John Deere StarFire

Connect a John Deere StarFire receiver to RTKdata.com for centimeter-level RTK positioning. StarFire receivers do not have a built-in NTRIP client, so an external NTRIP modem (such as CloudBase RTK or similar) is required to deliver RTCM3 corrections to the receiver.

StarFire SF1 and SF2 accuracy levels do NOT support RTK. This guide applies only to StarFire SF6000, SF7000, and SF7500 receivers with the appropriate RTK license activated.

Key capabilities

Feature	Details
Compatible receivers	StarFire SF6000, SF7000, SF7500
RTK license	Mobile RTK (mRTK) activation required
SF6000 mRTK license	Annual subscription
SF7000 / SF7500 mRTK license	Included with RTK Permanent License
NTRIP client	External modem required (e.g., CloudBase RTK) — no built-in NTRIP client
Compatible displays	2630, 4240, 4640, Gen 4 CommandCenter
Correction format	RTCM 3.x via external modem
Not supported	SF1, SF2 accuracy levels

Requirements

• StarFire receiver: SF6000, SF7000, or SF7500 with Mobile RTK (mRTK) license activated

• External NTRIP modem: CloudBase RTK, Raven CR7, or similar NTRIP-capable modem with serial/CAN output

• John Deere display: 2630, 4240, 4640, or Gen 4 CommandCenter

• Cellular data connection on the NTRIP modem (built-in SIM or hotspot)

• RTKdata account: Active subscription with NTRIP credentials

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Step-by-step setup

1

Verify mRTK license activation

1. On your John Deere display, navigate to the StarFire receiver status page.

2. Confirm that Mobile RTK (mRTK) is listed as an active license/feature.

3. If mRTK is not active, contact your John Deere dealer to activate it on your receiver.

Without the mRTK license, the StarFire receiver will reject third-party RTCM3 corrections. This license enables the receiver to accept corrections from external sources like RTKdata.com.

2

Connect the external NTRIP modem

1. Connect the NTRIP modem (e.g., CloudBase RTK) to the StarFire receiver's correction input port (typically a serial or CAN connection).

2. Power on the modem and ensure it has cellular connectivity (check the modem's signal indicator).

3. Refer to your modem's documentation for the specific cable and port connections.

The NTRIP configuration is done on the modem's interface — not on the John Deere display directly. The modem receives RTCM3 corrections from RTKdata.com and forwards them to the StarFire receiver.

3

Enter RTKdata.com NTRIP settings on the modem

Open the modem's configuration interface (web browser, app, or on-screen menu, depending on the modem model). Enter the following NTRIP settings:

North America

• Host (domain): rtk.rtkdata.com

• Host (IP fallback): 13.56.117.10

• Port: 2101

• Username / Password: From RTK Credentials in the internal dashboard (not website login)

• Mountpoint (ALL CAPS): AUTO

Europe

Australia

Type AUTO manually in ALL CAPS. Do not browse the source table — simply type the mountpoint name directly.

4

Connect the modem and verify corrections

1. Save the settings on the modem and initiate the NTRIP connection.

2. The modem should show a connected/active status and begin receiving RTCM3 correction data.

3. Verify on the modem that data bytes are flowing (incoming RTCM corrections).

5

Verify RTK status on the John Deere display

1. On the John Deere display, navigate to the StarFire receiver status or GPS status page.

2. Monitor the accuracy level indicator:

Status	Meaning
SF1 / SF2	Standard accuracy. Corrections not being applied.
RTK Float	Correction data is being received and processed. Accuracy improving.
RTK Fixed	Centimeter-level accuracy achieved. Ready for precision operations.

1. Convergence from Float to Fixed typically takes 30–90 seconds with clear sky visibility.

If the display continues to show SF1 or SF2 accuracy even after the modem is connected and receiving data, verify that the mRTK license is activated on the receiver.

Vertical reference (heights)

Heights from RTKdata.com are ellipsoidal. For agriculture applications, this is typically sufficient since auto-steer guidance uses horizontal positioning. If you need terrain-relative heights for drainage or leveling, apply a local geoid model in your farm management software.

Troubleshooting

Problem	Cause	Fix
Display shows SF1/SF2 despite modem connected	mRTK license not activated	Contact your John Deere dealer to verify and activate the Mobile RTK (mRTK) license on your StarFire receiver.
Modem cannot connect to NTRIP	No cellular signal	Verify the modem's SIM card has an active data plan and adequate signal strength in the field.
Modem connects but no corrections flow	Wrong host or port	Double-check the host address for your region and confirm port is 2101.
Authentication failed on modem	Wrong credentials	Use the username and password from your RTKdata dashboard, not your website login. Credentials are case-sensitive.
Stuck on RTK Float	Poor sky visibility	Move to an open area away from tree lines, buildings, and power lines.
Stuck on RTK Float	Modem-to-receiver cable issue	Verify the serial/CAN cable between the modem and StarFire receiver is securely connected and the correct port is selected.
Corrections drop in the field	Weak cellular coverage	Use an external antenna on the modem for better reception in rural areas.
Mountpoint error	Wrong capitalization	Type AUTO in ALL CAPS on the modem's configuration interface.

Tips

• The modem is the NTRIP client. All NTRIP configuration happens on the external modem, not on the John Deere display. The display only shows the resulting accuracy level.

• CloudBase RTK is one of the most commonly used modems with John Deere StarFire. It provides a straightforward web interface for NTRIP configuration.

• Cellular coverage in rural areas is the most common challenge. Consider a modem with an external antenna port and a high-gain antenna for better reception.

• After powering on, allow the StarFire receiver to acquire a satellite fix before the modem begins sending corrections. This typically takes 1–2 minutes.

• Keep firmware updated on both the StarFire receiver and the NTRIP modem for best compatibility and performance.

• Multiple machines: Each machine needs its own NTRIP modem and RTKdata connection. One RTKdata account can support multiple simultaneous connections depending on your subscription plan.