I was recently intrigued by an article in Professional Surveyor magazine.
So much so, that I am considering re-purposing some Trimble 4000 series receivers and antennas as permanent base stations at my home and/or office, and setting them up to broadcast NTRIP corrections via the Internet. These receivers haven't seen much use over the last year or so, aren't worth much, and might provide enough value for me set up in this way to make the modest investment worthwhile.
However, before making the investment, I've been trying to envision how to use NTRIP data in the field, provided over the internet. Because, as of this moment, neither of my data collectors (an Allegro CX running SurvCE 2.5x and a TDS Nomad running Survey Pro 4.8) have built-in capabilities of connecting to a cell (data) network.
One option, of course, would be to purchase a new/newer data collector with that capability, but cash flow isn't very good right now, and I'm hesitant to spend.
Other options that might work:
1) Find an Enfora GSM0110 compact flash adapter for the Allegro CX. A quick search for this device doesn't yield me any results, but maybe one could be found.
2) Use bluetooth to "tether" my iphone to the Allegro . Not sure that this would work. Apple seems to support tethering between various Apple devices, i.e. iphone to ipad. But, I have found nothing suggesting that the iphone could be tethered by bluetooth to a SurvCE device.
3) Make a wifi connection between the iphone and the Allegro. I gather that this would require some additional allowance from my carrier, i.e. AT&T. Also, I've read that providing a Wifi connection will consume more power than bluetooth.
There are probably other options as well, but before I engage in further research, I thought I'd put it out on SurveyorConnect and see if anyone (especially you Network RTK guys) has had success doing something like this, and might be able to offer a few tips on how to go about duplicating that success.
Al
Hey Big Al. What kind of rover will you be using? Hopefully you have a modem inside your GPS. Like Michael Glutting from Javad told me. Don't use a cell phone or modem in a data collector as an option. Use the modem and antenna inside your GPS unit because it has a better antenna than a phone does. Or at least that's the case with Triumph-1's. And he was right. I do get a better signal in those low cell signal spots. And I do like that SurvCE has a direct connect option. I am buying SurvCE now just to have that option. Microsurvey Field Genius does not and probably will not in the future. That data collection/drafting software is becoming a real bummer since I purchased it about a year ago.
Phillip,
Thanks for your reply. I would be using a Topcon Hiper Pro receiver in the field. I don't recall reading any capability of the Hiper Pro to connect to the internet directly.
I'm a fan of Javad's offerings.
Al
I contacted Juniper about this, and they referred me to the following web page, which lists a whole bunch of options for connecting to the internet.
Are the DUN options (dial up networking) fast enough to handle the data requirements of RTK communications?
Yes. DUN is plenty fast for Network RTK
iPhones won't work with Windows Mobile 5 devices thru a WiFi connection....unless you jailbreak the iPhone
No Bluetooth DUN with iPhones
Thanks, Tom, for your post.
I'm still not sure I understand exactly what is DUN, but I remember in the old days connecting my computer to the internet would involve occupying the phone line, and utilizing a "dial up" connection. I'd hear the modem dial the tel number of my ISP, and then some scrambled noises, and finally, silence, and an internet connection. It was slow compared to the broad(er) band we use today, but it worked. And, yes, I had heard that RTK data needs aren't actually all that intensive.
For the moment, I'm going to give a Sierra Wireless AirCard 860 a try. I found one on eBay for about 5 bucks, and I have the available PCMCIA port on the back of the Allegro, so we'll see what happens.....
Al
Well, at least the hardware side of this looks promising. I got the Sierra Wireless AirCARD, and have managed to install it in the PCMCIA slot in the back of my Allegro CX. The antenna sticks out an inch or so, but the case can still be closed. Next step, I have ordered a MicroSIM to SIM card adapter (my iphone has a MicroSIM card).
I'll post my progress on this project in case it might help anyone looking to do the same.
Al
I have been unsuccessful in getting this to work.
I downloaded the files that are available on the Sierra Wireless website at the following page:
I copied the CAB file to the Allegro CX, and it unloaded and installed the files. However, the file that would appear to be the one required to run the program "3G Watcher", when double clicked, results in an error message something to the effect of "not a valid application".
I hired a computer guy to help me out with this, and he also was unable to make it work.
Unfortunately, Sierra Wireless is no help. The AirCard 860 is end of life, and no support is available from SW at all, even paid support.
I would be very interested if any of you have been able to work through this, but at this point, I have decided to give up on this method of connecting to the Internet in the field.
Al
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> I would be very interested if any of you have been able to work through this, but at this point, I have decided to give up on this method of connecting to the Internet in the field.
>
> Al
I just wanted to say thanks for this post / thread. I too am searching for options.
No luck yet...
Brad,
I'm glad to hear you're interested in this, too. Please let me know if you come up with anything helpful.
By the way, I noticed that there is a Cel Modem Expansion Pack available for the Carlson Surveyor Plus data collector (which, in terms of hardware specifications, is quite similar to the Allegro CX). Note that this is only available for the Plus version of the Surveyor. I do not have a Carlson Surveyor Plus data collector, but have seen them here and there on the used market, and have considered purchasing one for the slightly better specs and for the possibility of adding cel based internet connection.
I contacted my dealer on the expansion pack, and through Carlson, learned that the cel modem expansion pack alone retails at $995.
That's quite an investment, one I'm not willing to swallow right now.
Al
Yeah, thanks for posting about this. I, too, use the allegro CX as my gps data collector. I'd love to have a "permanent" base. Keep telling me how!
Dtp
Breakthrough!
As a last ditch effort, before finally giving up on the Sierra Wireless AirCard, I contacted Juniper Systems about it to see if they had any suggestions. I'm glad I did. O'Ryan Smith at Juniper provided me with a CAB(inet) file for Windows CE devices that run CE.NET.
The file can be downloaded at this link:
http://www.junipersys.com:8080/outgoing/Service/U4.4.3-Build-0840_CENET_ARMV4_ENU.CAB
O'Ryan suggested that the file that Sierra Wireless currently provides on its page for the AirCard 860 might be for Pocket PC type devices that run Windows Mobile.
Indeed, after removing the prior installation of Watcher (removing all files and folders in the directory on which it was installed, and in the Control Panel, using Remove Programs) I installed the CAB file.
This time it worked! I can open the Watcher program on the Allegro!
Edit: After installing the software on the Allegro, I have inserted the AirCard into the PC Card slot. The software sees the AirCard, but unfortunately does not see the SIM card, so I have some more research and testing to do.
But, looks like I'm getting closer.
A little more progress
The reason that the AirCard Watcher software could not "see" the SIM card turns out to be because the AirCard is considered a mobile broadband device, not a phone, and must have a mobile broadband data plan set up in order to connect to the network.
Initially, I had tried to use my AT&T gophone account, which includes a data feature package, thinking that I could swap the sim card from my phone to the AirCard, as needed, and back. Turns out this does not appear to be an option. Can't connect to the network.
So, because I get my phone service through AT&T and because their coverage is pretty good in this area, I decided to check with them. On the prepaid side, they offer a DataConnect Pass $15 for a daily pass, $30 for a weekly pass, and $50 for a monthly pass.
Out of curiosity, I decided to see what T-Mobile could offer. They had a plan that was very attractive because of the limited initial use I anticipate - a $2 per day plan, that includes data. A T-Mobile rep indicated by chat that my AirCard could be used with this plan, so I decided to give it a try, and ordered a sim packet, which I activated upon receipt. But, In order to connect to the T-Mobile network, I needed to get my AirCard unlocked by AT&T. After providing AT&T with the IMEI number of the device, I was able to get the unlock code.
Now, unfortunately, I still can't connect. After hashing around with T-Mobile reps, they tell me that the aircard will not connect to the network on the $2 per day plan, but must connect using a mobile broadband plan. $15 for a weekly plan and $25 for a monthly plan (low data use). I feel like I got a bait and switch with T-Mobile, and so am not pleased with them right now.
Still, I'd like to move forward with, and test, this project, so I'll probably purchase a mobile broadband plan with either AT&T or T-Mobile in the coming days. Thought I'd post this update in the meantime.
Al
A little more progress
HI,
JUST WONDERING HOW YOU WENT WITH THIS, BECAUSE I AM TRYING TO DO
EXACTLY THE SAME THING WITH MY ALLEGRO CX HERE IN AUSTRALIA.
WILL TALK MORE IF YOU ARE STILL WORKING ON THIS OR GIVEN UP ?
REGARDS (Little) AL
A little more progress
Hi. I can report that I was able to successfully make an Internet connection with the allegro CX, using T-Mobile. I suspect it may also have worked with AT&T. So don't give up! You can do it!
However given that I was anticipating using this functionality only occasionally, it did not make much sense for me to spend upwards of $50 per month for the ability to do this. Also, it seemed that I was fighting awful hard to do something that should have been pretty straightforward. Secondly, I wasn't pleased with the performance of the Allegro CX with my total station. For these reasons, I have upgraded my data collector, and no longer have the Allegro CX. I have acquired a Carlson Surveyor + and a Juniper Mesa, both running SurvCE.
GOOD LUCK!
A little more progress
Sorry to bother you , but I thought I would let you know where I am at with the same setup as you on the Allegro CX.
I bought two wireless cards here in Australia, (luckily only cheap) only to find out that they are 32 bit and NOT 16 bit PCMICA cards, and hence not recognised on the Allegro. Damn !!! So I have decided to press on by buying a Aircard 860 (Unlocked ) on ebay for about $20.00 ! Will have it in approximately 2 weeks . Hopefully it will work .
Just a question do you know whether it is possible to bluetooth the Allegro to a smartphone. I have got my phone (Samsung S4) connected to it and I can transfer files etc., but when I set up the phone as a Bluetooth tethered
hotspot (it does work with my pcs and laptop) the Allegro CX refuses to connect. I notice on the Allegro there
does not seem to be the capability to use DUN, (dial up networking) !
The question is : Allegro cx bluetooth manager problem, or maybe (more probable) I am not setting it up correctly.
Do you have any experience with this or know where I maybe can find out ?
It seems to me this is the way to go if possible because no extra hardware needed !
I rang a copule of people in Australia (supposed Juniper dealers etc.) but it appears to be way too hard for them. ?
Regards. Al
A little more progress
No bother. I'll do my best to help, but I don't have my Allegro CX any more, so I'm going on memory....I used the AirCard 860, and it worked.
Below is a transcript from an email exchange I had with a tech support rep at Juniper Systems back in March 2013 (entries are listed from most recent to oldest, so read from bottom up). It addresses many of the questions that you are facing now. I would advise you get familiar with all of the resources that are available on Juniper's website. Several links below will point you in the right direction. Good luck!
Big Al from USA
*******************************************************
TECH - I never used the Enfora cards much with the Allegro to know for sure. Mainly with our Archer. Range was never very good, but possibly could be comparable to the Aircards in the Allegro (without external antenna while PC card door is open).
ME - Out of curiosity, I just found an Enfora GSM0110 for sale. Do you have any idea how the Enfora devices compares in terms of ease of use/performance with the Sierra Wireless Air Card?
TECH - Glad to hear! I hope you get decent reception, and not have to open the back of the Allegro every time you need a fix. Does this card have an optional external flex antenna? If so, that may help.
ME - You were right – the U4.4.3-Build-0840 CENET ARMV4 ENU.CAB file did the trick! It installed without a hitch onto the Allegro CX. I have to figure out one more thing, but I think it is between me and AT&T. The Watcher software sees the AirCard upon insertion, but does not see the SIM card. Thank you again for your help.
TECH - Your welcome! I hope the files actually help.
ME - Oh, by the way, THANK YOU for your help! I assume by the “first file” you mean the “U4.4.3-Build-0840 CENET ARMV4 ENU.CAB” file. Is that right? Where does this file come from, and what is it intended to do? I didn’t see that file on the Sierra Wireless website.
TECH - I hope the information and files at the following web links help.
· http://www.junipersys.com/Juniper-Systems-Rugged-Handheld-Computers/support/Knowledge-Base/Support-Knowledge-Base-Topics/Accessories/Sierra-Wireless-Aircard-cellular-modems
· > http://www.junipersys.com:8080/outgoing/Service/U4.4.3-Build-0840_CENET_ARMV4_ENU.CAB
· http://www.junipersys.com:8080/outgoing/Service/3GWatcher.ARMV4I.CAB
May need to uninstall the other versions first. You may just need the first file but not the second. Just an idea.
ME - I have been continuing to try to figure out how to make an internet connection in the field using my Allegro CX. I know of at least two other surveyors that are in a similar situation and wish to be able to use their devices in this way. I’m basically stuck at this point.
As an experiment, I purchased a Sierra Wireless AirCard 860, which as you may know is a PC Card type cel modem. Support information was available from Sierra Wireless at http://www.sierrawireless.com/en/Support/Downloads/AirCard/Legacy_Products/AirCard_860.aspx
I was hopeful that this experiment would yield a workable solution. Upon installing the CAB file that Sierra Wireless provides for CE.NET, it unloads an application called “3G Watcher” (Watcher.exe), along with many other files and folders to the /Program Files/3G Watcher (CE) folder. When I attempt to open the exe file, it results in an error message:
“‘Watcher’ is not a valid Windows CE application.”
Unfortunately, this AirCard is “end of life” meaning that Sierra Wireless will provide no assistance on the matter. There are not even paid options for assistance.
I have contacted Sierra Wireless to see if there are any PC Card modems that are not presently end of life, like the AT&T AirCard 890. I don’t know yet - I’ll see what that yields.
I have had no success in finding a path forward using Bluetooth DUN tethering. AT&T/Apple do not appear to encourage it.
I have considered the possibility of purchasing a USB style cel modem, and somehow figuring out an adapter that would allow conversion to one of the two serial com ports on the back of the Allegro, but I don’t know whether that would work.
In the meantime, I would appreciate any further suggestions or guidance you could offer.
TECH - Mobile phones and carriers that support tethering (let alone DUN (Dial-Up Networking)) are becoming fairly uncommon. Hopefully you can find such a combination which still offers tethering (preferably DUN) support. If so, then yes you can setup DUN correctly to use your data plan instead of voice minutes. It all depends on the “phone number” the modem (Allegro) dials as well as the user name (used as APN or Access Point Name) and password submitted through the connection. This is similar to described at the following web pages.
· http://www.junipersys.com/Juniper-Systems-Rugged-Handheld-Computers/support/Knowledge-Base/Support-Knowledge-Base-Topics/Internet-or-Network-Connection/AT-T-cellular-modem-phone-connection
· http://www.junipersys.com/Juniper-Systems-Rugged-Handheld-Computers/support/Knowledge-Base/Support-Knowledge-Base-Topics/Internet-or-Network-Connection/Verizon-Wireless-Bluetooth-DUN-Dial-Up-Network-tethering
· http://www.junipersys.com/Juniper-Systems-Rugged-Handheld-Computers/support/Knowledge-Base/Support-Knowledge-Base-Topics/Internet-or-Network-Connection/Bluetooth-CDMA-cellphone-connection
Please let me know if you need further assistance or have additional questions.
ME - Thank You for your response. That’s quite a list of options. Am I correct to assume that the DUN means Dial Up Networking? And, if that’s true, does that mean generally that the data connection would be over a phone connection, and subject to per minute fees, rather than using the data plan I have on my phone?
TECH - Please see this website for some internet options for your Allegro CX:
http://www.junipersys.com/Juniper-Systems-Rugged-Handheld-Computers/support/Knowledge-Base/Support-Knowledge-Base-Topics/Internet-or-Network-Connection/Internet-options-for-your-Field-PC
I believe this will help you get started and let us know if you have other questions.
ME - I own an Allegro CX, running SurvCE 2.61. I’d like to connect to the internet in the field for RTK operations, using NTRIP corrections provided over internet. Is it possible to configure the Allegro CX to connect to the internet in the field? I have an iPhone with data plan. I am willing to remove the SIM card from the iPhone and place it in the Allegro during field operations. I saw a device called Enfora GSM0110, but can’t seem to find any for sale. I’d much appreciate any assistance with this.
