Listen-Listen

As an alternative to radio transmission of RTK corrections to a receiver, Carlson has developed Listen-Listen, a cloud-based data-over-IP solution.  Listen-Listen requires an internet connection at the base and rover. The internet connection can be from fixed-line broadband, cellular modems in the GNSS base and rover, data collectors, or Hot-Spots.

Fixed or static IP address sims are not required.  In addition, multiple rovers can simultaneously connect to a single base using Listen-Listen.  It is fully hosted and computed on AWS-based processors and data center, which ensures almost 100 percent up-time.

Traditional onboard UHF radios are generally limited to one-watt power output, which gives a one- to two-kilometer range at best. 35-watt radios give you more range but typically under 5 kilometers with additional complication.  Radio is also subject to terrain obstructions such as hills, buildings and dense tree cover.  As long as there is a cellular signal, there is no restriction on communication range, Carlson’s Listen-Listen works at 5, 10, 20, and even 30-kilometer base lines.

Both easy-to-use and -configure with Carlson SurvCE or SurvPC data collection software, Listen-Listen requires inputting just one four-digit port number at the base station and a four-digit port number at the rover. There is no need to match frequencies, listen for interference, or check a number of other parameters required for UHF communication.  Listen-Listen is a subscription-based service. It works with Carlson’s BRx6 GNSS receiver as a base station and with any rover that is compatible with SurvCE or SurvPC and support RTK corrections by direct IP.

Locate your base in a central location, at a safe/secure location, or over that known point that would not normally be in radio range.  I just recently worked on a project that was a 7-mile corridor.  I would locate the base at one end in a protected area over one of the primary control points and have a connection over the entire project.

Because of the ease and flexibility of setup, Listen-Listen could be you primary communication vehicle.  Radio would be the backup.