4000sse

For static work I recommend logging to internal RAM, unless it's not enabled. My understanding is that all 4000SS units came with 256k of RAM, but it has to be enabled in the firmware in order to be accessible. A unit sold strictly as an RTK base may not be able to log internally, but most of the ones I've seen have at least 512kb with logging enabled. At a 15-second logging rate, that's enough for a day's worth of data.

Internal logging is simple and lets you record the essential metadata: station name (limited to 4 characters), antenna model and antenna height. (There may be ways to insert other metadata into the DAT file, but I've never bothered to try.)

If you really want to use a DC for logging, a TSC1 will work. They're often available on eBay in the $300-$500 range, but make sure you get one loaded with Survey Controller, not Asset Manager (the latter is GIS software).

You'll need a power cable (Lemo 1B 5-pin), an antenna cable (Lemo concentric RF), and a download cable (Lemo 1B 7-pin, or an OSM) at minimum. Power required is 11-35 volts DC. A 7ah SLA battery will run it all day; that's what's inside the typical Trimble handle battery. (If you buy one of those, make sure it has the 1B Lemo plug. The batteries for the 4700 and later models use a 0B shell, which is smaller and won't mate with the 4000SS-series.) If you use a data collector you'll need a cable for that, too. For a TSC1 you'll need a 0B 7-pin male on one end and a 1B 7-pin male on the other.

OSM stands for Office Support Module. If you have one of those (make sure it's for the 4000SS-series and not for any GIS gear, or the cable won't be right) you can power and download via the same cable. You'll need to connect to a serial port on your computer; I've successfully used a USB-serial converter, but they can be tricky.

You'll need an antenna. I recommend a Compact L1/L2 or Microcentered L1/L2. Prices on eBay run from $200 to $1,000 depending on condition and the state of the market. I'm partial to groundplanes for static work, but they're not required. You can also use a Permanent L1/L2, or even a choke ring. There are some non-Trimble antennas that will work, but voltage might be an issue. I've never tried it.

Downloading data can be accomplished with Trimble Data Transfer, which is available free on the Trimble website.

If you have more questions, feel free to ask!

wow jim thanks

I am following your footsteps, as I will have to address the remote monitor issue. Why the hell don't they just say replace internal batteries sheesh...

thanks again

wow jim thanks

Jim is a master with the 4000 SS series receivers. He's very knowledgeable, and helpful as well.

So far, I have been experimenting with static work using these receivers. Still learning the finer points. I have a TSC data collector, but have not used it to collect or download data. For download, I have used the OSM 20669-00 successfully, using a serial to OSB adapter. I agree with Jim, these adapters can be tricky. If you decide to go this route, you have to map out the COM ports on your computer to tell which COM port the adapter is using. Also, I was not able to get the Trimble Data Transfer program to work, rather had to rely upon the older software that came with Trimble Survey Office (TSO) software ("GPLoad" or "GPSurvey", if I recall - its a component in TSO). I didn't spend too much time investigating why the Trimble Data Transfer program didn't work. Also, I've now purchased a copy of Trimble Business Center, and so intend to investigate the download options available therein when I have some time and a new project.

For batteries, I'm using camcorder batteries that fit in the OSM unit, and these are OK for moderate length sessions, typically about 3 hours. But, I'd rather have the ability to run longer sessions, and will be purchasing some of the larger 7Ah batteries soon. I think these too can be charged externally from the OSM.

By the way, if you'll be buying an OSM, make sure you get the right one. There are a number of OSM's available, each ending in a different two digit number, i.e. 20669-00, 20669-50 etc. I think the 20669-00 is the one to use for downloading from the internal memory of the receiver.

I have three 4000 Series receivers. One of them required replacement of the internal batteries, a procedure that Jim has detailed on another post, and which is also detailed on the UNAVCO site.

With the receivers I have, I also acquired the equipment for RTK work, and so someday hope to be able to experiment and learn about that. I decided to learn about static work first and take it from there.

Maybe you're already knowledgeable about GPS work, and learning about the Trimble receivers will be easy for you, but for me its been a tremendous learning experience, mostly positive, but time consuming. I'd suggest taking your time, learning the concepts and using this board to resolve some of the more advanced issues. This forum is fantastic.

Al

Al I love trimble products

My experience is with never equipment. I finally figured out that I could get up and running for a lot less using the older equipment. And if Lightsquared prevails I'll only lose thousands and not tens of thousands.

Now if I could only figure out how to open the box and replace the internal batteries

Al I love trimble products

http://facility.unavco.org/kb/getattachment.php?data=MzMzfFRyaW1ibGU0MDAwX2JhdHRlcnkucGRm

Al I love trimble products

And search here for Jim's post on the subject. Very helpful. It'll take you a couple of hours to do it, if you know how to solder.

Al I love trimble products

Don't forget to reload the firmware when you're done, as I did.

Al I love trimble products

For you really old timers:

The early Trimble units (4000SL), a firmware update meant they sent you a plastic tube filled with computer chips. You had to open up the receiver, take out the old chips and install the new ones. I remember flying to Newark one day in the mid to late 80's, and upgrading a bunch of receivers in the parking lot.

The really old receivers, 4000S I believe it was, had no internal memory. You had to have a laptop to log data (Kaypro-with dual floppies and no hard drive). Also, for several models you had to enter an initial position within 1/2 degree, I had one guy who kept accepting the default east longitude, and it wouldn't lock on. And we had one or two units that needed 24V (marine), so you had to lug around 2 car batteries.

Still, it was an improvement over the Macrometer V1000, which needed a generator, cassette tape for logging, and you had to synchronize the clocks in all the units before heading out. We used a GOES receiver for that, and later a Trimble 4000A. Then, to process you had to download an ephemeris over a 300 baud modem, the ephemeris cost $3000/month. And the antenna was huge and heavy (see below).

Ahhh...the good old days

Another oldy but goody GPS box

Gavin: TI4100? I never used one, but I do know they were used a lot by military and government.

Homemade Handle Batteries

I have one handle battery that is about 14 yrs old that was still going although its capacity was greatly diminished. I recently upgraded it to 8 Ah with a new battery. Once I saw how simple the internals were I decided to make myself a couple more to go with my other units. I have a couple of old dual camcorder clip battery cables with broken clips that I am going to re-purpose. I am going to use a small Pelican case to house the battery and the internal 5 amp fuse. The camcorder clip cables are short, so I will have to find some suitable wire and weather proof quick disconnects to extend them to a usable length. Batteries Plus wants $70 approx. for 2.3Ah camcorder batteries. I can get an 8Ah sla for $35, a Pelican case for $40, plus a few bucks for wire and connectors and I'll have an 8Ah "handle battery" for under a $100. I'll post pictures and a supply list when I'm finished.

These guys have some interesting solutions that are way cheaper than Trimble handle batteries and also have a good selection of cables, but I haven't bought from them so I don't know their quality or dependability. Might be a good cable and battery source it you're not the DIY sort.

Homemade Handle Batteries

I made my own batteries sort of like what you are going to do. I just did away with the case. Made some wires that connect to the battery terminals with a fuse. Then I found some two pole auto connectors and wired to some cables that connect into the controller or receiver so I can connect/disconnect. I just tape it to the battery with electrical tape. I've been using this system for over 8 years and never had a problem. Use a 5ah in the backpack for 4700 receiver. Have some larger batteries for static sessions. All the batteries are sealed lead acid 12v. I even powered a Geodimeter TS with the same system.

I also hooked some wires into a Trimble 4 unit camcorder battery charger and use it to charge all the batteries. Works great!

Al I love trimble products

Ahhh. Thanks for photo, I have wanted one that was digital. When we were using these recievers, it was before digital cameras. Computers were running 8086 chip with 8087 math-coprocessor... The good old days.

Another oldy but goody GPS box

Another good memory the TI4100. They came out $150k per box. You needed 3 at least to have any sort of production. Made a lot of money with them.

Homemade Handle Batteries

Stephen,

I'd be interested to see pictures of your solution if you have a chance. Thanks.

Al

Al I love trimble products

Dang, I was given a Kaypro about 15 years ago but didn't know what it was for.

I should've kept it 🙁

Homemade Handle Batteries

Materials List:

Pelican 1120 case
Sealed lead acid battery 12v 8ah
5amp automotive fuse (flat)
spade type connectors for battery lugs and fuse lugs
military type 2 pin connector for case
military type 2 pin connector for cable
Anderson Powerpole connectors for cable (red & black)

Remove block of foam from case and cut to fit battery. Leave notch for battery connections. Notice that the foam is cut off center left to right to allow room for the connector on the right side of case.

Drill case and attach connector housing & dust cap.

Solder wires to female portion of connector and install in housing. Install foam, notice notch for fuse in top right corner of foam.

Battery installed, wires and fuse tucked away.

Cable was made from a 4' length of 3/16 shrink tube, 2-4.5' lengths of 16awg wire, 2-Anderson Powerpole connectors (1 red 1 black) dovetailed together, and 1-military type 2 pin connector.

Finished package. Dual camcorder battery cable and aftermarket charger have been modified with a quick disconnects which match the patch cord. I have about $140 in each unit including the charger. If I'd had to order the lemo connector it would have pushed my cost up $30-$50.

Homemade Handle Batteries

Nice work! I have 4 very similar units. I used 18ah batteries and the Pelican 1150 (I think that's the number) case. I used the 3-pin MIL-C-5015 connector (MS3106E10SL-3P male with matching female) because at one time I had a Z-12, and that's what Ashtech used. Other than that, pretty much the same. I use them to power my 4000SS* receivers, a Geodimeter 640 robot, and (soon) a Leica TCRA1103plus.

Homemade Handle Batteries

I plan to get a 12v adapter cable for my Topcon 9003. I'll chop off the alligator clips that come with it, replace with a quick disconnect and be able to run my robot all day if need be.

Homemade Handle Batteries

Stephen,

Thanks for posting your pictures and a detailed description of how you did it. I assume you're happy with the solution you came up with? Maybe not as economical as you had initially thought, but a good long lasting solution, water resistant case, military grade connectors. Plus, if this one goes bad, you can simply replace the battery at about $35, for another several years. Looks really top notch.

Al