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ashtech Z-Xtreme System Manual

For rtk surveying
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Z-Xtreme
S
G
YSTEM
UIDE FOR
GPS Receiver
TM
RTK S
URVEYING
Ashtech Precision Products
471 El Camino Real
Santa Clara, CA USA 95050-4300
Phone and Fax Numbers
•
Main
•
Voice: 408-615-5100
•
Fax: 408-615-5200
•
Sales
•
US: 800-922-2401
•
International: 408-615-3970
•
Fax: 408-615-5200
•
Europe
•
Voice: 44-0118-931-9600
•
Fax: 44-0118-931-9601
•
Support
•
US: 800-229-2400
•
International: 408-615-3980
•
Fax: 408-615-5200
•
Internet
•
support@ashtech.com
•
http://www.ashtech.com
•
http://www.magellangps.com

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Summary of Contents for ashtech Z-Xtreme

  • Page 1 Z-Xtreme GPS Receiver RTK S YSTEM UIDE FOR URVEYING Ashtech Precision Products 471 El Camino Real Santa Clara, CA USA 95050-4300 Phone and Fax Numbers • Main • Voice: 408-615-5100 • Fax: 408-615-5200 • Sales • US: 800-922-2401 • International: 408-615-3970 •...
  • Page 2 Trademarks Z-Xtreme , Instant-RTK , Z-Tracking SSRadio , and the Ashtech logo are ® trademarks of Magellan Corp. Ashtech is a registered trademark of Magellan Corp. All other products and brand names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.
  • Page 3 SOFTWARE LICENSE AGREEMENT IMPORTANT: BY OPENING THE SEALED DISK PACKAGE CONTAINING THE SOFTWARE MEDIA, YOU ARE AGREEING TO BE BOUND BY THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE LICENSE AGREEMENT (“AGREE- MENT”). THIS AGREEMENT CONSTITUTES THE COMPLETE AGREEMENT BETWEEN YOU (“LICENSEE”) AND MAGELLAN CORPORATION (“LICENSOR”).
  • Page 4 DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTIES AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY LICENSOR AND ITS THIRD-PARTY SUPPLIERS MAKE NO WARRANTIES OR REPRESENTATIONS, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, REGARDING THE PROGRAM, MEDIA, DOCUMENTATION, RESULTS OR ACCURACY OF DATA AND HEREBY EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM ANY WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PAR- TICULAR PURPOSE AND NONFRINGEMENT.

  • Page 5: Table Of Contents

    Radio - Radio Antenna ................22 GPS Receiver - Radio ................25 Handheld Computer - GPS Receiver ............26 GPS Receiver - Receiver Power System ........... 28 Radio - Radio Power System ..............30 Fully Connected Z-Xtreme Receiver ............31...
  • Page 6 GPS Receiver - Radio ................37 Handheld Computer - GPS Receiver ............39 GPS Receiver - Receiver Power System ........... 40 Fully Connected Z-Xtreme Rover ............... 41 Fully Connected Rover Radio..............43 Fully Connected Handheld Computer ............44 Pole-Mounted Rover System ................44 GPS Receiver - GPS Antenna..............
  • Page 7 Initialization....................69 Accuracy..................... 69 Troubleshooting ....................71 Base System Troubleshooting ................72 GPS Receiver Does Not Track Satellites ............72 Step 1. Is the GPS receiver powered up? ..........72 Step 2. Is the GPS Antenna Connected to the Receiver? ......73 Step 3.
  • Page 8 viii...
  • Page 9 Power Sources: Internal (left) and External (right) ......16 Figure 3.1 GPS Antenna Cable with TNC Connectors......... 21 Figure 3.2 Cable Connected to Z-Xtreme Receiver and Geodetic IV Antenna ..22 Figure 3.3 Pacific Crest Base Radio Antenna Cable..........23 Figure 3.4 Cable Connected to Pacific Crest Radio and Base Radio Antenna..
  • Page 10 Rover Antenna and Pacific Crest PDL Radios on Backpack..59 Figure 4.10 Radio Antenna Mounted On Pole and on Back of Receiver..59 Figure 4.11 Rubber Duck Antenna Mounted to Z-Xtreme ......60 Figure 4.12 TDS Ranger Handheld Mounted on Rover Pole......61 Figure 4.13 Receiver Mounted on Pole ............

  • Page 11: Introduction To Real-Time Kinematic (Rtk) Surveying

    Introduction to Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) Surveying In the early days of surveying with GPS, data collection time on a point was measured in hours, few was the appropriate adjective to describe the number of points estab- lished in a day, and completion of a large project could take weeks. The results of a days work was not known until days later when the data was finally processed at the main office.

  • Page 12: The Global Positioning System (Gps)

    The Global Positioning System (GPS) Let’s take a quick look at what makes this all possible, the Global Positioning System (GPS). GPS consists of three primary components: satellites, ground-based control and monitoring stations, and receivers. The control and monitoring stations’ main purpose is to monitor and maintain the sat- ellites.

  • Page 13: Figure 1.1 Rtk Setup For Gps Surveying

    the basic function of a base receiver in an RTK system. Figure 1.1 RTK Setup for GPS Surveying The RTK rover is the business end of the system. The rover system is man-portable, usually situated in a backpack. You interface with the system through a handheld computer/data collector.

  • Page 14: Applications

    Applications The two primary survey tasks for which RTK systems are used are feature location and feature stakeout. Using GPS RTK for feature location was briefly discussed above. With the base and rover systems operational, a user, carrying the rover system, moves around the project area positioning features of interest.

  • Page 15: Ashtech Zx Superstation

    5 satellites. Ashtech ZX SuperStation The Ashtech solution for RTK surveying is the ZX SuperStation. The ZX SuperStation includes all required components to perform post-processed and real-time GPS sur- veys.
  • Page 16 Real-Time Kinematic Surveying...

  • Page 17: System Components

    System Components An RTK system is made up of a number of components that, at first glance, may seem a bit overwhelming. On the contrary, setup of an RTK system is not a complicated task. The trick is understanding the purpose of each component in the system and how they relate to each other.

  • Page 18: Figure 2.1 Ashtech Z-Xtreme Gps Receiver

    Figure 2.1 Ashtech Z-Xtreme GPS Receiver The ZX SuperStation is built around the Z-Xtreme dual-frequency GPS receiver. The Z-Xtreme supports an integral battery, removable PC card memory, and optional inter- nal radio. It is capable of functioning as the base or rover in RTK and post-processed surveys.

  • Page 19: Geodetic Iv Antenna

    Geodetic IV Antenna The Geodetic IV antenna, Figure 2.2, is the standard antenna used by the base and rover RTK systems. It is small, lightweight, and meets the needs of most users. This is the only antenna available for use with the rover system. The other antenna option is too large and heavy for practical use on the rover.

  • Page 20: Radio

    antenna is designed to function in the most demanding multipath environments. Figure 2.3 Choke Ring Antenna for Severe Multipath Environment Radio The radio is the mechanism through which the base and rover GPS receivers commu- nicate in the RTK system. Therefore, a radio is a component of both the base and rover systems.

  • Page 21: Figure 2.4 Pacific Crest Uhf/Vhf Base Radio

    The radio in the rover system is available as a stand-alone component or embedded in the Z-Xtreme receiver. The advantage of the embedded option is the simplicity of not having another component with attendant cabling. This option is only available at the rover.

  • Page 22: Spread Spectrum

    receiver. Figure 2.5 shows a typical rover receiver. Figure 2.5 Pacific Crest UHF/VHF Rover Receiver The UHF and VHF radios offered in the ZX SuperStation are manufactured by Pacific Crest Corporation. Spread Spectrum RTK surveys conducted on small project sites not exceeding 2 km between base and rover systems can utilize spread-spectrum radios.

  • Page 23: Radio Antenna

    The spread-spectrum radio used at the base system and the rover system are identi- cal and interchangeable. The spread-spectrum solution for the ZX SuperStation is manufactured by Ashtech and called the SSRadio. The rover SSRadio has the option of being embedded into the rover receiver. The base SSRadio must be external to the base receiver.

  • Page 24: Figure 2.7 Spread Spectrum And Uhf Radio Antennas

    shows two antennas - spread spectrum and UHF. Figure 2.7 Spread Spectrum and UHF Radio Antennas The ZX SuperStation offers no choice in radio antennae for either the base or rover systems. Only the choice in radio type will affect which antennas are included in the system.

  • Page 25: Handheld Computer

    Handheld Computer A handheld computer, Figure 2.8, serves as the user-interface to the rover system. Figure 2.8 Handheld Computers: TDS (left), Husky MP2500 (right) Many users will recognize this component as a data collector commonly used with conventional total stations. In fact, the handheld computer used with an RTK system is very similar in function to those used with total stations.

  • Page 26: Power System

    For extended periods of operation, an external power source can be connected to the Z-Xtreme receiver via a power connector on the back of the receiver. The battery used for external power is identical to the internal battery. To use it as an external bat- tery, the internal battery is placed in a special pouch.

  • Page 27: Software

    Survey Pro. GPS FieldMate (Mine Surveyor II/Seismark II) FieldMate was designed by Ashtech specifically for use with Ashtech RTK systems. FieldMate offers all basic requirements for performing RTK surveys. The software guides you through all steps required in feature location and feature stakeout tasks.

  • Page 28: Survey Pro With Gps

    Survey Pro with GPS Survey Pro with GPS offers advanced functionality not found in FieldMate, most prominent of which is the ability to use the same field application software with the RTK system and with conventional surveying total stations. If the ability to standard- ize on one data collector system for both your satellite surveying and conventional surveying needs is a desirable feature, then Survey Pro with GPS is the right choice.

  • Page 29: Post-Processing Software

    Ashtech Office Suite offers the ability to download and process data collected from other manufacturers of GPS receivers. It also supports the ability to process data using precise orbits. If either of these two capabilities is required, Ashtech Office Suite is the proper choice in post-processing software.
  • Page 30 Real-Time Kinematic Surveying...

  • Page 31: Hardware Connectivity

    Hardware Connectivity After reading the previous section, you should have an understanding of the function of each hardware component of an RTK system and how they relate to each other. In order for the different components to function as a system, they must communicate. This requires that the components be connected for both communication and power.

  • Page 32: Radio - Radio Antenna

    The GPS antenna cable connects to the Z-Xtreme via a TNC type connector found on the back panel of the receiver, as shown in Figure 3.2. The proper connector is labeled GPS.

  • Page 33: Figure 3.3 Pacific Crest Base Radio Antenna Cable

    VHF radio, the connector is BNC as shown in Figure 3.3. Figure 3.3 Pacific Crest Base Radio Antenna Cable If the base is utilizing an Ashtech SSRadio, the connector is a TNC with reverse polar- ity. With a standard polarity TNC connector, the pin within the connector is found on the cable.

  • Page 34: Figure 3.4 Cable Connected To Pacific Crest Radio And Base Radio Antenna

    nection to the radio, as shown in Figure 3.4. Figure 3.4 Cable Connected to Pacific Crest Radio and Base Radio Antenna CAUTION It is important that the radio antenna be connected to the radio prior to apply- ing power to the radio. Failing to due so may result in damage to the radio. Real-Time Kinematic Surveying...

  • Page 35: Gps Receiver - Radio

    This connection is made through an RS232 cable, Figure 3.5. Figure 3.5 Pacific Crest Base Radio Power/Communication Cable On the back panel of the Z-Xtreme are three serial ports into which the radio cable can be connected. These 3 ports are grouped together and labeled ‘SERIAL PORTS’.

  • Page 36: Handheld Computer - Gps Receiver

    Figure 3.6 Communication Cable Connecting Z-Xtreme Receiver and Pacific Crest Radio It is recommended that the radio be connected to the receiver prior to powering up the receiver. This will ensure a clean power-up of the radio since, with spread-spectrum radios, the receiver supplies power to the radio through this connection.

  • Page 37: Figure 3.7 Computer Communication Cable

    RS232 cable (Figure 3.7). Figure 3.7 Computer Communication Cable The cable supplied with each Z-Xtreme receiver for downloading of data to a PC is also used for communication between the Z-Xtreme and the handheld computer. Since you will receive two of these cables with your system (one with each receiver) it is recommended that you keep one of them with your base receiver for field use and the other with your PC in the office for data download.

  • Page 38: Gps Receiver - Receiver Power System

    Power can be supplied to the base GPS receiver in two ways. The Z-Xtreme receiver has a battery integrated into the receiver for power. This con- nection does not require a cable. The battery is simply inserted into the receiver. If a base station is to function unattended and for a period of time not supported by the internal battery, an external battery can be used.

  • Page 39: Figure 3.9 Z-Xtreme Power Cable And Pouch For External Power

    Z-Xtreme via a dedicated power cable, Figure 3.9. Figure 3.9 Z-Xtreme Power Cable and Pouch for External Power The receiver power cable connects to the receiver via a 3-pin Fischer type connector located on the back panel of the receiver. The correct connector is labeled ‘Power’.

  • Page 40: Radio - Radio Power System

    the internal battery. Radio - Radio Power System The UHF/VHF radio is the only type of radio that requires an external power source. Power is supplied to the radio via a 5-pin Lemo connector that serves as both the power and RS232 port. This connector is found on the rear panel of the radio. The cable supplying power to the radio also serves as the RS232 cable which connects to the GPS receiver.

  • Page 41: Fully Connected Z-Xtreme Receiver

    Now that we have reviewed the connectivity of each Base System component individ- ually, let’s examine each primary component fully connected, beginning with the Z- Xtreme receiver. Fully Connected Z-Xtreme Receiver A fully connected Z-Xtreme Base receiver will have up to four cable connections, as shown in Figure 3.13.

  • Page 42: Figure 3.13 Z-Xtreme Base Receiver With All Cable Connections

    3. Radio communication / power cable plugged into the port labeled “SERIAL PORTS – B”. This cable connects the Z-Xtreme receiver to the radio. This is a mandatory connection that will remain thoughout operation.

  • Page 43: Fully Connected Base Radio

    This port is labeled DATA/PWR on the Pacific Crest radio and SERIAL on the SSRa- dio. This cable connects the radio to the Z-Xtreme receiver, and in the case of the Pacific Crest, also connects the radio to an external power source.

  • Page 44: Fully Connected Handheld Computer

    Husky, the port is on the right when viewed as shown in Figure 3.15. This cable con- nects the Z-Xtreme receiver to the handheld computer. Only when the handheld com- puter is being used to configure the receiver does this connection have to be made.

  • Page 45: Gps Receiver - Gps Antenna

    If the remote radio is a Pacific Crest UHF/ VHF radio, internal or external to the rover GPS receiver, the connector will be BNC. If the remote is utilizing an Ashtech SSRadio, internal or external to the rover GPS...

  • Page 46: Figure 3.17 Rover Antenna Connected To Internal Radio

    receiver, the connector will be a TNC with reverse polarity. Figure 3.17 Rover Antenna Connected to Internal Radio The antenna cable connects to the antenna via an adaptor specifically designed for use on the rover backpack. This adaptor serves as both a connector to the antenna and a mount for the antenna onto the backpack frame.

  • Page 47: Gps Receiver - Radio

    Figure 3.18. Figure 3.18 Pacific Crest PDL Rover Radio with Antenna It is recommended that the radio antenna be connected to the radio prior to applying power to the radio, although failing to do so will not cause any harm to the equipment. GPS Receiver - Radio The rover GPS receiver must be connected to the rover radio in order to get the raw data from the base system.

  • Page 48: Figure 3.19 Pacific Crest Rover Radio Power/Communication Cable

    If the remote receiver is equipped with an internal radio, no connection is required by the user. On the back panel of the Z-Xtreme receiver are three serial ports into which the radio cable can be connected. These ports are grouped together and labeled SERIAL PORTS.

  • Page 49: Handheld Computer - Gps Receiver

    SERIAL. Figure 3.20 Communication Cable Connecting Z-Xtreme and PDL Rover Radio It is recommended that the radio be connected to the receiver prior to powering up the receiver. This will ensure a clean power up of the radio since, with the spread-spec- trum radios, the receiver supplies power to the radio through this connection.

  • Page 50: Gps Receiver - Receiver Power System

    GPS Receiver - Receiver Power System Under most operational conditions, the rover system will be powered by the internal battery to the Z-Xtreme receiver. An optional external power source is available for use on the rover system if extended operation is required without interruption. The external power source is connected to the GPS receiver via a dedicated external power cable.

  • Page 51: Fully Connected Z-Xtreme Rover

    Fully Connected Z-Xtreme Rover A fully connected Z-Xtreme Rover receiver with external radio may have up to four cable connections, as shown in Figure 3.22. Figure 3.22 Cable Connections for Z-Xtreme Rover with External Radio These connections are: 1. Receiver power cable plugged into the port labeled “POWER”. This cable connects an external power source to the Z-Xtreme receiver.

  • Page 52: Figure 3.23 Cable Connections For Z-Xtreme Rover With Internal Radio

    Figure 3.23. Figure 3.23 Cable Connections for Z-Xtreme Rover with Internal Radio With the internal radio, the Radio Communication/Power cable is no longer present. In its place, a radio antenna cable is added connecting to the port labeled “RADIO”.

  • Page 53: Fully Connected Rover Radio

    Pacific Crest PDL radio and labeled “Serial” on the SSRadio. This cable connects the radio to the Z-Xtreme receiver, and in the case of the Pacific Crest, also connects the radio to an external power source.

  • Page 54: Fully Connected Handheld Computer

    Ranger, the RS232 port is on the left when viewed as shown in Figure 3.25. On the Husky, the port is on the right when viewed as shown in Figure 3.25. This cable con- nects the Z-Xtreme receiver to the handheld computer. Pole-Mounted Rover System The pole-mounted system places the GPS receiver on the rover pole along with the other components.

  • Page 55: Internal Radio - Radio Antenna

    If the remote radio is a Pacific Crest UHF/VHF radio, the connector will be BNC. If the remote is utilizing an Ashtech SSRadio, the connector will be a TNC with reverse polarity.

  • Page 56: Handheld Computer - Gps Receiver

    Base System above for more details. Now that we have reviewed the connectivity of each pole-mounted rover system com- ponent individually, let’s examine each primary component fully connected, beginning with the Z-Xtreme receiver. Real-Time Kinematic Surveying...

  • Page 57: Fully Connected Pole-Mounted Rover Gps Receiver

    This is a mandatory connection that will remain throughout operation. 2. Radio antenna cable plugged into the port labeled “Radio”. This cable connects the radio internal to the Z-Xtreme receiver to the radio antenna. This is a mandatory connection that will remain throughout operation.

  • Page 58: Fully Connected Handheld Computer

    Ranger, the RS232 port is on the left when viewed as shown in Figure 3.30. On the Husky, the port is on the right when viewed as shown in Figure 3.30. This cable con- nects the Z-Xtreme receiver to the handheld computer. This concludes our review of the hardware component connectivity for the ZX Super- Station.

  • Page 59: Rtk Survey Preparation

    Prior to your discussion on setup of the base system, let’s examine how the base sys- tem is packaged. All components of the Z-Xtreme RTK base system reside in a transport case, Figure 4.1, with the exception of two items. These items are the tripod and base radio power source (if using a 35-watt UHF/VHF radio).

  • Page 60: Select Appropriate Base System Site

    The larger of the two bags is referred to as the Kit bag. It contains the Z-Xtreme receiver, GPS antenna, external power supply, and some cables, as shown in Figure 4.2. There is additional room in the Kit bag for miscellaneous items such as a tribrach and tribrach adaptor.

  • Page 61: Position Gps Antenna Over Base Point

    the base site, it is best to have a clear location to give the RTK system the most satellites possible to work with. 2. The site should be on a high point in relation to surrounding terrain. This is to facility the greatest range possible for the base radio transmissions.

  • Page 62: Mount The Base Radio Antenna

    Mount the Base Radio Antenna The radio antenna can be mounted in any location on the base site. The only consid- eration is cable length. Remember that the radio antenna must be connected to the radio which is connected to the GPS receiver. The GPS antenna must also be con- nected to the GPS receiver.

  • Page 63: Connect System Components

    Figure 4.5 Measuring HI (Height of Instrument) of Base GPS Antenna Different GPS antennae will have different HI measurement points. For the Geodetic IV, the HI measurement point is the top of the ground plane. Connect System Components With the remaining base system components residing in the base field case, connect all components as listed below.

  • Page 64: Power Up Base System

    Configure Base GPS Receiver to Function as an RTK Base This task is usually accomplished using the handheld computer running the field application software. The Z-Xtreme can be configured through an integrated display and control panel. Configure the base receiver to function as an RTK base by per- forming the following steps: 1.

  • Page 65: Enter Base Point Id, Coordinates, And Hi Into Base Receiver

    Enter Base Point ID, Coordinates, and HI Into Base Receiver Remember that the computation of the rover position is relative to the base position. Since the rover receiver performs the position calculation, it must know the coordi- nates of the base point. Both horizontal and vertical coordinates are needed. By entering these coordinates into the base receiver, they will be transmitted to the rover along with the base receiver’s raw satellite data.

  • Page 66: Figure 4.6 Base System Ready To Survey

    Figure 4.6 Base System Ready to Survey Under most operating conditions, the Z-Xtreme receiver and base radio can remain in their respective bags during operation. The lid of the transport case can also be par- tially closed to ward off rain.

  • Page 67: Rover System Setup

    Figure 4.7. Figure 4.7 Rover Transport Case For the rover system, the Kit bag holds the Z-Xtreme receiver, rover radio (if internal radio is not used), GPS antenna, handheld computer, radio antenna, and some cables.

  • Page 68: Mount Receiver Antenna

    Mount Receiver Antenna The rover GPS antenna is mounted onto a pole that can be accurately leveled over the feature to be positioned (Figure 4.8). The rover system will have a fixed-height pole included for this purpose. Figure 4.8 Geodetic IV GPS Antenna on Rover Pole Measure and Record Instrument Height (HI) of GPS Antenna Remember that measurements of satellite data are made at the center (horizontally and vertically) of the GPS antenna.

  • Page 69: Figure 4.9 Rover Antenna And Pacific Crest Pdl Radios On Backpack

    radio, along with the antenna, mounts on the backpack pole (Figure 4.9). Figure 4.9 Rover Radio Antenna and Pacific Crest PDL Radios on Backpack In the pole-mounted configuration, the radio antenna is mounted on a bracket holding the antenna onto the pole directly below the GPS antenna (Figure 4.10). Figure 4.10 Radio Antenna Mounted On Pole and on Back of Receiver An option for the pole-mount configuration is to use the included rubber duck antenna and connect it directly to the radio antenna connector on the back of the GPS...

  • Page 70: Mount Handheld Computer

    Figure 4.11. Figure 4.11 Rubber Duck Antenna Mounted to Z-Xtreme The advantage of this configuration is the elimination of the cable and bracket for the radio antenna. The disadvantage is the adverse affect on radio range. This configu- ration is good for small project sites.

  • Page 71: Mount Gps Receiver (Pole-Mount Only)

    Figure 4.12 TDS Ranger Handheld Mounted on Rover Pole Mount GPS Receiver (Pole-mount Only) For the pole-mounted configuration, the GPS receiver must be mounted onto the pole. A special mounting bracket is supplied for this purpose (Figure 4.13).

  • Page 72: Connect System Components

    Figure 4.13 Receiver Mounted on Pole Connect System Components Connect all components as listed below. Some of these connections may already be made, especially if the backpack rover system is being used. Make sure the connec- tors are seated properly. GPS antenna ↔...

  • Page 73: Configure Rover Gps Receiver To Function As An Rtk Rover

    • Raw data format - Sets the format in which raw data is being transmitted by the base. Options are RTCM and PBEN (Ashtech proprietary). Default is PBEN. • Confidence level of RTK initialization - Sets the statistical confidence level for RTK initialization.

  • Page 74: Figure 4.14 Backpack Rover System Ready To Survey

    If an internal radio is used, the receive LED can be found on the front panel of the Z-Xtreme receiver. The rover system is now functioning as an RTK rover. The RTK system is ready to perform a survey. Figure 4.14 shows the backpack rover system fully configured and ready to survey.

  • Page 75: Figure 4.15 Pole-Mounted Rover System Ready To Survey

    Figure 4.15 Pole-mounted Rover System Ready to Survey With the pole-mounted configuration, all components of the rover system are mounted on the pole, removing the need for a backpack.
  • Page 76 Real-Time Kinematic Surveying...

  • Page 77: Executing An Rtk Survey

    Executing an RTK Survey Your ZX SuperStation is now ready to execute an RTK survey. With the rover system in hand, you can now move about the project site locating features and/or staking out points. The detailed steps for performing these tasks are very dependent on the field application software being used.

  • Page 78: Base-Rover Separation (Rtk Range Of Operation)

    not initialize. The rover system will need to be moved to a more suitable location for initialization. Once the rover system is initialized, it will remain initialized as long as the rover receiver remains locked on at least 4 satellites. If, at any time after initialization, the rover receiver does not maintain lock on at least 4 satellites, initialization will be lost.

  • Page 79: Initialization

    Initialization The time required for the rover system to perform the initialization process is depen- dent on the distance from the rover to the base system. The closer the rover system is to the base, the faster the initialization process will be. As the rover moves further away from the base system, initialization times will increase.
  • Page 80 Real-Time Kinematic Surveying...

  • Page 81: Troubleshooting

    In such an event, con- tact your local Ashtech dealer or Ashtech customer support for assistance. Explain the steps you have taken to attempt to remedy the problem. They may have more suggestions.

  • Page 82: Base System Troubleshooting

    GPS Receiver Does Not Track Satellites One function of the display on the front panel of the Z-Xtreme receiver is to inform the user of the number of healthy satellites being tracked and used by the receiver. This information is also available through the field application software running on the hand- held computer.

  • Page 83: Step 2. Is The Gps Antenna Connected To The Receiver

    Look on the back panel of the receiver for a cable connecting the receiver to the antenna. Antenna not connected to receiver 1. Connect the GPS antenna to the receiver. On the back panel of the Z-Xtreme, connect the antenna cable to the port labeled ‘GPS Antenna’. Ensure the connection is snug and not cross- threaded.

  • Page 84: Base System Does Not Transmit Data

    If the LED is on (green or red, steady or flashing), the radio is on. Base radio is not powered up 1. Turn on the radio. The Ashtech SSRadio has a power switch on its front panel. Other radio types automatically turn on once power is applied. Press the radio power switch to turn on the radio.

  • Page 85: Step 2. Is The Base Radio Connected To The Gps Receiver

    Radio not connected to receiver 1. Connect the base radio to the GPS receiver 2. On the back panel of the Z-Xtreme, connect the radio cable to RS232 port B. 3. If using the Pacific Crest UHF/VHF or Ashtech SSRadio, connect the radio cable to the connector labeled DATA/PWR or SERIAL.

  • Page 86: Step 3. Is The Base Gps Receiver Set To Function As Rtk Base

    The base radio should currently be connected to the RS232 port labeled ‘B’ on the back of the Z-Xtreme. Use the field application soft- ware or the front panel of the receiver to verify that port B is set as the output port for RTK base data.

  • Page 87: Step 6. Is Base Receiver Tracking Satellites

    If using Pacific Crest UHF/VHF radios, it is not possible to further isolate the problem. Contact your local dealer or Ashtech customer support for assistance. If using the external Ashtech SSRadio, follow these steps to isolate the problem com- ponent.

  • Page 88: Rover System Troubleshooting

    (iii). If the base radio begins to transmit data, there is a problem with the base GPS receiver. Contact your local dealer or Ashtech customer support for assistance. Rover System Troubleshooting The rover system of the ZX SuperStation has three basic functions, track satellites in order to collect raw satellite data at it’s position, receive base position satellite data...

  • Page 89: Step 2. Is The Rover Radio Antenna Connected To The Rover Radio

    The Ashtech SSRadio has a power switch on its front panel. Other radio types automatically turn on once power is applied. a. Press the radio power switch to turn on the radio. Go to b) if the radio does not turn on.

  • Page 90: Step 3. Is The Base System Transmitting Data

    Antenna not connected Connect the radio antenna to the radio. Ensure that the connection to the radio and the antenna are snug and not cross-threaded. Antenna is connected Ensure the connections to the radio and the antenna are snug and not cross- threaded.

  • Page 91: Step 6. Is Line-Of-Sight Between Base And Rover Antennae Obstructed

    radios are set. Radio not set to same frequency as base Use the field application software to set the frequency of the rover radio. Radio set to same frequency as base Go to step 6 below. Step 6. Is line-of-sight between base and rover antennae obstructed? Obstructions (trees, buildings, hills, etc.) in the line-of-sight between the base and rover radio antennae will reduce the range of the radio system.

  • Page 92: Step 8. Are You Being Jammed

    Not within range specifications Move within range. Either move closer to the base system, or move the base system closer to you. Within range specifications Move closer to base to test system. Since radio range is difficult to predict due the varying effects of local conditions, try moving closer to the base in an attempt to resolve the problem.

  • Page 93: Step 9. You May Have A Malfunctioning Component In Your System

    Your rover radio, radio antenna, or radio antenna cable may be malfunctioning. There is no way to further isolate this problem unless you have spares for these components. Call your local dealer or Ashtech customer support for assistance. Rover System Is Not Computing A Position Once the rover GPS receiver is set to function as an RTK rover, it will only compute RTK quality positions.

  • Page 94: Step 2. Is The Radio Connected To The Gps Receiver

    Radio not connected Connect the rover radio to the GPS receiver. On the back panel of the Z-Xtreme, connect the radio cable to RS232 port B. If using the Pacific Crest UHF/VHF or Ashtech SSRadio, connect the radio cable to the RS232 connector labeled DATA/PWR or SERIAL.

  • Page 95: Step 4. Is The Gps Receiver Tracking Satellites

    Not connected to correct port Correct inconsistencies between port setting and radio port connection. You must either connect the radio to the port set in the receiver for receiving raw base data, or change the port setting in the receiver to match the port to which the radio is connected.

  • Page 96: Step 6. Your Rover Receiver May Be Malfunctioning

    Go to step 6 below. Step 6. Your rover receiver may be malfunctioning Contact your local dealer or Ashtech customer support for assistance. Rover Computing Position With High Uncertainties Using the field application software you find that the rover is computing a position but the uncertainties (HRMS, VRMS) assigned to the position are unacceptably high.

  • Page 97: Step 3. Hdop & Vdop Values Too High For Precision Requirements

    ity solution. Your field application software will also inform you which satellites are being tracked by the base and which are being tracked by the rover and whether or not these satellites are healthy. If you find that your solution will not fix, look to deter- mine if the base and rover are indeed tracking at least 5 common healthy satellites.

  • Page 98: Step 4. Precision Requirements Too Stringent For Rtk

    Step 5. Your rover receiver may be malfunctioning Contact your local dealer or Ashtech customer support for assistance. This concludes the troubleshooting section. If the tips given here did not help you to resolve your problem with your ZX SuperStation, please call your local dealer or Ash- tech customer support for assistance.
  • Page 99 ......8 DOP ........87 as-built surveys ....... 4 DOP values above 4 ....88 ASCII ........18 DOS .........15, 17 Ashtech proprietary ..54, 63 DTM ........4 At Work ........ 15 autonomous ......86 available satellites ....2 export formats ......19 base coordinates ....
  • Page 100 post-processing ....54, 63 initialization times ....5 power amplifier ......11 intermittent reception .... 82 precise orbits ......19 internal radio ......57 productivity ......4 known base position ....3 radio is transmitting data ..55 known position ......2 radio license ......11 radio range ......13 radio traffic ......12 L1 ..........
  • Page 101 SSRadio ......13, 79 stakeout ......4, 18 TDS ......... 15, 18 TNC ........45 topographic ......4 transmission frequency ..55 true base position ....55 UHF ........10 VDOP ........87 vector ........3 vectors ........19 vertical angle ......3 vertical position .......

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