Base Mode

RoboDot starts up in base mode by default. It will automatically search for and set an estimated base position if "auto survey" is enabled in the settings page.

Setting a base point - Absolute Positioning

Absolute positioning uses a reference point or base station to accurately determine RoboDot's location before starting tasks. This ensures precision by comparing its position with known coordinates, improving the accuracy and efficiency of operations requiring high precision.

1. Manual Entry:
   • Enter coordinates in Status Page, Set Position Field
   • Format: DD.dddd or DD MM SS using
     • Use negative for south or west longitude
     • To convert from state plane to degrees, use NOAA's NCAT tool.
   • Enter pole height
     • Distance from the ground to the bottom or RoboDot
   • Select "Set as Entered"
2. With a VRS Solution:

Automatic Method

https://youtu.be/Laq7GVW0X1w

- Configure hotspot and VRS credentials
- Enable: Connect on Boot (Wi-Fi)
- Enable: Auto Connect (VRS)
- Enable: Auto Survey
- Restart device with 
    - Have a Wi-Fi Hotspot active

Manual Method

- Place RoboDot

Via Web UI
-     Connect to Wi-Fi and VRS in the Web UI Settings
-     Verify Fixed solution status
-     Use Position > Average from GPS
Via Screen UI
-     In the GNSS Screen press Survey

- Device disconnects from VRS when complete

Setting a base point- Relative Positioning

1. Manual
   1. Click "Average from GPS" in Status Page, Set Position Field
   2. Position quality depends on the fix quality at hand
2. Automatic
   1. Enable "Auto Survey" in Web UI Settings

Releasing

If the base has moved, or to enable a new base position after the base has been surveyed in, use the Set Position form on the Web UI status page select "Release Position".

Alternatively press "Release" in the GNSS touch screen.

Sending corrections

RoboDot can send RTCM3 corrections to rovers in these ways:

1. Over the WIFI network NTRIP caster
2. Over Lora radio if installed and enabled in the settings page
3. Over the USB to serial port.

RTCM message format — MSM4 / MSM7

By default the base transmits MSM4 observation messages, which every mainstream rover accepts and which keep radio and network bandwidth low. Rovers or workflows that call for full-resolution observables can switch the base to MSM7 under Settings → Advanced → RTCM Messages.

• MSM7 messages are roughly 1.6× the size of MSM4 — relevant on LoRa links and slow hotspots.
• The local caster's mount point name follows the selection (RTCM3_MSM4 or RTCM3_MSM7), so connected rovers can see at a glance what is being served.

Using and Saving Known Points

RoboDot allows saving base points for reuse, reducing workload and potential errors during repeated operations at the same locations.

Saving Methods

1. Direct from Survey:
   • When base station is surveyed in
   • Click "Save For Later" in status page
2. Manual Entry:
   • Navigate to Positions page
   • Enter and save coordinates directly

Using Saved Positions

1. Place RoboDot at location
2. Navigate to Positions page
3. Select desired position by identifier
4. Enter pole height (distance from ground to RoboDot bottom)
5. Click "Set as Base Position"

NTRIP connections

When a Client/Rover/Drone connects to RoboDot for RTCM3 corrections.

Setup:

1. Connect the rover to the RoboDot's Wi-Fi or to the network that RoboDot is on.
2. Connect the rover to the NTRIP Caster with the following criteria:

• Host: As displayed on the RoboDot Touch screen.
• Port: 10000
• Mount Point: Arbitrary — the caster's source table advertises RTCM3_MSM4 or RTCM3_MSM7 matching the RTCM Messages setting
• User: Arbitrary
• Password: Arbitrary

RoboDot connects to internet server/caster (VRS)

Set up hotspot credentials in the settings page Set the RoboDot to automatically connect by selecting "Connect on bootup" Set the credentials to your VRS service Enable your hotspot and restart RoboDot or click connect now under hotspot

LoRa Radio

When operating as a base, if the LoRa radio is enabled, the RoboDot Touch will transmit correction data to any rovers or repeaters tuned to the same LoRa frequency. This feature facilitates real-time data exchange, ensuring that all receiving devices can benefit from the high-precision GNSS corrections provided by RoboDot.

Data Output

RoboDot Touch is designed to seamlessly integrate with various systems by automatically outputting RTCM3 data over the USB/Serial connection. This feature ensures that high-precision GNSS corrections can be efficiently transmitted to connected devices without additional configuration.