# Carlson SurvPC / SurvCE

Carlson SurvPC and SurvCE are popular third-party survey data collection software packages widely used across North America and worldwide. SurvPC runs on Windows tablets and laptops, while SurvCE runs on Windows CE and Windows Mobile handhelds. Both include a built-in NTRIP client and support most major GNSS receiver brands, making them an excellent choice for connecting to RTKdata.com RTK corrections in the field.

**Download:** [Carlson SurvPC / SurvCE](https://www.carlsonsw.com/products/field-data-collection/) (commercial license required)

## Requirements

* Windows tablet, laptop, or Windows CE/Mobile data collector running SurvPC or SurvCE
* Compatible GNSS receiver (Carlson, Hemisphere, Topcon, Trimble, Leica, or generic NMEA)
* Internet access on the field device (cellular data, Wi-Fi, or phone hotspot)
* GNSS antenna with clear sky view (survey pole or tripod recommended)
* Active RTKdata.com account with RTK credentials (username starting with `rtk`)

{% 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

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

#### Configure GPS rover equipment

1. Open SurvPC/SurvCE and create or open a job.
2. Go to **Equip > GPS Rover**.
3. Select the correct **GPS Brand/Model** from the dropdown that matches your receiver hardware (e.g., "Carlson BRx7", "Hemisphere", "Generic NMEA").
4. Set the **COM Port** and **Baud Rate** to match your receiver connection (Bluetooth serial, USB, or cable).
5. Set the **Antenna Height** and select the correct measurement method (bottom of antenna, phase center, etc.).
6. Tap **OK** to save the equipment profile.

{% hint style="warning" %}
**Selecting the wrong GPS brand or model** is the most common configuration mistake. SurvPC/SurvCE sends specific initialization commands based on the selected model. An incorrect selection can prevent the receiver from outputting corrections properly or cause communication failures.
{% endhint %}
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Set up the internet connection

1. From the GPS Rover screen (or go to **Equip > GPS Rover > Internet**), select the **Internet** tab.
2. Choose your connection type:
   * **Direct IP** — recommended for most setups using Wi-Fi or a tethered phone hotspot.
   * **Cellular Modem** — if your data collector has a built-in modem.
   * **Bluetooth Phone** — to dial through a paired smartphone (legacy method).
3. For **Direct IP**, ensure your device is already connected to the internet via Wi-Fi or USB tethering before proceeding.

{% hint style="info" %}
**Phone hotspot tip:** Connect your data collector to your smartphone's Wi-Fi hotspot before opening SurvPC. Select **Direct IP** as the connection type — this is the simplest and most reliable method.
{% endhint %}
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Enter RTKdata.com NTRIP settings

1. In the Internet tab, select **NTRIP** as the correction delivery method.
2. Fill in the connection fields:

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="North America" %}

* **Caster Address:** `rtk.rtkdata.com`
* **IP Fallback:** `13.56.117.10`
* **Port:** `2101`
* **Username / Password:** From *RTK Credentials* in the internal dashboard (not website login)
* **Mountpoint (ALL CAPS):** `AUTO` (recommended) — or `AUTO_WGS84`, `AUTO_ITRF2020`, `AUTO_ITRF2014`
  {% endtab %}

{% tab title="Europe" %}

* **Caster Address:** `eu.rtkdata.com`
* **IP Fallback:** `3.73.41.96`
* **Port:** `2101`
* **Username / Password:** From *RTK Credentials* in the internal dashboard (not website login)
* **Mountpoint (ALL CAPS):** `AUTO` (recommended) — or `AUTO_WGS84`, `AUTO_ITRF2020`, `AUTO_ITRF2014`
  {% endtab %}

{% tab title="Australia" %}

* **Caster Address:** `aus.rtkdata.com`
* **IP Fallback:** `54.206.56.130`
* **Port:** `2101`
* **Username / Password:** From *RTK Credentials* in the internal dashboard (not website login)
* **Mountpoint (ALL CAPS):** `AUTO` (recommended) — or `AUTO_WGS84`, `AUTO_ITRF2020`, `AUTO_ITRF2014`
  {% endtab %}
  {% endtabs %}

3. Ensure **Send GGA to Caster** is enabled. RTKdata.com requires your GGA position to generate Virtual Reference Station corrections.
   {% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Connect and begin surveying

1. Tap **Connect** (the green arrow or connect button) to start receiving corrections.
2. Monitor the solution status in the SurvPC/SurvCE skyplot or status bar:
   * **Autonomous** — no corrections yet
   * **DGPS / Float** — corrections arriving, solution converging
   * **Fixed** — centimeter-level accuracy achieved
3. Convergence to Fix typically takes 15–60 seconds with clear sky view.
4. Begin your survey using **Store Points**, **Stakeout**, or **Topo Survey** routines.

{% hint style="info" %}
SurvPC displays horizontal and vertical precision estimates on the store-point screen. Always verify the solution is **Fixed** and precision is below your project tolerance before storing control points.
{% endhint %}
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

## Vertical reference

{% hint style="info" %}
Heights from RTKdata.com are **ellipsoidal**, not orthometric (mean sea level). SurvPC/SurvCE can apply a geoid model to convert to orthometric heights. Configure this under **Job > Coordinate System > Geoid** and select the appropriate model for your region (e.g., GEOID18 for the US).
{% endhint %}

## Troubleshooting

| Problem                              | Cause                                  | Fix                                                                                                                               |
| ------------------------------------ | -------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Receiver not communicating           | Wrong GPS brand/model or COM port      | Re-select the exact manufacturer and model in **Equip > GPS Rover**. Verify the COM port matches the Bluetooth or USB connection. |
| "Unable to connect to caster"        | No internet or wrong host/port         | Confirm the device has internet access first. Double-check hostname and port `2101`. Try the IP fallback.                         |
| Stuck on Float, never reaches Fix    | GGA not being sent                     | Verify **Send GGA to Caster** is enabled. Without GGA, VRS corrections cannot be computed.                                        |
| Mountpoint error                     | Lowercase or misspelled mountpoint     | Enter `AUTO` in ALL CAPS. Do not browse the source table — type it directly.                                                      |
| Internet drops during survey         | Phone hotspot going to sleep           | Disable auto-sleep on the hotspot phone. Keep the hotspot app in the foreground or disable battery optimization.                  |
| Corrections arrive but poor accuracy | Obstructed sky or wrong antenna height | Move to open sky, verify the antenna height entry, and check that the measurement method matches your setup.                      |

## Tips for best results

* **Double-check your GPS brand/model selection** before troubleshooting anything else. This is the root cause of most SurvPC/SurvCE connection issues.
* **Use Direct IP over a phone hotspot** for the most reliable internet connection. It is simpler than Bluetooth DUN or built-in modems.
* **Save your NTRIP settings in a job template** so all new jobs inherit the correct RTKdata.com configuration automatically.
* **Monitor satellite count** in the skyplot view. Aim for 12+ tracked satellites for fast and stable Fix convergence.
* **For Windows CE devices**, ensure the device clock is set correctly. An incorrect system time can cause NTRIP authentication to fail.