Small but powerful GNSS - Sokkia GCX2

leegreen, post: 364993, member: 2332 wrote: extreme long range bluetooth repeater using two Parani SD1000, that should extend the range to 2000ft or possibly 3000ft

I have one of those directional antennas. I've never actually needed it, but in testing I got connectivity at half a mile. The connection seemed a bit slow -- there may have been a lot of packet resends -- but the antenna was hanging on the side of the instrument tripod, so it wasn't very far above ground.

Lee,
Those tiny little things DID pique my interest...

Let us know how you like them. TINY is an understatement!

🙂

N

Those thing look pretty awesome, I've been eyeing them for a while. Do you mind sharing the price tag, and if you had to pay more to have things like Network RTK and static memory activated? What about post processing software? I had some Sokkia GPS equipment before, and the only thing bad I can say about it was that their post procession software wasn't up to par. Also the controller, do they work with Survey Pro and/or Calson?

The Pseudo Ranger, post: 365058, member: 18 wrote: Those thing look pretty awesome, I've been eyeing them for a while. Do you mind sharing the price tag, and if you had to pay more to have things like Network RTK and static memory activated? What about post processing software? I had some Sokkia GPS equipment before, and the only thing bad I can say about it was that their post procession software wasn't up to par. Also the controller, do they work with Survey Pro and/or Calson?

Pseudo,

Yes, there are OAF's (Option Authorization Files) that need be to purchased to enable Longlink Bluetooth, GLONASS, Network Rover, and Magnet Relay. These OAF's will nearly double the base price of the GCX2.

Did some testing today. The longlink bluetooth is very limited and not worth a damn. Walked behind a garage at 500ft and lost the base radio. The repeaters help, but these really like line of site bluetooth connection. Better off using a robot. These GCX2's work best in RTN/VRS Network mode and Network Relay mode. Network Relay mode is a Topcon/Sokkia exclusive option via Magnet Field. You need a controller or PC with internet access and Magnet Field at the base and at the rover. I use an old FC250 and MiFi at the base, and my Panasonic ToughPAD with internal 4G cell modem at the rover. This gives me unlimited distance, just need cell service. You do NOT need to purchase Magnet Field at the base, it works fine in demo mode. Can collect static and base and at rover. But for remote wooded areas, these are best used for static only. I will use my Hiper V's with Digital UHF radios in the remote areas where cell coverage is not available.

I have owned Topcon Tools for many years, have since upgraded to Magnet Tools at no additional cost, it works perfect with all Topcon/Sokkia receivers.

I don't know if these work with TDS or Carlson. My assumption, probably not.

leegreen, post: 365131, member: 2332 wrote: Pseudo,
....
I have owned Topcon Tools for many years, have since upgraded to Magnet Tools at no additional cost, it works perfect with all Topcon/Sokkia receivers.

Wow. They let you do that? Assumed that I would be in for a big cost if I ever had to upgrade Tools. Figured I would just have to go with the Carlson processing package, or Javad software.

May have to look into upgrading if it would help out.

toivo1037, post: 365158, member: 973 wrote: Wow. They let you do that? Assumed that I would be in for a big cost if I ever had to upgrade Tools. Figured I would just have to go with the Carlson processing package, or Javad software.

May have to look into upgrading if it would help out.

I upgraded several years ago. I do pay about $300 per year Magnet Tools maintenance.

Thanks for all that detail. I had forgotten that Topcon and Sokkia Merged, and that magnet and Topcon tools would be the software of choice. I'm a little bummed because I really like Survey Pro, and they have been good about integrating Sokkia and Topcon products in the past. I also have a Carlson DC, and they have been even better about including other manufactures, but unfortunately, this isn't on their current list of supported products.

Lee: Can you tell me in what configuration you have the Parani SD1000 set to act as repeaters. How do they talk to the GPS bluetooth?

Thanks

beau, post: 365231, member: 8054 wrote: Lee: Can you tell me in what configuration you have the Parani SD1000 set to act as repeaters. How do they talk to the GPS bluetooth?

Thanks

I am interested in repeating bt gnss base too. looks like one should join two paranis together like shown, for repeaing.

Yes. Purchase two Parani SD1000 and connect via 9 pin cable. Use the software ParaniWin to Configure SD1000 in Mode 2 to Bluetooth back to the base, the second device in mode 0 to bluetooth from your controller. I use default 9600 baud.

Those are really interesting, Lee.

From my days of using Parani Bluetooth for my robot, it seems like the Bluetooth signal is pretty restricted to line of sight. Others may have different experiences. It never was an issue with the robot, since it needed line of sight also between robot and prism.

Shawn,
Yes, bluetooth does like line of site. With the repeater setup I can bend that line and extend it. But I don't plan on using the Bluetooth option too often with this setup. Most of my job's are in good cell phone areas. The network relay will be used most often, with better range.

looks like Sokkia GCX2 has helix antenna which is good for tracking low elevation satellites

I saw those when they showed up in the trade magazines and they are very appealing.

The 1,000 ft range limited their being very useful for me.

Cool.....:gammon:

A Harris, post: 365410, member: 81 wrote: I saw those when they showed up in the trade magazines and they are very appealing.

The 1,000 ft range limited their being very useful for me.

Cool.....:gammon:

A Harris,

I Agree. For that reason I have Hiper V's with UHF. But will cell coverage there is no limit. Put these on top of a 2m pole and it feels like you forgot the GNSS receiver. I also like these for Hybrid GPS. This GCX2 mounts over the ATP2 360å¡ prism.

just thinking what if first parani is paired via cable with base pac crest radio, and the second parani cable paired with rover uhf... seems like too much complication but would be interesting to experiment.

base gnss->first parani->base uhf radio ))))) transmits to )))) rover uhf radio->second parani -> gnss rover.

unfortunately PDL LPB are not manufactured anymore for the roves side, there would be too much pain with lemo connectors though.

Lee

Hi, need some info. Saw the parani site. What did you order ?the parani sd1000?do you need to get the power adapter/battery option? the base unit, does it comes with a battery pack? or does it get its power off the gps receiver?

FrancisH, post: 366773, member: 10211 wrote: Lee

Hi, need some info. Saw the parani site. What did you order ?the parani sd1000?do you need to get the power adapter/battery option? the base unit, does it comes with a battery pack? or does it get its power off the gps receiver?

Francis,
I purchased the SENA SD1000 for $117 w/ power adapter and no battery from this site http://www.buysenaindustrial.com/bluetooth.html

There are selections for base units without a charger/power adapter, and w/o stub antenna, all have no battery. I suggest replacing the stub antenna with the 5dBi ($8) and getting the extended battery pack ($35). http://www.buysenaindustrial.com/bluetooth.html?cat=9&limit=64

leegreen, post: 365317, member: 2332 wrote: Yes. Purchase two Parani SD1000 and connect via 9 pin cable. Use the software ParaniWin to Configure SD1000 in Mode 2 to Bluetooth back to the base, the second device in mode 0 to bluetooth from your controller. I use default 9600 baud.

Hi Leegreen,

We have two of these GCX2 receivers also and would like to know more detail about the bluetooth repeater setup you use. We have a sokkia s10 controller running Magnet Field.