4G NTRIP Client hookup guide for simpleRTK2B GNSS board

4G NTRIP Client Hookup Guide

Getting started

If you recevied 4G NTRIP as part of a simpleSSR kit, you don’t need this tutorial, use the simpleSSR hookup guide.

Hardware overview:

The 4G NTRIP Client is the easiest way to connect your simpleRTK2B board to your preferred NTRIP service. Just plug a SIM card, configure your NTRIP credentials and SIM Card parameters, and let the module do the rest! In this guide we will explain you everything you need to know about this accessory.

The module has the following connections:

XBee socket. This module is only compatible with High Power (HP) XBee Sockets.
2x uFL (also called IPEX) connectors for the radio communication. It is recommended to use both antennas for best performance.
microSIM holder, like your mobile phone.
Status LED:
- OFF: device OFF or in firmware upgrade mode
- ON: boot
- Fast blink (5 blinks/second): all good! device in run mode
- Slow blink (1 blink/second): device in command mode

Variants:

Due to local regulations we had to design 2 variants:

Europe: for Europe, but also Middle East & Asia, compatible with:
- 4G Bands (MHz): B1(2100), B3(1800), B7(2600), B8(900), B20(800)
- 3G Bands (MHz): B2(2100), B8(900)
- 2G Bands (MHz): B3(1800),B8(900)
North America: For USA* & Canada, compatible with 4G and 3G networks.
- 4G Bands (MHz): B2(1900), B4(1700), B5(850), B12/B13 (700)
- 3G Bands (MHz): B2(1900), B5(850)

*Only compatible with AT&T, T-Mobile and virtual operators working on these networks. Not compatible with Verizon SIM cards.

The variants might be compatible with other countries, but there’s no easy way to generalize a name for it. If this is your case, please contact us and we will check if one of the variants is compatible with your country.

Parameters file:

In order to configure the 4G NTRIP Client, you will have to create your own Parameters File.
Fill in the gaps and click on “Generate Parameters File”. Store this file as we will use it later. You can change the name of the file to keep in your PC different Parameters Files.

SIM PIN:

APN name

NTRIP Server name

Server port

NTRIP credentials

NTRIP mountpoint

Enable roaming? (yes=1, no=0)

Installing the 4G NTRIP Client:

The simpleRTK2B should be OFF. Always remove the power before connecting/disconnecting anything from a HP (High Power) XBee socket.

If you received the 4G NTRIP Client as part of a kit, it’s already installed:

Before connecting for the first time, it is important that you disable the ZED-F9P data output to the XBee socket.

If you own a simpleRTK2B V3 or UAV version, and your board it’s still with default configuration, just move the switch to XBEE-to-UART2. UART2 is disabled by default so this will do the job.

If you own a simpleRTK2B V1, you will need the adapter for second XBee socket with High Power.

Now plug the 4G NTRIP Client on the HP (High Power) XBee socket.

Now it’s time to connect the antennas:

It is important to connect the 2 antennas to get the expected results.

If you have the internal antennas, try to glue them to the inner side of your plastic box. Don’t glue them to metallic surfaces. For tests on your desk, they also hold themselves in the air, just try to place them as far away as possible from each other for best performance.

If you have external antennas, try to connect them in the most outdoor possible location.

Getting into Configuration Mode:

Download and install Telit AT Controller terminal: https://www.ardusimple.com/setup_tatc_3-4-11_xfp_4-0-5/

Now you can connect to the board using the POWER+XBEE USB connector next to the 4G NTRIP Client.

A new COM Port will be installed in your computer. Write down this COM Port number.

Open the software you just downloaded (Telit AT Controller Terminal):

Click on the “Settings Button”

Set the baudrate at 115’200bps and the COM port number that you wrote down before. You can leave the rest by default and click OK.

Now be prepared to click on the “Play” button.

Check the 4G NTRIP Client LED. Should be blinking fast. Press the RESET button. The LED will stay fixed. When it switches off, press the “Play” button a few times until the data is loaded.

Once this is done, you can now click on the AT Terminal button:

Your screen should look as follows:

(Optional) Performing a firmware upgrade

If you don’t want to perform firmware update, jump this section.

If you want to update the firmware, click on the “Download Appzone binary” button shown below:

Select the “m2mapz.bin” file from your computer.
When finished, answer “Yes” to “Do you want to launch the application on target?”

Loading your Parameters File

If you want to load the parameters file, to make things simpler, clear the screen with this button and click “Yes”:

Now you can press the XBEE RESET button again until you see the welcome text. At this point, you can click on the “Send File” button, and select your Parameters File.

The 4G NTRIP Client will acknowledge the sent file, the LED will now be blinking slow (1 time per second) and your screen should look as follows:

Your 4G NTRIP Client is now configured and ready to go! Just configure ZED-F9P UART connected to the XBee socket at 115’200bps to receive RTCM and enable GGA output if your server requires it. (UBX-CFG-PRT and UBX-CFG-MSG).

Ready to go:

Just power your simpleRTK2B board, wait a few seconds, and when the LED starts blinking fast it means the 4G NTRIP Client it’s trying to do it’s job.
Check the UBX-MON-MSGPP in your zed-f9p to confirm that the RTCM messages are coming in.
If you are a curious user, you might want to stay connected via POWER+XBEE connector, the 4G NTRIP Client will output some status messages on this port if there is any problem.

4G NTRIP Client firmware

Last version:

FW V1.53-20200925

Older versions:

FW V1.52-20200915
FW V1.51-20200727
FW V1.4-20200720
FW V1.3-20200702
FW V1.2-20200625
FW V1.1-20200607
FW V1.0-20200529

*** 4G NTRIP Client Changelog ***

2020-09-25 - FW V1.53-20200925
* Reconnection speed dramatically improved after restart or connection loss
* Pins with leading zeros are properly printed during startup

2020-09-15 - FW V1.52-20200915
* Faster recovery after caster stops sending corrections

2020-07-27 - FW V1.51-20200727
* Improved usability for Enterprise SIMs

2020-07-20 - FW V1.4-20200720
* Compatibility with Enterprise SIMs

2020-07-02 - FW V1.3-20200702
* Stability fixes

2020-06-25 - FW V1.2-20200625
* Improved security

2020-06-07 - FW V1.1-20200607
* SIM pin fix
* SAPOS caster fix
* NTRIP credentials multi-line fix

2020-05-29 - FW V1.0-20200529
* First release