One of the field guys asked me to post this question - I don't know much about GPS equipment.
He's having trouble connecting a Sokkia GRX1 to both the Leica and MassDOT RTK networks. He's using Cingular cell phone service to call in for the connection. He says the data display indicates a good number of satellites visible, so I'm thinking it might be a network problem, but am not sure. Given such limited information, any ideas on what the problem might be? Or questions I should have him answer in order to get close to an idea?
One second here, who is the professional that will ultimately sign the field guys work?
Should he not know how the field guys equipment works?
Paul in PA
Peter Lothian - MA ME, post: 409584, member: 4512 wrote: One of the field guys asked me to post this question - I don't know much about GPS equipment.
He's having trouble connecting a Sokkia GRX1 to both the Leica and MassDOT RTK networks. He's using Cingular cell phone service to call in for the connection. He says the data display indicates a good number of satellites visible, so I'm thinking it might be a network problem, but am not sure. Given such limited information, any ideas on what the problem might be? Or questions I should have him answer in order to get close to an idea?
Is this the first time he has used it this calendar year?
Check the version of firmware. Has he updated it for the latest leap second correction?
Paul in PA, post: 409591, member: 236 wrote: One second here, who is the professional that will ultimately sign the field guys work? Should he not know how the field guys equipment works?
I'd be more concerned with whether the professional and the field guy both understood the limitations of GPS with regard to sky visibility, multipath, fixed/float, etc. and not at all concerned if the professional didn't know the details of the phone/modem/radio operation.
Bill93, post: 409606, member: 87 wrote: I'd be more concerned with whether the professional and the field guy both understood the limitations of GPS with regard to sky visibility, multipath, fixed/float, etc. and not at all concerned if the professional didn't know the details of the phone/modem/radio operation.
Thank you. That's where I'm at. I have a reasonably good understanding of GPS theory, I just don't run the equipment.
And thanks for the leap second suggestion. I'll pass that on.
Firmware is definitely out of date. Trying to update it, but the SRU communication program won't connect to the GRX1 receiver.:(
Sounds like your SRU software is also OUT-OF-DATE.
You may even try TRU v3.1
You must use a cable to update firmware.
SRU software version on the Sokkia website under the GRX1 page was version 2.9. I found version 3.1 and installed it. Still will not establish a connection to the receiver.
I'm going to try flashing the main board firmware from the SD card. Maybe that, with a factory reset of the unit, will allow a communication link through the cable.
Peter, I had to send my Sokkia's in to MTS to get updated as I couldn't do it myself, even with the "special" cable that Pat sent me..... They cam back fine and are working great, but those are my stand alone, static units. I haven't noticed any problems with the Leica smart net this year.
OK, got the main board firmware updated (from the SD card), and then was able to get the SRU 3.1 program to communicate using the "Power up" connection method. The GPS firmware is now updated and we are about to test to see if we can get the RTK connection running. I will update in a few minutes...
...and we get no joy. Still won't connect to the networks. Looks like we'll be running it over to MTS to get it straightened out.
we had issues last week on the Trimble VRS Now network, could only get GPS with an R8. I was using an R10 on a different Trimble VRS (run by a dealer, different area), no problem. If Glonass was enabled, it would initialize for about 3s, then lose the initialization. I was not there, so not sure what the exact sequence of events was, but GPS only worked fine (albeit slower to init). He wasted a number of hours trying to get it to work. Trimble said it might be the receiver (i.e not tracking Glonass), but once he got back to the office and tried a different VRS, it worked fine with both GPS and Glonass. I also confirmed in a static session that Glonass tracking is working fine. He is out again today in the Philadelphia area, no call so I assume it is working fine (Keynet).
I suspect that it may have more to do with the cell phone network, than the GRX itself. We'll find out after MTS gets a look at it. Thanks all for the help.
Depending on Cell coverage you can get a 'Connection' but not actually get enough data to download the RTK corrections.
Like when you load a website but the pictures wont load. You're connected, but it's not strong enough to download the data.
foggyidea, post: 409642, member: 155 wrote: Peter, I had to send my Sokkia's in to MTS to get updated as I couldn't do it myself, even with the "special" cable that Pat sent me..... They cam back fine and are working great, but those are my stand alone, static units. I haven't noticed any problems with the Leica smart net this year.
Different receivers Don- the GRX1 utilizes the same cables and software etc as our current GRX2- The ISX uses a different connector and pin-outs- nothing special about the cable it's just rare.
Peter Lothian - MA ME, post: 409663, member: 4512 wrote: I suspect that it may have more to do with the cell phone network, than the GRX itself. We'll find out after MTS gets a look at it. Thanks all for the help.
I've run into an issue in the past where a customer selected a full GNSS solution type and yet the network was not broadcasting the full GNSS message but GPS only. I flew all the way to Duluth to discover that little gem. If using a mifi hotspot device for your connect to the internet a reset on that sometimes helps. You didn't mention the field collector software.
