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GETTING STARTED GUIDE
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Summary of Contents for Thales Z-Max.Net

  • Page 1 Z-Max ® .Net GETTING STARTED GUIDE www.thalesgroup.com/navigation...
  • Page 2 FCC Notice FCC and CE UHF Safety Statement Z-Max.Net Receiver complies with the limits for a Class B dig- The different versions of the UHF Transmitters are FCC and CE ital device, pursuant to the Part 15 of the FCC rules when it is compliant.
  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Attaching the GNSS Antenna Module ........9 Inserting a Memory Card............10 Turning On/Off the System ........... 10 Initializing the System ............11 Checking that Z-Max.Net Receives Satellites....... 12 RTK Surveying ..............13 RTK Surveying Method Requirements ......... 13 RTK Base Setup ..............14 Choosing the Installation Site..........
  • Page 4 Reminder on the Static Surveying Method ......39 Running a Static Survey............40 Equipment Setup ............. 40 Getting the Z-Max.Net Unit Started in Static ....41 Starting Data Collection..........43 End of Data Collection............ 43 Downloading Field Data to your PC ........45 Post-Processing Field Data ...........
  • Page 5: Introduction

    For more information on these items, please contact your dealer. For ordering information, please refer to the Z-Max.Net Reference Manual.
  • Page 6 Module (2) Power Module Range Pole Range Pole RF Adapter Max RF Mounting Charger Adapter Bracket Field Terminal Radio Thales Thales U-Link USB Cable MobileMap- transmitter per CE Serial Data Juniper Pacific-Crest Cable Allegro CX UHF Transmitter Static, Base Software...
  • Page 7: Locating The Basic Components

    As you are facing the front panel of the GPS receiver module, the power module attaches to the left-hand side of the receiver module and the communication module (or V- module) to the right-hand side. Z-Max.Net Front Panel Z-Max.Net Bluetooth® Status LEDs Front Panel User Interface...
  • Page 8: Bluetooth® Port

    Bluetooth® Port This device allows you to communicate with the Z-Max.Net through a Bluetooth wireless connection. This port is identified as “port C” on the Z-Max.Net. Status LEDs From left to right, the LEDs are: • RTK Solution. This LED is only operational when the receiver is configured as an RTK rover.
  • Page 9: Front Panel Display

    Data entry context: Accepts character and moves to next space or quits Edit mode Data entry context: Deletes last edited character, stays in Edit mode CANCEL (red) Parameter list context: Moves from Edit mode to Display mode without selecting the parameter. See Z-Max.Net Reference Manual for more information.
  • Page 10: Power Key

    The USB port is one of the external ports available for connecting to a computer. The USB port is a type-B connector. Z-Max.Net Rear Panel Handle External Power In (10-28 V DC) Port A (RS232) Port B (RS232 or RS422) For connector pinout, see Z-Max.Net Reference Manual.
  • Page 11: Gnss Antenna Configurations

    GNSS Antenna Configurations In all cases of use, the GNSS antenna module must be connected to the receiver module. But there are three different ways of doing this, as explained below. Base The GNSS antenna module (A) is directly attached to the receiver module (B).
  • Page 12: Preparing For First-Time Use

    The charger is designed to work with a 110-240 VAC power source and delivers 12 V DC of input voltage with at least 4-A current capability to the power module. For more information on the characteristics and manage- ment of the power module, see Z-Max.Net Reference Man- ual.
  • Page 13: Attaching The Lateral Modules

    Attaching the Lateral Modules Whatever the type of module you are attaching to the receiver module, i.e. a power module on the left, or a commu- nication or V-module on the right, do the following: • Insert the small ledge of the module into the rear of the housing first as shown opposite (left and right).
  • Page 14: Inserting A Memory Card

    A memory card is required if you want to run a post-process- ing survey or more generally, when you want to log raw data with your Z-Max.Net. To install the SD Memory Card into the reader: • Orient it so that the chamfered corner of the card is oriented downwards, as shown opposite.
  • Page 15: Initializing The System

    SD Card by running an initialization sequence rather than using any other method. Initializing the system is also appropriate any time the Z-Max.Net does not work as expected. To initialize the system from the Power button, assuming the system is off, do the following: •...
  • Page 16: Checking That Z-Max.net Receives Satellites

    Checking that Z-Max.Net Receives Satellites If the GPS antenna has a reasonably good view to the sky, within a few minutes, the receiver should begin to track sat- ellites. This is indicated by the SV/Power LED: Please go outside after 1.
  • Page 17: Rtk Surveying

    - Or a “virtual” base system that delivers its data via a cellular modem is sited in a clear area (GPRS). giving the best possible The main Z-Max.Net RTK system configurations are illustrated below: view of the sky! UHF Radio Rover...
  • Page 18: Rtk Base Setup

    RTK Base Setup A typical base setup is described in this section in which: • A conventional tripod is used • A Thales U-Link radio is used for the data link • RTK corrections data are transmitted in Ashtech CPD (DBEN) format •...
  • Page 19 Use the tape to measure from the reference point on the ground to the measurement point of the Z-Max.Net (see Hb opposite). Later on, you will have to enter the value read on the tape (see point 5. on page 25).
  • Page 20: Rtk Rover Setup

    The diagram below summarizes the different connections described previously. U-Link Transmitter Z-Max.Net Use exclusively a 12-V DC battery to power Power the U-Link transmitter. Using a 24-V DC bat- P/N 730476 tery is only allowed for powering the P/N 430477 Z-Max.Net.
  • Page 21 Mount the Z-Max.Net assembly on the survey pole: - Remove the brass adapter from the top of the pole and attach it to the base of the Z-Max.Net assembly. - Seat the Z-Max.Net onto the pole. If no adapter is available, just thread the pole directly on to the base of the receiver.
  • Page 22: Establishing Bluetooth Communication With Z-Max.net

    Establishing Bluetooth Communication with Z-Max.Net Introduction This section explains how to control the Z-Max.Net system Base from a Bluetooth-enabled field terminal (Thales MobileMapper CE). Bluetooth Please carefully read these preliminary notes: Manager COM3 • When using Bluetooth communication, you will be COM4 asked repeatedly to enter the Z-Max.Net PIN number...
  • Page 23: Powering Up The Whole Equipment

    It is assumed that the base and rover you have set up are next to each other. First of all, turn on each of the Z-Max.Net units you will be using (a base and a rover, or simply a rover) by pressing the power button for about two seconds until a beep is emitted.
  • Page 24: Finding Bluetooth Services

    In this step, you will list the services available from the detected Bluetooth-enabled devices. For each detected Z-Max.Net unit, do the following: Tap and hold the now green Z-Max.Net icon in the list Find Services and then tap from the pop-up menu. Wait until a “+”...
  • Page 25: Saving Bluetooth Serial Port Settings

    You will save much time when next starting your system if you follow the procedure below the first time you set up the required Bluetooth connections. For each detected Z-Max.Net unit, do the following: Bluetooth Serial Port Tap and hold...
  • Page 26: Defining/Saving Bluetooth Settings For Fast Survey

    Name the configuration file (for example “Z-Max Base”) Close and then Repeat the above steps 2 to 9 for the Z-Max.Net rover you are using. This time you will select “COM4” and not “COM3” in the Comm Set up window (point 3.) and you will enter “Z-Max Rover”...
  • Page 27: Toggling Bluetooth Between Base And Rover

    Toggling Bluetooth Between Base and Rover Now that you have saved the two ways FAST Survey can communicate with your Z-Max.Net system, it’s easy to tog- gle Bluetooth communication from the base to the rover or the other way around:...
  • Page 28: Configuring The Base And The Data Link

    Equip Instrument Tap on the tab, then the function, select “Thales/Ashtech” from the scroll-down menu and finally on top of the screen Tap on the name of the configuration corresponding to Select the base (e.g. “Z-Max Base”) and then tap .
  • Page 29: Entering The Base Position And Id

    If you used the method described on Slant page 15, check Select the type of GPS antenna used, i.e. “[Z-Max GPS] Thales Navigation” as you are using the Z-Max.Net antenna directly connected to the receiver. Ports Tap on the tab.
  • Page 30: Setting The Radio

    . The message “ ” is displayed and a beep is emitted meaning that the Z-Max.Net is being configured. After a few seconds, FAST Survey prompts you to check the radio settings: Base Station ID screen Setting the Radio .
  • Page 31: Configuring The Rtk Rover

    Check the LEDs on the Z-Max.Net front panel to make sure the system is functioning correctly (refer to page 4 to read the meaning of each LED). Typically, two LEDS should blink green as shown opposite. You can also monitor the Z-Max.Net rover from the Equip MobileMapper CE screen using FAST Survey’s...
  • Page 32: Case #1: Rover Using A Uhf Radio Data Link

    - Radio Port: “D” - Message Type: “Ashtech (CPD/DSNP LRK)” Tap the button located on top of the screen. The Connecting to Receiver message “ ” is displayed and the Z-Max.Net emits a beep meaning that it’s being configured.
  • Page 33 “444.125” in the field and then tap Radio Wait a few seconds. A beep is emitted by the Z-Max.Net once it has been configured as a rover. The survey can now begin. You can first check the LEDs on the Z-Max.Net front panel to make sure the system is functioning correctly (refer to page 4 to know the meaning of each LED).
  • Page 34: Case #2: Rover Using A Gsm/Gprs Data Link

    (Hr; see point 3. on page 17) and then check the option. Receiver Tap on the tab and check that the receiver used is the Z-Max.Net. Also, select the “[Z-Max GPS UHF] Antenna Type Thales Navigation” antenna in the field. Ports...
  • Page 35 Connecting to Receiver The message “ ” is displayed and a beep is then emitted indicating that the Z-Max.Net is being configured. A new screen appears on which you can see the current status of the com module’s modem (READY; see screen opposite).
  • Page 36: Saving Base And Rover Settings

    RTK position solution is fixed and so you can start surveying. Close and proceed with the survey as such (see next chapters). You can monitor the Z-Max.Net rover from the field Equip Monitor terminal screen using FAST Survey’s tab>...
  • Page 37: Logging Rtk Points

    Logging RTK Points Surv Store Points Tap on the tab and then on . The screen now displayed allows you to log all your points. The figure below summarizes all the functions available from that screen. Logging point with position averaging Logging point Configures general with offset...
  • Page 38: Logging Rtk Points In Continuous Mode

    After logging all your points, tap MENU in the upper- right corner of the screen to return to the menu. Logging RTK Points in Continuous Mode Surv Auto by Interval On the tab, select the function. Two different modes are possible: Time or Distance. Distance If you choose , enter the horizontal and vertical...
  • Page 39: Staking Out Rtk Points

    Tap the button again (changed into a right arrow during pause) to resume data logging in continuous mode. If you come back to the main menu by tapping on MENU, then data logging in continuous mode is automatically stopped. Staking out RTK Points Surv Stakeout Points Tap on the...
  • Page 40 Once you have chosen a point, tapping on the button will display a graphic screen from which you can easily stake out your point: Takes you back to the point selection screen Configures general Stakeout screen case of point logging Next point Provides access to monitor screen...
  • Page 41: Downloading Rtk Results To Gnss Solutions

    The number of measurements will depend on the value File >Configure Readings entered earlier through the function. Once the position has been determined, FAST Survey displays the results of the computation so that you can check them (see below right). if you are satisfied with the results.
  • Page 42 On the PC: Create a new - Launch GNSS Solutions and then click Project - Name the project and click - Select the spatial reference system that was used during your RTK survey, select the appropriate time zone and then click Do Not Import Anything Now - Click .
  • Page 43: Post-Processing Surveying

    Required observation time mainly depends on distance between the two units (+ reception conditions). Rover unit estimates observation time needed. When Estimated Base Line Len on the Z-Max.Net front panel decreases down to “000km”, you can stop collecting data.
  • Page 44: Running A Static Survey

    Running a Static Survey A typical survey is described in this chapter using a conven- tional tripod. No field terminal is used as controlling system operation from the Z-Max.Net front panel is quite easy in this case. Equipment Setup The equipment setup instructions are the same for both the base and the rover.
  • Page 45: Getting The Z-Max.net Unit Started In Static

    10 seconds. In the event the Z-Max.Net would not be configured to run in static, do the following to re-configure the Z-Max.Net:...
  • Page 46 Enter the Site ID: SURVCONF • Press the Cancel key to return to • Press the Down key until the screen displays SURVEY:STATIC SITE ID:??? • Press the Enter key. is displayed. You can now enter the site ID: • Press the Enter key again •...
  • Page 47: Starting Data Collection

    Up key twice and then enter this length ESTIMATED BASELINE LEN:xxxkm) . This parameter is very important as it will be used by the Z-Max.Net to help you determine the end of data collection. Starting Data Collection Start raw data logging as follows: •...
  • Page 48 - The distance (or vector length) between the receivers collecting data simultaneously. To end data collection, just turn off the Z-Max.Net sys- tem by pressing the Power button for 2 seconds. When the receiver is powered down the active measurement file is automatically closed.
  • Page 49: Downloading Field Data To Your Pc

    If you don’t have a card reader, you can download your After downloading your field data directly from the Z-Max.Net via a USB or RS 232 field data, do not forget to link. This procedure is described in the Z-Max.Net Refer- re-insert the SD card into ence manual.
  • Page 50: Post-Processing Field Data

    - Close the Download window. where prefix X = “E” for Ephemeris Data, “B” for Repeat the previous two steps for each of the Z-Max.Net Position Data, “D” for units involved in the project to download their respective GPS Raw Data and “W”...
  • Page 51 Importing GPS Data dialog lists the files you want to import (top). Each row describes one of these files (file- name, associated Site ID, etc.) At the bottom of the window, define which of the sites is the control point (base) and enter or check its known coordinates.
  • Page 52: Front Panel Interface Function Diagram

    5. Front Panel Interface Function Diagram SURVEY: SETTINGS SYSINFO SURVCONF SESSIONS Current Mode OPTN STATIC STATIC THALES MEMORY RCVR STOP SITE REC INT RESET RADIO VERSION SESSION ELEV MASK ANT HT SBAS START BASELINE Select SURVEY MODE SESSION STATUS RCVR...
  • Page 53 Index Geoid model 24 GNSS antenna module 2 Access Point Name 30 GNSS Solutions CD 2 Auto connect (Bluetooth) 21 GNSS Solutions software 45 GPRS 13 GPS receiver module 2 Backpack 2 GPS-RF cable 2 Baseline 13 Baseline length 43 Bluetooth 18 Handle 6 Bluetooth icon 21...
  • Page 54 Soft case 2 Stake out 35 Static 41 Status LEDs 4 Stop & Go 39 Tap and hold 18 Thales MobileMapper CE 2 Thales U-Link transmitter 2 Toggling from base to rover 23 Trajectory 39 Turning On/Off 10 UHF antenna module 2...
  • Page 56 In Russia +7 095 956 5400 • Fax +7 095 956 5360 In the Netherlands +31 78 61 57 988 • Fax +31 78 61 52 027 Email surveysalesemea@thalesnavigation.com Web site www.thalesgroup.com/navigation © 2003-2006 Thales Navigation, Inc. All rights reserved. Z-Max is a registered trademark of Thales Navigation, Inc. P/N 631520-01C...

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