How to connect Leica Captivate to SmartFix

Connecting Leica Captivate to SmartFix

This guide explains how to configure a Leica Captivate controller (such as the CS20 or CS35) to receive RTK corrections from the SmartFix network.

We cover two primary connection methods: Using the GNSS receiver's internal modem (standard) and using your mobile phone as a WLAN Hotspot.

Method 1: Connecting via Internal Modem (Standard)

This is the standard and recommended method, utilising the SIM card installed inside your GS sensor or CS controller.

From the Captivate Home screen, navigate to Settings > Connections > RTK rover wizard

Select Edit an RTK Profile or create a new one and press Next. (Tip: You can select an existing profile and check 'Create a copy' to retain existing non-network settings)
Select GS modem as your connection port and press Next. (Note: This is where the sim card is, and if it's in the CS controller then set it to that.)
Check the Name of Device and Specify Preferred Network Type (generally left on Automatic).

Note: If the Name of Device is listed as Cinterion 3.5G, it relies on older cellular technology and will likely fail to connect to modern 4G/5G mobile internet networks.

If your data SIM requires a PIN or PUK code, enter it now and press Next. Otherwise, leave it blank.

When asked how the device is connecting to the internet, select Using GPRS/CDMA Internet connection and press Next.

Enter the APN for your internet connection and press Next.

Note: The APN is determined by your cellular provider, not SmartFix. For example, Vodafone/2Degrees often use internet, while Spark uses spark.net.nz.

You will now configure the RTK Network Details. Select Create a new server. Set the following parameters:

Server name: www.smartfix.co.nz

IP address: www.smartfix.co.nz (or 60.234.42.123)

Port: Enter your desired regional or network port (e.g., 4819). Please refer to the SmartFix Connection Parameters guide for your local port.

Check the box for Use NTRIP with this server.

NTRIP user ID: Enter your SmartFix Username exactly.

NTRIP password: Enter your SmartFix Password (Case Sensitive).

When asked about a mountpoint, select Select mountpoint from source table and press Next.

Diagnostic Tip: Selecting this option forces Captivate to download the live list of mountpoints from the internet. If the list fails to load, you know immediately that your controller does not have a working internet connection.

Select your desired Mountpoint from the list (e.g., AUCKfixedADV4) and press Next.

Ensure Receive RTK corrections from RTK network is checked, and finish the wizard.

Method 2: Connecting via Phone WLAN (Hotspot)

If your internal SIM fails or you are working in an area where your controller's provider has no coverage, you can use your smartphone's Wi-Fi hotspot to provide the internet connection to the CS20.

Turn on the Wi-Fi Hotspot feature on your smartphone.
From the Captivate Home screen, navigate to Settings > Connections > RTK rover wizard.
Select Edit an existing profile and press Next.
Select your existing SmartFix profile (from Method 1 above) and press Next.
Check the box to Create a copy, name the new profile (e.g., SmartFix Hotspot), and press Next.
For the connection type, select WLAN and press Next.
Select Search to scan for available Wi-Fi networks.
Select your phone's hotspot from the list and press Next.
Enter your phone's Wi-Fi hotspot Password and press Next.
Step through the remainder of the wizard. Because you copied your existing SmartFix profile, all of the server IP, Port, Mountpoint, and NTRIP Credentials will automatically be retained.

📝 Note for GS18 I Users: If you have connected a Leica GS18 I to your CS20 controller using WLAN, you cannot simultaneously use WLAN for your phone's internet hotspot. You must first re-connect the sensor using Bluetooth (Settings > Connections > GS Connection wizard) before you can use the WLAN module to tether to your phone.