Topcon GPS, & Leica base station?

[Tazzerblue]

Use the server ip as well not the host name

That was another question I had for Mncors. It's like learning several different languages, and I'm getting old to learn this much. LOL

 

[Tazzerblue]

Indeed. Well spotted.

This will work perfectly for as long as the server IP (numeric address) doesn’t change. It’s worth noting that an IP addresses should never be considered permanent, it may change at some point in the future. This would be the first thing to re-check (click here for example of how to do DNS lookup) if NTRIP all of a sudden stops working. That and having enough GSM signal and credit!

I hope that with the simplified MNCORS login credentials, using a numeric IP address for the server and having correct APN the stars will align for the OP and ge can get NTRIP working.

I’ve found you sometime need a good dose of patience to try all conceivable combinations of these things to get it going. Just one last bit of advice for the OP - change only one thing at a time.

 

[Tazzerblue]

Well the stars are not lining up for me. I have new mncors login. And I asked about the IP address. My dealer said the mncors..... should work also. I've tried both. Then I Changed the Sim card from 000 to 1234. After that I took unit in my pickup and out in the open to see if that would change anything. No.
I did manage to find some info from ag. world equipment. and managed to upload new software? took 8-9 minutes. But it didn't say it was completed, just returned to acceptance page. I do have a few more questions.
1. what should the antenna type be? internal or external? (It's on Internal)
2. my lights on the AGI-3 are as follows.
power: on
STAT: flashes 10 green then 10 orange. GPS page said I have 20 satellites.
RXTX: flashes orange
Sym fix: off
On the driveway I could not get back into setup page, I would get to,, do you want to stop NTRIP? YES. and it would fail.
Power unit off and on. same thing. Red X would only go back to RTK (GPRS) page. Its Dam cold out 21 F and I had to keep the pickup running, NW wind at 25 BRRR.
Ag. World Eq. had some info on how to do:
1.NVRAM reset
2.Download topcon software. site no longer active. Anybody know where?
3. Force Software Flash to AGI-3 (this maybe what I did)
and the Access code 1234.
From the looks of my photo's no firm ware update happened. Hmm.
I'm going to post a couple of photo's of the screens i have currently.
What can I try to get to the set up screen? leave it disconnected from power source for awhile?
My next attempt maybe going to the T-mobile store and have them check the sim card. and try to power unit up at the store. My patience has expired for the day.
Once Again Thanks for your help.
I called 2 topcon rep's one is New and knows less than I do about this system!!!! and the other I left a message.. dealer not much help either..

 

[Robt]

That system hasn’t been in production for about 7 years. If you have changed screen software you need to flash software to agi-3.... have you tried taking to Doug at Farmtec? He would have had you up and running 3 weeks ago. Pheasant surprise is god but his knowledge and advice isn’t always correct as you have found. Call Doug, stop wasting time and spend some cash to get it working
Edit, that software version is approx 6 years old so god knows where you got that update from!

 

[Tazzerblue]

Well I could use a phone #, is he in the states? I guess at this point it doesn't matter.
Just off ph. with Rep. He had to get some information form tech support. But was told my unit is Not g3.. only g2 So if it is only g2 this sh!t won't work. I have no clue.

 

[Pheasant Surprise]

I think this is the chap who has a Topcon dealership @Robt was referring to. Couple of states away from you in Montana....

Doug Weist
Farm Tech, LLC
2641 5th Lane NW
Choteau, MT 59422
USA
Tel: 406.594.2767
http://farmtech.us/the-team/

Rob you need to tell him in photos the Topcon beanie belongs on the dog

Anyhow @Tazzerblue before you give up all hope (or call Doug). Step back through all your settings, especially re-check all your login and password details. Try both APN’s that T-mobile provide.

If you can take the SIM card and try it in another device with the same APN etc to prove it can connect to the internet. Wouldn’t be the first time something like improper activation or credit not being applied to the account etc has happened so best to check.

Finally look at getting some assistance with getting the firmware upgraded on the GX45 and AGI-3. I don’t know what the latest version firmware is. You will need to get in touch with Topcon / dealer rep, as they moved all their key support and firmware files to a new website a few years ago which requires login etc for access. It’s best if you’re not confident to get some help performing the updates.

 

[Tazzerblue]

Thanks, The rep is looking into the Updates, and how to get them to me. He did tell me the latest update,there written someplace . That would be a good first step.
Second I do plan on taking my stuff to T-mobile and have sim card checked out, and data plan.
Thanks for the info..

 

[Tazzerblue]

How do I get back into setup menu? It locks into the GPS settings screen and only goes back to RTK( GPRS) SCREEN. I've tried powering unit down and disconnecting it from 12 volt power.

 

[Pheasant Surprise]

How do I get back into setup menu? It locks into the GPS settings screen and only goes back to RTK( GPRS) SCREEN. I've tried powering unit down and disconnecting it from 12 volt power.

This screen? Return to Guidance button (a) not working? Otherwise button c4 to get back to the correction setup screen.

 

[Tazzerblue]

I don't remember what happens with button a. But C-4 doesn't do it. only goes back to RTK, (gprs)

 

[Northern farmer]

That system hasn’t been in production for about 7 years. If you have changed screen software you need to flash software to agi-3.... have you tried taking to Doug at Farmtec? He would have had you up and running 3 weeks ago. Pheasant surprise is god but his knowledge and advice isn’t always correct as you have found. Call Doug, stop wasting time and spend some cash to get it working
Edit, that software version is approx 6 years old so god knows where you got that update from!

Sorry about some off-topic but the language hit my ear, be it intentional or not. Robt, we all make mistakes like you did there: at least I strongly believe Pheasant Surprise is no God. But he is damn good and at the level I've followed the thread, I was not able to identify any mistakes from him. Cannot remember any other threads either but finding past mistakes or trying to figure out if you or him have made more mistakes makes no sense. You both have shared a lot of useful information at the forum which is good, no need to guess who gives more.

I cannot see a secret here related to a discontinued product. Why spend the time with every customer on the phone instead of sharing written instructions at the forum?

A bit on the topic: a pity the OP does not have a phone to test the SIM card. I noticed hesitation on the SIM PIN number, isn't it possible that the SIM card is asking a PUK code now if it has been tried a few times with an incorrect PIN code (two were tried, not sure how many times)?

I would also test the NTRIP source with a laptop application to test the credentials and IP address/port number data.

 

[Tazzerblue]

Sorry about some off-topic but the language hit my ear, be it intentional or not. Robt, we all make mistakes like you did there: at least I strongly believe Pheasant Surprise is no God. But he is damn good and at the level I've followed the thread, I was not able to identify any mistakes from him. Cannot remember any other threads either but finding past mistakes or trying to figure out if you or him have made more mistakes makes no sense. You both have shared a lot of useful information at the forum which is good, no need to guess who gives more.

I cannot see a secret here related to a discontinued product. Why spend the time with every customer on the phone instead of sharing written instructions at the forum?

A bit on the topic: a pity the OP does not have a phone to test the SIM card. I noticed hesitation on the SIM PIN number, isn't it possible that the SIM card is asking a PUK code now if it has been tried a few times with an incorrect PIN code (two were tried, not sure how many times)?

I would also test the NTRIP source with a laptop application to test the credentials and IP address/port number data.

Well, I did a search of the IP address and it came back correct. If I understood you correctly. I didn't test the port #. But assume its correct also. I had a phone conversation yesterday with the system manager from MNCORS. I'm leaning toward an issue with the SIM card, log in APN. Then my X45 and AGI-3 needing updated firmware/software. I'll be heading to a T-mobile store maybe monday. and the updated firmware/software should be available from my topcon Rep next week.
Is there anyway to test the cheap antenna I bought?
I will add that the AGI-3 and the RTK snap in module came from 2 different sources, if that makes a difference?
Looks like I will have time to work on this, as the 30 day weather forecast is colder than normal temps, into May. I think I'll buy some cheap corn calls. No corn is planted in the States, except Texas. Time for a BIG crop will diminish fast very soon.

 

[Tazzerblue]

My Saga continues!! Reviewing the prior posts. I have a question, How do I do this?
"You should try and connect the radio module and power it up with your AGI-3 to make sure it’s recognized by the receiver and it unlocks/enables RTK on the receiver before you go any further".
Next I went to a T-mobile store, and they didn't know much at this one. but did tell me my sim card was active. And there was a tower close. Well I thought Call the place I bought it and see what frequency they use? Out here they use 2100 Mhz, And as I understand it my topcon uses 1900? So That may explain a lot!!!!
NOT COMPATIBLE!!
So Now I'm looking a the New Intuicom RTK Bridge-X 4LTE or Digi Farm. Really leaning Intuicom as they don have the yearly 800.00 fee. Up front cost is a little more, but that would also give me wifi in the cab.
I'm attaching some info about the RTK module, I don't know if this is correct. What say YOU? So what are all the frequency's for? EGSM: 900/1900 mhz? TX power? and its frequency's? GPRS? CSD? SMS?

 

[Pheasant Surprise]

According to T-Mobile, 2G/GSM only runs on band 2 (1900 MHz) there, which the GSM modem in your RTK radio does support (as far as I know, but you could 100% confirm with Topcon).

I don’t think you have a “basic” GSM network connection issue; basic meaning there is a frequency incompatibility - the fact your connection state is ‘PPP connecting’ rather than ‘GPRS connecting’ (the lower order very basic radio connection) and also have orange flashing lights on the Tx/Rx LED leads me to this conclusion.

Therefore I think the 2100 MHz band “issue” is a red herring.

See: https://support.t-mobile.com/docs/DOC-4988

I think it’s more likely, and DEFINITELY worth a shot (if it’s not your settings or SIM card at fault), to do a proper firmware upgrade (to the latest supported firmware version) of both the GX45 screen and the AGI-3.

Even if you do end up getting an Intuicom modem, having the most up to date firmware is invaluable - especially on older hardware, which is out of support.

 

[Tazzerblue]

According to T-Mobile, 2G/GSM only runs on band 2 (1900 MHz) there, which the GSM modem in your RTK radio does support (as far as I know, but you could 100% confirm with Topcon).

I don’t think you have a “basic” GSM network connection issue; basic meaning there is a frequency incompatibility - the fact your connection state is ‘PPP connecting’ rather than ‘GPRS connecting’ (the lower order very basic radio connection) and also have orange flashing lights on the Tx/Rx LED leads me to this conclusion.

Therefore I think the 2100 MHz band “issue” is a red herring.
View attachment 657496
See: https://support.t-mobile.com/docs/DOC-4988

I think it’s more likely, and DEFINITELY worth a shot (if it’s not your settings or SIM card at fault), to do a proper firmware upgrade (to the latest supported firmware version) of both the GX45 screen and the AGI-3.
Even if you do end up getting an Intuicom modem, having the most up to date firmware is invaluable - especially on older hardware, which is out of support.

But if T-mobile doesn't support 2g nothing will work, Correct??

 

[Tazzerblue]

Ok I was just checking on T-mobile site. In my area they offer 4g LTE only!! the way it looks. But it is 1900 MHz. is this the same as my 2g 1900 MHz unit?
Edit: I think its time to call Doug Weist, for help..

 

[Pheasant Surprise]

Ok I was just checking on T-mobile site. In my area they offer 4g LTE only!! the way it looks. But it is 1900 MHz. is this the same as my 2g 1900 MHz unit?
Edit: I think its time to call Doug Weist, for help..

Your unit will definitely not work with an LTE/4G signal. The cellular modem in the RTK module is too old unfortunately - it will only work with the older GSM signal. They (cellular carriers) use the 1900 MHz band for both 4G and GSM. This is typical, but older phones/modems etc will not work with the newer technology only GSM. So if there’s no GSM (they may have switched it off already on your local masts) then it won’t work. Thems the breaks unfortunately.

If this is the case and you only have 4G/LTE service then you would need another modem/bridge that can receive 4G/LTE on it’s cellular radio - like the Intuicom Bridge X unit. Take the existing SIM card and use it in the Bridge-X You would also need a harness to connect the Intuicom up to the serial port of your Topcon gear.

Every cloud has a silver lining - at least you will have WiFi in the cab to get on TFF

 

[Pheasant Surprise]

2G coverage map in MN below.

Can only get the T-mobile website to display 4G/LTE cover but not 2G specifically. Are you covered?

https://orion.freeus.com/coverage-map.aspx

 

[Pheasant Surprise]

Shall we try and get your firmware properly updated, to see if that helps?

This needs to be done in 2 parts in order as follows.

1. Firmware update on GX45 screen
Follow exactly the instructions here:
http://agworld.cc/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Topcon-gx-45-System-Update-Instructions.pdf

The latest firmware version that I can see on the agworld.cc website is version 2.14.05, link below:
http://agworld.cc/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/PCS150_V2.14.05_full_upgrade.zip

2. Firmware update on AGI-3 receiver
Only after you have successfully updated the firmware on the GX45 (and checked it’s taken from the home screen), then go to the GPS Settings Screen, use the button labelled ‘C6’ to upgrade the AGI-3:

If that does not work, then follow the instructions to force update the AGI-3 firmware in this video:

 

[Tazzerblue]

Thanks, I'll pickup a couple of new usb drives. and start this process. I will be ordering the intuicom system. and other topcon parts today.