Has anyone been receiving emails from SMG Products regarding a RTK system for $7000? I've been doing some research on this company but am finding very little and I see that none of their receivers are on the NGS OPUS website. Here's a link to the M8 RTK system website:
Ñ Support GPSÛGLONASSÛCompassÛGalileo
Ñ Support WASSÛEGNOSÛMSASÛGAGAN
Ñ Fast initialization and satellite tracking technology
Ñ Seamless compatible with various CORS/VRS system
Ñ Stable 1cm(horizontal) RTK
Ñ 2.5mmå±1ppm (horizontal) for post-processing accuracy for long baseline static network
Ñ powerful self-developed software makes GNSS RTK+GIS collection in one
Ñ 1GB high-speed processor in PDA and strong software kernel, enable 10GB image or hundred MB vector map as background loading very fast
Ñ Dual power supply + assistant battery design, the largest battery capacity in the field, supporting at least 12 hours continuous CORS RTK or 18 hours static survey
Ñ Built-in transmitting and receiving UHF, 3G/GSM, Bluetooth
Ñ Multiple data storage: internal NANDFLASH and MicroSD, external USB port for U disc extension (up to 64G)
Ñ One key base setup
Ñ Completely exchangeable base and rover
Ñ Intelligent error diagnosis and voice broadcast function
The system includes Base, Rover, Radio and DC with MicroSurvey Field Genius. For $7000, I'm excited about that price, but very hesitant about a system that is not on the NGS OPUS site and that has not been tested here in the States! But $7000 is so tempting!
They sent me some RINEX files that I've uploaded to my Google Drive account. I unfortunately don't have access to any GPS post processing software to process the data. I might try RTKLIB. Has anyone ever tried the RTKLIB: An Open Source Program Package for GNSS Positioning? Here's a link to this open source gnss software.
Send me an email and I can send you a link to the data on my Google Drive account, I'll add .14o, .14n and 3 .kqs filese. No idea what a .kqs file is?!?
Thanks!
Nick
Here's some documentation I received from SMG regarding the M8.
Having been a spectator, and sightseer, on the Javad project, for the last few months, there is ALOT that goes into making things work. IF the hardware is sound, then you are only 1/2 way there. Or, maybe even less.
The software is how you get the data IN and OUT, so you can make a profit.
Be sure you are going to get along with the software, before you are committed.
N
This was the email I received from SMG on the M8 GNSS RTK System.
Good day!
- I am pleased to tell you that our M8 GNSS RTK has been released to the international market with new FieldGenius8 (www.microsurvey.com).
- M8 GNSS RTK is similar as Trimble R8. In the function of UHF/GSM, receiving GPS+GLONASS+BDS at the same time. Through the Quad-band GSM module inside, it is perfect to work with various CORS/VRS.
Trimble BD970 motherboard, proven tracking technologyFieldGenius8, the most easy-to-use survey data collection softwareDual power supply(6800mAh*2), 12 hours for static while 8-10 hours for RTKBuilt-in Tx/Rx UHF, exchangeable Base and RoverExternal USB port for U disc extensionLinux intelligent system
- To promote M8 GNSS RTK, we offer a special EXW Promotion Price to the international market in May 2016. Please check below three different configuration:
1. M8 GNSS RTK one base + one rover with external radio + one K8 controller + FieldGenius8: 7000.00 USD (Original price:8500.00 USD)
2. M8 GNSS RTK one rover + one K8 controller + Field Genius8 + build-in radio module: 3600.00 USD (Original price:4600.00 USD)
3. M8 GNSS RTK one rover + one K8 controller + Field Genius8 + without build-in radio module: 3450.00 USD (Original price:4450.00 USD)
Kindly remind: If you buy DEMO products in May, we can keep Promotion Activity Price as Distributor Price for you.
SMG states that it has a Trimble BD970 motherboard. Here's a link to the Trimble OEM Receiver Board site:
I've used FieldGenius on an older version of MicroSurvey (2008) running my Sokkia SET630R, but never for GPS. FG is pretty user friendly, but I've been primarily using Trimble Survey Controller. But it appears as a supported hardware on the MicroSurvey site:
Great price. A few notes:
1. Is the internal and external Harxon radio FCC approved? If not, you can not import them. And that is 'CAN NOT'. Not 'MAY NOT'. The shipment will be impounded by US Customs. (Hint, you need a FCC740 form which you can self certify, but you had better be dang sure the radios are registered (they are not.))
2. Can you ship with batteries? No problem unless shipped by air. You will need a chemical certificate (ChemCert) to ship by air, which they may or may not have. Best to leave the batteries at factory and purchase new ones on Amazon.
3. Is Galileo, BeiDou and GLONASS enabled? L2C? L5? You want these five tracking options enabled. (You can live without BeiDou now, but in a year you might want it.)
4. If they don't work or you break them, what do you do? You can return them to China, but do you have to smuggle them in or can they do a duty free zone repair? (This is an important question, don't ignore it.)
Finally, I am just going say that if you don't understand "EXW" (Ex Works) INCOTERM purchases, you absolutely should not be doing it. EXW leaves the buyer (you) responsible for ALL export papers, procedures, and import on the USA side. But you can't do them because: 1. Your Chinese is insufficient to complete the documents. 2. You don't have ChemCerts. 3. You don't understand the insurance liability.)
Now after all my nay-saying, it would be fun to fly over (not that expensive - probably $700 round trip) and pick them up and bring home as checked luggage. (Too bad they won't pack in one case.) That way you could check them out in China and make sure they work. You will still have the radio problem, but it will be easier to smuggle them back than do the paperwork and you probably will fly under the radar with the radios. Kind of like picking up a BMW, driving around Europe and then shipping it back home in the 60's.
And flying to China is exactly how I would get them repaired if they broke.
That said Smart Max GeoSystems ran the ABSOLUTE best [snark filter on] advertisement I have seen in the Survey Equipment business in years:
Yes, that is in fact a picture of my typical customer with his shirt off, and no he is NOT planning on sitting on that sharp building after picking up the very big hotel. Hard Hat Yes. Goggles Yes. Shirt No.
WTF? I believe that this is will be the first use of the word 'homoerotic' on SurveyorConnect. Wendell, can I get a badge for that?
[snark filter off]
:stakeout:M
Hi, I have access to exactly the same equipment and was wondering if you have been successful in establishing good control points.
Thanks, Alex.
