I know how to use the serial connection to confirm my Point Perfect correction license and days remaining via the setup menus
Is there a GNSS message or NMEA messages setting that would output confirmation it’s continuing to get the correction data while using the RTK Torch?
My AT&T signal is weak and there is a good chance that my Torch is getting it’s license ok but as I move around the property my cell connection is failing me and the Torch isn’t getting the correction data. I’m trying to troubleshoot why in one place in the woods I get RTK Fix and 10-50ft in same density woods I do not
I am already experimenting with satellites elevation settings and dB signal strength settings. Any and all suggestions for working in challenging signal areas welcome. I’m in woods and steep hills of east Tennessee
Mostly a Yes - a “4” in the GGA sentence indicates a “RTK fixed” position fix.
But Basically, if you have a valid (not too old) Correction, you will usually see RTK Float.
If the Rover is able to solve for the valid solution, you enter RTK Fixed.
You can also turn ON several Serial.Print status messages in the RTK Everywhere Firmware, and one of those is the RTK correction “State” and Source.
One thing we do is to move around until you get a RTK Fix. You have ~30 seconds to run in and stake or store a point that’s in a bad spot. You’ve left the “survey-grade” context, but sometimes a “not so great” position is better than none at all. You can repeat that process a few times in a bad spot to gain a “little” confidence in your answer.
Don’t be afraid to set offset points. Use a tape to triangulate to the stake-out position.
The birds are flying around the Earth at 7,000 mph…so things change. Try a spot again later, since the satellite geometry is constantly changing.
Dont assume the elevations will be anywhere close to accurate in the woods.
When I am at the farm, it would bounce from RTK Float, to DPGS, occasionally RTK Fix from Float mode. Since it was bouncing to DPGS I was wondering if while my iPhone was showing HOT SPOT had connection (e.g. Torch is connected to iPhone with green CHAIN LINK symbol) that perhaps my connection from iPhone to AT&T was occasionally failing therefore losing a good Point Perfect correction.
I will do some OFFSET Points, as I have used this in the past with just a compass when there were barriers to line of sight for finding some of the property pins prior to my RTK Torch purchase.
My Android Tablet arrived, and I am practicing on my 155ft Test bed outside the house (where I consistently get RTK Fix due to much less trees…) I will let Android Tablet and Torch connect to iPhone HOT SPOT, but will also connect USB cable to Torch and Tablet so I can see any status messages. Interestingly, I am seeing the RTK Torch drop WiFi connections this afternoon from both my iPhone or my home Wi-Fi and could not get RTK Fix, until I realized the Torch wasn’t connected(dropping) to Wifi for some reason… Power off REBOOT fixed it
Some more interesting troubleshooting to come… but for now eastern Tennessee thunderstorms again, so testing halted…
Clarifying…
Those two status messages would be what SW Maps is reporting in GNSS Status - as
Fix Type: RTK Float, DGPS, RTK Fix, Single, 3D Fix
Age of Differential: (some number of seconds)
Reference Station ID: (1 is Point Perfect I believe)
No, You can also have the Torch send status messages over Serial for you to view, using Serial or a Bluetooth Serial terminal. I don’t have a torch with me or I’d show ya real quick.
But you can basically get that info from watching SW Maps, as you mentioned.
Ok thanks – It’s pouring rain, so testing indoors which I know is a complete failure mode in itself… but I don’t like rain and lightning … anyways even indoors with torch on my house Wi-Fi, with PING going from my PC to torch, it doesn’t seem to disconnect from the network, however while monitoring via SW MAPS,
I am seeing status changes that are… troublesome
Age of Differential go to :N/A
Reference Station ID: N/A
Fix Type: Single
Then it recovers Fix Type goes to DPGS or RTK Float.
Station ID : 1
then fail again… I know all indoor tests are invalid, but now with Android tablet I will be able to monitor the situation better.
It’s nice with the Android tablet, 10in screen with SW Maps, I can see my map and position, plus watch GNSS Status …
By monitoring in SW MAPS
Station ID:1 is RTK Float and/or RTK Fix
Station ID: 001 is when it’s in DGPS and assuming Point Perfect Corrections are still coming in