Okay so I’m looking at a base Rover setup. I already own a simple 3B base station that I have set up to connect via hotspot on my phone to rtk to go.
What we’re now delving into is a simple to use base Rover setup for our customers. For the radio Lora or uhf set up is what we’re looking at. And you know if there’s a software that’s really simple to use for the base to Rover that allows a customer or user to set it up as a average or single use location versus a permanent location without having to manipulate Arduino. If there is a software please recommend and I will review that. The benefit of spending more money on a system like from benchmark is that they have that software for the user and I don’t have to get into Arduino style settings unless I want to. Much appreciated
As you know, the general concept of Base/Rover is fairly simple. However, the details can get complicated Quickly
I’m a consumer and will be glad to answer your questions from my perspective - but I need to ask for a little clarity first.
When you say “Software” are you referring to Software that will run on an external device to the GNSS such as the data collector (smartphone,etc) ? Or are you talking about the actual Firmware on the GNSS device?
Most new users to RTK, and many "pro-sumers " aren’t going to notice a major difference between the half dozen RTK chipsets that lead this market segment right now.
We all immediately notice the range in UX when interacting with FW or Software.
While it’s absolutely possible to package and sell a Base/Rover combo that’s ready to work out of the box…I’m not aware of that combo at the moment. This assumes an “inexpensive” context since we are on the SFE forum That would be a uni-tasker, and doesn’t follow the general concept to make a product that covers the most use-cases.
The good news is everything here is Open Source and you can modify the FW to do exactly what you want (and only what you want).
I can tell you this: Don’t assume your customers can throw up a Base and perform a 1-2 minute survey-in procedure and be happy with the RTK results…regardless of what you read on the internet. There are some situations where that works out OK, but a whole lot of knowledge and understanding is required to hit a homerun every time beyond opening a box.
With that said - SparkFun RTK devices are working in Base/Rover pairs all over the World, everyday. But I suspect there was a learning curve for each one
I think it’s fair to say this: The more specific the particular application is will determine just how simple the FW and workflow can be for your customers.
Thanks for your doing this to help. Maybe I can clarify a few things.
In the past I’ve used a basin Rover UHF setup with no internet from a company called North surveying. My old company had them set up the firmware / software for the base so that the user could use the single button on the base to go through menu options. On the options was the ability to create a new location that would then be saved on the memory of the base station. I could then set up the base station with a tripod and prism Pole exactly where had done so before and then go to another setting called Auto select locations. The computer on the base station would search through with memory and understand that it was at the original location and then would start broadcasting rtk corrections as it had the hardware on the system for corrections. I could also on the base station firmware/software select single use location. As soon as the meter or so accuracy was gotten from a minimum of eight satellites it would set up corrections. I could then repeat the travel of the Rover on that setting as long as the base was not turned off. Just like a normal base / Rover setup.
I know I can turn on my spark fun simple 3B Wi-Fi setup and do the same single location by broadcasting through rtk to go for corrections. However I’d like to get the internet out of the equation to make a simple one solution for everyone that would purchase our equipment. I do know how to use Arduino to set up survey in and then after 24 hours or so take that as my location for a permanent setup. However I like the simplicity of the North surveying set up since I don’t have to have my users get into a more complicated setup. That has to do with time and the technical level of the end user. I spoke with a company earlier that has a pretty simple setup with their base and rover but the cost is in the thousands. I’m not trying to be cheap just trying to keep the overall cost of the equipment down.
So I’m wondering if all the different type of rtk / GPS / gnss software that is available to put on a tablet or a phone whether one of these is very simple to use in a manner similar to the north surveying hardware. Please let me know if that’s easier to understand thank you
Ah, thanks for the details. Very good explanation.
I think this could be a realistic Feature Request for the RTK firmware in the future.
I don’t have any “insider” knowledge on upcoming products, but this Base History Request would require an OLED screen such as the Facet form factor, or using a UI.
Please correct me, or add to this summary:
A quick way to command a Survey-In with presets in the field, and update variables such as Rod Height.
A history of previous Base Positions OR automatically choose the closest one if it’s within some threshold (say a few meters?). The FW would find the inverse distance between the saved position and current GGA for validation. Confirm Rod Height and start transmitting observation data to any Rover listening on the radio with a couple button clicks.
Note: when I say Rod Height, that’s technically the Height of Instrument + the antenna offset.
The GitHub Repo would be the proper place for the Feature Request, but you might gain some traction here on the forum first.
That’s reasonable for a finished product with weather resistant enclosures.
A DIY Bare Bones BOM will be $500/device without considering time, labor, headaches, gremlins, etc. But naturally, that’s just a personal opinion.
I don’t have a vote, but I do like your feature request for the Base History
I know a few folks were taking a stab at something simple like a UI for Serial, but I don’t know how those turned out.
