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| This post is for those that have expressed interest in understanding our software and how it connects to the CORS networks to stream RTK correction signal for autosteer.
History
We started 5 years ago with a single CORS base station at the Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, AL. North Alabama is an area where the 900 or 450 MHz radio option is out of the question. The area did have good cell phone coverage. The cell modem was being used/tested by the DOT. After initial testing, the first commercial system was delivered in the fall of 2005. However, the modem needed a laptop to establish a connection to the CORS. This system was clunky and too many wires were required in the cab. Every other option was tested and we drew the conclusion that a cell phone based system was preferred for its functionality.
This week we are releasing ITC v2.0 which has new features to connect to the CORS network. In addition, it supports InTime Base Server, which allows retrieval of correction signals over a cell phone connection from a user’s base station.
CORS
The CORS network was originally designed for static measurements. Surveyors, DOT, power companies, etc. use it for their projects. It was not designed for dynamic measurements as is the case with autosteer. Because of this, there are some issues that have not been researched and/or documented. Therefore, it is our opinion, that it is better to avoid these situations. For example:
In general the CORS network will reset the user’s sign-on location approximately every 3.1 miles to supply the correction signal for the new location. This can mean that the correction signal is being reset in the middle of a field. Our experience has been that this can cause problems prompting us to provide an option to prevent this from happening in the first place.
InTime Connection
The program has been designed to optimize the use with all current CORS networks. In addition, it can adapt to a wide variety of users from the computer literate to the novice.
Key features:
- streams RTK correction signal from CORS networks and base stations
- logs positional data for elevation mapping
- customizable user interface
- three password protected user levels
- permanent setup for virtually unlimited number of CORS networks and base stations
- connects to InTime Base Server for user’s own correction signal
- nearest base station calculation
- preset links for webbrowsing while streaming or logging
- online remote support for all program settings
- online program updates
Currently, ITC v2.0 is the most user-friendly and versatile software to retrieve RTK data from a base station or a CORS network on the market.
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FYI: InTime Connection features.
