# Quick Start

Get from signup to **RTK FIX** in four steps. Total time: about 5 minutes.

***

## Step 1: Create Your Account

Sign up at [rtkdata.com](https://rtkdata.com/try-rtk-corrections-free-for-30-days/). Every new account includes a **free 30-day trial** with full access to the correction service. No credit card required, and the trial ends automatically -- no surprise charges.

## Step 2: Get Your NTRIP Credentials

1. Log in at [rtkdata.com/my-account](https://rtkdata.com/my-account/).
2. Go to the **RTK Credentials** tab.
3. Copy your **Username** (starts with `rtk`) and **Password**.

> **Important:** These are separate from your website login. Your email and website password will **not** work in your GNSS device. See [Account & Credentials](https://docs.rtkdata.com/get-started/account-and-credentials) for details.

## Step 3: Enter Connection Settings

Open the NTRIP settings on your receiver, drone, or field app, and enter these values:

| Setting        | Value                                                                                         |
| -------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Host**       | `eu.rtkdata.com` (Europe) / `rtk.rtkdata.com` (North America) / `aus.rtkdata.com` (Australia) |
| **Port**       | `2101`                                                                                        |
| **Mountpoint** | `AUTO` (ALL CAPS, case-sensitive)                                                             |
| **Username**   | Your NTRIP username from the dashboard                                                        |
| **Password**   | Your NTRIP password from the dashboard                                                        |

Also make sure **Send NMEA GGA** (or "Send receiver position") is turned **ON**. Without this, the caster cannot determine your location and will not send corrections.

> Need step-by-step instructions for a specific device? See our [device-specific guides](https://docs.rtkdata.com/integration-hub/ntrip-clients-and-field-software) for Emlid, DJI, u-blox, Septentrio, SW Maps, and more.

## Step 4: Go Outside and Verify

Take your device outdoors to a location with clear sky visibility. Wait for the status to progress through these stages:

1. **SINGLE** -- the receiver is tracking satellites but has no corrections yet.
2. **FLOAT** -- corrections are arriving and the receiver is converging.
3. **FIX** -- centimeter-level accuracy achieved.

Convergence typically takes **5 to 20 seconds** under open sky. If FIX does not appear within 90 seconds, see the checklist below.

***

## If You Are Stuck on FLOAT

1. Verify your mountpoint is `AUTO` in ALL CAPS.
2. Confirm GGA output is enabled (send NMEA position to the caster).
3. Check your internet connection -- 4G/LTE is recommended over 3G.
4. Move away from tall buildings, trees, or metal structures.
5. Disconnect and reconnect the NTRIP client.
6. Confirm you are within [coverage](https://rtkdata.com/coverage/) of a reference station.

For persistent issues, see [Troubleshooting & FAQ](https://docs.rtkdata.com/support/troubleshooting-and-faq).

***

## Key Notes

* **Heights** are delivered as **ellipsoidal** values (not orthometric / mean sea level). Apply a geoid model in your GIS software or rover if you need elevation above sea level. See [Understanding Heights](https://docs.rtkdata.com/get-started/understanding-heights).
* **One connection at a time** per data stream. Running two devices on the same credentials simultaneously will cause disconnects. Add a second data stream from your account dashboard if needed.
* **Regional server choice** matters: pick the server closest to your work area. See [Network & Mountpoints](https://docs.rtkdata.com/get-started/network) for full details.