I want to begin conducting static GPS sessions on PLSS corners in Jefferson County, Oregon for submission to OPUS-DB.
I am volunteering my time to do this and don't have access to a dual frequency receiver.
I would like recommendations for what type of older receivers (priced under $1,000) I should start researching.
Internal memory devices would be preferred. Free download software is also preferred.
Please don't bother telling me to buy "Brand X" new GNSS equipment, because I don't have the funds. I am looking specifically for the older, more affordable, geodetic antennas.
Thanks folks.
Kevin,
I would watch ebay and see what you can find. I have seen some of the older Trimble 4000 SSI units on there. They are pretty old, but they work. It has been about 10 or 11 years since I have used one.
I know you mentioned you wanted internal storage, and I think those had the internal storage.
Good luck. OPUS is a great tool. I use it for blunder checks all the time, and many times for getting "on the grid".
Jimmy
Kevin, You may talk to the Equipment reps in portland as they may get offered many old receivers as trades that they can't use. Should me an email, and I'll try to add a reminder to ask.
How many could you get done in two weeks using the Javad free trial. 😉
http://www.javad.com/dynamic/PollManager/USPLSTestTriumphLS
A Trimble 5700 with Zephyr Geodetic antenna would fit the bill nicely but .cost more like $4000. Maybe you could find some old derilict unit at a construction company ànd borrow it.
Good thought...
I agree that $4000 price tag is more realistic.
Hmmm... Not many in two weeks. Now if I had some points in OPUS-DB points in place to use for checks and the triumph can be used as a network rover I should be able to bang out many corners by tying to the ORGN and using their check point sheet.
Interesting.
> I would watch ebay and see what you can find. I have seen some of the older Trimble 4000 SSI units on there. They are pretty old, but they work. It has been about 10 or 11 years since I have used one.
Yeah, I still use a 4000ssi with a Microcentered L1/L2 Antenna + GP to connect to the CORS network. It gives excellent results. The advantage of the 4000ssi is that you don't need an external controller. You can enter HI and other parameters via the keypad on the faceplate of the instrument.
How is the data downloaded from the 4000SSI?
I assume a serial cable, but is the necessary software still available for download?
Thanks for the reply.
> How is the data downloaded from the 4000SSI?
>
> I assume a serial cable, but is the necessary software still available for download?
The download cable for the 4000 series does connect to a serial port.
If Trimble's GPLoad software isn't still available, I'd imagine that there are more than a few sources for it. I'm sure that others will be able to fill in the gaps there. GPLoad.exe is just one of the modules of the antique Trimble software, GPSurvey, that I still use. I haven't tried to run GPLoad.exe it without the hardware lock, but as I recall it was offered for free download once upon a time, so probably doesn't require one.
It looks like Data Transfer will do the trick...
http://www.trimble.com/datatransfer/
Are you able to submit your raw data files to OPUS or do you need to convert to RINEX?
> Are you able to submit your raw data files to OPUS or do you need to convert to RINEX?
OPUS didn't exist 10 years ago so Kent probably doesn't know. I do know that OPUS accepts the Trimble 5700's .dat format, and Trimble has a free convert to RINEX utility.
Excellent... thank you.
Kevin.... I applaud you for your efforts.
I have exactly what you need.
A tested and guaranteed Ashtech system for $500. You pay for actual shipping costs.
It includes everything (GPS wise) you need except a 12 volt power source.
An Ashtech Z-12 dual frequency receiver (guaranteed for 30 days).
An Ashtech 700718 Geodetic ground plane antenna.
Antenna cable, Power cable w alligator clips, download cable
Download software.
You can submit the files as downloaded to OPUS and they will be processed.
Please feel free to contact me and I can answer any questions/concerns you may have
Larry.... dblcntrd@aol.com
Thanks Jimmy
I Second The Z-12
I have several. I power them with 12 volt jump start battery packs. Let me know if you need help with the connections.
Software is available for download. Either Ashtech Solutions or the latest GNSS Solutions talks to them and converts to RINEX. As legacy equipment they are slow to startup, so you want to get in the habit of starting a new file once they are up and running. Everything can be input and checked from the front panel.
Is the available unit a high or newer low power unit? I ask because if you want the many hours for OPUS-DB you want enough oomph in your jump start battery. The newer low power units require less amp hours.
How much memory is in it? Even the minimum 1MB will do when set to 30 second epochs.
Paul in PA
We still use the 4 Ashtech Z12 units that we purchased in 1995. They work we'll for OPUS DB and OPUS Projects. We set them to record at a 30 second epoch interval, and thy have enough memory to collect data for 16 1/2 hours. We only have 1 meg of memory in them. We have been using them in secure locations where we can leave them over night. I have them programmed to start collecting data at 0700 local time and to start a new file at 1200 local time, then stop collecting at 1800. I usually run between receivers downloading each day to keep them cooking. We get 3 plus days out of a deep cycle battery.
I would like to replace them with the OPUS XD90, bet those cost $2,495 each.
Any duel Freq receiver package in ebay would do the trick. Topcon and Javad stuff has software free that you can use to configure and download the data.
Also please invest in a 2m pole setup. When you are entering HI's later, you will be grateful.
Here is typically what you will see on Ebay Ashtech System
Not my idea of a system you would want to buy.
Not knocking Ebay BUT... you are swimming w the sharks on there. I buy and sell there a lot and I still am very very careful. BTW check my feedback... KEPARAGON
I do agree with a fixed height setup... two meters is a bit higher than usually needed.. sometimes a bit top heavy, but It's a personal preference issue.
The Z-12 deal offered by 2xctr is hard to beat when you consider that it's a turnkey setup and that his reputation is solid. Although I prefer the Trimble 4000 series (lighter and less power-hungry), the Z-12 is an excellent performer.
In both cases, you'll need a serial port for downloading. A dedicated port is best, but you can probably make do with a USB-serial converter. You may have to do some fiddling and/or brand-swapping to make it work. I've had mixed results with them.
The CHC offering is tempting. Much more expensive than used, but it reduces the size, weight and power factors, as well as eliminating the legacy communication issue.
