ProFlex 500 with NTRIP Caster

Ashtech, France, has released version 3.5 firmware for the ProFlex 500 GNSS receiver that includes a powerful NTRIP Caster to enable surveyors, municipalities, mining, engineering and agricultural operations to easily implement and control their own very cost-effective and secure corrections network via NTRIP protocol. Ashtech dealers are also expected to take advantage of the new Caster feature to set up their own service network for their customers.

The ProFlex 500 NTRIP Caster makes it possible to access various sources of data from different base stations through a single internet connection, as well as protect these sources of corrections from unauthorised users.  The embedded NTRIP Caster allows ProFlex 500 owners to set up a network of up to ten different mount points and up to 100 users.  The network serves the needs of both the survey and GIS markets by providing very affordable access to both centimetre-level and/or the decimetre-level real-time accuracy.

The ProFlex 500 Caster offers a reliable new alternative for many types of uses, including field survey, mobile GIS and machine control.

Ashtech survey rovers connected to the NTRIP Caster are capable of delivering RTK positioning up to a 70km baseline. Additionally for many applications such as GIS data collection, the NTRIP Caster can broadcast corrections over hundreds of kilometres to enable GIS receivers in the field to reach decimetre positioning, which is perfect for mapping purposes.

Ashtech rovers that offer Flying RTK technology are able to achieve survey-level performance over large areas, the size of France or Alaska, which may be covered by a network of only two base stations.

Version 3.5 firmware will be available in late April and is uploadable to any ProFlex 500. The Caster feature is activated on purchase. Configuration and administration is easy, according to Ashtech.