> > I don't know about him, but our GR-3's have internal GSM modems, and 915 Spread Spectrum modems. (Maybe the same modem, different output paths, I have no idea.) The manual implies that you can use the internal GSM modems to connect the base and the rover. 915 range is very limited with hills and trees, however, we love it for construction sites.
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> Sounds promising D. Have you done that with yours? Might be an interesting exercise (let me know if your gonna try it). If both GSM are activated and have data plans, then getting one to be a static IP (or polling "No IP") and he'd be net enabled; sure would beat the heck out of the old franken-modem methods we used to have to do with older rovers...
No...we haven't, and probably won't. The issue at this point is that AT&T do not sell the type of SIM (or they say the don't) that works with those modems. It uses EDGE tech, and that is being no longer sold, and they are phasing it out in a few years.
And...we only ever bought one SIM card for the pair. I imagine the GR-5's use a newer type of internal modem.
This is why I generally believe that MiFi devices are superior to SIM cards, particularly for receivers that support WiFi. The hardware is subject to change more frequently than the WiFi standards, and you can use that MiFi device for other devices (tablets, laptops, etc.) instead of being dedicated to one device.
The one advantage of a SIM card is portability. Only the rover to keep up with - no peripheral device.
Just thinking out loud.....
> .....most of the users of our network use MiFi/Jetpacks, and some have a jack for an external antenna. Frankly have had no end of trouble with built-in modems (but maybe I'm just cursed)....
Why couldn't you attach your MiFi/Jetpacks to a UAS/UAV drone; send it up above your rover, when you are out in the boonies and having trouble picking up that connection?
:-S
Kennewick is supposed to be in the 70's this week; looking forward to a good conference! 😀 I hope to meet Mr. Jennings... that would be awesome...B-)
I bought a 35 watt external radio from Javad for use with my Topcon Hiper Pro receivers. It was like night and day as to range. But it uses different frequencies than 915 MHz, if that is what you have....
Probably not the easiest or cheapest solution, but we used to relay base/rover correction through the internet using AirLink Ravens. As I recall, it was expensive. Something like $2000 for the 2 modems with static IP, then $150/mo for the data plan for the two modems.
This was with Hipers, back in the mid 2000s, so there is probably a better option these days. It seems like the GR3 was made at the time that they were just getting started with internal modems, so I'm not sure how advanced their communication were at that time.
I did it using old topcon Legacy connecting to a Laptop last 2 years. I broadcast the RTCM2.3 correction using using Ntrip server software http://igs.bkg.bund.de/root_ftp/NTRIP/software/NtripServerWindows.exe
Onsite I did used a Topcon GR3 as rover and this rover dial to the same NTRIP caster that my legacy send in.
But, before you do all this, you must have a computer at office with public Ip accessible. Then run Lefebure Ntrip caster ( http://lefebure.com/software/ntripcaster/NTRIPCaster.exe).
Someone might thinking to use CASTER service from other people so that they didn't have to get an accessible Public IP and setup a server computer. Currently I have a server with 1mbps bandwidth. I am invite people for free testing. If someone read this and want to test my caster whether it can forward to your rover in reasonable latency, you can contact me at kucai83ATgmail.com to get detail. Currently my caster have domain registered at www.rtkrelay.com
Upon your contact, I can give you a mountpoint, password and NTRIP client users account for free testing. If you like it, you can donate to help me maintain the server and you can own the mountpoint and NTRIP client users account for a certain period that we can discussed to fulfill your requirement.
> Probably not the easiest or cheapest solution, but we used to relay base/rover correction through the internet using AirLink Ravens. As I recall, it was expensive. Something like $2000 for the 2 modems with static IP, then $150/mo for the data plan for the two modems.
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> This was with Hipers, back in the mid 2000s, so there is probably a better option these days. It seems like the GR3 was made at the time that they were just getting started with internal modems, so I'm not sure how advanced their communication were at that time.
Agreed, its expensive plus it have monthly commitment. That why I am thinking to share my IP with some donation. Plus I did developed a box cost about 350USD that you can plug in 3G/GPRS USB modem that automatically send any correction to my NTRIP mountpoint. In fact, direct IP also possible.
