I'm in the planning stages of a sizeable project that will be processed in OPUS Projects using VRS RTN vectors via GVX. Unfortunately, my Javad Triumph-LS appears to be incapable of acquiring the vector data from the PRS to the rover, so I'm looking at using a colleague's R8 and renting a data collector with Access installed to accomplish the field work. All of the marks to be positioned are wide open (most are height mod stations already in the IDB), so I don't need the latest-and-greatest, but I'm not familiar with the R8 family, and don't yet know which specific model it is or what options are enabled.
My question: is there anything about the R8 that I need to look out for?
Thanks!
The R8 is one of those receivers sold with lots of possible options. And the options vary a bit by which model of R8. You probably will not need 'Base station', but I would check to see you have all the constellations and communications you need.
How are you planning to get your network VRS corrections? If radio, then the receiver must allow for the correct frequencies. If you are expecting to use the internet, the controller you hire needs a working sim card or some way to hotspot.
And one last thought, the GVX export stylesheet sits as part of the optional Access English Help and Language Pack. You will need that installed on the controller
=J=
"And one last thought, the GVX export stylesheet sits as part of the optional Access English Help and Language Pack. You will need that installed on the controller"
Good to know, and something I'll be sure to check on when the time comes.
Thus far I have only seen GVX integrated into TBC, under the Survey-->Export tool. I was not aware there was an ability to export a GVX from TA. Am I understanding that correctly? I briefly looked over the TA Stylesheet files online, but did not see GVX. Please share more info, highly interested. Thanks!
I think the GVX export was introduced to Access in ~2022 or so.
It's under "GNSS Vector Exchange" rather than "GVX" in the Export screen, so not immediately obvious what it is. I've tried it a few times and it seems to work pretty well.
Jim (Frame), the critical setup items are in Access, in the Rover Options portion of the survey style.
Need to make sure that "Store Points as" is set to Vectors, and generally speaking the broadcast format should be "VRS (RTCM)". If the RTN provider has things configured correctly, the controller will store the vectors tying back to the physical reference station in the controller. You may want to check that there is a "PRSXXXXXXX" point in the Point Manager after you store your first observation, just to make sure.
Excellent tips, thanks!
Will this be Real Time collection?
I'm still negotiating the contract, but I'm planning to accomplish it using the NGS-92 RTN draft guidelines.
Sounds like a great project. I'll let others direct you to using an R8 and VRS, we don't have any VRS here. Survey Styles in Access will control how the R8 collects data. I figure you shouldn't have much trouble with it. The R8 units come in different flavors, the R8-2 is the first one beyond L1 L2 capabilities. Hopefully you will have one of those or later units. The original R8 has more of a flat top the R8-2 and later units have a dome top to them.
I picked up the R8 today to check it out. The good news is that it's an R8-3. The bad news is that the firmware needs to be updated to account for last fall's week rollover, but it's going to take $660 to bring it back into warranty so that it's eligible for the update. I need to do that before I can run any VRS data tests.
Tell yer colleague it's time to upgrade to a receiver that was released within the past 15 years!
For the rover, at least...rock on with static though.
Thanks to a tip from Glenn Borkenhagen, I was able to install firmware v4.44 without having to do the warranty renewal thing. The receiver now knows the correct date, and *should* be good to go. I still need to do some testing with Access and the local VRS to make sure I can get the data I need, but I'm optimistic that it'll work.
I just got a pair of R8-3's. I've used them a dozen or so times before but have never owned them. Renting and using other brands and styles, I think the R8's are consistent. One thing I think I've noticed using these is (possibly) their susceptibility to multipath. 5' from a 10' high rock face, 20' from a two story dorm building I believe I was getting that error and had to spend some time walking out out and back in to verify what might be happening. Also, last weekend at a friends place, I think I (possibly) realized my first local radio interference causing a problem. That one was a little more definite than the multipath, but I think I determined, or at least my first unconfirmed hunch, was that it was due to the proximity to a large repeater nearby or slope face exposure to the airport within view a few miles away.
So, some old school GNSS issues that I'm sure you know of. At the same time I believe they're reliable and consistent hardware.
Age is another factor. I found that the on/off button on mine has become an "on" button only - I have to pull the battery to shut it off. I can hold the button down for as long as I want, but it just keeps on tickin'.
> I still need to do some testing with Access and the local VRS to make sure I can get the data I need
The main thing you will need to know is the format of the corrections - likely to be either some form of RTCM vs CMR.
You will also want to confirm the coordinate system of any base station positions you get given.
