¶ Detailed setup - Fixed base
Detailed instructions vary slightly between mobile base and permanent base setup.
This page is mainly focused on fixed base installation and setup.
¶ Summary
- Install antenna
- Install base enclosure
- Complete physical setup
- Complete software setup
¶ 1. Install antenna
Please contact Discovery Management if you have questions or require additional guidance.
Antenna must be mounted such that it:
- is unable to move, even in heavy winds,
- has a clear, unobstructed view of the sky in all directions,
- is 3 feet or more above any other structures within 25 feet,
- is clear of any electromagnetic interference (EMI),
- is clear of any harmonic noise or vibration sources such as HVAC systems,
- is reasonably plumb, and
- the arrow on the bottom of the antenna is oriented north.
¶ Antenna mounting options
These mounting options are just recommendations based on previous installations. Every site is different and there are other ways that the antenna can be mounted.
¶ Standard mounting
Secure antenna pole to the outside wall of the building. Attachment methods vary, but it is common to bolt unistrut to the building wall and attach the antenna pole to said unistrut.
Example photos (click to expand)
¶ Flat roof additional options
- non-penetrable antenna mounts work well, no bolts are needed to be driven into the wall or floor
Example photo (click to expand)
¶ Peaked roof
- Similar to standard mounting procedures
- U-bolts can be used to secure antenna pole to building wall
- Antenna must be 3 feet above roof peak
¶ 2. Install FastRTK base station enclosure
The FastRTK enclosure must be mounted such that it:
- is near power outlet
- is within 100' of the antenna, and cable can be routed from antenna to base box
- is safe from vandalism
- has high speed internet available, preferably cell service for SIM card base configuration
- can be indoors or outdoors
Note: standard stock antenna cables are up to 100 ft long. Longer cables can be custom ordered.
¶ 3. Complete physical setup
¶ 3a. Connect antenna(s)
- Connect GNSS antenna
- Connect radio whip antenna if your base has UHF radio
¶ 3b. Power on the base
Powering on the base before connecting the antenna will lead to strange behavior.
- Automatically powers on when plugged in.
- Confirm the base is operational by checking the FastRTK Wifi network is available.
¶ 3c. Provide the following information to Discovery Management:
Take note of:
- Install date
- Install location (address or approx lat/long)
- Installed by
- On-site contact
- Power source notes (ex. GFCI, back-up power available, etc)
- Anything still pending at the time of installation
Take photos of:
- Installed antenna and surrounding area (camera pointing approx. North, East, South, and West)
- Exterior of installed base enclosure and surrounding area
- Interior of installed base enclosure
- Power source
- If LAN configuration: ISP modem/router (photos of top, bottom, and sides)
¶ 4. Complete software setup
If Discovery Management Group is managing your bases, we will complete software setup.
Summary:
- Connect to base via Wifi or external IP
- Determine base coordinates
- Input coordinates to FastRTK software