What is the most hands-off RS2+ Base station setup? LoRa or NTRIP | And whats up with knwon points

Reach RS2 / RS2+ Getting started
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Hi all. This year we would like to start using or own base for corrections instead of NTRIP but some things aren’t clear for me

Background
We are collecting images in fields from the ground to be paired with drone data. So these images need precise geotags.
Last year I jerry-rigged an M2 to a cap and connected it to the camera wit the hot shoe. Correction was done via NTRIP. It did its job but getting the CORS data from the NTRIP provider was a bit of a hassle.

Planned setup
This year we are expanding this system to 2 mounted camera’s. Each camera will get its own M2 connected with the hot-shoe.

This year we wil also be working in an area not covered by our NTRIP. So we would get new NTRIP accounts. However, for the yearly price of 3 accounts we can buy an RS2+. So we will most likely buy an RS2+.

Needed Advice
I have never worked with a base and wanted some things cleared up I gathered from the docs.

The base needs a known point to function properly. But how do I find these known points? And are they abundant in fields or can I create my own known points.

Most of the data will be collected within 20km of one of our partners offices. The RS2+ boasts a range of 60km, is that NTRIP or LoRa.
We aren’t entirely sure of the trade-ofs between installing the RS2 on the roof or taking it with us in the field.
In the future the amount of connected M2’s might increase so it might be smart to have one central base for corrections.

What is the setup process to get a fix on the M2 with the 2 possible approaches.
Does LoRa connect as soon as it is within view? Or do you have to use the app every time you power it on.
Does the M2 connect automatically to available networks for NTRIP?

Our goal is to end up with a prototype that will automatically connect to the base once powered on.

So, what do you think would be our best approach here?
Looking forward to your opinions.

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Lora is always broadcasting and or receiving if you are connected to the receiver or not

Emlids ntrip caster is free

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Both have pros and cons. Mainly the cons would be CORS proximity and data connectivity for NTRIP and ground interference and obstacles for LoRa… and security of the base.

Regarding known points, they need to be relative to your survey so just because there is a point out in the field that some person has coordinates for doesn’t necessarily mean that it will work with what you are doing. Even if it is from someone related to the project. Localizations from different brands and even different period of time can change your relative positioning.

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Best approach is to contact the state geodetic agency in your country. They can guide you to the right place.

You can, but you will need to get good at post processing GNSS data, and have access to a base station with known coordinates.

That is a theoretical distance between the base and the rover. For centimeter-repeatable, single baseline connections, you shouldn’t go above 10 km.

Convenience versus precision :wink:

If the frequencies and setup match, then it’ll just start receiving. The same goes for NTRIP. The rover will persist the last configuration.

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