I’ve gone to Emlid, Pix4D and Rock Robotics (GEODNET base) and no one can give me a straight answer of the problem we are experiencing with getting NTRIP validation in Catch. I had an error message originally and Rock did some work on their end for porting and mountpoints, but Pix4D has done absolutely nothing besides Tier 1 support. After Rock’s work it looks like it is trying but eventually times out. They say they sent it to Engineering but even after having Rock Robotic engage them directly with the messages they received from exactly when I was trying to authenticate but they just flat out don’t respond. It was mentioned that Catch was “having problems with some corrections source” but I never got any definitive detail. Is anyone else in a similar situation? Anyone else using the RX with Catch successfully? If so what RTK network are you using? I’m going to end up blowing through two trials with nothing to show for it.
I think Pix4D has the “take it or leave it” attitude. I reached out to them asking why Catch is available on android but can’t utilize the RX. They replied, but only affirmed that the RX is only available on the ios version of Catch. But, no explanation why, nor why they offer the android app if it isn’t compatible. They went silent when I asked them to explain.
Let’s hope someone else comes out with an RTK / photogrammetry capture app with realistic pricing.
I don’t know anything about this, but just an idea… can you use Mock Location on the Android via the Android settings, Lefebure or GNSS Master? Again just an idea.
It’s only on iOS.
What the app does is look at the gps clock and position, which is also done by Lefebure. But the app writes that info to the image exif. Just like on a drone. So the images can be used by Metashape, or other photogrammetry engines. It can’t be that difficult. But being rather specific, and new technology, there just are not many developers looking at it.
I bet Emlid is thinking about it though! 
Hi @michaelL,
Since the issue you’re experiencing involves third-party software, our ability to directly address it is somewhat limited. However, we still want to do everything we can to help you with this case.
To help us understand what is happening, we kindly ask you to take a few steps:
- Share a Screenshot of the Error Message: This will give us a clearer picture of what the software is doing.
- Provide Your NTRIP Configuration Details: Knowing how your NTRIP is set up will allow us to identify any potential issues with the configuration.
- Try a Different NTRIP Service: If you have access to another NTRIP service, switching to it could help determine whether the issue is service-related.
- Consider using the Emlid Caster: If you’re working with two reach devices to send and receive the corrections, we recommend the Emlid Caster as an alternative.
Thanks Victor. I have already been through the support gauntlet with Pix4D, Rock Robotic and Emlid together. Kornel was the last person I corresponded with from Emlid. I have tried two different mountpoints from GEODNET and the Emlid Caster. They all do the same thing. At least we’ve gone from an error to it trying and just timing out.
This is the original error.
Now it times out and disconnects from the RX.
Thanks for bringing this to our attention. This issue doesn’t seem to be a typical case, so we’re going to investigate it further. We’ll be reaching out to Pix4D directly to get more information and will keep you updated on their response.
Thanks for your patience, and I’ll make sure to keep you informed as soon as we have more details.
I use a Emlid RS2+ as a rover with a GEODNET RTK correction subscription and it works great.
Same. If I am in a data sweet spot I might even operate the drone off of it. This problem is isolated to the RX with the Pix4DCatch solution.
This doesn’t solve your iOS “problem,” but we have had very good luck using Dot3d’s app to scan smaller sites. We have even had decent luck scanning large to medium sites if enough control points are used. If they allow any nmea gnss receiver to be used, we have high hopes for what we can accomplish with them and their RTK kit.
I would highly recommend Emlid contact them as an RX with this setup would be slick.
I would, personally, prefer it also work with an RS2/3, but I like a base I can control.
I am not an Apple guy, but I considered the phone a survey equipment purchase. We use it to document sites and to scan maintenance hole structures. We have an iPhone 14 Pro in a Mous “clip” case that we use their bike mount on an old survey rod to scan sanitary structures for documentation and checks on the invert measurements.
The price is fairly reasonable. We use the iOS and Edit versions. Carlson thinks the software is good enough that they repackage a version of it as their own.
We do not, currently, use Dot3d for the structure scans, but may do so going forward as the Edit software allows geo-referenced .RCS files to be created without using Autodesk’s Recap. Our building scans drop right into Civil3d as long as we measure enough Apriltags. We typically do so with an RTS or GNSS setup. Our civil department likes the idea of creating as-builts by just drawing pipe networks to the scans.
Obviously you may be connecting via cellular and ultimately will need too, but what if you remove that from the equation for testing, and connect via local wifi just to see if it authenticates? Via ROCK and/or Emlid Caster. Wondering if it is a security authentication issue? But then again… wonder if this new RX Apple certification has anything to do with it??? Are you using older RX without or new recent one?
And yes, Catch should be made to work with Android & RX, not just iOS. Really limiting it’s audience $$$. Wondering if it is because Catch leverages the built in LiDAR of the iPhone (for even better results) or if it isn’t required. I.e. iphones without LiDAR?
Catch uses LiDAR to capture the depth information of the surroundings during the image acquisition.
I’m using a beta RX so that could be part of it and maybe it is causing an authentication issue if that is the case. I’m at a loss until Pix4D chooses to step up. I’m reminded of why I don’t use them.
Thanks, did not know that iPhone LiDAR was a requirement then. Thought it was strictly realtime photogrammetry only for some reason. So yes, Android out of the question then… i had a old Note 10+ which had LiDAR, but knew nothing would ever come about it like the iPhones did. I hate everything about Apple, but the LiDAR is something i wish Android smartphones had more of. I pay for 3 other iPhone 15 Pro MAX in the household… and still havent played with the LiDAR. Go figure. 
Hi Michael,
We’ve discussed the error with Pix4D support, and it looks like they’ve found the root. Pix4DCatch sends a query to every NTRIP server to get the list of mount points from the source table. Even though it’s a valid query, many NTRIP servers don’t work with it, which causes this error.
They understand the issues it causes, so they are actively working on a solution now. As soon as we have any news, we’ll let you know!
Hi Tim,
I can only confirm what Michael said — most mobile device models can’t be used for this integration because of the strict requirements for LiDAR. It ensures speedy mapping and an accurate model.
That being said they do offer this note on their website but I don’t know exactly what that means or which devices are relevant.
“Any Android device with ARCore and Depth API capability, or any Android device with ARCore capability.”
Hopefully I can get one more extension on my trial once they have found the fix. I had a pretty solid feeling it was because there is no way to enter the mountpoint before authentication. I can understand that the GEODNET solutions may be different but I don’t understand why it does it with the caster on mine when it allegedly works for others.
According to their support, the note is meaningless as far as integration with the RX goes. I think they integrate their own receiver (ViDoc), but not Emlid. They obviously could integrate Catch with the RX for image tagging only (or a reference file) if they wanted to.
Leaving the door wide open for Emlid to step in !
Pix4D has informed us that they’ve released a new version that should resolve the issue. We tested it, and it now works with both NTRIP services and Emlid Caster. The recommendation from them is to update Pix4D Catch to version 2.1.5.