Anyone have any advice on a phone carrier or style of phone to use for connecting with the VRS/CORS network for GPS? I have many problems with getting my GPS to the "Fixed" position. It seems to just float for a very long time at ~6 feet. It is either floating at ~6 feet or fixed at ~0.05', There is no in between. Almost like it isn't getting the corrections. Somtimes I will get lucky and it will lock into "Fixed" position. But a lot of times I have great cell coverage and plenty of satellites and it still seems like I cannot get to the "fixed" position. I have a LG Vortec with Verizon coverage and I have nothing but problems with it. Anyone else experience the same? Could it be the bluetooth within the data collector isn't receiving the corrections from my phone? Any help?
How far are you from the nearest CORS station? I've noticed the further you are away, the longer it takes to "fix", and the easier it is to lose lock. When I'm close to a CORS station, it's quick to gain lock, and maintains "fixed" very well. I'd say less than 5 miles works great, 5-20 miles is slower, but OK, and more than 20 miles is very slow and not worth trying unless it's for a couple of "wide open" shots.
We had some issues using a phone so we purchased a MiFi with Verizon service. We have had much better luck with it. I have a MiFi for personal use through AT&T (3G as well) and it works great too.
If you happen to decide to go that route, depending on where you are, you will probably want to get the 3G MiFi instead of the 4G. We bought a 4G when we decided to add another VRS unit but returned it for the 3G. I don't remember what the issue was but we tried it again about 3 weeks ago when we added yet another VRS unit and returned it as well.
there are many factors. I use verizon and they typically have the best coverage. It could be your bluetooth connection. It could be the type of correction you are using. if you are using a recon, they sometimes have trouble with bluetooth connections to the GPS units...
You also might try re-initializing the GPS receiver. I disconnect the antenna cable until the locked sats go to zero and then reconnect. I think the newer gear (no cables) requires you to invert the antenna/rod to re-initialize.
Also on the our gear(Leica SR530) there is an icon and a screen that shows the data streaming in. If I suspect a cell connection problem I focus on these.
Neil
I use a Mifi device too. Very slick, and more flexible than a SIM card.
Thanks for the advice everyone. To add to this conversation I might add that my fellow employee also uses Verizon service and can be working with me on the same job with the same model Trimble equipment as me and he has no problem. The only thing different is the model of phone. And my model of phone is a lot newer than his. Doesn't make sense to me. Could it be the bluetooth connection is that much weaker and the correction information from the phone is not getting to the collector? Seems like when it connects it holds "fixed" pretty well though?
Rambleon what is a "recon". I believe it could very well be the bluetooth connection it kind of acts that way. I am using a LG vortec with a tsc2 and a 5800 Trimble reveiver.
