GPS Utilities

Every GNSS manufacturer and model has a different set of GPS Utilities. The primary purposes of these commands are to troubleshoot and/or reset the current GPS receiver (commonly, GPS Rover).

• Bluetooth Settings: Permits the user to make changes to the receiver's internal Bluetooth settings.
• Check RTK: This tells the user current RTK Status.
• Configure RTK Device: This allows the user to configure RTK Parameters.
• Disable Wifi Hotspot: This allows the user to disable the Wifi Hotspot.
• Eject File Card: This allows the receiver to unmount the SD card from the housing (allowing for removal).
• Enable Wifi Hotspot: This allows the user to enable the Wifi Hotspot.
• GSM Modem Reset: This will reset the GSM Modem, helpful with a weak signal.
• GPS Raw Utilities: Will offer receiver specific options, including the ability to Close an Active Log File.
• Hard Reset: This will initiate a Hard Reset command to the receiver.
• Known Point initialization: This allows the user to initialize the receiver's position, helpful in PPP configurations.
• Network Connect: This allows the user to connect to the APN, allowing for RTK correction streaming.
• Network Disconnect: This allows the user to disconnect from the APN, allowing for the network to disengage data streaming.
• OmniSTAR Status: This allows the user to see the status of the tracked OmniSTAR signal.
• Power On / Off Receiver: This allows the user to power on / power off the receiver.
• QuickStart: This allows the user to utilize the receiver's quickstart capabilities.
• Reset Factory Defaults: This allows the user to reset the receiver's configuration to factory defaults.
• Reset Receiver: This allows the user to reset the receiver, usually does not erase flash memory (check with your specific receiver manufacturer for full details).
• Reset RTK Engine: This allows the user to reset the RTK Engine, helpful if a dominant satellite signal becomes occluded.
• Seed position: This allows the user, in a PPP configuration, to set the position prior to the convergence period.
• Self Check: This instructs the receiver to perform its own internal diagnostics.
• Send Command: This allows the user to send a command directly to the receiver.
• Sensor Utilities: Allows for receivers with IMU capabilities to be calibrated.
  More Information

  Based on the receiver, configuration routines exist to help maximize the capabilities of the equipment.

  Note: To use these routines, the IMU Sensor Mode of the receiver will need to be enabled.

  

  IMU Pole Calibration

  As the name/acronym suggests, Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) calibration relies on receiver motion to be effective. For this reason, the receiver will need to undergo some movement before it can be calibrated.

  

  Note: For best results, ensure:

  • the GPS pole is rigid. Make sure all connections are secure and snug.
  • the tip of the pole does not move from its initial position.
  • the reference face of the receiver is pointed North.
  • the receiver does not excessively twist about the axis of the pole.

  Once the IMU has been initialized and the receiver has obtained an RTK Fixed solution:

  1. Initiate the Start Calibration routine.
  2. Perform the IMU calibration per the manufacturer instructions.
  3. When complete, confirm the readings with the Finish Calibration option.

  

  Once the calibration is complete, common practice is to confirm the results with a One Point Test.

  Verify e-bubble

  The electronic bubble found within the receiver can be evaluated through the Verify e-bubble test. The test involves placing the receiver on a level surface and orienting the reference face of the receiver in a given direction (commonly North).

  

  After the initial set of readings, orient the reference face of the receiver 180° (e.g. South) from the initial position. The results will be summarized.

  

  One Point Sensor Test

  Calibration is tied to location and temperature. SurvPC offers a One Point Test utility to help users to get more accustomed to the IMU capabilities of their receiver.

  

  To use the feature, make sure your Rover has a FIXED solution shown in the upper left, then level the receiver and press the Start button to take a level reading. Then hold the tip of the pole in a fixed location, and practice tilting the top of the pole. The software will apply corrections based on the tilt, and the screen will display the error between the fixed location and the calculated location.

  Using the One Point Test can help field crews understand the limitations of their receiver. Poor results in this screen would indicate that the receiver needs to be re-calibrated.

  

  Note: Errors will be grayed out when the position is not Fixed or too much noise is present or if measured tilt is greater than the capabilities of the receiver (every receiver is different).

• Set Radio Parameters: This allows the user to configure the radio parameters for correction streams.
• Set Satellite Status: This allows the user to specify satellite constellations and particular satellite signal reception.
• StarFire Status: This allows the user to see the status of the tracked StarFire signal.
• Theft Protection: This will attempt to establish a PIN (check with your manufacturer for further details).
• Update Clock from GPS: This allows the user to set the clock from GPS signals.
• Upload Firmware: This allows the user to upload firmware to the receiver.

Note: When using the "for educational purposes-only" GPS Simulator, special utilities include:

• Simulation Position: This allows the user to specify a mock location for the GPS Simulator.
• Simulation Options: This allows the user to configure the extent to how the GPS Simulator position should change.