Topcon BR-1 User Manual

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/PERATORlS-ANUAL

POSITIONING SYSTEMS

BR-1

Operator’s Manual

Part Number 7010-0796

Rev A

©Copyright Topcon Positioning Systems, Inc.

March, 2007

All contents in this manual are copyrighted by Topcon. All rights reserved.
The information contained herein may not be used, accessed, copied, stored,
displayed, sold, modified, published, or distributed, or otherwise reproduced

without express written consent from Topcon.

Topcon only sells GPS products into Precision Markets.

Please go to www.topcongps.com for detailed market information.

ECO#2978

TOC

Table of Contents

Preface .................................................................. v

Terms and Conditions ...................................................... v

Manual Conventions ........................................................ viii

Chapter 1

Introduction .......................................................... 1-1

Principles of Operation .................................................... 1-2

GNSS Overview ........................................................ 1-2

Calculating Absolute Positions ........................... 1-3

Calculating Differential Positions ...................... 1-4

Essential Components for Quality Surveying .... 1-5

Conclusion .......................................................... 1-5

Coastal Navigation Beacons DGPS Service ............. 1-6

BR-1 Overview ......................................................... 1-6

Getting Acquainted with the BR-1 .................................. 1-7

Rechargeable Battery ................................................ 1-7

BR-1 MINTER .......................................................... 1-8

BR-1 Ports ................................................................. 1-9

Carry Case and Belt ......................................................... 1-10

System Cables .................................................................. 1-11

BR-1 Configuration Software .......................................... 1-11

Optional Accessories ....................................................... 1-12

Chapter 2

Preparing the BR-1 for Use ................................. 2-1

Powering the BR-1 .......................................................... 2-1

Charging the Battery ................................................. 2-1

Charging and Battery Storage Notes ......................... 2-3

Installing the Battery ................................................. 2-4

Starting the BR-1 ............................................................. 2-5

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Table of Contents

Installing BR-1 Control Center onto a Computer ............ 2-5

Configuring the BR-1 ....................................................... 2-6

Bluetooth Module Configuration ..................................... 2-8

Chapter 3

Surveying with the BR-1 ..................................... 3-1

BR-1 Surveying with the GMS-2 ..................................... 3-2

BR-1 Surveying with an External GPS Receiver ............. 3-3

Chapter 4

Troubleshooting .................................................. 4-1

Check This First! .............................................................. 4-1

Troubleshooting Quick List ............................................. 4-2

Resetting the Beacon Receiver ......................................... 4-2

Charging/Powering Problems .......................................... 4-2

BR-1 Problems ................................................................. 4-3

Bluetooth Problems .......................................................... 4-3

Obtaining Technical Support ........................................... 4-4

Phone ......................................................................... 4-4

E-mail ........................................................................ 4-4

Website ...................................................................... 4-5

Appendix A

BR-1 Control Center Software Reference .......... A-1

General Settings ............................................................... A-4

Connecting to BR-1 Control Center ................................. A-5

Setting up the Ports .......................................................... A-6

Setting up Channels .......................................................... A-7

Setting up the Almanac .................................................... A-9

Power Board Parameters and Led Parameters ................. A-10

Spectrum Analyzer ........................................................... A-11

Appendix B

Specifications ...................................................... B-1

BR-1 Specifications .......................................................... B-1

General Details .......................................................... B-1

Connector Specifications .................................................. B-3

Serial Connector ........................................................ B-3

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BR-1 Operator’s Manual

Table of Contents

Appendix C

Safety Warnings ................................................... C-1

General Warnings ........................................................... C-1

Battery Pack Warnings .................................................. C-1

Usage Warnings .............................................................. C-2

Appendix D

Regulatory Information ........................................ D-1

FCC Compliance ............................................................. D-1

Canadian Emission Labeling Requirements .................... D-2

Community of Europe Compliance ................................. D-2

WEEE Directive .............................................................. D-3

Appendix E

Warranty Terms .................................................... E-1

Index

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Table of Contents

Notes:

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BR-1 Operator’s Manual

Preface

Preface

Thank you for purchasing this Topcon product. The materials
available in this Manual (the “Manual”) have been prepared by
Topcon Positioning Systems, Inc. (“TPS”) for owners of Topcon
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”).

NOTICE

Please read these 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.

COPYRIGHT All information contained in this Manual is the

intellectual property of, and copyrighted material of TPS. All rights
are reserved. You may 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 your 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.

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v

Preface

TRADEMARKS GMS-2, GMS Tools, BTManager, TopSURV,

TopPAD, HiPer, Topcon and Topcon Positioning Systems are
trademarks or registered trademarks of TPS. Microsoft, Windows,
ActiveSync, and the Windows logo are either trademarks or registered
trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other
countries. The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are owned by
Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Topcon Positioning
Systems, Inc. is used under license. Other product and company
names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective
owners.

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,

vi

BR-1 Operator’s Manual

Terms and Conditions

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 Terms or Conditions. You agree to destroy the
Software and manual upon termination of your 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; 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. Users should
review and heed the safety warnings in an Appendix.

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vii

Preface

MISCELLANEOUS The above Terms and Conditions may be

amended, modified, superseded, or canceled, at any time by TPS. The
above 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:

Example Description

FileExit Click the File menu and click Exit.

Connection Indicates the name of a dialog box or screen.

Frequency Indicates a field on a dialog box or screen, or a tab

within a dialog box or screen.

Enter Press or click the button or key labeled Enter.

CAUTION

viii

NOTE

TIP

NOTICE

Further information to note about the configuration,

maintenance, or setup of a system.

Supplementary information that can help you

configure, maintain, or set up a system.

Supplementary information that can have an affect

on system operation, system performance,

measurements, or personal safety.

Notification that an action has the potential to

adversely affect system operation, system

performance, data integrity, or personal health.

BR-1 Operator’s Manual

WARNING

Manual Conventions

Notification that an action will result in system
damage, loss of data, loss of warranty, or personal
injury.

DANGER

Under no circumstances should this action be
performed.

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ix

Preface

Notes:

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BR-1 Operator’s Manual

Chapter 1

Introduction

The BR-1 is a receiver that detects radio beacon signals, and is built to
be the most advanced, compact, and portable receiver for the GIS
surveying market.

The BR-1 receiver is a single-function, single-purpose receiver
intended for precision markets. Precision markets means markets for
equipment, subsystems, components and software for surveying,
construction, commercial mapping, civil engineering, precision
agriculture and land-based construction and agriculture machine
control, photogrammetry mapping, hydrographic and any use
reasonably related to the foregoing.

When combined with the GMS-2, the BR-1 provides the
functionality, accuracy, availability, and integrity needed for fast and
easy data collection.

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Figure 1-1. BR-1

1-1

Introduction

Principles of Operation

Surveying with the right GPS receiver can provide users accurate and
precise positioning, a requirement for any surveying project.

This section gives an overview of existing and proposed Global
Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) and receiver functions to help
you understand and apply basic operating principles, allowing you to
get the most out of your receiver. Also discussed are the principles
behind surveying with Differential GPS, and using radio beacon
signals as the source of corrections to locate unknown points.

GNSS Overview

Currently, the following three global navigation satellite systems
(GNSS) offer line-of-site radio navigation and positioning, velocity,
and time services on a global, all-weather, 24-hour scale to any user
equipped with a GNSS tracking receiver on or near the Earth’s
surface:

• GPS – the Global Positioning System maintained and operated by
the United States Department of Defense. For information on the
status of this system, visit the US Naval Observatory website
(http://tycho.usno.navy.mil/) or the US Coast Guard website
(http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/).

• GLONASS – the Global Navigation Satellite System maintained
and operated by the Russian Federation Ministry of Defense. For
information on the status of this system, visit the Ministry of
Defense website (http://www.glonass-center.ru/frame_e.html).

• GALILEO – an upcoming global positioning system maintained
and operated by Galileo Industries, a joint venture of several
European space agencies working closely with the European
Space Agency. Unlike GPS and GLONASS, this is a civil
endeavor and is currently in the development and validation
stage. For information on the status of this system, visit the
Galileo Industries website (http://www.galileo-industries.net).

1-2

BR-1 Operator’s Manual

Principles of Operation

Despite numerous technical differences in the implementation of
these systems, satellite positioning systems have three essential
components:

• Space – GPS, GLONASS, and GALILEO satellites orbit
approximately 12,000 nautical miles above Earth and are
equipped with a clock and radio. These satellites broadcast digital
information (ephemerides, almanacs, time&frequency
corrections, etc.).

• Control – Ground stations located around the Earth that monitor
the satellites and upload data, including clock corrections and
new ephemerides (satellite positions as a function of time), to
ensure the satellites transmit data properly.

• User – The community and military that use GNSS receivers and
the corresponding satellites to calculate positions.

Calculating Absolute Positions

When calculating an absolute position, a stationary or moving
receiver determines its three-dimensional position with respect to the
origin of an Earth-Center Earth-Fixed coordinate system. To calculate
this position, the receiver measures the distance (called pseudo­ranges) between it and at least four satellites. The measured pseudo­ranges are corrected for clock differences (receiver and satellites) and
signal propagation delays due to atmospheric effects. The positions of
the satellites are computed from the ephemeris data transmitted to the
receiver in navigation messages. When using a single satellite system,
the minimum number of satellites needed to compute a position is
four. In a mixed satellite scenario (GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO), the
receiver must lock onto at least five satellites to obtain an absolute
position.

To provide fault tolerance using only GPS or only GLONASS, the
receiver must lock onto a fifth satellite. Six satellites will provide
fault tolerance in mixed scenarios.

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1-3

Introduction

Calculating Differential Positions

DGPS, or Differential GPS, typically uses the measurements from
two or more remote receivers to calculate the difference (corrections)
between measurements, thus providing more accurate position
solutions.

With DGPS, one receiver is placed at a known, surveyed location and
is referred to as the reference receiver or base station. Another
receiver is placed at an unknown, location and is referred to as the
remote receiver or rover. The reference station collects the range
measurements from each GPS satellite in view and forms the
differences (corrections) between the calculated distance to the
satellites and the measured pseudo-ranges to the satellites.

These corrections are then built up to the industry standard (RTCM or
various proprietary standards) established for transmitting differential
corrections and broadcast to the remote receiver(s) using a data
communication link. The remote receiver applies the transmitted
DGPS corrections to its range measurements of the same satellites.

Using this technique, the spatially correlated errors—such as satellite
orbital errors, ionospheric errors, and tropospheric errors—can be
significantly reduced, thus improving the position solution accuracy
of the GPS.

A number of differential positioning implementations exist, including
post-processing surveying, real-time kinematic surveying, maritime
radio beacons, geostationary satellites (as with the OmniSTAR
service), and the wide area augmentation system (WAAS) service.

The real-time kinematic (RTK) method is the most precise method of
real-time surveying. RTK requires at least two receivers collecting
navigation data and communication data link between the receivers.
One of the receivers is usually at a known location (Base) and the
other is at an unknown location (Rover). The Base receiver collects
carrier phase measurements, generates RTK corrections, and sends
this data to the Rover receiver. The Rover processes this transmitted
data with its own carrier phase observations to compute its relative
position with high accuracy, achieving an RTK accuracy of up to 1 cm
horizontal and 1.5 cm vertical.

1-4

BR-1 Operator’s Manual

Principles of Operation

Essential Components for Quality Surveying

Achieving quality position results requires the following elements:

• Accuracy – The accuracy of a position primarily depends upon
the satellite geometry (Geometric Dilution of Precision, or
GDOP) and the measurement (ranging) errors.

– Differential positioning (DGPS and RTK) strongly mitigates

atmospheric and orbital errors, and counteracts Selective
Availability (SA) signals the US Department of Defense
transmits with GPS signals.

– The more satellites in view, the stronger the signal, the lower

the DOP number, the higher positioning accuracy.

• Availability – The availability of satellites affects the calculation
of valid positions. The more visible satellites available, the more
valid and accurate the position. Natural and man-made objects
can block, interrupt, and distort signals, lowering the number of
available satellites and adversely affecting signal reception.

• Integrity – Fault tolerance allows a position to have greater
integrity, increasing accuracy. Several factors combine to provide
fault tolerance, including:

– Receiver Autonomous Integrity Monitoring (RAIM) detects

faulty GPS and GLONASS satellites and removes them from
the position calculation.

– Five or more visible satellites for only GPS or only

GLONASS; six or more satellites for mixed scenarios.

– Wide Area Augmentation Systems (WAAS, EGNOS, etc.)

creates and transmit, along with DGPS corrections, data
integrity information (for example, satellite health warnings).

– Current ephemerides and almanacs.

Conclusion

This overview simply outlines the basics of satellite positioning. For
more detailed information, visit the TPS website.

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1-5

Introduction

Coastal Navigation Beacons DGPS Service

Throughout the world, a number of coastal radio beacon networks
have been established to improve the accuracy of maritime navigation
around harbors and critical waterways. These beacon networks
provide correction information to GIS users with the proper
equipment. Since beacon stations act as the known reference point,
the repetitive set up, survey, and configuration of a base station has
been eliminated. A beacon system provides ±3 meter accuracy

In the United States, the coastal navigation beacons are managed by
the United States Coast Guard and provide differential correction
service in coastal areas and much of the interior of the United States.

In other parts of the world, coastal navigation beacons modeled after
the US Coast Guard system are available. Check with your local
maritime authority to learn more about services available in your area.
The Beacon system is provided free of charge in the United States.

• For detailed information on the coastal navigation beacon system
in the United States, visit the US Coast Guard’s Navigation
Center website (www.navcen.uscg.gov).

• For detailed information on the coastal navigation beacon system
in other parts of the world, visit the International Association of
Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities website
(http://www.iala-aism.org/web/index.html).

BR-1 Overview

The BR-1 is a 4-channel radio beacon receiver. Included in the system
is beacon and Bluetooth. Bluetooth provides a connection with an
external device such as GMS-2. This cable free connection allows for
smart field work.

The Beacon receiver component of the BR-1 can receive the

DGPS correction data from the Beacon reference station. The BR-1
searches and receives the beacon signal and automatically exports the
correction data after the unit is powered on. Because the BR-1 has a
4-channel beacon receiver, it simultaneously receives up to 4 beacon

1-6

BR-1 Operator’s Manual

Getting Acquainted with the BR-1

signals. The BR-1 then chooses the optimal beacon station, then
exports the correction data from the station.

Getting Acquainted with the
BR-1

The BR-1 is a beacon receiver. A serial port with Bluetooth® wireless
technology provides communication paths with other devices.

The standard BR-1 package contains the following items:

• BR-1 beacon receiver with rechargeable battery

• Soft carry case and belt

• Unit-to-PC serial cable and power converter/adapter cable

• Configuration software and assorted documentation

For more details on accessories and options available for the BR-1,
contact your local Topcon dealer.

Rechargeable Battery

The BR-1 comes equipped with a rechargeable battery (Figure 1-2)
for powering the unit. The battery can be charged in the unit or in an
optional battery charger.

NOTICE

NOTICE

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The BR-1 cannot receive a Beacon signal while
charging.

You may hear a high pitch sound while charging the
battery. The sound does not cause a problem.
Continue charging the battery.

1-7

Introduction

The battery provides fifteen hours of operation, depending on the
mode of the receiver.

Battery

Figure 1-2. GMS-2 Battery

BR-1 MINTER

The Minimum INTERface for the BR-1 turns on the receiver and has
LEDs to monitor battery status and communication status.

•The power button turns the receiver on and off.

•The status LED indicates the status of the beacon signal:

– Green blink: receiving a beacon signal, where each blink

indicates a detected beacon station.

– Red blink: searching for a beacon signal or no beacon signal

detected.

•The power LED indicates the level of charge in the battery:

During Use During Charge

– Green blink: battery has a full

charge (more than 80%).

– Yellow blink: intermediate

charge.

– Fast blink: battery is

charging.

– Solid Green: battery is

fully charged.

– Red blink: battery requires

charging (less than 20%).

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BR-1 Operator’s Manual

Getting Acquainted with the BR-1

•The Bluetooth LED indicates the level of activity at the

Bluetooth wireless technology module:

– Blue blink: the module is on and a connection has been

established.

– Slow Blue blink: waiting for a connection.

Signal Status LED Battery Status LED Bluetooth Status LED

Figure 1-3. BR-1 MINTER

BR-1 Ports

Power Button

The BR-1 has the following two ports:

• Serial – used for communication between the internal beacon
module (port A of the module) and an external device.

• Power – used to connect the BR-1 to an external power source.
This port is used to charge the battery.

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1-9

Introduction

Power

Serial (port A)

Figure 1-4. BR-1 Ports

Carry Case and Belt

The carry case for the BR-1 has soft sides for comfort and is attached
to an adjustable comfort-belt. The top of the case is clear for easy
access to the MINTER. The case is waterproof.

1-10

Figure 1-5. BR-1 Carry Case and Belt

BR-1 Operator’s Manual