receiver over wifi from a phone or laptop. You do not need access to start a base.
The part where I am not understanding is how do I get the Rover receiving from the Base configured how you said above via just radio and the webgui's without Trimble Access? How do I know the Rover is receiving from the Base before I connect the rover via NMEA to FG or Carlson?
Again I am so sorry for being ignorant to all of this.
Thank you so much!
@cgi2099 set up your base to transmit the station index. Set up Trimble access on rover end to look for station index that way you know that’s the correct base you are attaching to. You can if need be on the web gui also set the base to log static data at same time you are doing your rtk just encase you need to move all positions to a point that’s better than the here position.
Fieldgenius and Carlson will not connect to Trimble Hardware or Leica Hardware. Fieldgenius will not connect to Carlson Hardware. This link https://www.microsurvey.com/products/fieldgenius/supported-hardware/ will take you to a list of all the hardware that Fieldgenius will connect to. There is more but you need to call 1-800-668-3312 and ask about the other hardware you are wanting to try. Also Microsurvey does have some work-arounds for a few non-listed hardware.
I am a very satisfied user of FG software since 2016 and if you actually have 2 FoiF A90 units I can walk you thru a base/rover setup and you do not use internet access for base/rover, you use the UHF internal radios.
Thank you all very much!
I am a very satisfied user of FG software since 2016 and if you actually have 2 FoiF A90 units I can walk you thru a base/rover setup and you do not use internet access for base/rover, you use the UHF internal radios.
How are you liking the A90? Do you have the 800 channel model or 1408?
How are you liking the A90? Do you have the 800 channel model or 1408?
Oops. Sorry to mislead you. I do not have the A90 but Fieldgenius 11 will recognize the A90 and the software makes it easy to setup. I was just offering to help you if needed.