Using the Centipede RTK NTRIP Caster
Centipede RTK is a non-commercial platform dedicated to scientific research in GNSS RTK technologies. It is distinguished by strict quality control of base station coordinates. Full registration usually takes one to two weeks, but is considered a mark of distinction.
Before registering with Centipede RTK, you must determine the exact coordinates of your base station using the PPP method and obtain the final result, as described in the section “Determining Coordinates via External Services”. More detailed information about coordinate calculation can be found in the Centipede RTK documentation (available in French).
To access setup instructions for connecting rovers, visit the website Centipede RTK and click on “Start using Centipede-RTK now!”
Configuring the NTRIP Server for Centipede RTK
The NTRIP Server is the mechanism that transmits data from the base station receiver to an external NTRIP caster.
- Open the Settings page and click the Options button next to the Ntrip B service.
- Enter the caster address: crtk.net
- Enter the caster port: 2101
- In the Caster password field, enter: centipede
- In the Mount name field, enter a custom four-character identifier using uppercase letters or numbers. Make sure the name is not already taken by checking this lookup table. Do not use the names of major cities (e.g., LYON).
- Click Save.
Ensure the green indicator confirms that data transmission is active.
Open the map to view active mountpoints. Your base will appear within 24–48 hours as a blue marker with the status “Bases not declared.”
Registering the Base Station as a Trusted Source
To register your base station as a trusted source on the Centipede RTK network, send an email to contact[at]centipede.fr with the following information:
- Mountpoint name
- Precise coordinates (from the .txt file provided by NRCAN)
- The RINEX observation file (.obs) you submitted to NRCAN
- Description of your hardware setup
- At least two photos of the installation
- The full procedure is described in the Centipede RTK documentation (in French).
Once the administrator reviews your submission (this may take a few days), you will receive a confirmation email. Your base will then appear on the official map at https://centipede.fr, with its status updated every 30 seconds (green — active, red — inactive).
If the station encounters any issues (e.g., power loss or network failure), you will receive an automated email alert if it remains offline for more than 5 minutes.
