Topcon HiPer Ga, HiPer Gb Operator's Manual

(I0ER'A'B

/PERATORlS-ANUAL

POSITIONING SYSTEMS

HiPer Ga/Gb

Operator’s Manual

Part Number 7010-0816

Rev C

©Copyright Topcon Positioning Systems, Inc.

March, 2013

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, distributed, or otherwise reproduced

without express written consent from Topcon.

TOC

Table of Contents

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

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

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

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

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

Calculating Differential Positions ...................... 1-3

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

Conclusion .......................................................... 1-6

Receiver Overview .................................................... 1-6

Getting Acquainted .......................................................... 1-7

HiPer Ga/Gb Receiver ............................................... 1-8

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

Data and Power Ports ......................................... 1-14

External Radio Antenna Connector .................... 1-15

Cables ........................................................................ 1-15

Other Accessories ...................................................... 1-16

Optional Accessories ................................................. 1-17

Option Authorization File (OAF) .................................... 1-20

Pre-survey Preparation ........................................ 2-1

Installing Topcon Software .............................................. 2-2

Installing PC-CDU .................................................... 2-2

Installing Modem-TPS .............................................. 2-3

Installing BTCONF ................................................... 2-5

Installing FLoader ..................................................... 2-6

Charging the Internal Batteries ........................................ 2-7

Power Management ......................................................... 2-9

Powering the Receiver with an External Battery ............. 2-13

Turning On/Off the Receiver .................................... 2-14

Connecting the Receiver and a Computer ....................... 2-14

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Table of Contents

Establishing a Wireless Connection .......................... 2-15

Establishing an RS232 Cable Connection ................. 2-16

Establishing a USB Connection ................................. 2-17

Bluetooth Module Configuration ..................................... 2-17

Connecting to BTCONF and Setting Security

Parameters .............................................................. 2-18

Collecting Almanacs and Ephemerides ............................ 2-21

HiPer Ga/Gb Configuration ................................. 3-1

Configuring the Radio Modem ........................................ 3-3

Configuring a Digital UHF Radio Modem ..................... 3-3

Configuring the Receiver ................................................. 3-7

Connecting to PC-CDU ............................................. 3-8

MINTER Configuration ................................................... 3-17

HiPer Ga/Gb Receiver Setup and Survey .......... 4-1

Receiver Setup .................................................................. 4-1

Step 1: Setting Up the Receivers ............................... 4-1

Step 2: Measuring Antenna Height ............................ 4-4

Step 3: Collecting Data .............................................. 4-6

MINTER Operation .......................................................... 4-8

Static Surveying for Base Stations ................................... 4-10

Kinematic (Stop & Go) Surveying for Rover Stations .... 4-12

Real Time Kinematic Surveying ...................................... 4-13

Receiver and File Maintenance .......................... 5-1

Downloading Files to a Computer ................................... 5-1

Downloading Files via Topcon Link ......................... 5-2

...Using Windows Explorer ................................. 5-2

...Using Topcon Link .......................................... 5-4

Downloading Files via PC-CDU ............................... 5-6

Deleting Files from the Receiver ..................................... 5-8

Managing Receiver Memory ............................................ 5-9

Managing Receiver Options ............................................. 5-10

Checking the Receiver’s OAF ................................... 5-10

Loading an OAF ........................................................ 5-12

Clearing the NVRAM ...................................................... 5-13

Using the MINTER to Clear the NVRAM ................ 5-13

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HiPer Ga/Gb Operator’s Manual

Table of Contents

Using PC-CDU to Clear the NVRAM ...................... 5-14

Changing Receiver Modes ............................................... 5-14

Entering Extended Information Mode ...................... 5-14

Entering Sleep (Off) Mode ........................................ 5-16

Entering Zero Power Mode ....................................... 5-16

Loading New Firmware ................................................... 5-17

Loading Receiver and Power Board Firmware ......... 5-18

Loading Bluetooth Module Firmware ....................... 5-21

Troubleshooting ................................................... 6-1

Check This First! ............................................................. 6-1

Troubleshooting Quick List ............................................. 6-2

Powering Problems .......................................................... 6-3

Receiver Problems ........................................................... 6-4

Bluetooth Problems ......................................................... 6-10

Modem-TPS Problems ..................................................... 6-13

Obtaining Technical Support ........................................... 6-14

Phone ......................................................................... 6-15

E-mail ........................................................................ 6-15

Website ...................................................................... 6-16

Specifications ....................................................... A-1

Receiver Specifications ................................................... A-2

General Details .......................................................... A-2

GPS Board Details .................................................... A-7

Bluetooth Module Details ......................................... A-8

Digital UHF Modem General Specifications ............ A-9

Digital UHF Transmitter Specifications ................... A-10

Digital UHF Receiver Specifications ........................ A-11

Environmental Specifications ................................... A-12

HiPer Ga/Gb Compliance ......................................... A-12

Connector Specifications ................................................. A-13

Radio (Modem) RF Connector .................................. A-13

Power Connector ....................................................... A-13

Serial C-RS232 Connector ........................................ A-14

USB Connector ......................................................... A-15

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Safety Warnings ................................................... B-1

General Warnings ............................................................. B-1

Battery Pack Warnings ..................................................... B-2

Usage Warnings ............................................................... B-3

Regulatory Information ....................................... C-1

UHF Radio Usage ............................................................ C-1

FCC Compliance .............................................................. C-2

Community of Europe Compliance .................................. C-3

Canadian Emission Labeling Requirements .................... C-3

WEEE Directive ............................................................... C-3

Industry Canada Compliance ........................................... C-5

RF Radiation Hazard Warning .................................. C-5

Maximum Antenna Gain ........................................... C-5

Industry Canada Notice and Marking ........................ C-6

Warranty Terms ................................................... D-1

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HiPer Ga/Gb Operator’s Manual

Preface

NOTICE

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”).

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.

HiPer Ga/Gb Operator’s Manual

v

Preface

TRADEMARKS LPS-900™, Pocket-3D™, GR-3™, Topcon Tools™,

Modem-TPS™, Topcon® and Topcon Positioning Systems™ are
trademarks or registered trademarks of TPS. Windows® is a
registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation. 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,
non-transferable license to use such Software under the terms stated
herein and in any case only with a single receiver or single computer.

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HiPer Ga/Gb Operator’s Manual

Terms and Conditions

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.

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.

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Preface

NOTE

TIP

NOTICE

CAUTION

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.

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.

viii

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.

HiPer Ga/Gb Operator’s Manual

Manual Conventions

WARNING

DANGER

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

Under no circumstances should this action be
performed.

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Preface

Notes:

x

HiPer Ga/Gb Operator’s Manual

Chapter 1

Introduction

The HiPer Ga/Gb receiver is a dual-frequency, GPS+ receiver built to
be the most advanced and compact receiver for the surveying market.
The receiver is a multi-function, multi-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.

The HiPer Ga/Gb can receive and process the latest GPS and
GLONASS signal types, improving the accuracy and reliability of the
survey points and positions, especially under difficult jobsite
conditions, and reducing cost.

Figure 1-1. HiPer Ga/Gb Receiver

The dual-frequency and GPS+ features of the receiver combine to
provide a positioning system accurate for any survey. Several other
features, including multipath mitigation, provide under-canopy and
low signal strength reception. The receiver provides the functionality,

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1-1

Introduction

accuracy, availability, and integrity needed for fast and easy data
collection.

Principles of Operation

Surveying with the right GPS receiver offers 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 so basic
operating principles can be applied.

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 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 Coordinational
Scientific Information Center website (http://www.glonass­ianc.rsa.ru/).

• GALILEO – an upcoming global positioning system maintained
and operated by European Satellite Navigation Industries, a joint
venture of several European space agencies/companies 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 European Satellite Navigation Industries
website (http://www.european-satellite-navigation­industries.net).

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HiPer Ga/Gb 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
ranging signals and various digital information (ephemerides,
almanacs, time and frequency corrections, and so forth).

• 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 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 five or more satellites to account for the
different time scales used in these systems and to obtain an absolute
position.

Calculating Differential Positions

DGPS, or Differential GPS, is a relative positioning technique where
the measurements from two or more remote receivers are combined
and processed using sophisticated algorithms to calculate the
receivers’ relative coordinates with high accuracy.

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Introduction

DGPS accommodates various implementation techniques that can be
classified according to the following criteria:

• The type of GNSS measurements used, either code-phase or
carrier-phase differential measurements

• If real-time or post-mission results are required. Real-time
applications can be further divided according to the source of
differential data and the communication link used.

With DGPS in its most traditional approach, 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 code-phase and carrier-phase measurements from each
GNSS satellite in view.

• For real-time applications, these measurements and the reference
station coordinates are then built up to the industry standard
RTCM—or various proprietary standards established for
transmitting differential data—and broadcast to the remote
receiver(s) using a data communication link. The remote receiver
applies the transmitted measurement information to its observed
measurements of the same satellites.

• For post-mission applications, the simultaneous measurements
from reference and rover stations are normally recorded to the
receiver’s internal memory (not sent over communication link).
Later, the data are downloaded to computer, combined, and
processed.

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.

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 satellite based augmentation systems (WAAS, EGNOS,
MSAS).

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HiPer Ga/Gb Operator’s Manual

Principles of Operation

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.

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 GNSS 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.

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Introduction

– Satellite Based Augmentation Systems (WAAS, EGNOS, and

so on) 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 at
www.topconpositioning.com.

Receiver Overview

When power is turned on and the receiver self-test completes, the
receiver’s 40 channels initialize and begin tracking visible satellites.
Each of the receiver’s channels can be used to track any one of the
GPS and GLONASS signals. The number of channels available
allows the receiver to track all visible global positioning satellites at
any time and location.

An internal GPS+ antenna equipped with a low noise amplifier (LNA)
and the receiver’s radio frequency (RF) device are connected with a
coaxial cable. The wide-band signal received is down-converted,
filtered, digitized, and assigned to different channels. The receiver
processor controls the process of signal tracking.

Once the signal is locked in the channel, it is demodulated and
necessary signal parameters (carrier and code phases) are measured.
Also, broadcast navigation data are retrieved from the navigation
frame.

After the receiver locks on to four or more satellites, its absolute
position in WGS-84 and the time offset between the receiver clock
and GPS time are computed. This information and the measurement
data are stored in the receiver’s internal memory and can be
downloaded later onto a computer, then processed using a post­processing software package. When the receiver operates in RTK
mode, raw data measurements can also be recorded into the receiver’s

1-6

HiPer Ga/Gb Operator’s Manual

Getting Acquainted

internal memory. This allows the operator to double check real-time
results obtained in the field.

Depending on your options, capabilities of the receiver include:

• Co-op tracking

• Multipath reduction

• Satellite based augmentation systems (WAAS, EGNOS, and so
forth).

• Adjustable phase locked loop (PLL) and delay lock loop (DLL)
parameters

• Dual-frequency modes, including static, kinematic, real-time
kinematic (RTK), and differential GPS (DGPS) survey modes
(DGPS modes include static, kinematic, and RTK)

• Auto data logging

• Setting different mask angles

• Setting different survey parameters

• Static or dynamic modes

Getting Acquainted

The HiPer Ga/Gb comes in a real-time kinematic (RTK) package with
two receivers, one as a Base Station and the other as a Rover Station
(also, refer to the packaging instruction card). Each receiver casing
allocates space for two non-removable, rechargeable batteries, a
Bluetooth wireless technology module, a dual-system receiver board,
and radio modem communications board.

The embedded radio board is configured with a Digital UHF
transceiver that has a 410 to 470 MHz frequency range and 12.5 kHz
channel spacing. The board provides 29 dBm (0.79 W) power output
for data transmission.

The HiPer Ga/Gb Base and Rover receivers are shipped with the most
commonly used settings for the radio modem. The Rover settings are
configured to match the Base settings.

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Introduction

Record LED

Slant Height Measure Mark

Modem Status LED

FN Button

Power
Button

Status LED

Reset Button

Battery LED

The frequency range of the modem depends on the country in which
the receiver is used: for North America, the frequency range is
410 to 470; for all other countries, contact your local distributor.
Other features include serial and USB data ports, a power port, and a
MINTER for viewing status and controlling data input/output. These
features are described on the following pages.

HiPer Ga/Gb Receiver

The HiPer Ga/Gb receiver’s advanced design reduces the number of
cables required for operation, allowing for more reliable and efficient

surveying. The casing allocates space for a Bluetooth
technology module, a multi-system receiver board, and a radio
modem communications board.

The HiPer Ga/Gb comes with a Digital UHF TX/RX radio modem.

Other features include three data ports, a power port, and a MINTER
for viewing status and controlling data input/output.

MINTER

®

wireless

The MINTER is the receiver’s minimum interface used to display and
control data input and output (Figure 1-2). The slant height measure
mark (SHMM) is used when measuring the height offset of the
receiver.

Figure 1-2. HiPer Ga/Gb MINTER

1-8

HiPer Ga/Gb Operator’s Manual

Getting Acquainted

The Reset button causes a hard reset of the receiver and causes the

receiver to leave Zero Power Mode and return to Normal Mode.

Only use this procedure if the receiver does not

NOTICE

respond to commands or does not charge the
internal batteries (is in Zero Power Mode).

The Power button turns the receiver on and off.

The Battery LEDs display the power status for each battery:

• Green – indicates greater than 85% charge.

• Orange – indicates an intermediate charge.

• Red – indicates less than 15% charge.

When the internal batteries have completely

NOTICE

discharged and no external power is connected, the
receiver goes into Zero Power Mode to prevent the
batteries from over discharging.

The pattern of blinks also indicates the source of power:

• Solid light – an external power supply is used, and the batteries
are not being charged.

• Blinking once a second – the batteries are being charged.

• Blinking once every five seconds – the receiver uses the internal
batteries for power.

• Not blinking – the receiver is in Zero Power Mode or the internal
batteries are discharged, and no external power is connected.

The STAT LED displays the status of tracked satellites.

• Red blink – receiver is on but is not tracking satellites or does not
have a solution.

• Green blink – receiver is on and tracking satellites; one blink per
tracked GPS satellite.

• Orange blink – receiver is on and tracking satellites; one blink per
tracked GLONASS satellite.

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Introduction

The REC LED displays the data recording status. See “The FN

(FUNCTION) button” on page 1-11 for more information on REC
LED behavior when using the FN button.

• Green blinks – each blink indicates that data is being written to
the SD/MMC card.

• Solid Orange – indicates the receiver is changing modes.

• Orange blinks – indicates that the receiver is checking its internal
file system (after clearing the NVRAM or loading new firmware).
During this operation, the file system is not accessible for CDU
(control display unit) applications or for data recording. This
operation may require from fractions of a second to several
minutes, depending on the circumstances and the amount of
internal memory.

• Solid Red – indicates a fault condition with the receiver (no more
memory, no SD/MMC card inserted, a hardware problem, or an
improper OAF).

Table 1-2 on page 1-12 describes the REC LED status when using the
FN button.

The RX TX LED displays the status of the modem. Table 1-1

describes the LED colors and patterns for the different modems
available for the HiPer Ga/Gb receiver.

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HiPer Ga/Gb Operator’s Manual

Getting Acquainted

Table 1-1. RX TX LED Indications

• No light – modem is turned off.

• Solid Red – the modem is in transmitter mode; the modem is
transmitting data.

• Orange flashes – the modem is in command mode. This mode
allows the operator to send/query commands to/from the
modem.

UHF Modem

• Flashing Green – the modem is in receiver mode

• Solid Green – a radio link has been established; the modem is
ready to receive data

• Solid Green with Orange flashes – the modem is receiving data.

• Red flashes – a fault condition has been detected. Check the
condition of the radio modem’s antenna to ensure it is
undamaged, and is connected properly and securely. Also make
sure that there is nothing to interrupt the signal.

The BT LED indicates the level of activity at the Bluetooth wireless

technology communication link:

• Blue flashes – the Bluetooth module is on but no connection is
established.

• Solid blue light – the Bluetooth module is on and a connection
has been established.

• No light – the Bluetooth module is off.

The power button turns the receiver on and off.

The FN (FUNCTION) button switches the receiver between

information modes and post-processing modes, starts/stops data
recording, and changes the baud rate of the serial port to 9600. See
“MINTER Operation” on page 4-7 for more information. Table 1-2
on page 1-12 describes the REC LED status when using the FN
button.

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Introduction

Table 1-2. FN (FUNCTION) key operations and REC LED Status

FN Key

REC LED Status

When data recording is off, and the FN key is...

No light No data recording.

Not pressed

Orange blink Internal file system test in progress.

Red No free memory; hardware problem with

data recording.

If FN key mode is “LED blink mode switch”

Pressed for < 1
second

Orange Release to change information mode.

If FN key mode is “Occupation mode switch”

Orange No function.

If FN key mode is “LED blink mode switch”

Pressed for 1–5
seconds

Green Release to start data recording (post-

processing occupation mode undefined).

If FN key mode is “Occupation mode switch”

Green Release to start recording (Kinematic or

Static post-processing occupation mode).

Pressed for 5–8
seconds

Pressed for > 8

Red Release to turn serial port A baud rate to

9600 bps.

No light No function.

seconds

When data recording is on, and the FN key is...

1-12

HiPer Ga/Gb Operator’s Manual

Getting Acquainted

Table 1-2. FN (FUNCTION) key operations and REC LED Status (Continued)

FN Key

Not pressed

Pressed for < 1
second

Pressed for 1–5
seconds

REC LED Status

Red No free memory; hardware problem with

data recording.

If FN key mode is “LED blink mode switch”

Green Data recording started (post-processing

occupation mode undefined).

If FN key mode is “Occupation mode switch”

Green Data recording started (Kinematic post-

processing occupation mode).

Orange Data recording started (Static post-

processing occupation mode).

If FN key mode is “LED blink mode switch”

Orange Release to change information mode.

If FN key mode is “Occupation mode switch”

Orange Release to toggle between Static and

Kinematic post-processing modes.

No light Release to stop data recording.

Pressed for 5–8
seconds

Pressed for > 8
seconds

P/N 7010-0816

Red Release to turn serial port A baud rate to

9600 bps.

No light No function (data recording still on).

1-13

Introduction

Slant Height Measure Mark

Serial Ports A–D USB Power

Data and Power Ports

The receiver has the following ports (Figure 1-3 on page 1-14):

• Two serial ports:

– Port A used for communication between HiPer Ga/Gb and a

controller or any other external device.

– Port B used internally to connect the receiver board with the

optional Bluetooth module.

Changing the receiver’s Port B default settings will

NOTICE

• PWR – The power input port to which an external power source
(+6 to +28 V DC) is connected and where the unit is charged.

• USB – Used for high-speed data transfer and communication
between the receiver and an external device.

• Slant height measure mark (SHMM).

affect the Bluetooth link. The default settings for
Port B are: 115200 bps, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, no
parity, and no handshaking.

1-14

Figure 1-3. HiPer Ga/Gb Ports

HiPer Ga/Gb Operator’s Manual

Getting Acquainted

External

Antenna

Connector

External Radio Antenna Connector

The antenna connector on the receiver’s radome is a BNC connection
(Figure 1-4).

Figure 1-4. Receiver Radome and External Antenna Connector

Cables

The HiPer Ga/Gb package includes standard communication and
power cables for configuring the receiver and providing a power
source to the receiver. Table 1-3 lists the cables included in the HiPer
Ga/Gb package.

Table 1-3. Package Cables

Cable Description Cable Illustration

Power cable

Connects the power supply unit to a
grounded outlet.

U.S. p/n 14-008052-01
Europe p/n 14-008054-01
Australia p/n 14-008074-01

Receiver power cable

Connects the receiver and the
power supply unit via SAE
connectors.

p/n 14-008016-03

P/N 7010-0816

1-15

Introduction

Table 1-3. Package Cables (Continued)

Cable Description Cable Illustration

USB cable

Connects the receiver to an external
device (controller or computer) for
high-speed data transfer and
receiver configuration.

p/n 14-008031-01

Serial cable

Connects the receiver to an external
device (controller or computer) for
data transfer and receiver
configuration.

p/n 14-008005-03

Other Accessories

This package can include the following accessories.

The power supply unit (p/n 22-034101-01) charges the internal

batteries when connected to a grounded outlet (Figure 1-5). This unit
converts the alternating current (AC) normally supplied from an
electrical outlet to a direct current (DC) used to charge the batteries
and/or power the receiver.

The power supply unit should only be used for

CAUTION

charging the batteries. Do not use as a power source
during surveying.

The power supply unit connects directly to the receiver. For details,
see the power related sections on page 2-13.

Figure 1-5. Power Supply Unit

1-16

HiPer Ga/Gb Operator’s Manual

Getting Acquainted

The modem antenna supports UHF communication (Figure 1-6).

The UHF modem antenna is a BNC RF connection and comes in two
versions: 410–440 MHz (p/n 30-070003-01) and 440–470 MHz
(p/n 30-050503-01).

Figure 1-6. UHF Modem Antenna

For more details on the accessories and package options available for
the Hiper Ga/Gb, contact your local Topcon dealer.

The universal tribrach and tribrach adapter (p/n 22-006008-01

and p/n 22-006009-011) are used to level the tripod and secure the
receiver or antenna to the tripod (Figure 1-7).

Figure 1-7. Universal Tribrach and Tribrach Adapter

For more details on the accessories and package options available for
the HiPer Ga/Gb, contact the local Topcon dealer.

Optional Accessories

Topcon offers a wide variety of accessories especially designed to
extend job reliability and efficiency. For more details on the optional
accessories available for the HiPer Ga/Gb, contact the local Topcon
dealer.

The precision tribrach adapter (Figure 1-8) is used to precisely

center, align, and level the tripod over a point. The horizontal spacer

P/N 7010-0816

1-17

Introduction

FC-2000

(p/n 60419) inserts into the precision tribrach and allows the receiver
to sit securely on the precision tribrach.

Figure 1-8. Precision Tribrach Adapter and Horizontal Spacer

A hand-held controller (Figure 1-9) allows the HiPer Ga/Gb Base

and Rover systems to be configured and monitored directly in the
field. TopSURV (field data collection software) and CE-CDU
(receiver configuration and monitoring software) can be used on
Topcon controllers to configure and manage the receiver.

1-18

Figure 1-9. Hand-held Controller Examples

HiPer Ga/Gb Operator’s Manual

Getting Acquainted

The ODU-to-alligator clips cable (p/n 14-008097-01LF) connects

the charging cradle or receiver to an auxiliary battery for powering the
receiver during survey operations (Figure 1-10).

Figure 1-10. Auxiliary Power Cable – ODU-to-Alligator Clips

The 2m fixed height Tripod and Pole 1.(22-050911-01 and 22-

050908-01). Pole not pictured. Tripod for the HiPer Ga/Gb
(Figure 1-11).

P/N 7010-0816

Figure 1-11. Tripod

1-19

Introduction

Option Authorization File (OAF)

Topcon Positioning Systems issues an Option Authorization File
(OAF) to enable the specific options that customers purchase. An
Option Authorization File allows customers to customize and
configure the receiver according to particular needs, thus only
purchasing those options needed.

Typically, all receivers ship with a temporary OAF that allows it to be
used for a predetermined period of time. When the receiver is
purchased, a new OAF permanently activates purchased options.
Receiver options remain intact when clearing the NVRAM or
resetting the receiver.

The OAF enables the following kinds of functions. For a complete list
of available options and details, visit the TPS website at
www.topconpositioning.com or consult a TPS dealer.

• GPS and GLONASS signal types

• Receiver (optional) internal memory is up to 128 MB

• Position update rate standard 1Hz (optional 5, 10, or 20Hz)

• RTK at 1Hz, 5Hz, 10Hz, and 20Hz

• RTCM/CMR Input/Output

•Event marker

• Co-op tracking

• Advanced multipath reduction

• Satellite Based Augmentation System (WAAS, EGNOS, MSAS)

• 1 PPS (Pulse-Per-Second; a timing signal)

• Receiver Autonomous Integrity Monitoring (RAIM)

1-20

HiPer Ga/Gb Operator’s Manual

Chapter 2

Pre-survey
Preparation

Before beginning to survey with the HiPer Ga/Gb receiver, the
following software needs to be installed and configurations need to be
applied:

 Install receiver configuration software

See “Installing Topcon Software” on page 2-2.

 Charge the batteries

See “Charging the Internal Batteries” on page 2-7.

 Enable power source settings (either attached or external)

See “Power Management” on page 2-9 and “Powering the
Receiver with an External Battery” on page 2-13.

 Configure the Bluetooth wireless technology module

See “Bluetooth Module Configuration” on page 2-17.

 Collect almanacs and ephemerides (after first-time configuration

activities as described on page 2-21).

See “Collecting Almanacs and Ephemerides” on page 2-21.

This chapter also discusses connecting batteries to the receiver,
connecting the receiver and a computer, and powering the receiver
using different sources.

P/N 7010-0816

2-1

Pre-survey Preparation

Installing Topcon Software

The Topcon GPS+ CD includes the following software programs used
for configuring and maintaining the receiver. This software is also
available on the TPS website at www.topconpositioning.com to
registered users.

• PC-CDU Lite
ver. 2.1.15 or newer

• BTCONF
ver. 1.3 or newer

•Modem-TPS
ver. 2.2p2 or newer

• FLoader
ver 1.0.07 or newer

If installing the program(s) from the GPS+ CD, insert the CD into the
computer’s CD-ROM drive. If downloading the program(s) from the
website, extract the program’s files into a folder on the hard drive.

The following sections describe installing this software, and other
sections throughout the manual describe using this software with the
receiver.

Installing PC-CDU

PC-CDU™ is a comprehensive Windows® software product
designed for controlling GPS+ receivers developed by Topcon
Positioning Systems. PC-CDU uses the GPS Receiver Interface
Language (GRIL) to configure various receiver settings and diagnose
receiver performance.

The PC-CDU software exists in two versions: a full-functionality
version called PC-CDU MS and a reduced-functionality version
called PC-CDU Lite. PC-CDU Lite is available for free on the Topcon
website (www.topconpositioning.com) or the GPS+ CD.

Computer requirements for PC-CDU are: Windows® 98 or newer and
an RS-232C or USB port, or Bluetooth capable. Use PC-CDU version

2.1.15 or newer to correctly configure the receiver.

NOTICE

2-2

Refer to the PC-CDU Reference Manual for full
details on installing and using PC-CDU.

HiPer Ga/Gb Operator’s Manual

Installing Topcon Software

To install PC-CDU:

1. Create a PC-CDU folder on the hard drive and place the
compressed PC-CDU zip file (retrieved from either the website or
the GPS+ CD) in this folder.

2. Navigate to the PC-CDU folder, and double-click the PC-
CDU_MS zip file.

3. Extract the PCCDU.EXE and associated *.dll file to the PC-CDU
folder (Figure 2-1).

4. Optionally, create a shortcut on the computer’s desktop for quick
access to PC-CDU (Figure 2-1).

Figure 2-1. Extract Program and Create Shortcut

To uninstall PC-CDU, navigate to the location of the *.exe file. Select
the file, and press Delete.

Installing Modem-TPS

Modem-TPS is a configuration program for the radio modem board
inside the receiver. Modem-TPS is available from the TPS website
(www.topconpositioning.com) or on the GPS+ CD.

Computer requirements for Modem-TPS are: Windows® 98 or newer
and an RS-232C port or Bluetooth® wireless technology. Use
Modem-TPS version 2.2p2 or newer to correctly configure the
receiver.

P/N 7010-0816

2-3

Pre-survey Preparation

To install Modem-TPS:

1. Navigate to the location of the Modem-TPS program, and double-

click the Setup.exe icon.

2. Keep the default installation location or select a new location.

Click Finish (Figure 2-2).

Figure 2-2. Select Modem-TPS Installation Location and Install

3. Click OK to complete the installation (Figure 2-3).

4. Optionally, create a shortcut on the computer’s desktop for quick
access to Modem-TPS (Figure 2-3).

Figure 2-3. Installation Complete and Shortcut

To uninstall Modem-TPS, use the Start menu on the computer:

1. Click StartProgramsModem-TPSUninstall Modem-
TPS, and click Ye s at the prompt.

2. Click OK when the uninstall completes.

2-4

HiPer Ga/Gb Operator’s Manual

Installing Topcon Software

Installing BTCONF

BTCONF is a configuration program for the Bluetooth wireless
technology module inside the receiver. BTCONF is available from the
TPS website (www.topconpositioning.com) or on the GPS+ CD.

Computer requirements for BTCONF are: Windows® 98 or newer
and an RS-232C port or Bluetooth wireless technology. Use
BTCONF version 1.3 or newer to correctly configure the receiver.

To install BTCONF:

1. Create a BTCONF folder on the hard drive, and place the

compressed BTCONF zip file (retrieved from either the website
or the GPS+ CD) in this folder.

2. Navigate to the BTCONF folder, and double-click the BTCONF

zip file.

3. Extract the btconf.exe to the BTCONF folder.

4. Optionally, create a shortcut on the computer’s desktop for quick

access to BTCONF (Figure 2-4).

Figure 2-4. Extract Program and Create Shortcut

To uninstall BTCONF, navigate to the location of the *.exe file. Select
the file, and press Delete.

Each time BTCONF runs and configures the Bluetooth module,
BTCONF saves the settings in a file (btconf.ini). BTCONF

P/N 7010-0816

2-5

Pre-survey Preparation

automatically updates the file each time changes are made to the
Bluetooth module’s settings.

To maintain unique Bluetooth module settings for

TIP

different purposes, keep copies of BTCONF in
separate folders.

Installing FLoader

FLoader is a firmware loading program for the power board, GPS
module, and modem board inside the receiver. FLoader is available
from the TPS website (www.topconpositioning.com) or on the GPS+
CD.

Computer requirements for FLoader are: Windows® 98 or newer and
an RS-232C port or Bluetooth® wireless technology. Use FLoader
version 1.0.07 or newer to correctly configure the receiver.

To install FLoader:

1. Create an FLoader folder on the hard drive, and place the
compressed FLoader zip file (retrieved from either the website or
the GPS+ CD) in this folder.

2. Navigate to the FLoader folder, and double-click the FLoader zip
file.

3. Extract the FLoader.exe file to the FLoader folder (Figure 2-5).

4. Optionally, create a shortcut on the computer’s desktop for quick
access to FLoader (Figure 2-5).

2-6

HiPer Ga/Gb Operator’s Manual

Charging the Internal Batteries

Figure 2-5. Extract Program and Create Shortcut

To uninstall FLoader, navigate to the location of the *.exe file, select
the file, and press Delete.

Charging the Internal Batteries

Before using the HiPer Ga/Gb, fully charge the batteries for
maximum operating time (Figure 2-6 on page 2-9).

The batteries are shipped from the factory without

NOTE

power. Fully charge the batteries before surveying.

With a full charge, the internal batteries should power the GPS
receiver, the Bluetooth module, and the Digital UHF radio modem
transmitting data at 1 W for at least 8 hours operating in receiver
mode; the internal batteries should power the receiver for 10 hours. If
the internal radio modem is turned off, the HiPer Ga/Gb should run at
least 12 hours with fully charged on-board batteries.

To charge the batteries:

1. Connect the power cable to the power supply unit.

2. Connect the SAE connectors on the power adapter cable and

power supply unit.

P/N 7010-0816

2-7

Pre-survey Preparation

3. Connect the power adapter cable to power port on the receiver.

4. Plug the power supply into an available outlet.

CAUTION

protector while charging.

5. Press the Reset key on the receiver to ensure it is in Normal mode
for charging. The receiver will not charge in Zero Power mode.

6. Leave overnight.

A nine-hour charge will charge the batteries about 90 percent. A
ten-hour charge will fully charge the receiver. The internal
batteries cannot be overcharged.

The speed of the charge depends on the Pow er and Charger settings
configured using PC-CDU and whether the receiver is turned off or
on. See “Power Management” on page 2-9 for more information. For
maximum battery charging speed, use one of the following
conditions:

• The receiver is turned off. Power Mode and Charger Mode are set
to Auto.

• The receiver is turned on. Power Mode is set to External and
Charger Mode is set to Auto.

Use a grounded wall outlet or grounded surge

2-8

HiPer Ga/Gb Operator’s Manual

To grounded

outlet

Figure 2-6. Insert Batteries in Charger and Connect to Outlet

Power Management

The Li-Ion batteries used in the HiPer Ga/Gb should run at no less
than 80 percent capacity after 500 charging cycles. These batteries do
not need to be drained before recharging.

Power Management

Topcon’s PC-CDU software provides an interface for various
configuration, monitoring, and management functions for the
receiver.

For power management of the receiver, PC-CDU enables the power
source, enables the charging mode, and displays the current voltage
for the batteries.

1. Connect the receiver and computer. See “Connecting the Receiver

and a Computer” on page 2-14 for this procedure.

2. Once connected, click ConfigurationReceiver.

P/N 7010-0816

2-9

Pre-survey Preparation

3. Select the Power Mode drop-down list to set the power source
(Figure 2-7). Current Mode displays the current power source.

• Auto – receiver automatically selects the power source

• Mix – receiver automatically detects and consumes power
from the source with the largest voltage

• Battery A – receiver consumes power from battery A

• Battery B – receiver consumes power from battery B

• External – receiver uses an external power supply

Figure 2-7. Select Power Mode

4. Select the Charger Mode drop-down list to set the charger mode
(Figure 2-8 on page 2-11). Current Mode displays the charging
battery: a, b, or none (off).

• Off – receiver will not charge batteries

• Charge A – receiver charges only battery A

• Charge B – receiver charges only battery B

• Auto – receiver automatically detects and charges both
batteries

2-10

HiPer Ga/Gb Operator’s Manual

Power Management

Figure 2-8. Select Charger Mode

5. Select the Turn on/off Slots drop-down list to set power output on
internal slots (Figure 2-9).

• On – slot C is powered if the receiver is turned on

• Off – internal slot is not powered even if the receiver is turned
on

• Always – internal slot is powered even if the receiver is
turned off

Figure 2-9. Select Power Output Modes – Ports and Slots

6. View the Voltages information (Figure 2-10 on page 2-12).

• External – displays the external power supply’s voltage

• On Board – displays the voltage drawn by the receiver board

• Battery A – displays the voltage of battery A

P/N 7010-0816

2-11

Pre-survey Preparation

• Battery B – displays the voltage of battery B

• Charger – displays the charger’s output voltage during battery
charging

Figure 2-10. View Voltages Information

7. Select the Enable Low Power Mode check box to put the
receiver’s processor into low power consumption mode
(Figure 2-11).

Figure 2-11. Enable and Apply Power Settings

8. Click Apply.

2-12

HiPer Ga/Gb Operator’s Manual

Powering the Receiver with an External Battery

Powering the Receiver with an
External Battery

The receiver can use an external power source if the internal batteries
have become discharged or as a supplemental power source. External
batteries allow you to continue using the receiver in case the internal
batteries become discharged.

To check the status of the internal batteries, view the BATT LED

or check the status using available Topcon software.

• Check the BATT LEDs for battery status.

– A green light indicates greater than 85% charge.

– An orange light indicates an intermediate charge.

– A red light indicates less than 15% charge.

• Do one of the following using PC-CDU:

– Click ConfigurationReceiver to view battery voltages on

the Receiver Configuration screen.

– Click HelpAbout to view battery voltages on the About

PC-CDU screen.

To connect the receiver to an external battery, use the receiver

power cable and the accessory battery (Figure 2-12).

1. Connect the two cables using the SAE connectors.

2. Plug the power cable into the receiver’s power port.

3. Attach the battery clip to the battery.

Figure 2-12. External Battery Connected to Receiver

P/N 7010-0816

2-13

Pre-survey Preparation

To connect the receiver to an auxiliary battery, use an SAE

extension cable and the alligator clips cable:

1. Connect the alligator clips cable to a 12-volt battery and to the
SAE-to-SAE extension cable.

2. Connect the SAE-to-SAE extension cable to the receiver power
cable.

3. Plug the receiver power cable into the receiver’s power port.

Turning On/Off the Receiver

To turn ON the receiver, press and hold the power button until the
LEDs briefly flash.

To turn OFF the receiver, press and hold the Power button for more
than one and less than four seconds (until both the STAT and the REC
LEDs are off). This delay (about 1 second) prevents the receiver from
being turned off by mistake.

Connecting the Receiver and a
Computer

Topcon’s PC-CDU software provides an interface for various
configuration, monitoring, and management functions for the
receiver.

To configure, manage files, or maintain the receiver, connect the
receiver and a computer using one of the following methods and start
PC-CDU:

• a Bluetooth-enabled external device (computer/controller)

• an RS232 cable and a computer/controller

• a USB cable and a computer/controller with the TPS USB driver
installed

Once a connection between the receiver and the computer/controller
is established, you can:

• configure the receiver and its components

2-14

HiPer Ga/Gb Operator’s Manual

Connecting the Receiver and a Computer

• send commands to the receiver

• download files from the receiver’s memory

• upload new firmware using FLoader™

• upload an OAF

• upload configuration files to a receiver

Establishing a Wireless Connection

The HiPer Ga/Gb receiver contains Bluetooth® wireless technology
that allows file transfer and synchronization between the receiver and
any other external device that supports Bluetooth wireless
technology; for example, an FC-100 or a computer with USB-to­Bluetooth adapter or PCMCA-to-Bluetooth adapter installed.

Changing the receiver’s Port B default settings will

NOTICE

affect the Bluetooth link. The default settings for
Port B are: 115200 bps, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, no
parity, and no handshaking.

The receiver and external device connection procedure varies slightly
depending on the type of external device used. In general, the
connection procedure is as follows.

NOTICE

Refer to the Bluetooth-enabled external device
documentation for detailed connection information.

1. Turn on a Bluetooth-enabled external device and the receiver. The

default external device mode is Master; the receiver’s Bluetooth
module mode is Slave.

2. Instruct the external device (Master) to search for the receiver

(Slave).

3. Once the Master device detects the receiver, use the procedure

described in the external device’s documentation to connect it
with the receiver.

P/N 7010-0816

2-15

Pre-survey Preparation

4. Connect to the configuration software (PC-CDU, Modem-TPS,
and BTCONF, etc.). For more information, see “Connecting to
PC-CDU” on page 3-8, “Connecting to BTCONF and Setting
Security Parameters” on page 2-18, or steps one and two in
“Configuring a Digital UHF Radio Modem ” on page 3-3 for
Modem-TPS.

If you cannot establish a connection, check that the receiver’s slot
three is enabled.

1. Connect your receiver and a computer using an RS232 cable or
USB cable and PC-CDU as seen below.

2. Click ConfigurationReceiverGeneral.

3. In the Turn on/off Slots area, ensure the Slot 3 (B) check box is
enabled.

Establishing an RS232 Cable
Connection

1. Using the RS232 cable, connect the serial port of the computer
(usually COM1) to the receiver’s serial port.

2. Press the power buttons on the receiver and computer to turn
them on.

3. Connect to the configuration software (PC-CDU, Modem-TPS,
and BTCONF, etc.). For more information, see “Connecting to
PC-CDU” on page 3-8, “Connecting to BTCONF and Setting
Security Parameters” on page 2-18, or steps one and two in
“Configuring a Digital UHF Radio Modem ” on page 3-3 for
Modem-TPS.

2-16

HiPer Ga/Gb Operator’s Manual

Bluetooth Module Configuration

Establishing a USB Connection

Make sure the computer has the TPS USB driver installed and the
USB option is enabled.

You can find the TPS USB driver on the GPS+ CD,

NOTE

1. Using the USB cable, connect the USB port of the computer to

the receiver’s USB port.

2. Press the power buttons on the receiver and computer to turn

them on.

3. Connect to the configuration software (PC-CDU, Modem-TPS,

and BTCONF, etc.). For more information, see “Connecting to
PC-CDU” on page 3-8, “Connecting to BTCONF and Setting
Security Parameters” on page 2-18, or steps one and two in
“Configuring a Digital UHF Radio Modem ” on page 3-3 for
Modem-TPS.

or you can download it from the Topcon website
(www.topconpositioning.com).

Bluetooth Module
Configuration

Use BTCONF, Topcon’s Bluetooth module’s configuration program,
and the computer to:

• access the Bluetooth wireless technology module

• configure the Bluetooth module

• check or change the module’s configuration

To access the Bluetooth® wireless technology module, first download
and install BTCONF, then connect the computer and the receiver and
run the configuration program. See “Installing BTCONF” on page 2­5 for details.

P/N 7010-0816

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Pre-survey Preparation

Connecting to BTCONF and Setting
Security Parameters

Once BTCONF is available (see “Installing BTCONF” on page 2-5),
follow these steps to configure the Bluetooth module:

1. Using the RS232 cable, connect the serial port of the computer
(usually COM1) to the receiver’s serial port. If needed, turn on
the receiver and computer.

2. Run the Bluetooth module configuration program (Figure 2-13).

3. For BTCONF version and copyright information, click About.

Figure 2-13. Bluetooth Module Configuration Main Screen

4. From the drop-down list in the upper left corner, select the
computer serial port (usually COM1) used for communication
(Figure 2-14).

2-18

HiPer Ga/Gb Operator’s Manual

Bluetooth Module Configuration

5. Click Connect to connect the computer and Bluetooth module.

Figure 2-14. Select Communication Port and Click Connect

Once the receiver and computer connect through BTCONF, the
Identification tab (Figure 2-15) displays the following
information:

• Bluetooth name – the name of the Bluetooth module.

• Bluetooth address – the unique electronic address for the
module.

• Firmware version – the current firmware version of the
Bluetooth module.

Figure 2-15. BTCONF Identification Tab

The COM port and baud rate display in the lower left corner.

6. Click the Param et er s tab (Figure 7). The Pa rameter s tab sets
identifying and security information for your Bluetooth module.

P/N 7010-0816

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Pre-survey Preparation

The security section allows you to set data security and
unauthorized access parameters for the Bluetooth module.

7. Enter up to 14 characters to set a unique name for the Bluetooth
module (Figure 7).

8. To set security parameters (Figure 2-16 on page 2-20), enter and
enable the following, then click Apply:

• Bluetooth PIN – enter up to 16 characters to specify a
personal identification number for the Bluetooth module.

• Encryption – enable to have the Bluetooth module encrypt
wirelessly sent data. To read encrypted data, the user must
have the same PIN used in the device that sent the data.

• Authentication – enable to require a PIN before two
Bluetooth enabled devices (such as, the receiver and a
computer) can establish a communication link. The two
devices must use the same PIN.

NOTICE

If you do not need security settings, leave these
parameters disabled.

Figure 2-16. BTCONF Security Parameters

9. Click the Serial Interface tab (Figure 2-17). Enable Echo to

display Bluetooth module replies and corresponding commands
on the computer terminal. Click Apply.

2-20

HiPer Ga/Gb Operator’s Manual

Collecting Almanacs and Ephemerides

10. Click Disconnect and then Exit to quit BTCONF.

Figure 2-17. BTCONF Serial Interface Tab

Collecting Almanacs and
Ephemerides

Each satellite broadcasts a navigation message that includes the
ephemeris parameters of the satellite, the almanac, and various other
information. The ephemeris parameters describe the orbital motion of
the satellite and are used to predict its location/trajectory. The
almanac gives the approximate orbit (course) for the transmitting
satellite and all other satellites in the same system.

• GPS and GLONASS satellites broadcast ephemeris data
cyclically, with a period of 30 seconds.

• GPS satellites broadcast almanac data cyclically with a period of

12.5 minutes; GLONASS satellites broadcast almanac data
cyclically with a period of 2.5 minutes.

If the receiver has an almanac, you can considerably reduce the time
needed to search for and lock onto satellite signals.

The receiver regularly updates the almanac and ephemerides and
stores the most recent versions in its Non-Volatile Random Access
Memory (NVRAM).

To collect Alamac and Ephemerides data:

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2-21

Pre-survey Preparation

1. Set up the receiver (connect the external antenna, if needed) in a
location with a clear view of the sky.

2. Turn on the receiver.

3. Wait for about 15 minutes while the receiver collects complete
almanac and ephemeris data from the satellites.

If 15 minutes have passed and the receiver does not

NOTICE

lock onto satellites, clear the NVRAM. See
“Clearing the NVRAM” on page 5-13 for details.

You will need to collect or update the almanac and ephemerides under
the following circumstances:

• If the receiver has been off for a long time.

• If the last known receiver position, stored in the NVRAM, is
different from the present position by several hundred kilometers.

• After loading a new OAF.

• After loading new firmware.

• After clearing the NVRAM.

• Before surveying.

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HiPer Ga/Gb Operator’s Manual

Chapter 3

HiPer Ga/Gb
Configuration

Both Base and Rover receivers must be configured according to the
survey method needed.

• In applications where real-time positioning results are required,
the Base receiver provides the correction information needed to
properly measure the location of the Rover receiver.

A Base station is normally set up over a known point and collects
GPS/GLONASS data from satellites. As the receiver picks up
satellite data, it measures the carrier and code phases to
accurately compute and verify its location. The receiver transmits
this information via radio link to the Rover receiver.

• The Rover receiver applies correction information from the Base
station to its current location to accurately calculate one or more
points.

Rovers are mobile GPS receivers on a survey pole or bipod that
compares the information from the Base station to the data it logs
from satellites and applies correction algorithms to accurately
calculate a new point.

• In applications intended for post-processing, the receivers
typically log code phase and/or carrier phase measurements
separately from common satellites and during the same time
interval. This data is then processed using post-processing
software (for example, Topcon Tools).

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3-1

HiPer Ga/Gb Configuration

When configuring receivers for RTK surveying, use the following

checklist to ensure the receivers are properly set up:

 Perform pre-survey functions as described in Chapter 2.

 Configure one receiver as an RTK Base station and the other

receiver as an RTK Rover. See “Configuring the Receiver” on
page 3-7.

 Configure the communication data link for transmitting and

receiving corrections. See “Configuring the Radio Modem” on
page 3-3.

 Set up the Base receiver over a known point to begin collecting

static observation data and transmitting corrections. Set up the
Rover receiver to begin collecting RTK data. See “Receiver
Setup” on page 4-1 for more information.

When configuring receivers for post-processing surveying, use

the following checklist to ensure the receivers are properly set up:

 Perform pre-survey functions as described in Chapter 2.

 Configure one receiver as a Base station and the other receiver as

a Rover. See “Configuring the Receiver” on page 3-7.

 Set up the Base receiver over a known point to begin collecting

static observation data. Set up the Rover receiver to begin
collecting static or kinematic observation data. See “Receiver
Setup” on page 4-1 for more information.

3-2

HiPer Ga/Gb Operator’s Manual

Configuring the Radio Modem

NOTICE

Configuring the Radio Modem

Modem-TPS is Topcon’s radio modem configuration utility for
modems embedded in Topcon receivers. Modem-TPS (version 2.2p2
or newer) provides the following functions:

• Connecting a computer to an integrated radio modem via a serial
port or Bluetooth wireless technology.

• Displaying information about the radio modem installed in the
receiver.

• Programming the radio modem’s settings.

When finished configuring the radio modem,

NOTICE

Topcon’s configuration and surveying software, TopSURV or
Pocket-3D, also have the ability to configure Topcon receivers. Refer
to the TopSURV or Pocket-3D manuals for details.

always disconnect from Modem-TPS before exiting
to prevent conflicts with serial port management.

Configuring a Digital UHF
Radio Modem

To comply with RF exposure requirements,
maintain at least 25cm between the user and the
radio modem.

The integrated radio modem provides TX/RX UHF communications
between a Base Station and a Rover. To configure the UHF radio
modem, have the following ready:

• PC running Windows 98 or newer

• Modem-TPS 2.2p2 or newer

• A Serial cable or Bluetooth connectivity with PC

1. Connect the computer and receiver using an RS-232 cable or
Bluetooth wireless technology. Turn on the receiver.

P/N 7010-0816

3-3

HiPer Ga/Gb Configuration

2. Open Modem-TPS, and select the COM Port the receiver is

connected to (Figure 3-1 on page 3-4). Click Connect.

Figure 3-1. Connect to Modem-TPS

3. On the Radio Link tab, set the following parameters (Table 3-1)

for the base station’s and rover’s radio modem, and click Apply
(Figure 3-2 on page 3-6).

Table 3-1. Receiver Parameters for the Radio Link Tab

Parameter Base Receiver Rover Receiver

Protocol • Select PDL w/EOT to work with Pacific Crest

compatible modems

• Select TRMB to work with Trimble UHF compatible
modems

• Select Simplex to work with TPS Digital UHF
compatible modems

Note: The same protocol must be used for both the base
and rover to communicate properly.

Modulation • If PDL w/EOT or TRMB protocol is selected, use

GMSK (recommended for most applications).

• If Simplex protocol is selected, use either DBPSK or
DQPSK.

Note: The same modulation must be used for both the
base and rover to communicate properly.

Mode Select Transmitter Select Receiver

3-4

HiPer Ga/Gb Operator’s Manual

Configuring a Digital UHF Radio Modem

Table 3-1. Receiver Parameters for the Radio Link Tab

Parameter Base Receiver Rover Receiver

Channel Select the desired frequency from the channel list.

Note: The same channel must be used for both the base
and rover to communicate properly.

Forward Error
Correction (FEC)

Enable to maximize data communication. The rover radio
modem has the capability to check and correct
transmission errors (if any) in an incoming data stream.

Scrambling • For PDL w/EOT and TRMB protocols, enable

scrambling to provide more robust data
communication over high interference areas.

• Scrambling is not supported when Simplex protocol is
selected.

Output power Select the transmission

n/a
power for the radio
modem (from 10 mW
to 1W).

Link rate Select 9600 as the link rate, which is the default link rate

for GMSK (recommended for most applications) and
DBPSK. The link rate is the rate at which data is
transmitted over the RF link.

For maximum efficiency, the data packet size transferred
to the radio modem in a given time should be equal to or
less than the link rate. See Table 3-2 on page 3-6 to
determine the link rate.

P/N 7010-0816

3-5

HiPer Ga/Gb Configuration

NOTICE

Figure 3-2. Apply Radio Link and Baud Rate Parameters

Table 3-2. Link Rate vs. Modulation Type

For this Link Rate Use this Modulation Type

4800 baud GMSK

9600 baud (default; recommended) GMSK (default; recommended)

4. On the Serial Interface tab, select the following baud rate

parameters and click Apply (Figure 3-3).

• Baud Rate – select a baud rate for the modem’s serial port.
The same rate must be used for the receiver and the modem.
Recommended baud rate is 38400.

• RTS/CTS – controls the flow of data between the receiver and
modem. “On” enables handshaking/hardware flow control.

If the serial baud rate exceeds the link rate, enable
hardware handshaking to prevent the radio link
from overflowing, resulting in data loss.

5. When finished, click FileDisconnect.

6. Click FileExit to close Modem-TPS.

3-6

HiPer Ga/Gb Operator’s Manual

Configuring the Receiver

7. Launch PC-CDU and set up the receiver to run as an RTK Base
station.

Figure 3-3. Apply Baud Rate Parameters

Configuring the Receiver

The HiPer Ga/Gb can be configured in several ways for collecting
data for RTK or post-processing.

• A static Base station collects measurement information and saves
this data to its internal memory.

• An RTK Base station collects measurement information,
determines differential corrections, and transmits them to the
RTK Rover(s).

• A static Rover collects observation data from the same satellites
during the same time interval as the static Base station.

• An RTK Rover collects measurement information and accepts
corrections from the RTK Base station to compute its relative
position.

• A Rover acting as a repeater to re-transmit RTK Base station
measurements to other rover receivers, extending the range of a
GPS system.

P/N 7010-0816

3-7

HiPer Ga/Gb Configuration

WARNING

Connecting to PC-CDU

To configure, manage files, or maintain the receiver, connect the
receiver and a computer using one of the following methods, and start
PC-CDU:

• Computer running Windows® 98 or newer

• Modem-TPS ver. 2.2p2 or newer installed on the computer

• An RS-232 cable or Bluetooth

PC-CDU is Personal Computer-Control Display Unit software used
to manage the various functions of your receiver. The full range of
PC-CDU configuration and function is outside the scope of this
manual. For more information on any of the procedures in this section
or on PC-CDU, refer to the PC-CDU User’s Manual available on the
TPS website at www.topconpositioning.com.

PC-CDU configures the various parts of the receiver, saving the
settings in the receiver’s memory. These settings are reflected when
you use the MINTER. The full range of PC-CDU configuration and
function is outside the scope of this manual.

®

wireless capabilities

Once you have established a connection between the receiver and the
computer, you can:

• configure the receiver and its components

• send commands to the receiver

• download files from the receiver’s memory

• load a new OAF and other configuration files to a receiver

The following Base and Rover configurations are recommended for
the most common applications; however, you can select configuration
parameters as needed for your particular jobsite.

Do not make other changes without consulting the
PC-CDU Reference Manual.

1. Connect the receiver and computer as described in “Connecting
the Receiver and a Computer” on page 2-14.

3-8

HiPer Ga/Gb Operator’s Manual

Configuring the Receiver

2. Start PC-CDU on your computer. The PC-CDU main screen

displays (Figure 3-4).

Figure 3-4. PC-CDU Main Screen

Notice that the lower-left hand corner shows the receiver status as
“Disconnected.”

3. Click FileConnect.

4. On the Connection Parameters dialog box, select the following

parameters (Table 3-3) and click Connect (Figure 3-5).

Table 3-3. Connection Parameters

Parameter RS232 or Bluetooth USB

Connection
Mode

Port Select the port connecting the

Baud Rate Select the communication rate

Rec ID n/a Select the receiver’s

P/N 7010-0816

Select Direct.

Select USB
computer and receiver
(typically COM1, COM2 for
RS232 and COM3, COM4
for Bluetooth)

n/a
between the receiver and the
computer (usually 115200).

identification number.

3-9

HiPer Ga/Gb Configuration

USB

RS232 or Bluetooth

Figure 3-5. Connection Parameters

Once a PC-CDU connection with the receiver has been
established, the current communications settings—such as, port
name, baud rate (if applicable), and flow control (if applicable)—
display in the lower-left corner of the main window of PC-CDU.
A timer begins to count up in the lower-right corner as well
(Figure 3-6).

Figure 3-6. PC-CDU Connection Established

3-10

HiPer Ga/Gb Operator’s Manual

Configuring the Receiver

5. Select ConfigurationReceiver.

Click Apply after making any configuration

NOTICE

change; otherwise, the receiver will not register the
change.

6. Click Set all parameters to defaults (Figure 3-7).

Figure 3-7. Set All Parameters to Defaults

7. Click the MINTER tab, enter the following settings

(Table 3-4), and then click Apply (Figure 3-8).

Table 3-4. Receiver Parameters for the MINTER Tab

Parameter Base Receiver Rover Receiver

Recording
interval

Elevation
mask angle

File name
prefix

FN key mode (starts/stops data recording using the FN key)

P/N 7010-0816

Enter 15 seconds.

Enter 15 degrees.

Enter a unique ID, such as the last 3 digits of receiver’s serial
number.

For Static data recording,
select LED blink mode switch.

For RTK data recording,

select Occupation mode

switch.

3-11

HiPer Ga/Gb Configuration

Static

RTK Rover

Table 3-4. Receiver Parameters for the MINTER Tab (Continued)

Parameter Base Receiver Rover Receiver

Initial data
collection
dynamic
mode

Figure 3-8. Configure Receiver’s MINTER for Data Recording

n/a Select Kinematic.

(This setting is for trajectory
surveys.)

8. Click the Positioning tab, and set the Elevation mask to 15

(Figure 3-9), then click Apply.

Figure 3-9. Configure Receiver Positioning – Elevation Mask

9. For the Base receiver, click the Base tab and set the following

parameters (Figure 3-10 on page 3-13), then click Apply.

3-12

HiPer Ga/Gb Operator’s Manual

Configuring the Receiver

NOTICE

• GPS/GLO at one time – enable

• Antenna position – enter Lat, Lon, and Alt values using one
of the following methods:

– If known, type in the values.

– Enable Averaged, and enter the Averaged Span in

seconds, and then click Apply. Click ToolsReset
receiver, and wait until the specified interval (span)
completes. Examine the Base coordinates on the Base
tab; they should correspond to the coordinates obtained
from the average. Click Refresh if the coordinates are
zeros.

– Click Get from receiver.

The reference geodetic coordinates specified on this
tab relate to the antenna L1 phase center.

Figure 3-10. Base Configuration

10. For the Rover receiver, click the Rover tab and set the following

parameters, then click Apply (Figure 3-11 on page 3-14).

• Positioning Mode – For post-processed surveys, select
Standalone; for RTK surveys, select RTK float or RTK fixed.

P/N 7010-0816

3-13

HiPer Ga/Gb Configuration

• RTK Parameters, RTK mode – select either Extrapolation for
RTK float (kinematic) or Delay for RTK fixed (static).

– Extrapolation is for low-latency, high frequency output

5 Hz) RTK applications. The Rover will extrapolate

(
the Base station’s carrier phase measurement corrections
when computing the Rover's current RTK position.

This setting (extrapolation) is recommended.

– Delay is for 1 Hz high precision RTK applications. The

Rover RTK engine computes either a delayed RTK
position (for the epoch to which the newly received
RTCM/CMR message corresponds) or the current stand­alone position (while waiting for new RTCM/CMR
messages coming from the base).

• RTK Parameters, Dynamics – select Static or Kinematic.

• RTK Parameters, Ambiguity fixing level – (not applicable to
RTK Float) select either Low, Medium, or High for indicator
states of 95%, 99.5%, or 99.9%, respectively. The RTK
engine uses the ambiguity fix indicator when making
decisions whether or not to fix ambiguities. The higher the
specified confidence level, the longer the integer ambiguity
search time.

Figure 3-11. Rover Configuration

Continue with step 11 for RTK surveys or step 12 on page 3-16.

3-14

HiPer Ga/Gb Operator’s Manual

Configuring the Receiver

NOTICE

11. For RTK surveys, click the Ports tab and set the following port

parameters for the serial port (Table 3-5), then click Apply
(Figure 3-12 on page 3-16).

For post-processed surveys, keep the default values
for these parameters.

Table 3-5. Receiver Parameters for the Ports Tab

Parameter Base Receiver Rover Receiver

Input n/a (Leave the default.) Select the same differential

correction format selected for
the Base.

Output Select the type and format of

differential corrections.

Period (sec) Enter the interval at which the

receiver transmits differential
corrections.

Baud rate Select a baud rate to use for transmitting differential messages

from the receiver board to the modem module

The baud rate must match the modem’s serial port speed.

RTS/CTS Select to enable handshaking.

Select “None.”

n/a (Leave the default.)

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3-15

HiPer Ga/Gb Configuration

Base

Rover

Figure 3-12. Base and Rover Configuration for RTK Surveys – Ports

12. Click the Advanced tab, and then the Multipath tab. Set the

following parameters, and click Apply (Figure 3-13 on
page 3-16).

• Code multipath reduction – enable

• Carrier multipath reduction – enable

Figure 3-13. Configure Mulitpath Parameters

13. Click OK to save the settings and close the dialog box.

3-16

HiPer Ga/Gb Operator’s Manual

MINTER Configuration

NOTICE

Power Key

FN Key

Battery LED

Modem Status

LED

Status LED

Record LED

Once the receiver is configured, the configuration remains until
you change it using PC-CDU/TopSURV/Pocket-3D or clearing
the NVRAM.

For more details on the settings available for configuring the Base
and Rover receivers, refer to the PC-CDU Reference Manual.

14. Continue with other configuration activities or click File
Disconnect, and then FileExit to quit PC-CDU. Disconnecting
before exiting ensures proper port management.

Disconnect the receiver from PC-CDU before
exiting to eliminate possible conflicts with the
management of the computer’s serial ports.

MINTER Configuration

The Minimum INTERface (MINTER) consists of two keys (Power
and FN) that control the receiver’s operation, four LEDs (STAT, REC,
BATT, and RX) that display the receiver’s operational status, and two
LEDs that display the battery status (Figure 3-14).

Figure 3-14. MINTER

The MINTER performs the following functions. For more
information on using the MINTER, see “MINTER Operation” on

P/N 7010-0816

3-17

HiPer Ga/Gb Configuration

page 4-7.

• Turns the receiver on or off; puts it in either Sleep or Zero Power
mode.

• Turns data recording on or off (FN key).

• Changes the receiver’s information mode.

• Shows the number of GPS (green) and GLONASS (orange)
satellites being tracked (STAT LED).

• Shows the data recording status (REC LED).

• Shows each time data is recorded to internal memory (REC
LED).

• Shows the status of post-processing mode (static or dynamic)
when performing a Post-Processing Kinematic survey with the
help of FN key (REC LED).

• Shows the status (high charge, intermediate charge, or low
charge) of the battery (BATT LED).

• Shows the power status for the receiver (BATT LED).

• Shows the status of the modem and if it receives signals (TX RX
LED).

• Shows Bluetooth activity (BT LED).

Use PC-CDU to configure MINTER settings. The procedure below
describes the most common settings; refer to the PC-CDU Reference
Manual for other possible MINTER configurations.

To configure the MINTER:

1. Connect your receiver and computer. See “Connecting the
Receiver and a Computer” on page 2-14 for this procedure.

2. On the PC-CDU Main window, click FileConnect.

3. On the Connection Parameters dialog box, enable RTS/CTS
handshaking (Figure 3-15).

See “Connecting the Receiver and a Computer” on page 2-14 for
details on setting other parameters.

3-18

HiPer Ga/Gb Operator’s Manual

MINTER Configuration

4. Click Connect.

Figure 3-15. Connection Parameters – MINTER Settings

5. Click ConfigurationReceiver, and then the MINTER tab. Set

the following parameters, and click Apply (Figure 3-16). See the
following pages for descriptions of these parameters.

• Recording interval on page 3-20

• Elevation mask for log file on page 3-20

• File name prefix on page 3-20

• Always append to the file on page 3-20

• Files Creation mode on page 3-21

• Automatic File Rotation Mode (AFRM) on page 3-21

• FN key mode on page 3-22

• Initial data collection dynamic mode on page 3-22

• Data recording auto-start on page 3-23

P/N 7010-0816

3-19

HiPer Ga/Gb Configuration

Figure 3-16. Receiver Configuration – MINTER Tab

Recording Interval parameter This parameter specifies the logging

rate of the log file when the MINTER FN key (pressed for 1–5
seconds) activates data logging. This setting is used for both logging a
single log file and logging receiver data in AFRM mode. Values are
1–86400 seconds. The default value is one second.

Elevation Mask for Log File parameter This parameter specifies the

minimum elevation angle for the satellites whose data is put in the
receiver files logged when pressing the FN key. The default value is
five degrees.

File Name Prefix parameter This parameter specifies the prefix

added to the names of receiver files created when pressing the FN
key. The prefix can be up to 20 characters long. The default value for
the Name Prefix is “log.”

Log file names have the following structure:

<prefix><month><day><sequential alphabet letter>

The file name depends on both the file creation time (month and day)
and additional letter suffixes to avoid confusion between files created
on the same day.

Always Append to the File parameter If you want new receiver

data to be appended to an existing log file, enter the desired file name
in this parameter. The setting can be up to 20 characters long.

3-20

HiPer Ga/Gb Operator’s Manual

MINTER Configuration

Files Creation Mode parameter This parameter has the following

operation modes:

• Log file – If the log file radio key has been selected, pressing the

FN key closes the current log file. If data logging is off, pressing
the FN key opens a new log file.

• AFRM – If AFRM radio key has been selected, pressing the FN

key enables this mode. If AFRM has been enabled, pressing the
FN key disables this mode.

Automatic File Rotation Mode (AFRM) parameters TPS receivers

are capable of automatically rotating log files. During a “file rotation”
event, the receiver closes the current file and opens a new one
according to a user-defined schedule. The Period and Phase
parameters specify this schedule. File rotation launches the moment
the receiver time module Period is equal to Phase. More precisely, a
new log file opens immediately before the scheduled epoch causing
data tagged with this epoch to be recorded to the new log file.

When opening a new log file, the receiver enables the default set of
messages output with the default output period. Both the default set of
messages and the default output period are programmable.

• Period – specifies the time duration of each log file created in
AFRM mode. Values are 60 to 86400 seconds; default value is
3600 seconds.

• Phase – specifies the “phase” (constant time shift) of creating
multiple log files in AFRM mode. Values are 0 to 86400 seconds;
default value is zero seconds.

• Files (total) – a counter that specifies how many multiple log files
must be created in AFRM until this mode automatically turns off.
This counter decrements on every file rotation until its value
becomes zero, then file rotation automatically stops. The counter
initializes with AFRM.

Note that a log file opens immediately after turning AFRM on.
This startup file is not considered a file rotation event; the AFRM
counter will not decrement.

P/N 7010-0816

3-21

HiPer Ga/Gb Configuration

31

Values are 0 to [2

-1]; default value is 0 (zero). Zero means that

an unlimited number of log files are created.

NOTICE

The receiver’s memory holds up to 512 files.

• Files (remain) – specifies the number of files left for the receiver

31

to create in AFRM. Values are 0 to [2

-1]; default value is zero.

• Automatically remove old files – when no free memory is
available to log data, automatically removes the earliest log file. If
this parameter is enabled, then the receiver erases the file with the
earliest file creation time/date. AFRM must be enabled to use this
FIFO (First-In, First-Out) feature. The default value is off
(disabled).

FN Key Mode parameter Use these two radio buttons to program

how the receiver reacts when pressing the FN key.

• LED blink mode switch – pressing the FN key toggles between
the MINTER’s normal/extended information modes and start/
stop data recording of Static survey.

– Pressing the FN key for less than 1 second changes the

information mode (Normal or Extended Information Modes).

– Pressing the FN key for 1 to 5 seconds starts or stops data

recording (Static post-processing mode).

• Occupation mode switch – pressing the FN key (less than one
second) will insert a message into the corresponding log file,
indicating that the survey type changed from static to kinematic,
or vice versa. If the REC LED blinks green, the current mode is
dynamic, if it blinks orange, the current mode is static. For more
details, see Table 1-2 on page 1-12 and refer to the PC-CDU
Reference Manual.

Initial Data Collection Dynamic Mode parameter These radio

buttons specify the starting occupation type descriptor inserted at the
beginning of receiver files logged. Select Static or Kinematic to
specify that the corresponding log file starts with a static (STOP) or
kinematic (GO, Trajectory) occupation, respectively.

3-22

HiPer Ga/Gb Operator’s Manual

MINTER Configuration

Data Recording Auto-start parameter These radio buttons allow

you to program your receiver’s behavior in the event of a power
failure.

Table 3-6 describes the different scenarios available and the results
after power is restored to the receiver. “Specified file” refers to the file
name entered in the Always append to file field.

Table 3-6. Data Recording Parameter Behavior

Before

Power

Failure

Receiver data
logged to file
specified.

Receiver data
logged to
default file.

File specified;
receiver data
logging not
started.

No file
specified;
receiver data
logging off.

Enabled Radio Button Results

Off On Always

Data logging
does not resume
when power is
restored.

Data logging
does not resume
when power is
restored.

File will not open
with this name.

Data logging
does not start
when power is
restored.

Data logging will
not start when
power is restored.

Receiver resumes
data logging to the
same file when
power is restored.

A new log file
opens when power
is restored and
data logs to this
file.

File will not open
with this name.

Data logging does
not start when
power is restored.

Data logging will
not start when
power is restored.

Receiver resumes
data logging to the
same file when power
is restored.

A new log file opens
when power is
restored and data logs
to this file.

A log file with this
name opens and data
logging starts after
power is restored.

A log file with a
default name opens
and data logging
starts after power is
restored.

Also, if Always is enabled, the receiver automatically logs data (to a
newly created or an existing file) in the following three cases:

• After turning on the receiver using the Power button.

• After resetting the receiver (using PC-CDU).

P/N 7010-0816

3-23

HiPer Ga/Gb Configuration

• After taking the receiver out of Sleep Mode.

Figure 3-17. MINTER Tab

3-24

HiPer Ga/Gb Operator’s Manual

Chapter 4

HiPer Ga/Gb Receiver
Setup and Survey

After receiver survey configuration, set up each receiver, measure its
height, and begin surveying. The MINTER provides quick access for:
logging data, changing receiver modes, and viewing general data
logging and satellite information during a survey.

Receiver Setup

A typical GPS survey system consists of a Base station set up over a
known point and a Rover receiver set up to be a mobile data collector.
After setting up the Base and Rover receivers, the antenna height
must be measured.

Before collecting data, make sure the Base and Rover receivers
contain a current almanac and current ephemeris data (see “Collecting
Almanacs and Ephemerides” on page 2-21).

Step 1: Setting Up the Receivers

The Base station must be set up, logging data, and transmitting data
before setting up the Rover receiver.

 Set up the Base station and its components.

See “To set up the Base receiver” on page 4-2 for details.

 Set up the Rover receiver.

See “To set up the Rover receiver” on page 4-3 for details.

P/N 7010-0816

4-1

HiPer Ga/Gb Receiver Setup and Survey

To set up the Base receiver (Figure 4-1):

1. Install a tripod over a known control point, and secure the
universal tribrach to the tripod.

2. Place the tribrach adapter (either universal or precision) on the
tribrach, and tighten the screws.

3. Insert the L-plug (horizontal spacer) into the tribrach adapter.

4. Attach the HiPer Ga/Gb receiver to the L-plug (horizontal
spacer).

5. Attach the radio antenna to the antenna connector (for RTK only).

6. Carefully level the tripod and tighten the screws.

7. Attach any other accessories as needed (for example, a backup
power supply).

HiPer Ga/Gb Receiver

Horizontal Spacer

Tribrach Adapter (Precision)

4-2

Universal Tribrach

Figure 4-1. Install Tripod and Receiver over Control Point

HiPer Ga/Gb Operator’s Manual

Receiver Setup

NOTICE

To set up the Rover receiver (Figure 4-2):

1. Attach the receiver to the pole, locking it into place.

Use a bipod during post-process surveys to ensure
the antenna/receiver does not move during data
logging.

2. Attach the radio antenna to the antenna connector (for RTK only).

HiPer Pro Recevier

5/8 inch screw

Lock

P/N 7010-0816

Figure 4-2. Connect HiPer Ga/Gb Receiver to Bipod

4-3

HiPer Ga/Gb Receiver Setup and Survey

Step 2: Measuring Antenna Height

The location of the antenna relative to the point being measured is
very important for both surveys in which the elevation of the points is
important and in surveys for horizontal location only. Horizontal
surveys are often larger in area than can reliably fit on a flat plane;
therefore, the antenna adjustment must be done in three dimensions
and then projected onto a two dimensional plane.

The receiver calculates the coordinates of the antenna’s phase center.
To determine the coordinates of the station marker, specify the
following:

• Measured height of the antenna above the station marker

• Method of measuring the antenna height

• Model of the antenna used

Antennas have two types of measurements:

• Vertical – measured from the marker to the antenna reference
point (ARP) located on the bottom of the receiver at the base of
the mounting threads.

• Slant – measured from the marker to the lower edge of the
antenna slant height measure mark (SHMM) located on both end
panels of the receiver.

The surveying point that GPS/GLONASS measures is called the
“Phase Center” of the antenna. The Phase Center is analogous to the
point that a distance meter measures in a prism. Enter the prism
offset to compensate for this point not being at a physical surface of
the prism. For a GPS/GLONASS antenna, the offset entered depends
on the type of measurement taken.

• For vertical, the offset is simply added to the measured vertical
height to produce a “true” vertical height.

• For slant height, the vertical height must first be calculated using
the radius of the antenna, then the offset can be added.

The offsets are different because of the difference in location between
the slant measuring point and the vertical measuring point.

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HiPer Ga/Gb Operator’s Manual

Receiver Setup

30.50mm

77.75mm

Vertical Height

to ARP

Station Marker

or

Tip of RTK Pole

Slant Height

to SHMM

To measure the antenna height:

1. Measure the antenna height above the control point or marker,

either the slant height or the vertical height (Figure 4-3).

Figure 4-3. Antenna Offset Measurements

• SHMM to ARP vertical offset = 30.50mm

• SHMM to ARP horizontal offset = 77.75mm

Table 4-1 gives the offset values for the receiver.

Table 4-1. HiPer Ga/Gb Antenna Offset Measurements

To L1 Phase Center To L2 Phase Center

Up 105.9mm 97.1mm

2. Record the antenna height, point name, and start time in the field

notes.

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HiPer Ga/Gb Receiver Setup and Survey

TIP

Step 3: Collecting Data

See the remaining sections in this chapter for more information on
collecting data.

1. Turn on the receiver. The STAT (status) light (LED) initially
blinks red.

2. Once the receiver has locked on to one or more satellites, the
STAT light blinks green for GPS satellites and orange for
GLONASS satellites. A short red blink indicates that the receiver
has not solved a position. Four or more satellites provide optimal
positioning.

3. Once the short red blink is gone, the receiver has a position and
surveying can begin; wait for green and orange lights before
beginning data collection. This ensures that the receiver has the
correct date and time, and is locked on to enough satellites to
ensure good quality data.

The process of locking on to satellites normally takes less than
one minute. In a new area, under heavy tree canopy, or after
resetting the receiver, it may take several minutes.

4. To begin collecting data, press and hold the FN key (for more
than one second and less than five seconds).

5. Release the FN key when the REC (recording) LED turns green.
This indicates that a file has opened, and data collection has
started. The REC LED blinks each time data is saved to the
internal memory.

Use PC-CDU to configure data logging. See
“MINTER Configuration” on page 3-17 or refer to
the PC-CDU Reference Manual.

6. When finished, press and hold the FN key until the REC LED
light goes out.

7. To turn off the receiver, press and hold the power key until all
lights go out, then release.

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HiPer Ga/Gb Operator’s Manual

Power Button

Status LED

Reset Button

Battery LED

FN Button

Record LED Modem Status LED

MINTER Operation

MINTER Operation

The MINTER is the receiver’s minimum interface used to display and
control data input and output (Figure 4-4).

Figure 4-4. HiPer Ga/Gb MINTER

The MINTER performs numerous functions, including the following:

• Turns the receiver on or off.

• Turns data recording on or off (FN key).

• Changes the receiver’s information mode.

• Shows the number of GPS (green) and GLONASS (orange)
satellites being tracked (STAT LED).

• Shows the data recording status and each time data is recorded to
internal memory (REC LED).

• Shows the status of post-processing mode (static or dynamic)
during a post-processed kinematic survey (REC LED).

• Shows the status (high charge, intermediate charge, or low
charge) of the battery (BATT LED).

• Shows the power status for the receiver (BATT LED).

• Shows the status of the modem and if it receives signals (RX TX
LED).

• Shows Bluetooth activity (BT LED).

See “MINTER” on page 1-8 for a full description of the MINTER.

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HiPer Ga/Gb Receiver Setup and Survey

Press the power button for about 1
second to turn the receiver on/off.

To turn on/off the receiver, press the power button (Figure 4-5).

• When turning on, press the power button until the MINTER’s

LEDs briefly flash.

• When turning off, press the power button until the LEDs go out,

then release.

Figure 4-5. Power Button Functions

To start/stop logging data, press the FN button for 1 to 5 seconds

(Figure 4-6).

• During data recording, the REC LED is green. Use PC-CDU to
set the recording time interval. See “Recording Interval
parameter” on page 3-20 for details.

• The REC LED blinks green each time data is written to the
internal receiver’s memory.

• If the REC LED is red, the receiver has run out of memory, has a
hardware problem, or contains an improper OAF (see “Option
Authorization File (OAF)” on page 1-20 for more information).

Use PC-CDU to enable the desired FN key mode in the receiver,
either “LED blink mode switch” for static surveys or “Occupation
mode switch” for kinematic surveys. See “FN Key Mode parameter”
on page 3-22 for details.

Each time you turn off or on data recording, either a new file
opens or data appends to a particular file. See “Always Append to
the File parameter” on page 3-20 and “Files Creation Mode

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HiPer Ga/Gb Operator’s Manual

Static Surveying for Base Stations

Press the FN button for 1–5
seconds to start/stop data logging.

parameter” on page 3-21 for information on setting these
functions.

Figure 4-6. FUNCTION Button Functions

To toggle between post-processing modes, press the FN key for

less than 1 second when “Occupation mode switch” has been enabled
using PC-CDU.

To change the information mode of the receiver, press the FN key

for less than 1 second when “LED blink mode switch” has been
enabled using PC-CDU.

To change the baud rate of the receiver’s serial port, press the

FN key for 5–8 seconds. This is useful if the data collector does not
support the rate that the receiver port is set to.

After about five seconds, the REC LED becomes red. Release the FN
key during the next three seconds.

Static Surveying for Base
Stations

Static surveying is the classic survey method, well suited for all kinds
of baselines (short, medium, long). At least two receiver antennas,
plumbed over survey marks, simultaneously collect raw data at each
end of a baseline during a certain period of time. These two receivers
track four or more common satellites, have a common data logging
rate (5–30 seconds), and the same elevation mask angles. The length
of the observation sessions can vary from a few minutes to several

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HiPer Ga/Gb Receiver Setup and Survey

hours. The optimal observation session length depends on the
surveyor’s experience as well as the following factors:

• The length of the baseline measured

• The number of satellites in view

• The satellite geometry (DOP)

• The antenna’s location

• The ionospheric activity level

• The types of receivers used

• The accuracy requirements

• The necessity of resolving carrier phase ambiguities

Generally, single-frequency receivers are used for baselines whose
lengths do not exceed 15 kilometers (9.32 miles). For baselines of 15
kilometers or greater, use dual-frequency receivers.

Dual-frequency receivers have two major benefits. First, dual­frequency receivers can estimate and remove almost all ionospheric
effect from the code and carrier phase measurements, providing much
greater accuracy than single-frequency receivers over long baselines
or during ionospheric storms. Secondly, dual-frequency receivers
need less observation time to reach the required accuracy.

After the survey completes, data the receivers collect can be
downloaded onto a computer and processed using post-processing
software (for example, Topcon Tools).

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HiPer Ga/Gb Operator’s Manual

Kinematic (Stop & Go) Surveying for Rover Stations

TIP

Kinematic (Stop & Go)
Surveying for Rover Stations

In a kinematic stop and go survey, the stationary receiver (Base
station) is set up at a known point, such as a survey monument, or an
unknown point. The receiver continually tracks satellites and logs raw
data into its memory. The Rover receiver is set up at an unknown
point and collects data in static mode for 2 to 10 minutes. When
finished, assign the Rover to kinematic status and move to the next
survey point. At this point, and each subsequent point, the receiver
changes to static mode to collect data. The Rover is in kinematic
mode when moving. The Rover is in static mode while collecting
data.

To set up kinematic surveying for Rover Stations:

1. Set up the Rover at an unknown point, and press power. Allow

the Rover to collect static data for two to ten minutes. The REC
LED will be orange.

2. Check the STAT light for satellites tracked.

3. When finished, press the FN key for less than 1 second to assign

the Rover to kinematic.

Remember, if the REC LED blinks green, the
current mode is dynamic, if it blinks orange, the
current mode is static.

4. Move the Rover to the next location (survey point), and press the

FN key for less than a second to collect the data in static mode for
two to ten minutes.

5. Repeat steps three and four until all points are surveyed. The

occupation time for the points depends on the same factors as for
the static survey method.

6. When finished, press the FN key for one to five seconds to stop

logging data. Turn off the Rover if needed.

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HiPer Ga/Gb Receiver Setup and Survey

This method of GPS survey allows the operator to reduce the point
occupation time, thus permitting field crews to survey many more
points compared to the other methods available.

Real Time Kinematic
Surveying

In RTK surveying, one receiver serves as the reference station. The
receiver conducts observations with its antenna affixed to a stationary
tripod or another device. The second receiver functions as a rover and
conducts observations (using an antenna) affixed to a mobile pole and
moved to observation points.

Unlike post-processed kinematic surveys, RTK surveys use a
communications link between the Base and Rover. Using a radio
modem link, the Base receiver transmits its measurement and location
data to the Rover receiver. The Rover, based on the transmitted data
and its own observation data, immediately conducts a baseline
analysis and outputs the results. For specific settings used in RTK
surveys, see “Configuring the Radio Modem” on page 3-3 and
“Configuring the Receiver” on page 3-7.

If using PC-CDU to monitor an RTK Rover receiver, check the LQ
field on the main screen (Figure 4-7 on page 4-13) to ensure the
receiver obtains differential corrections. Usually, the receiver starts to
output the coordinates of the antenna’s phase center along with the
solution type within 10–30 seconds; however, spread spectrum radios
and GSM phones may take as long as 60 seconds to synchronize.

The geodetic coordinates displayed on the Geo tab are always
computed in WGS84 and have four solution types.

• Standalone – where the receiver computes 3D coordinates in
autonomous mode without using differential corrections.

• Code differential – where the Rover receiver computes the current
relative coordinate in differential mode using only pseudo ranges.

• RTK float – where the Rover receiver computes the current
relative coordinates in differential mode using both pseudo ranges

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HiPer Ga/Gb Operator’s Manual

Real Time Kinematic Surveying

and phases; however, with a float solution, the phase ambiguity is
not a fixed integer number and the “float” estimate is used
instead.

• RTK fixed – where the Rover receiver computes current relative
coordinates, with ambiguity fixing, in differential mode.

The LQ field reflects the status of the received differential messages
and contains the following information:

• Data link quality in percentage

• Time (in seconds) elapsed since the last received message

• Total number of received correct messages (dependent on the
message type received)

• Total number of received corrupt messages (dependent on the
message type received)

If the receiver is not (for some reason) receiving differential
corrections, or if none of the ports have been configured to receive
differential corrections, the LQ field is either empty or looks like this:
100% (999,0000,0000).

P/N 7010-0816

Figure 4-7. PC-CDU Main Screen

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HiPer Ga/Gb Receiver Setup and Survey

Notes:

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HiPer Ga/Gb Operator’s Manual

Chapter 5

Receiver and File
Maintenance

If post-processing the data after completing a survey, then the data in
the receiver’s memory needs to download to a computer.
Downloading and deleting files prepares the receiver’s memory for
the next survey. Occasionally, the receiver’s NVRAM may need to be
cleared to eliminate communication or tracking problems.

As project expectations expand, the receiver’s OAF may need to be
updated to provide expanded operation and functionality. The various
boards inside the receiver (GPS, power, modem, and Bluetooth)
require firmware to properly operate and provide appropriate
functionality. As TPS releases firmware updates, loading these
updates into the receiver will ensure the receiver operates at its full
potential.

Downloading Files to a
Computer

After completing a survey, download data files to a computer for
storage, post-processing, or backup. Also, the receiver memory holds
a finite amount of files and information, so downloading data prevents
files from being lost. PC-CDU and Topcon Link both provide file
managers to download files from the receiver to your computer and to
delete files from the receiver. PC-CDU Lite and Topcon Link are both
free utilities available via your Topcon Dealer or the Topcon website
(www.topconpositioning.com).

P/N 7010-0816

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Receiver and File Maintenance

Downloading Files via Topcon Link

Topcon Link provides two options for downloading files from a
receiver: via Windows® Explorer or via the Topcon Link interface.

Before you can download files, connect your receiver and computer
(see “Connecting the Receiver and a Computer” on page 2-14 for this
procedure).

...Using Windows Explorer

Perform the following to download files using Windows Explorer:

1. Connect your receiver and computer. See “Connecting the
Receiver and a Computer” on page 2-14 for more information.

2. Open Windows Explorer, and click the Topcon Receiver folder.
The right panel of the window displays the automatic start of
searching for Topcon receivers connected to any of the computer
ports (COM and USB) (Figure 5-1).

When finished, all receivers connected to the computer ports
(Figure 5-1) are displayed.

Figure 5-1. Searching and Finding Topcon Receivers in Windows Explorer

3. To stop searching for receivers when the receiver has been found,
click Stop. Only the discovered receivers display.

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HiPer Ga/Gb Operator’s Manual

Downloading Files to a Computer

Figure 5-2. Break Of Searching Receivers

4. To update information about the receivers connected to the

computer port, click Search for connected receivers.

5. To view information about the receiver (Figure 5-3), right-click

the receiver, and select the Properties option.

6. To view the raw file, click on the receiver.

Figure 5-3. Receiver Properties

7. To import the file(s) from the receiver to a folder, select the

file(s), and copy to the folder using the drag-and-drop method
(Figure 5-4).

Figure 5-4. Start of File Import from the TPS Receiver/Import in Progress

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Receiver and File Maintenance

...Using Topcon Link

To download files using Topcon Link:

1. Connect your receiver and computer. See “Connecting the
Receiver and a Computer” on page 2-14 for this procedure.

2. To start Topcon Link, click Import from Device on the Toolbar.

3. From the left panel of the Import from Device dialog box,
double-click Topcon Receivers (Figure 5-5).

Figure 5-5. Import From Device Window

The program automatically searches for Topcon receivers
connected to the computer ports (COM and USB). When finished
all receivers connected to the computer ports (Figure 5-6) display.

Figure 5-6. Search for Topcon Receivers

4. To view information about the receiver, right-click the receiver
and select the Properties option (Figure 5-7 on page 5-5).

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HiPer Ga/Gb Operator’s Manual

Downloading Files to a Computer

Figure 5-7. Receiver Properties

5. In the right panel of the Import From Device window, navigate to

and select, or create, a folder in which to save the files (Figure 5-

8).

6. To view the collected raw file, double click (or click Select in the

pop-up menu) the receiver. To import the file(s) from the receiver
to the computer and to save in the selected folder, highlight the
file(s) and click the double arrows (Figure 5-8).

The import progress bar displays (Figure 5-8).

Figure 5-8. Select the Raw Data File to Import and View Import Progress

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Receiver and File Maintenance

Downloading Files via PC-CDU

To download files via PC-CDU:

1. Connect your receiver and computer. See “Connecting the
Receiver and a Computer” on page 2-14 for this procedure.

2. Open PC-CDU.

3. On the Connection Parameters dialog box, enable RTS/CTS
handshaking, and click Connect (Figure 5-9).

Figure 5-9. Connection Parameters – RTS/CTS Handshaking

4. Click FileFile Manager, and then the Download path tab on
the File Manager dialog box (Figure 5-10).

Figure 5-10. Find Files to Download

5. Navigate to or create (using the Create button) the folder in
which to download and store files.

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HiPer Ga/Gb Operator’s Manual