Installing the RT CONNECT
The Quick Checklist
- If not previously done, register the RT CONNECT on an RT Cloud account
- Configure the SIM card setup for the RT CONNECT to allow internet data
- Sign up to an NTRIP service that can supply RTCM v3.x corrections valid for your location or have a Race Technology Base station set up to provide corrections
- Ensure a 4G LTE antenna is connected to the RT CONNECT.
- Ensure the attached SPEEDBOX has RTK enabled and is using a dual frequency GPS+GLONASS antenna.
- Ensure a data-capable SIM card is inserted in the SIM card slot on the rear of the RT CONNECT.
Full Instructions
Before the RT Connect can be used it must be registered to an RT Cloud account. For details on how to do that see here.
The RT CONNECT must also be configured to get corrections from either an NTRIP service or a base station, this is set on the RT Cloud server in the accounts page:
Note 1: It is important that a 4G LTE antenna is connected to the RT CONNECT whenever the unit is powered on. If this is not done, then the 4G LTE module may increase the power draw in an attempt to compensate, resulting in excess current consumption from the power supply, and reduced GNSS performance due to increased interference.
Note 2: When receiving internet corrections over 4G LTE, the RT CONNECT will automatically retransmit them from RS232 port 2 at 38400 baud. This allows them to be forwarded on to one or more additional RT CONNECT receivers using either serial cable or radio modems, and thus potentially allows multiple units to receive corrections from a single NTRIP source.
It is necessary to insert a data-capable SIM card (Micro SIM size) into the labelled SIM slot on the rear of the RT CONNECT. In most cases, no explicit configuration of the SIM card settings is required; the data SIM will simply connect automatically through it’s built in settings. If it is necessary to configure the RT CONNECT to match your SIM providers settings then please refer to this link.
Following these steps, the attached SPEEDBOX should achieve integer RTK differential lock (full accuracy) as long as adequate 4G LTE reception is available, and the antenna on the SPEEDBOX has a clear view of the sky and is using the supplied dual frequency GPS+GLONASS antenna. To verify correct operation, check the data on LCD screen 1 to ensure that the 4G LTE is getting to step 15-15, and the correction age should be no more than a few seconds. The output from the SPEEDBOX will need to be checked on Live Monitor or a display to confirm GPS mode.
Typically, once differential lock has been attained, the SPEEDBOX will retain differential operation as long as GSM dropouts do not exceed more than approximately 30s in duration.