We are trying to figure out the north orientation of our Trimble R8-2 receiver, as per requirements of a project we have been awarded.
We are using a Trimble TSC3 with Trimble Access [version 2013.31 (5787)] as our data collector. The requirements state that the receiver must be north orientated and we have not been able to figure out the orientation of our receiver. Any help would be appreciated.
> We are trying to figure out the north orientation of our Trimble R8-2 receiver, as per requirements of a project we have been awarded.
> We are using a Trimble TSC3 with Trimble Access [version 2013.31 (5787)] as our data collector. The requirements state that the receiver must be north orientated and we have not been able to figure out the orientation of our receiver. Any help would be appreciated.
How about keeping mag N at 12 O'clock for all your observations?
FWIW, haven't paid much attention to antenna orientation since using the Zephyrs with the 5700s. With the R8s, we pay more attention to the rod fisheye.
Thanks for the quick response.
The problem is that we don't know where the physical north face is located on our receiver. We are trying to do exactly as you have suggested "keep the mag N at 12 O'clock for all observations". The problem is we don't know which way to turn our reciever to achieve this result.
While trying to solve this problem we have found, in the point details under point manager. On page 6 there is a result labeled "orientation:" which we have determined through testing has no bearing on the rotation of the receiver. Any idea what that is?
try this...
The image you have attached seems to be only dealing with the R8 in relation to offsets (phase center, center of bumper, and bottom of antenna mount) with no solution as to the rotation of the receiver to achieve north orientation.
Are we to assume that the lights and buttons are located on the north face of the receiver, or are we safe to assume the r8 has a omni-directional antenna.
R-8's are "phase centered" and there is no "north" orientation. You can actually rotate them while collecting data with no impact.
I wrote this article several years ago:
http://www.amerisurv.com/PDF/TheAmericanSurveyor_Ingram-TheTotalizer_November2007.pdf
Thank you Dave Ingram!
That is the answer we were looking for. We just wanted to assure we were meeting the specifications of the project. We have also determined we will continuously keep the buttons and lights facing in a northward direction to eliminate any possibility of flaws in the receiver casing in relation to "phase center".
Thanks again!
Just noticed you put that R8 on top of a TopCon.... So now your opinion has no validity.
> Just noticed you put that R8 on top of a TopCon.... So now your opinion has no validity.
Is that a joke?
> R-8's are "phase centered" and there is no "north" orientation.
Well, almost: about 0.6 mm x 0.2 mm eccentricity, according to NGS.
Hey, they're both yellow. That should count for something.
Out-dated specifications.
> Out-dated specifications.
Yup. By about 15 years.
Yes, a joke. I think he's referring to the use of a Trimble branded umbrella/sunshade for his gun, rather than the much preferred Topcon setup.
Well, it's paid for and still works.
Sorry, yes that was a joke. I have lugged that exact model through the woods many miles it had served me very well.
I do thank everyone for their help.
The result of cut n paste from one spec to another. I saw the requirement for receivers to have an external time sync port for many years after the demise of the Macrometer V1000.
Since it is less common than in past years to have an index mark on antennas, often the coax connector is oriented north and is the way most if not all CORS antennas are installed, for the all in one box units I am not sure, BUT the NGS calibration page may offer up some clues.
Old habits linger on for me, I always face my antenna port to the north.
SHG