Hi,
CURRENT TESTING SETUP
I am currently using the Reach RS2+ as a permanent base station for multiple Reach M2 modules. The corrections from RS2+ are sent via long range L-Band SDRs to the M2 Modules.
Currently, I have setup the RS2+ to give base output via USB-C to a laptop. The laptop first reads the RTCM messages and then sends them to the network using the L-Band SDR (It is a IP module and has a RJ45 ethernet port. It acts like a normal wifi router and assigns DHCP Ip addresses to devices connected to its RJ45 port). This setup is working fine for testing purposes.
FINAL DEPLOYMENT SETUP
Now I want to deploy the RS2+ as a fixed base for up to 5-6+ years. I plan on using the external connector for powering and turning the RS2+ on/off.
Now I need a reliable and robust method to transfer the corrections from RS2+ to the L-Band SDR. Having a dedicated laptop/computer (like in my testing setup) is not feasible. I need some way to connect the RS2+ and my L-Band SDR.
I did some research and found two possible options:-
Option 1: Use a RS232 to ethernet adapter
I want to recieve base output via the RS232 protocol in the external bottom connector. There are several adapters which read RS232 messages and transmit them via ethernet. They can be configured to work on TCP/UDP. I have previously used them for another project and they work flawlessly.
My only concern is that does the external connector support charging/powering while simultaneously sending output corrections via RS232? As I would have to modify the cable provided by Emlid. I would be effectively merging the GND pin of the power supply and GND pin of the DB9 cable I am using for RS232 communication.
I would have tested it myself but unfortunately I do not have cable with me (I only have the RS2+ and M2 ) and the shipping to time to my location is very high. I am hoping to the feasibility before I invest the time to wait for the cable.
I would highly appreciate if someone from the community who has access to this cable and RS2+ could test and let me know.
Option 2: Use a USB-C to Ethernet adapter
I stumbled upon this thread Supported USB to Ethernet Adapters for M2 and RS2.
If I understand correctly I have to use a compatible USB-C to Ethernet adapter to connect with a wifi router. Then, the wifi router should automatically assign a DHCP IP address to the emlid device. Then I will be able to use the TCP Client or TCP Server base output of the RS2+ to recieve corrections over the network.
I found one cheap ethernet adapter using the Asix AX88772B chipset. I connected to the RS2+ using the adapter but for some reason I never get an actual IP address assigned to Emlid. I tested connecting via my Laptop, Wifi Router and the SDR (It acts like a typical wifi router while assigning DHCP address)
This is not an ideal solution for me as I do not trust the reliability of either the USB-C connection or the cheap USB-to-ethernet adapters to work for several years.