RTK Internet data link

Use an Internet data link if you are obtaining RTK data by connecting to a server using an IP address. RTK data is transferred over the Internet.

How you connect the Trimble Access software at the rover to the Internet depends on a number of factors:

  • When you use a Controller Internet connection, you can:
    • Connect the controller to the Internet using the SIM card in the controller or using a previously configured connection to a Wi-Fi network.
    • 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.

  • When you use a Receiver Internet connection, you can:

    • Connect the receiver to the Internet using the SIM card in the receiver, provided it is a Trimble receiver with an internal modem.

    • Connect the receiver to the Internet using a Wi-Fi connection to an external device that is connected to the Internet, such as a cell phone or MiFi device. This is especially useful for base receivers that do not have a SIM card.

    • Only use the Internet to receive RTK data. You cannot use the Internet for other functions.

If you have another device such as an older receiver or a mobile phone that supports the Bluetooth DUN service, you can connect the controller to the Internet through that device. In this scenario the controller must be a Windows device because Android devices do not support the Bluetooth DUN service. You can also connect the controller to the Internet through a separate smartphone. See Internet setup using a separate smartphone.

To configure an Internet data link at the rover in Trimble Access:

  1. If you will connect to the Internet using the controller, configure the connection. See Internet connection setup or Internet setup using a separate smartphone.
  2. Configure the RTK survey style for an Internet data link and select the appropriate GNSS contact. See To configure an Internet data link.
  3. Create a GNSS contact that specifies:
    1. How the Trimble Access software will connect to the Internet.
    2. Where the Trimble Access software will obtain RTK corrections from.
    3. The connection settings for the real-time correction source.

    See To create a GNSS contact for a rover Internet data link.

To start the survey, see To start an RTK Internet survey.

The server providing RTK data may be a:

  • Data collector running Trimble Access connected to the base receiver.

    In this case, the base station is operating as a server. The number of rover connections to that base is limited by the capacity of the base Internet connection. In some cases, only one rover connection may be possible.

  • Broadcast server provided by a service provider using a system such as the VRS Now™ subscription service.

    In this case, the base station is uploading data to a remote server. The broadcast server can send the base data to many rovers.

How you will connect the Trimble Access software to the Internet depends on:

  • Whether you want the base station to operate as a server, or to upload data to a remote server.
  • Whether you can leave the controller connected to the base receiver during the survey or whether you need to disconnect it from the base receiver after survey setup so that you can use it at the rover.
  • Which device contains the SIM card you want to use for the data.
  • If you have an external device that has a SIM card in it such as a cell phone or a MiFi device that you can leave at the base station then you can connect the receiver to the Internet using a Wi-Fi connection to the external device.

If you will disconnect the controller from the base receiver after survey setup, then you must use the receiver to connect to the Internet.

For more information, see To create a GNSS contact for a base Internet data link.