Sokkia GCX3 Operator's Manual

GCX3

GNSS Receiver

Operator’s Manual

GCX3

GNSS Receiver

Operator’s Manual

Part Number 1016293-01

Revision B

All contents in this manual are copyrighted by Sokkia®. All rights reserved

© Copyright Sokkia

February, 2017

Table of Contents

Preface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv

Introduction

Acronyms and Terminology Used in this Operator’s Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

GCX3 Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Unpacking Your Receiver Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

System Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Technical Documents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Using Sokkia Receiver Utility Software with Your Receiver . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Getting Technical Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Website . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Getting Acquainted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Receiver Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Cable and Adapters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Drivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Internal Battery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Long-Range Bluetooth Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Micro-AB USB Port Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Display Panel Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

LED Icon Key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Power Button (PWR) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Receiver Status LEDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Satellite Tracking Status (STAT) LED. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Recording and Memory LED (REC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Bluetooth Communication LED (BT) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Battery LED (BATT) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Managing Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Turning the Receiver ON/OFF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Using Internal and External Power Sources. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Internal Battery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Charging the Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Power Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Insufficient Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

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Configuring the Receiver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Before You Begin Configuring the Receiver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Viewing Receiver Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Open the Receiver Info Window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Loading New Firmware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Uploading Firmware Files to the Receiver. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Optional Authorization Files (OAFs) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Checking the Receiver’s OAFs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Viewing Receiver Options Using the Sokkia Receiver Utility (SRU) . . . . . . 24

Loading an OAF. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Loading a New OAF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Resetting the Receiving (Clearing) NVRAM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Clearing NVRAM Using Sokkia Receiving Utility (SRU) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

System Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Setting Up the Base Receiver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Table of Contents

Setting Up the Rover Receiver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Measuring Antenna Height . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Obtaining Accurate Antenna Height. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Collecting Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Collecting Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Setting Recording Parameters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Log Rates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Record Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Start/Stop Recording Using LED Display Panel or SRU. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

File Management. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Downloading and Deleting Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Check this First. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Powering Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Receiver Does Not Power Up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Additional Receiver Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Generic Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

No Long Term Lock on Satellites. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Too Few Satellites Tracked. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

No Code Differential and/or Real Time Kinematic (RTK) Solutions Obtained . . . . 39

Receiver Does Not Log Data. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

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Bluetooth Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

SRU Error Message—Can’t Find Receiver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

No Available Devices Discovered . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Receiver Bluetooth Icon Visible—Cannot Establish Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Long-Range Connection Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Long-Range Connections—Cannot Discover the Base Receiver. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Cannot Establish a Bluetooth Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Sokkia Receiver Utility (SRU) Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

SRU Cannot Connect to Receiver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Cleaning and Storing the Receiver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Getting Customer Support. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

General Details. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Safety Warnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

General Warnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Table of Contents

Battery Warnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Receiver Warnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Usage Warnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Regulatory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

FCC Compliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Industry Canada Compliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Community of Europe Compliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

European Community Declaration of Conformity with R&TTE Directive 1999/5/EC 51

Declaration of Conformity (R&TTE Directive 1999/5/EC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Bluetooth Transmission Statements/Compliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Korean KC-RF Compliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Japan Radio Law and Telecommunications Business Law Compliance. . . . . 54

Bluetooth Module Compliance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

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Preface

Thank you for purchasing this Sokkia® product. The materials available in this Manual (the “Manual”) have been prepared by
Topcon Positioning SystemsTM, Incorporated. (“TPS”) for owners of Sokkia products, and are designed to assist owners with
the use of the receiver and its use is subject to these terms and conditions (the “Terms and Conditions”).

Please read the terms and conditions carefully.

Terms and Conditions

Use

This product is designed to be used by a professional. The user should have a good knowledge of the safe use of the product
and implement the types of safety procedures recommended by the local government protection agency for both private use
and commercial job sites.

Copyrights

All information contained in this Manual is the intellectual property of, and copyrighted material of TPS. All rights are reserved.
Do not use, access, copy, store, display, create derivative works of, sell, modify, publish, distribute, or allow any third party
access to, any graphics, content, information or data in this Manual without TPS’ express written consent and may only use
such information for the care and operation of the receiver. The information and data in this Manual are a valuable asset of
TPS and are developed by the expenditure of considerable work, time and money, and are the result of original selection,
coordination and arrangement by TPS.

Trademarks

GCX3TM, MagnetTM, Sokkia®, LongLinkTM, POSTTM (Precision Orbital Satellite Technology), Topcon and Topcon Positioning
Systems
Microsoft® Corporation. The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are owned by Bluetooth® SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks
by Topcon Positioning SystemsTM, Incorporated is used under license. Other product and company names mentioned herein
may be trademarks of their respective owners.

TM

are trademarks or registered trademarks of Topcon Positioning SystemsTM. Windows® is a registered trademark of

Disclaimer of Warranty

EXCEPT FOR ANY WARRANTIES IN AN APPENDIX OR A WARRANTY CARD ACCOMPANYING THE PRODUCT, THIS MANUAL
AND THE RECEIVER ARE PROVIDED “AS-IS.” THERE ARE NO OTHER WARRANTIES. TPS DISCLAIMS ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY
OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PARTICULAR USE OR PURPOSE. TPS AND ITS DISTRIBUTORS SHALL NOT BE
LIABLE FOR TECHNICAL OR EDITORIAL ERRORS OR OMISSIONS CONTAINED HEREIN; NOR FOR INCIDENTAL OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES RESULTING FROM THE FURNISHING, PERFORMANCE OR USE OF THIS MATERIAL OR THE
RECEIVER. SUCH DISCLAIMED DAMAGES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO LOSS OF TIME, LOSS OR DESTRUCTION OF
DATA, LOSS OF PROFIT, SAVINGS OR REVENUE, OR LOSS OF THE PRODUCT’S USE. IN ADDITION TPS IS NOT RESPONSIBLE
OR LIABLE FOR DAMAGES OR COSTS INCURRED IN CONNECTION WITH OBTAINING SUBSTITUTE PRODUCTS OR
SOFTWARE, CLAIMS BY OTHERS, INCONVENIENCE, OR ANY OTHER COSTS. IN ANY EVENT, TPS SHALL HAVE NO LIABILITY
FOR DAMAGES OR OTHERWISE TO YOU OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY IN EXCESS OF THE PURCHASE PRICE FOR THE
RECEIVER.

License Agreement

Use of any computer programs or software supplied by TPS or downloaded from a TPS website (the “Software”) in connection
with the receiver constitutes acceptance of these Terms and Conditions in this Manual and an agreement to abide by these
Terms and Conditions. The user is granted a personal, non-exclusive, non-transferable license to use such Software under the
terms stated herein and in any case only with a single receiver or single computer. You may not assign or transfer the Software
or this license without the express written consent of TPS. This license is effective until terminated. You may terminate the
license at any time by destroying the Software and Manual. TPS may terminate the license if you fail to comply with any of the

Preface

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Terms or Conditions. You agree to destroy the Software and manual upon termination of the use of the receiver. All
ownership, copyright and other intellectual property rights in and to the Software belong to TPS. If these license terms are
not acceptable, return any unused software and manual.

Confidentiality

This Manual, its contents, and the Software (collectively, the “Confidential Information”) are the confidential and proprietary
information of TPS. You agree to treat TPS’ Confidential Information with a degree of care no less stringent that the degree
of care you would use in safeguarding your own most valuable trade secrets. Nothing in this paragraph shall restrict you
from disclosing Confidential Information to your employees as may be necessary or appropriate to operate or care for the
receiver. Such employees must also keep the Confidentiality Information confidential. In the event you become legally
compelled to disclose any of the Confidential Information, you shall give TPS immediate notice so that it may seek a
protective order or other appropriate remedy.

Website and Other Statements

No statement contained at the TPS website (or any other website) or in any other advertisements or TPS literature or made
by an employee or independent contractor of TPS modifies these Terms and Conditions (including the Software license,
warranty and limitation of liability).

Safety

Improper use of the receiver can lead to injury to persons or property and/or malfunction of the product. The receiver should
only be repaired by authorized TPS warranty service centers.

Preface

Miscellaneous

The above Terms and Conditions may be amended, modified, superseded, or canceled at any time by TPS. The Terms and
Conditions will be governed by, and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California, without reference to
conflict of laws.

Manual Conventions

This manual uses the following conventions:

Convention Description Example

Bold Menu, or drop-down menu selection FileExit (Click the File menu and click Exit)

Name of a dialog box or screen From the Connection screen...
Button or key commands Click Finish.

Mono User supplied text or variable Type guest, and click Enter.

Italic

Further information to note about system configuration, maintenance, or setup.

Supplementary information that can have an adverse effect on system operation, system

performance, data integrity, measurements, or personal safety.

Reference to another manual or help document Refer to the

Topcon Reference Manual.

Notification that an action has the potential to result in system damage, loss of data, loss of

warranty, or personal injury.

Preface

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Introduction

The Sokkia GCX3 receiver (Figure 1) is a compact, lightweight, and completely integrated GNSS receiver
for static and cable-free stop and go/kinematic applications. The integrated receiver design includes a
GNSS receiver board, based on industry-leading technology, internal long-life batteries, memory
storage, and Long-Range Bluetooth communication technology. The GCX3 delivers world-class
positioning and navigation capability to your application by tracking signals from multi-constellation
satellite systems, including GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, and SBAS (

The GCX3 includes Sokkia’s exclusive Long-Range Bluetooth Technology, which provides the perfect
solution for short range job sites that require RTK communication. The GCX3 can be paired with a
cellular-enabled data collector to receive corrections from an Ntrip Caster for rover operation. This setup
can also be used with MAGNET
MAGNET Relay configuration enables you to operate up to three (3) GCX3 rovers with a single GCX3
receiver.

The GCX3 offers complete IP67 protection against dust and water ingress, in addition to superior
vibration and shock resistance. The Sokkia communication interface enables you to quickly integrate
Sokkia’s premium GNSS performance within new systems and quickly deliver world-class positioning
and navigation support to your applications.

Tab le 1).

TM

Relay for a cost effective RTK base solution over long distances. The

Introduction

Figure 1: GCX3 Receiver

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Acronyms and Terminology Used in this Operator’s Manual

Table 1. Acronyms, Terminology and Definitions

Acronym/Terms Definition/Description

Introduction

DGPS

GNSS
IP67

MINTER

Ntrip

OAF

RTK

SBAS

Differential Global Positioning System—DGPS augments
standalone GPS positioning by using modeled corrections to
improve location accuracy.

Global Navigation Satellite System

IEC Standard 60529—describes complete Ingress Protection (IP)
against dust and water submersion.

A membrane switch overlay with LED indicators and or soft keys.
Sometimes referred to as a front panel or an interface.

Networked Transport of RTCM via Internet Protocol (Ntrip)—a
protocol for streaming differential GPS (DGPS) data over the
Internet in accordance with specification published by RTCM.

Option Authorization File—An OAF is used in software to lock or
unlock features specific features to the user.

Real Time Kinematic—is a differential GNSS technique that
provides high performance positioning in the vicinity of a base
station.

Satellite-Based Augmentation System—SBAS supports wide-area
or regional augmentation through the use of additional satellite­broadcast messages. Such systems are commonly composed of
multiple ground stations, located at accurately-surveyed points.

SRU

GCX3 Features

The GCX3 receiver’s advanced design eliminates the need for cables during operation, allowing for a
simplified setup and less parts to keep track of. The GCX3 receiver features the following:

• Compact, lightweight, and rugged design

• A premier multi-constellation GNSS board featuring industry leading technology

• Integrated multi-channel Long-Range Bluetooth Technology

• Internal memory for data storage

• One internal battery, providing all day operation under normal operating conditions

• A highly visible display panel with single-button operation

• One USB port for communications and power

Sokkia Receiver Utility—SRU software is used to configure GNSS
antennas and radios.

Acronyms and Terminology Used in this Operator’s Manual

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You can configure the GCX3 receiver in a variety of ways, depending on your project requirements.
Typically, the receiver supports the following operation modes.

• Static/post-processing data collection

• Job site RTK using Long-Range Bluetooth Technology

• Network Rover for DGPS and RTK operation

• MAGNET Relay operation

• SBAS-enabled operation

Unpacking Your Receiver Kit

This section describes the documentation, standard kit components, and accessories (depending on
your purchase) that accompany your receiver. When you unpack your receiver kit, verify you received
the items listed in this section. Make sure the items do not appear damaged from shipment. If any of
the items are missing or damaged, contact your Sokkia dealer or Sokkia
“Getting Technical Support” on page 4.

• Receiver components are shown in Figure 2.

• Receiver documentation is listed in “Technical Documents” on page 4.

technical support. See

Introduction

System Components

The items shown Figure 2 in are shipped with your receiver.

Figure 2: System Components

Utility software for the GCX3 receiver may be downloaded from the Sokkia support website.

Go to http://www.sokkia.com/, select your region, and then select the Sokkia Care tab.

Unpacking Your Receiver Kit

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Technical Documents

The

GCX3 GNSS Operator’s Manual

and efficiently. You can download a digital copy of the
support website.

•

GCX3 GNSS Operator’s Manual

information on how to use your new receiver.

Go to http://www.sokkia.com, select your country or region, select the Sokkia Care tab. Select
your GNSS receiver.

•

Sokkia Receiver Utility Software—

information on how to use the SRU software.

Go to http://www.sokkia.com, select your region, and then select the Sokkia Care tab. Select
SRU - Sokkia Receiver Utility, select Updates for the type of system you have (PC, Mobile).

•

GCX3 Reference Card

Display Panel LEDs.

—Included in the package, describes the operation and functions of the

—is designed to help you set up and use your new receiver quickly

GCX3 GNSS Operator’s Manual

—An on-screen help document that contains detailed

This software contains On-screen help that contains detailed

from the Sokkia

Using Sokkia Receiver Utility Software with Your Receiver

Use the GCX3 receiver in conjunction with the Sokkia Receiver Utility (SRU) Software and the MAGNET
Field applications for a cable-free positioning solution. Using Sokkia software, you can configure the
receiver and other external devices, manage files, collect data, and perform survey and construction
work flows.

Introduction

The Sokkia Receiver Utility (SRU) is a hardware configuration software utility for receivers and
peripheral devices. You can install it on desktop computers and data controllers. You can download
the SRU software from the Sokkia support website.

Go to http://www.sokkia.com, select your region, and then select the Sokkia Care tab. Select SRU ­Sokkia Receiver Utility, select Updates for the type of system you have (PC, Mobile).

SRU Online Help

Sokkia’s MAGNET Field software for data controllers provides real-time communication, cloud storage,
data collection and exchange, and field solutions, such as topo, staking, roads, calculations, and more.

MAGNET Relay is a GNSS correction service hosted by the MAGNET Solution. With a subscription to
MAGNET Relay, you can connect the GCX3 Cellular receiver to the Relay service (via cellular-enabled
data collector) and use it as a Base for up to 10 Rovers. Contact your Sokkia dealer for more
information about the Sokkia software described above.

is also embedded in this software.

Getting Technical Support

Before contacting a Sokkia customer representative about any problems with the receiver, see
“Troubleshooting” on page 35.

For technical support, contact your local Sokkia dealer or Go to http://www.sokkia.com/, select your
region, and then select the Contact Us.

,

Technical Documents

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When contacting Sokkia for technical assistance, provide the following information for better and
faster service.

1. A description of the following:

a. Field operation that was being performed when the problem occurred.

b. Details of the unexpected behavior, symptoms, and any error messages that precede or

follow the problem.

c. Problem occurrence frequency or patterns

2. Receiver information and configuration settings. For receiver information, click Information in

SRU, select Save to File, enter a file name, and save it to the computer.

3. Specifications of mobile devices and computers used in the field or office exhibiting the problem.

These specifications should include model information, version number, operating system
information, memory and storage capacity, etc.

4. Information about the system software, including the version number and steps to reproduce the

problem.

Introduction

5. A description of the field environment and/or observation conditions when the problem occurred.

Website

On the Sokkia website (www.sokkia.com), you can download manuals, technical documentation,
training material, and various other utility software to help you set up and use the GCX3 receiver. The
website also offers registration resources, training, and technical assistance.

For additional information go to www.sokkia.com and select Sokkia Care.

Getting Technical Support

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Getting Acquainted

Receiver Overview

The GCX3 receiver enclosure is fully sealed and incorporates the GNSS receiver board, innovative 
POST (Precision Orbital Satellite Technology) antenna element, integrated battery, internal memory
storage, and Sokkia’s Long-Range Bluetooth Technology.

The upper portion of the receiver contains GNSS antenna and antennas for Long-Range Bluetooth
communication enclosed by the radome.

Radome—A structural weatherproof enclosure used to protect radar antenna.

An easy-to-operate display panel, mounting socket, and labels with receiver information are located on
the bottom of the receiver’s aluminum alloy lower enclosure.

The GCX3 receiver has a highly-visible display panel with single-button operation. The display panel
enables you to view the receiver’s operational status. See “Display Panel Operations” on page 19.

The mounting socket (Figure 3) connects the receiver to either a standard 5/8''-11 thread pole or
adapter.

Locate regulatory and product identification information on the two receiver labels. The product
identification label contains the serial number and part number along with a Quick Response (QR)
matrix code.

Scan the QR code with any QR code application on a smart phone for product information or go to
http://www.sokkia.com, select your country or region, select the Sokkia Care tab.

Cable and Adapters

The GCX3 package includes a Micro-AB USB cable for power and data transfer. Tab le 2 describes the
cable and adapters included with your receiver.

All power related accessories (power adapter, Micro-AB USB cable) with the Product are

provided by Topcon. Use of any non-authorized accessories will void the warranty and all

service contracts, and transfer all liability to the user.

Getting Acquainted

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Table 2. Receiver Cable and Adapters

Descriptions Illustration

Micro-AB USB Cable

P/N: 1013602-01

Connects the receiver to an
external device (controller or
computer) for data transfer,
receiver configuration, and to a
power adapter for charging the
internal battery.

Note: Sokkia recommends using
this supplied cable with your
receiver for more stable
communication and charging.

AC/DC Desktop Wall Adapter

P/N: 1005518-01

Getting Acquainted

Charges the receiver when
connected to a grounded outlet and
the power charger cable.

Wall Adapter Folding Clip Kit

P/N: 1005519-01

Power adapters for use in different
countries including the UK,
Australia, and Europe.

Note: Wall adapter folding clip kit
is not required to be added on this
adapter for use in the USA.

Receiver Overview

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Drivers

A 32-bit or 64-bit Windows driver is required. See “Before You Begin Configuring the Receiver” on
page 19.

Memory

The GCX3 is equipped with an internal, non-removable memory card that provides up to 8 GB of data
storage. As data is logged to the receiver’s memory, the REC LED displays the memory capacity status.
See

“Recording and Memory LED (REC)” on page 14 for more information.

To access the raw data files in the receiver’s internal memory, see “Record Data” on page 33.

Internal Battery

The GCX3 receiver was designed with one internal, non-removable battery. When fully charged, the
battery provides all day operation in any job configuration. The battery is easily charged using a
Micro-AB USB cable. See “Internal Battery” on page 16.



Long-Range Bluetooth Technology

Getting Acquainted

The GCX3 receiver integrates Long-Range Bluetooth Technology that enables multiple (up to 3) 
cable-free connections to a single GCX3 receiver. This enables Long-Range Bluetooth Technology
operation for base/rover RTK systems. You can also connect the receiver to other Class 1 and
Class 2-enabled Bluetooth devices (such as data collectors and computers) using Bluetooth wireless
technology concurrently with Long-Range Bluetooth connections.

Sokkia’s Long-Range Bluetooth Technology enables communication of RTCM3 differential corrections
between two GCX3 receivers over Bluetooth (up to 300 meters), eliminating the need for additional
external radios for corrections. See

Distance for long-range largely depends upon environmental and field conditions.

“System Setup” on page 30.



Receiver Overview

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Micro-AB USB Port Panel

The receiver is equipped with a Micro-AB USB port for high-speed data transfer and communication
between the receiver and an external device, for charging the internal battery, and
receiver with an external power supply. See

“Using Internal and External Power Sources” on page 16.

for powering the

Getting Acquainted

Figure 3: Micro-AB USB Port Panel

Receiver Overview

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Display Panel Operations

Power Button

(PWR)

Recording

(REC)

Battery
(BATT)

Bluetooth®

(BT)

Status

(STAT)

The LED display panel provides controls for receiver power and data recording. The LEDs display the
status of satellite tracking, recording/memory capacity, Long-Range Bluetooth Technology connections,
and battery status.

LED Icon Key

Table 3. LED Icon Key

Solid Blinking OFF

Display

Figure 4: LED Display Panel

Display Panel Operations

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Power Button (PWR)

The green power button performs multiple functions. The duration in which the button is pressed and
held determines how the receiver will function. While pressing the button, the LED Display panel
indicates the selected operation for specific LEDs.

Display Panel Operations

Table 4. Power Button Functions

Function

Receiver 
Powered ON

Press and Hold

Power Button

2+ seconds Battery LED (BATT) Internal Power Only—solid red, or

solid orange, or solid green. The Battery LED is solid red if
battery capacity < 15%, solid orange if battery capacity is
> 15% but < 50% solid green if the battery capacity >
50%.

See Tab le 8, “Battery LED Blink Patterns—RECEIVER IS
POWERED ON/INTERNAL BATTERY IN USE” for additional
information.

Recording and Memory LED (REC)—blinks red, blinks
yellow, blinks red, and finally solid green. See
additional information.

Satellite Tracking LED (STAT)—blinks red until a
satellite is tracked by the receiver. See
information.

Bluetooth Communication LED (BT)—blinks blue until
a Bluetooth connection is established. Once a BT
connection established, the LED turns solid blue. See
Tab le 7 for additional information.

Battery LED (BATT) External Power Applied to
Receiver—See

RECEIVER IS POWERED ON/EXTERNAL POWER SOURCE
CONNECTED TO RECEIVER” for additional information.

Note: When the battery is at full charge the Battery LED
will display a solid green LED.

Tab le 8, “Battery LED Blink Patterns—

Description

Tab le 6 for

Tab le 5 for additional

Power Button (PWR)

Recording and Memory LED (REC)—blinks red, blinks
yellow, blinks red, and finally solid green. See
additional information.

Satellite Tracking LED (STAT)—blinks red until a
satellite is tracked by the receiver. See
information.

Bluetooth Communication LED (BT)—blinks blue until
a Bluetooth connection is established. Once a BT
connection established, the LED turns solid blue. See
Tab le 7 for additional information.

P/N: 1016293-01

Tab le 5 for additional

Tab le 6 for

11

Table 4. Power Button Functions

Display Panel Operations

Function

Receiver 

Powered OFF

Press and Hold

Power Button

Description

3–10 seconds Battery LED Internal Power Only—turns solid red until

Power Button is released. Once the Power Button is
released the Battery LED is OFF. See

Tab le 8, “Battery LED
(BATT) Blink Patterns—RECEIVER IS POWERED
OFF/INTERNAL BATTERY IN USE” for additional
information.

Recording and Memory LED (REC)—OFF, 
Status LED—OFF,

Bluetooth LED—OFF

Battery LED (BATT) External Power Source
Connected—if the receiver is powered off and an external

power source is applied, the Battery LED blinks green and
begins charging.

Note: When the battery is at full charge the Battery LED
will display a solid green LED.

See Tab le 8, “Battery LED (BATT) Blink Patterns—
RECEIVER IS POWERED OFF/EXTERNAL POWER SOURCE
CONNECTED TO RECEIVER” for additional information.

Factory Reset

Clear NVRAM

10–15 seconds All LEDs are OFF. Release the Power Button when Status

LED is solid red.

Erase All Files 15–20 seconds All LEDs are OFF. Release the Power Button when

Recording LED is solid red.
Note: This action is irreversible. If unsure about these

actions, continue to hold down the button until all LEDs
return to normal.

Hardware
Shutdown/Reset

More than 35–50
seconds

Shuts down power of all internal components of the
receiver. This function is only recommended when the
receiver goes into Exception mode. This operation does
not affect internal memory or receiver settings.

Open/Close Data
File

Three times in a
row within 2
seconds

Power Button (PWR)

The data file opens in Static mode.
While the file is open, press the power button 2 times in a

row within 1 second to switch back and forth between
Static and Dynamic modes.

To close a data file, press the power button 3 times in a row
within 2 seconds.

Refer to the Recording LED description.

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