# 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.

{% hint style="danger" %}
**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.
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## 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

{% hint style="info" %}
Don't have an RTKdata.com account yet? [Start 30-day Free Trial](https://rtkdata.com/try-rtk-corrections-free-for-30-days/) or [View Pricing](https://rtkdata.com/pricing/)
{% endhint %}

## Step-by-step setup

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{% step %}

#### 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.

{% hint style="warning" %}
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.
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{% step %}

#### 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.

{% hint style="info" %}
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.
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{% step %}

#### 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:

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="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`
  {% endtab %}

{% tab title="Europe" %}

* **Host (domain):** `eu.rtkdata.com`
* **Host (IP fallback):** `3.73.41.96`
* **Port:** `2101`
* **Username / Password:** From *RTK Credentials* in the internal dashboard (not website login)
* **Mountpoint (ALL CAPS):** `AUTO`
  {% endtab %}

{% tab title="Australia" %}

* **Host (domain):** `aus.rtkdata.com`
* **Host (IP fallback):** `54.206.56.130`
* **Port:** `2101`
* **Username / Password:** From *RTK Credentials* in the internal dashboard (not website login)
* **Mountpoint (ALL CAPS):** `AUTO`
  {% endtab %}
  {% endtabs %}

{% hint style="warning" %}
Type `AUTO` manually in ALL CAPS. Do not browse the source table — simply type the mountpoint name directly.
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{% step %}

#### 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).
   {% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### 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.  |

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

{% hint style="info" %}
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.
{% endhint %}
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

## Vertical reference (heights)

{% hint style="info" %}
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.
{% endhint %}

## 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.