Trimble SPS986

These steps connect a Trimble SPS986 to the Premium Positioning correction network over NTRIP, using Trimble Siteworks. They assume you already have your NTRIP credentials.

Before you start

• Your NTRIP username and password, from your Premium Positioning welcome email or your account on the customer portal.

• Trimble Siteworks.

• A working internet connection on the controller or phone.

• A clear view of the sky at the point you are measuring.

Network settings

These are the same for every Premium Positioning customer. Only your username and password are unique to you.

• Server or host: rtkpremium.xyz

• Port: 2101

• Mountpoint: COMMON

• Protocol: NTRIP

Steps

1. Power up and connect the receiver: Switch on the SPS986 and your tablet/controller (TSC7, TCU5, T7, etc.). Open Trimble Siteworks. From Home tap Project Setup > Connect Device > GNSS. If you don't see these names, look for the equivalent 'Connect Device' / 'GNSS receiver' option.

2. Pair the SPS986 with the tablet: On the GNSS setup screen choose the connection type (Bluetooth is most common; Cable also works). For Bluetooth, select the SPS986 from the list and confirm pairing so Siteworks shows it connected.

3. Set the receiver Mode to Rover: On the GNSS configuration screen set Mode to Rover so the SPS986 receives corrections rather than broadcasting them.

4. Choose the internet correction method: Set Correction Method to the internet/network option - in current Siteworks this is 'Internet (VRS)'. Wording differs by version ('Internet', 'NTRIP', or 'VRS'); pick the option that streams RTK over the controller's internet rather than Radio or RTX. The tablet must have data (SIM or Wi-Fi).

5. Confirm the internet source: If prompted for the GNSS internet source, select the controller's own internet connection (e.g. 'Controller internet').

6. Create a new correction profile (GNSS Contact): Siteworks stores caster settings as a saved correction profile (a 'GNSS Contact'). Tap New / Add to create one, name it e.g. 'Premium Positioning'.

7. Enter the caster server address and port: Server/address: rtkpremium.xyz - Port: 2101. Leave any TLS/SSL switch off unless told otherwise.

8. Enter YOUR NTRIP username and password: In the NTRIP username and password fields, type the credentials from your Premium Positioning welcome email - unique to your account; do not use anyone else's.

9. Set the mount point to COMMON: Enter COMMON (capitals) in the Mountpoint field. If Siteworks offers a 'Get mount points' button instead, tap it to pull the list from the caster and choose COMMON.

10. Save the correction profile: Tap Accept / OK / Store to save the GNSS Contact for reuse.

11. Set the antenna height: When prompted, enter the Antenna height (your pole height, e.g. 2.000 m) and the correct measurement method, then Accept. Accurate height is essential for correct elevations.

12. Start the survey / connect: Finish the wizard (Accept / Connect / Start Survey). Siteworks connects to the caster over the internet and requests corrections. If a mount point list appears, confirm COMMON.

13. Confirm an RTK Fixed solution: Watch the GNSS status indicator at the top progress from Autonomous/Float to RTK Fixed (cm-level precision), usually within a minute or two. If it stays Float or won't connect, recheck rtkpremium.xyz / 2101 / COMMON, your credentials, and that the tablet has internet.

If the fix will not hold

Exact screen/field names vary slightly between Siteworks versions and controllers (TSC7, TCU5, T7); use the closest equivalent. The SPS986 also supports IMU tilt compensation - optional and separate from correction setup. If you can't reach RTK Fixed, the most common causes are a typo in the host/credentials or no mobile data on the tablet.

For more, see RTK corrections troubleshooting and Fix inconsistent RTK accuracy on site.

Need help

Support is available 24/7. Include your receiver model, the mountpoint, the solution status, and the correction age when you get in touch.