Key Features

No fixed base station

Correction messages from a network of permanent base stations (RTK network) are received using either Wi-Fi or a 4G cellular connection. RTK network solutions are particularly successful in regions with dense deployment of permanent base receivers, such as Europe.

Centimetre-level position accuracy

Depending on the range to the nearest reference station (< 40 km), position accuracies of within a centimeter can be achieved using Network RTK.

No range restrictions

Correction message calculation used by Network RTK overcome the range limitation of a single base station. This is an advantage if testing is conducted tens of kilometres away from the base station, over large changes in elevation or where topographical obstacles could get in the way.

How does it work?

The VBOX NTRIP Modem enables the roving VBOX unit to send its position to the stations within the network – just as it would to a single VBOX Base Station. The NTRIP service provider will then calculate the appropriate corrections for the VBOX’s location based on the data from nearby reference stations. This correction information is then returned to the VBOX in the same RTCM format as is used for a single fixed base station.

In order to use this type of correction you have to register and subscribe to a cellular data plan with your local NTRIP provider, such as Topnet in the UK and Germany, Swepos in Sweden or Unavco in the USA.

One of the main advantages of NTRIP is that it uses a network of RTK base stations, that are already in place, and therefore has no range restriction.

Correction messages received via the RTK network can be an advantage if testing is conducted tens of kilometres away from the base station, over large changes in elevation or where topographical obstacles could get in the way.

If RTK coverage is available, the VBOX NTRIP Modem allows for vehicle testing that requires high positional accuracy – such as when validating critical safety systems like AEB/ACC - to be conducted where a VBOX Base Station cannot be deployed.

What is Network RTK?

Network RTK utilises one or more Continuous Operating Reference Stations (CORS) to provide RTK data to a GNSS Rover, usually via mobile internet. The most common method of Network RTK involves a two-way communication link which allows the roving vehicle to send its position to a service provider that is monitoring satellite observations from several reference stations around a country.

What is NTRIP?

NTRIP, short for Networked Transport of RTCM via Internet Protocol, is a protocol for streaming differential GPS data over the Internet in accordance with specification published by RTCM. Most Network RTK systems are internet based and utilise this protocol. A constant internet connection is required to receive corrections, which can be done via a cellular modem, such as VBOX NTRIP, or a smart phone.

Technical Specifications

Environmental & Physical

Size (L x W x H): 142 x 81 x 27 mm
Weight: 234 g
Operating Temperature: 0 °C to 65 °C
Storage Temperature: -20 °C to 80 °C
Protection Rating: IP20

Power

Supply Voltage: 12 V DC (7 V to 30 V)
Protection: Over-voltage and reverse polarity protected
Power Consumption: < 5 W

Wireless Module Features

Frequency Bands: LTE-FDD: B1/B2/B3/B4/B5/B7/B8/B12/B13/B18/B19/B20/B25/B26/B28; LTE-TDD: B38/B39/B40/B41; WCDMA: B1/B2/B4/B5/B6/B8/B19; GSM: B2/B3/B5/B8

NTRIP Modem

The VBOX NTRIP Modem allows a VBOX 3i RTK to receive positional correction data via Network RTK, without having to use a VBOX Base Station.