Functional Description - Thales Z-Max Operation And Application Manual

The Z-Max System includes the following major components :
• Z-Max GPS Module: the GPS Receiver Module that contains the GPS
receiver, the removable SD memory card, front panel display, external
serial ports, USB port and the power port.
• Max-Trac GPS Antenna Module: the module that contains the GPS
antenna hardware that supplies GPS signal to the Z-Max.
• Communication Module: the module that contains data links that enable
real-time GPS surveying. If the system is not intended for real-time
surveying, an empty Communication Module (V-Module) will be required
to seal the Z-Max against moisture.
• Vortex UHF Antenna Module: the module that contains the antenna for
UHF radios. If the system is not intended for real-time surveying, an empty
UHF antenna module will be used to complete the 2-meter range pole.
• Power Module: contains the lithium ion batteries to power the Z-Max.
• Handheld Computer/Field Application Software: the Z-Max system
offers you a choice of portable data collectors and graphical field software
to control the receiver during GPS surveys.
Additional algorithmic enhancements inside the Z-Max significantly increase the
availability of precision RTK solutions at long ranges and in harsh environments. The
Z-Max algorithms automatically analyze operational conditions and optimize internal
parameters to best meet the challenges of real-world environments.

Functional Description

The receiver is activated when the Power button is pushed. Provided that a power
source is connected, the unit will perform a self-test and then initialize its tracking
channels and begin searching for all satellites (SVs) within the field of view of the GPS
antenna. The receiver can track up to 12 satellites at the same time. The number of
available satellites varies based on the geographic location and the time of day. In an
open environment, the receiver will typically track 5-10 satellites simultaneously. As
the receiver acquires (locks onto) each SV, it obtains the time information, collects the
ephemeris data for that SV, and collects almanac data for all SVs in the constellation.
The Z-Max will begin recording satellites automatically as soon as 3 satellites are
tracked and will be computing a position when 4 satellites are tracked.
Each SV broadcasts information about its own position every 30 seconds (ephemeris)
and information about the position of every satellite in orbit every 15 minutes
(almanac). The unit automatically records this information in its memory. The unit has
an L1/L2-band RF port and 3 external input/output ports that include RS-232, RS-422
and USB protocol. The receiver also contains an internal Bluetooth wireless module
for wireless communication between the receiver and peripheral devices. The
receiver contains an internal serial interface for interfacing with the Communication
Module.
Introduction 3