PointPerfect RTCM Distribution

Overview

Introduction

The u-blox PointPerfect service offers GNSS correction data services that enable high-precision positioning. This data is provided in either SPARTN or RTCM data formats.  

This document describes only how to receive PointPerfect corrections in an RTCM data format using the NTRIP protocol. More information about SPARTN data via NTRIP or other delivery options can be found in the PointPerfect Service Description page or the PointPerfect Getting Started guide. 

We also provide a SPARTN/NTRIP corrections service, information about this service is available on the following page: PointPerfect NTRIP Distribution

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Do's & Don'ts: Best Practices and Common Pitfalls 

Do's: 

• Send GGA messages every 10 seconds: The NTRIP server needs a current GGA message from the rover to ensure correct localized corrections. Most NTRIP Clients are set to send GGA every 10 seconds. (The NTRIP server disconnects if no GGA is sent within 30 seconds.) 

• Verify your NTRIP credentials: Double-check that your endpoint, mount point, and credentials (username, password) match with what is within your Thingstream portal. 

• Keep your NTRIP Client up to date: Outdated NTRIP Clients can face connection issues with the NTRIP Server. 

Don'ts: 

• Don’t use SPARTN for 3rd party receivers: Only u-blox receivers, such as the F9 or X20 series, can benefit from SPARTN over NTRIP. Third-party receivers are not compatible with the SPARTN format and will need to use RTCM over NTRIP distribution. 

• Don’t send inaccurate GGA messages: Some NTRIP Clients send fixed or “baked” GGA messages that don’t reflect the rover’s real-time position. This can lead to DGNSS or Float problems. Always ensure GGA messages reflect the rover’s current location. 

• Don't share NTRIP credentials: Sharing your login credentials may lead to unauthorized access, disruptions in service, or potential account suspension. 

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Configuration

Each Thingstream PointPerfect device (‘Thing’) is provided with unique username and password credentials for the RTCM/NTRIP service.  These credentials are exclusive to one simultaneous NTRIP client connection.  If a second device attempts to connect using the same credentials, the first device will be disconnected.

Our NTRIP service requires a valid NMEA-GGA (GxGGA) message to be sent regularly to the caster in order to maintain connectivity. If no valid NMEA message is sent within 30 seconds, the connection will be dropped. To prevent a hard disconnect at the 30-second interval, we recommend sending this NMEA-GGA message every 10 seconds.  A valid NMEA-GGA message must be within the expected time/location range, contain at least 4 satellites, must be presented in the right format, and the checksum must pass.

Early adopters will be given unique credentials for each device (or Thing) on their domain that has selected a PointPerfect RTCM plan. 

These credentials are exclusive to one simultaneous NTRIP client connection.  If a second device attempts to connect using the same credentials, the first device will be disconnected.

NTRIP Client Connection Parameters

The service can be accessed with the following configuration:

• NTRIP mountpoint:  NEAR-RTCM <update source table if not seen>

• Username and Password:  <both from your PointPerfect Thing credentials>

  • NOTE: If your NTRIP client does not accept the length of the username, please send a request specifying the username length required and we will update your domain.  New devices created after this adjustment will apply your new username length.  Simply deactivate any Thing that you will not use to stop any billings from it.  

• EndPoint Address: 

  • this address is region specific

• Port: two options available

  • 2101 (without TLS encryption)

  • 2102 (with TLS encryption – not currently supported in u-center)