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How to configure a Leica GNSS sensor (GS18) to stream corrections to a drone

The functionality of a NTRIP Caster on GS sensor provides significant advantages across a wide range of workflows and system configurations. In this article, however, we will focus on the primary use case of a GS18 Base operating as an NTRIP Caster to deliver RTK corrections to a DJI Matrice 4E drone over a WLAN connection.

 

The following is a quick-guide that outlines the steps in setting up a GS18 or GS05 Base  to send base correction RTK information to a drone via WLAN:

 

Configuring a GS sensor as an Ntrip Caster to stream RTK corrections to a Drone via WLAN 

 

UPDATE: With the release of Captivate V10.00, the complete base setup process on the GS sensor can now be performed entirely within Leica Captivate (Steps 1–4 in the guide). For example, the NTRIP Caster can now be configured directly in Captivate while operating in Base mode..

 

The GS05 LTE/UHF variants can now be configured as an NTRIP Caster, enabling RTK corrections to be streamed directly to a drone via WLAN.

Previously, only GS18 variants could be used as RTK base stations for drone operations. With the release of Leica Captivate v10.00, the GS05 now also supports this functionality.

 

Video for: Ntrip Caster Config in Captivate 

 

Considerations: 

For Leica GS18
For Leica GS05

The option can still be done to set up the NTRIP caster can directly in Leica Webserver with the drone controller.  Ensure the GS18 is operating in Base mode.  hence no need to use Leica Captivate running on any controller.

Alternatively, the NTRIP Caster can be set up directly through the web server using the drone controller, eliminating the need to run Leica Captivate on a separate controller.

The base station must be configured in Leica Captivate Base mode, as demonstrated at the end of the referenced video.
Working Range

Since there is no internet connection between the devices, the NTRIP Client (typically the drone controller) must remain within the GS WLAN coverage area to maintain the correction link. In most cases, this does not present an issue, as the drone operator generally stays within the effective WLAN range during operation