Trimble AgGPS 900 User Manual

AgGPS® Radio for the

AgGPS 252 GPS Receiver

User Guide



Version 1.00

Revision A

Part Number 55565-00-ENG

November 2004

Trimble Navigation Limited
Agriculture Business Area
9290 Bond Street, Suite 102
Overland Park, KS 66214
USA
[phone] Phone
[e-mail]
www.trimble.com

Copyright and Trademarks

© 2004 Trimble Navigation Limited. All rights reserved.
Trimble, the Globe & Triangle logo, the Sextant logo with
Trimble, and AgGPS are trademarks of Trimble Navigation
Limited, registered in the United States Patent and
Trademark Office and other countries. Autopilot, CMR,
CMR+, SiteNet, and TRIMCOMM are trademarks of
Trimble Navigation Limited.

Microsoft, Windows, and Windows NT are either
registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft
Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.

All other trademarks are the property of their respective
owners.

Release Notice

This is the November 2004 release (Revision A) of the
AgGPS Radio for the AgGPS 252 GPS Receiver User Guide,
part number 55565-00-ENG. It applies to version 1.00 of the
AgGPS 900 radio.

The following limited warranties give you specific legal
rights. You may have others, which vary from
state/jurisdiction to state/jurisdiction.

Hardware Limited Warranty

Trimble Navigation Limited warrants that this hardware
product (the “Product”) will perform substantially in
accordance with published specifications and be
substantially free of defects in material and workmanship
for a period of one (1) year starting from the date of delivery.
The warranty set forth in this paragraph shall not apply to
software products.

Software License, Limited Warranty

This Trimble software product, whether provided as a stand­alone computer software product, built into hardware
circuitry as firmware, embedded in flash memory, or stored
on magnetic or other media, (the “Software”) is licensed and
not sold, and its use is governed by the terms of the relevant
End User License Agreement (“EULA”) included with the
Software. In the absence of a separate EULA included with
the Software providing different limited warranty terms,
exclusions and limitations, the following terms and
conditions shall apply. Trimble warrants that this Trimble
Software product will substantially conform to Trimble’s
applicable published specifications for the Software for a
period of ninety (90) days, starting from the date of delivery.

Warranty Remedies

Trimble's sole liability and your exclusive remedy under the
warranties set forth above shall be, at Trimble’s option, to
repair or replace any Product or Software that fails to
conform to such warranty ("Nonconforming Product") or
refund the purchase price paid by you for any such

Nonconforming Product, upon your return of any
Nonconforming Product to Trimble in accordance with
Trimble’s standard return material authorization procedures.

Warranty Exclusions and Disclaimer

These warranties shall be applied only in the event and to the
extent that (i) the Products and Software are properly and
correctly installed, configured, interfaced, maintained,
stored, and operated in accordance with Trimble's relevant
operator's manual and specifications, and; (ii) the Products
and Software are not modified or misused. The preceding
warranties shall not apply to, and Trimble shall not be
responsible for defects or performance problems resulting
from (i) the combination or utilization of the Product or
Software with hardware or software products, information,
data, systems, interfaces or devices not made, supplied or
specified by Trimble; (ii) the operation of the Product or
Software under any specification other than, or in addition
to, Trimble's standard specifications for its products; (iii) the
unauthorized, installation, modification, or use of the
Product or Software; (iv) damage caused by accident,
lightning or other electrical discharge, fresh or salt water
immersion or spray; or (v) normal wear and tear on
consumable parts (e.g., batteries). Trimble does not warrant
or guarantee the results obtained through the use of the
Product.

THE WARRANTIES ABOVE STATE TRIMBLE'S ENTIRE
LIABILITY, AND YOUR EXCLUSIVE REMEDIES,
RELATING TO PERFORMANCE OF THE PRODUCTS
AND SOFTWARE. EXCEPT AS OTHERWISE
EXPRESSLY PROVIDED HEREIN, THE PRODUCTS,
SOFTWARE, AND ACCOMPANYING
DOCUMENTATION AND MATERIALS ARE PROVIDED

“

AS-IS” AND WITHOUT EXPRESS OR IMPLIED
WARRANTY OF ANY KIND BY EITHER TRIMBLE
NAVIGATION LIMITED OR ANYONE WHO HAS BEEN
INVOLVED IN ITS CREATION, PRODUCTION,
INSTALLATION, OR DISTRIBUTION INCLUDING, BUT
NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE, TITLE, AND
NONINFRINGEMENT. THE STATED EXPRESS
WARRANTIES ARE IN LIEU OF ALL OBLIGATIONS OR
LIABILITIES ON THE PART OF TRIMBLE ARISING
OUT OF, OR IN CONNECTION WITH, ANY PRODUCTS
OR SOFTWARE. SOME STATES AND JURISDICTIONS
DO NOT ALLOW LIMITATIONS ON DURATION OR
THE EXCLUSION OF AN IMPLIED WARRANTY, SO
THE ABOVE LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.

TRIMBLE NAVIGATION LIMITED IS NOT
RESPONSIBLE FOR THE OPERATION OR FAILURE OF
OPERATION OF GPS SATELLITES OR THE
AVAILABILITY OF GPS SATELLITE SIGNALS.

Limitation of Liability

TRIMBLE’S ENTIRE LIABILITY UNDER ANY
PROVISION HEREIN SHALL BE LIMITED TO THE
AMOUNT PAID BY YOU FOR THE PRODUCT OR
SOFTWARE LICENSE. TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT
PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, IN NO EVENT
SHALL TRIMBLE OR ITS SUPPLIERS BE LIABLE FOR

ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES WHATSOEVER UNDER
ANY CIRCUMSTANCE OR LEGAL THEORY RELATING
IN ANY WAY TO THE PRODUCTS, SOFTWARE AND
ACCOMPANYING DOCUMENTATION AND
MATERIALS, (INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION,
DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF BUSINESS PROFITS,
BUSINESS INTERRUPTION, LOSS OF BUSINESS
INFORMATION, OR ANY OTHER PECUNIARY LOSS),
REGARDLESS WHETHER TRIMBLE HAS BEEN
ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF ANY SUCH LOSS
AND REGARDLESS OF THE COURSE OF DEALING
WHICH DEVELOPS OR HAS DEVELOPED BETWEEN
YOU AND TRIMBLE. BECAUSE SOME STATES AND
JURISDICTIONS DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY FOR CONSEQUENTIAL OR
INCIDENTAL DAMAGES, THE ABOVE LIMITATION
MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.

NOTE: THE ABOVE LIMITED WARRANTY
PROVISIONS MAY NOT APPLY TO PRODUCTS OR
SOFTWARE PURCHASED IN THE EUROPEAN UNION.
PLEASE CONTACT YOUR TRIMBLE DEALER FOR
APPLICABLE WARRANTY INFORMATION.

Notices

Class B Statement – Notice to Users. This equipment has
been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class
B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC rules. These
limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against
harmful interference in a residential installation. This
equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency
energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the
instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio
communication. However, there is no guarantee that
interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this
equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or
television reception, which can be determined by turning the
equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct
the interference by one or more of the following measures:

– Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
– Increase the separation between the equipment and

the receiver.

– Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit

different from that to which the receiver is connected.

– Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV

technician for help.

Changes and modifications not expressly approved by the
manufacturer or registrant of this equipment can void your
authority to operate this equipment under Federal
Communications Commission rules.

iv AgGPS Radio for the AgGPS 252 GPS Receiver User Guide

Safety

In this chapter:

Q AgGPS 900 Regulations and Safety

Regulations regarding the use of the radios vary greatly from country to
country. In most cases, the Trimble® AgGPS® 900 radio does not require a
license. However, before operating an AgGPS 900 radio, consult the local
communications governing agency to find out whether authorization or a
license to operate the radio is required in the country in which you are using
it. It is your responsibility to obtain an operator’s permit or license for the
AgGPS 900 for the location or country of use.

AgGPS Radio for the AgGPS 252 GPS Receiver User Guide v

Safety

0.1 AgGPS 900 Regulations and Safety

The AgGPS 900 radio is subject to the regulations and safety
requirements that are described here.

00.1 Type approval

C

Caution – Changes or modifications to this equipment that are not
approved, in writing, by Trimble Navigation Limited void your authority to
operate the equipment.

Type approval, or acceptance, covers technical parameters of the
equipment related to emissions that can cause interference. Type
approval is granted to the manufacturer of the transmission equipment,
independent from the operation or licensing of the radios. Some
countries have unique technical requirements for operation in
particular radio frequency bands. To comply with those requirements,
Trimble may have modified your equipment to be granted Type
approval. Unauthorized modification of the radio voids the Type
approval, the warranty, and the operational license of the equipment.

00.2 Licensing

In most cases, you do not need to obtain a license for the AgGPS 900.
However, you should consult your local communications governing
agency for licensing information. Obtaining an operator’s permit or
license for the AgGPS 900 for the location or country of use is the
responsibility of the end user.

Note – Before you move an AgGPS 900 from one country to another,
make sure that you check and can satisfy the regulations of the country
where you will be using the radio.

vi AgGPS Radio for the AgGPS 252 GPS Receiver User Guide

00.3 Radio frequency (RF) energy

Exposure to radio frequency (RF) energy is an important safety
consideration. The FCC adopted a safety standard for human exposure
to RF electromagnetic energy emitted by FCC-regulated equipment as
a result of its actions in General Docket 79-144 on March 13, 1986.

Proper use of this radio results in exposure below government limits.
Trimble recommends the following precautions:

• Do make sure that all equipment is properly grounded
according to Trimble installation instructions for safe operation.

• Do have all equipment serviced only by a qualified technician.

Safety

AgGPS Radio for the AgGPS 252 GPS Receiver User Guide vii

Safety

viii AgGPS Radio for the AgGPS 252 GPS Receiver User Guide

Contents ii

Safety

AgGPS 900 Regulations and Safety. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vi

Type approval . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vi

Licensing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vi

Radio frequency (RF) energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vii

1 Introduction

About the Radio. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Related Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Technical Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Your Comments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

2 Features and Functions of the Radio

Technical Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Physical Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Frequency Band . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Low Voltage or Lost Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Optional accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Data Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

AgGPS Radio for the AgGPS 252 GPS Receiver User Guide ix

Table of Contents

Turbo Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

3 Connecting the Radio

Connecting the Radio to the AgGPS 252 GPS Receiver . . . . . . . . . . 12

Connecting the Radio to the Office Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

4 Configuring the Radio

Default Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Using AgRemote . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Start AgRemote . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Configure Port B on the AgGPS 252 receiver . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Configure the radio to change settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Review radio status. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

LED Status Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

5 Mounting the AgGPS Radio

Mounting the AgGPS 900 Radio on a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Setting Up the Equipment in the Field . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

6 Upgrading the Firmware

Firmware Upgrade Procedure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Step 1: Download the FlashLoader 200 firmware upgrade utility . . 28

Step 2: Download the radio firmware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Step 3: Install FlashLoader 200 on the office computer . . . . . . . 29

Step 4: Connect the radio to the office computer . . . . . . . . . . 30

Step 5: Upgrade the radio firmware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

To upgrade the radio firmware: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

A Technical Specifications

Technical Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Pinout Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Index

x AgGPS Radio for the AgGPS 252 GPS Receiver User Guide

CHAPTER

1

Introduction 1

In this chapter:

Q About the Radio

Q Related Information

Q Technical Assistance

Q Your Comments

This manual describes how to set up and use the Trimble AgGPS 900 radio.

The AgGPS 900 radio is designed for use with the AgGPS 252 GPS receiver.
When attached to the AgGPS 252 GPS receiver, the radio provides an
integrated, ergonomic radio solution for real-time GPS positioning.

Even if you have used other Global Positioning System (GPS) products
before, Trimble recommends that you spend some time reading this manual
to learn about the special features of this product. If you are not familiar with
GPS, visit Trimble’s website (www.trimble.com) for an interactive look at
Trimble and GPS.

AgGPS Radio for the AgGPS 252 GPS Receiver User Guide 1

1 Introduction

1.1 About the Radio

The AgGPS 900 radio is a receive-only rover radio that:

• receives radio signals from a base station

• operates in conjunction with the AgGPS 252 GPS receiver

The radio and receiver are connected together, and then mounted on
the rover vehicle.

You can use an office computer to reconfigure the radio. The
AgGPS 252 GPS receiver that is attached to the radio provides the
configuration interface.

1.2 Related Information

Sources of related information include the following:

• Release notes – the release notes describe new features of the
product, information not included in the manuals, and any
changes to the manuals.

• For additional information such as service bulletins and FAQs,
go to www.trimble.com/support.shtml. In addition, the website
may have related utility programs, firmware, and software
patches that you can download.

1.3 Technical Assistance

If you have a problem and cannot find the information you need in the
product documentation, contact your local dealer.

If you need to contact Trimble technical support:

1. Go to the Trimble website (www.trimble.com).

2. Click the

Support button at the top of the screen. The Support

A–Z list of products appears.

3. Scroll to the bottom of the list.

2 AgGPS Radio for the AgGPS 252 GPS Receiver User Guide

4. Click the submit an inquiry link. A form appears.

Introduction 1

5. Complete the form and then click

Alternatively, you can send an e-mail to
[e-mail]

1.1 Your Co mme nts

Your feedback about the supporting documentation helps us to
improve it with each revision. E-mail your comments to
[e-mail].

Send.

AgGPS Radio for the AgGPS 252 GPS Receiver User Guide 3

1 Introduction

4 AgGPS Radio for the AgGPS 252 GPS Receiver User Guide

CHAPTER

2

Features and Functions of the Radio

In this chapter:

Q Technical Description

Q Physical Description

Q Frequency Band

Q Low Voltage or Lost Power

Q Features

Q Data Format

Q Turbo Mode

This chapter describes the features and functions of the AgGPS 900 radio.

2

AgGPS Radio for the AgGPS 252 GPS Receiver User Guide 5

2 Features and Functions of the Radio

2.1Technical Description

The AgGPS 900 is a frequency-hopping, spread-spectrum rover radio
that receives radio signals from a base station. It is designed to
withstand severe environmental stress.

Trimble recommends that you use a Trimble SiteNet™ 900 radio for
the base station. For more information about the Trimble SiteNet
radio, refer to the SiteNet Operation Manual.

Depending on the size of your site, you may need to use one or two
repeaters to increase the range between the base and rover. All radios
(base, repeater, and rover) must be on the same network number and
use the same communications parameters.

6 AgGPS Radio for the AgGPS 252 GPS Receiver User Guide

2.2 Physical Description

The AgGPS 900 radio is enclosed in a rugged, UV-resistant plastic
case. The bottom housing has a data/power indicator LED and an I/O
power cable with a 12-pin Deutsch connector. See Figure 2.1.

Features and Functions of the Radio 2

Antenna

(P/N 52093)

I/O power
connector

Bottom housing

Figure 2.1 AgGPS 900 radio

2.3 Frequency Band

The AgGPS 900 radio is a receive only radio that operates in the
902 MHz to 928 MHz frequency band in United States and Canada. It
is certified for unlicensed use in those countries.

Note – The AgGPS 900 radio uses the 902 MHz–928 MHz frequency
band in USA and Canada. This is a shared-use band and, as such, is
subject to interfering signals.

The AgGPS 900 radio can be purchased with a reduced frequency
range for use in Australia and New Zealand.

AgGPS Radio for the AgGPS 252 GPS Receiver User Guide 7

Data/power

indicator LED

2 Features and Functions of the Radio

This frequency band is allocated to other uses in other parts of the
world, including cellular telephony. Regulations regarding its use vary
greatly from country to country.

Use of the AgGPS 900 outside the United States must be approved by
the local radio authority. Contact your local radio communications
governing authority for regulations and restrictions on operation in the
country or area where you want to use the AgGPS 900.

2.4 Low Voltage or Lost Power

If the AgGPS 900 receives low voltage or loses power completely, it
stops operating. When the voltage returns to an usable level, the radio
continues operating normally.

8 AgGPS Radio for the AgGPS 252 GPS Receiver User Guide

2.5 Features

Features and Functions of the Radio 2

• Rugged, weatherproof case

• Low-profile antenna for vehicle applications

• Low latency CMR™ reception

• Upgradeable software

• Compatible with SiteNet and TRIMCOMM™ radio networks

• License-free operation in the USA, Canada, Australia, and New
Zealand

• Typical 3km–5km range

• Low power consumption

• Use with unconditioned power 10.5 V DC to 20 V DC

• Simple connection to AgGPS 252 GPS receiver

• 40 selectable networks

• One RS-232 interface at either 9600 bps or
38400 bps (default)

• 12-pin Deutsch connector

25.1 Optional accessories

• Vehicle mounting kit (for more information, see page 24)

AgGPS Radio for the AgGPS 252 GPS Receiver User Guide 9

2 Features and Functions of the Radio

2.6 Data Format

The AgGPS 900 radio receives raw GPS data in Compact
Measurement Record (CMR) format from a reference receiver for
precise vehicle positioning.

The AgGPS 900 is compatible with the Trimble SiteNet 900 and
TRIMCOMM 900 radio which receives and re-broadcasts the Radio
Technical Commission for Maritime Services (RTCM) or CMR data.

Note – Trimble recommends that you use the CMR+™ format
whenever possible. If using a SiteNet or TRIMCOMM radio, this
requires version 1.40 or later software in those radios.

2.7 Turbo Mode

When acting as a base station, a TRIMCOMM 900 and SiteNet 900
radio can transmit in Turbo mode. In Turbo mode, the base station
sends multiple CMRs per second, increasing the chance that the radio
will receive it. This can be a benefit in congested or urban areas where
interference causes poor reception, but it produces a higher drain on
the power source of the base station.

When Turbo mode is selected on the base station, it must also be
enabled on any repeaters in the system. The AgGPS 900 radio
automatically detects Turbo mode, so no configuration changes are
needed.

10 AgGPS Radio for the AgGPS 252 GPS Receiver User Guide

CHAPTER

3

Connecting the Radio 3

In this chapter:

Q Connecting the Radio to the AgGPS 252 GPS Receiver

Q Connecting the Radio to the Office Computer

This chapter describes how to connect the AgGPS 900 radio to an AgGPS 252
GPS receiver in order to configure the radio. The receiver provides the
required interface with an office computer.

AgGPS Radio for the AgGPS 252 GPS Receiver User Guide 11

3 Connecting the AgGPS Radio

3.1 Connecting the Radio to the AgGPS 252 GPS

Receiver

A

Figure 3.1 AgGPS 900 connected to the AgGPS 252 receiver.

1. Attach the antenna (P/N 52093) to the radio. Torque to

0.90-1.13 Nm (8–10 in-lb).

2. Screw the antenna clip with screws (P/N 53876) onto the radio,
adjusting the position of the clip to engage with the antenna in
vertical orientation. Torque to 0.90 Nm (8 in-lb).

3. Remove the antenna from the antenna clip and then twist the
radio antenna to a horizontal position.

4. Turn the receiver upside down.

5. Place the radio upside down on top of the receiver.

6. Use the eight screws (P/N 50090) to secure the radio to the
receiver. Torque to 1.35 Nm (12 in-lb).

7. Turn the combined unit the right way up.

8. Return the antenna to its vertical position, engaging it with the
antenna clip. Torque the antenna finger tight.

9. Connect the cable from the radio to Port B on the receiver.

12 AgGPS Radio for the AgGPS 252 GPS Receiver User Guide

Connecting the AgGPS Radio 3

3.1 Connecting the Radio to the Office Computer

1. Attach the AgGPS radio to the AgGPS 252 receiver, as
described above.

2. Use the AgGPS 252 system cable (P/N 50166) to connect the
AgGPS 252 GPS receiver to the computer. See Figure 3.2.

A

System cable

B

DB9

(P/N 50166)

Ground –ve

Ground +ve

Figure 3.2 Radio connected to receiver, with computer cable

To

computer

AgGPS Radio for the AgGPS 252 GPS Receiver User Guide 13

3 Connecting the AgGPS Radio

Note – You can order the system cable (P/N 50166) from your
local Trimble representative.

3. Supply power to the AgGPS 252 GPS receiver.

14 AgGPS Radio for the AgGPS 252 GPS Receiver User Guide

CHAPTER

4

Configuring the Radio 4

In this chapter:

Q Default Settings

Q Using AgRemote

Q LED Status Indicator

You can change the configuration settings in the AgGPS 900 radio when it is
attached to the AgGPS 252 GPS receiver. To do this, use either the
Autopilot™ interface or the Trimble AgRemote utility:

• If a Trimble AgGPS Autopilot system is configured to use an

AgGPS 252 GPS receiver with an AgGPS radio, and the port on the
AgGPS 252 receiver is set to 38.4 Kbps, 8 data bits, parity none, and 1

stop bit, the Autopilot system automatically configures the GPS receiver
and the radio.

• The free AgRemote utility is available from the Trimble website
(www.trimble.com).

Autopilot configures the radio automatically, so this chapter describes how to
perform some common configurations using the AgRemote utility.

AgGPS Radio for the AgGPS 252 GPS Receiver User Guide 15

4 Configuring the Radio

4.1 Default Settings

The AgGPS 900 radio serial output ports are initially configured as
follows:

Item Setting

Baud rate 38.4 Kbps

Data bits 8

Parity None

Stop bits 1

These settings are applied when you start the radio. If you need to
change them manually, use the AgRemote utility.

4.2 Using AgRemote

To configure the radio manually, use AgRemote when the radio is
attached to the AgGPS 252 GPS receiver. The general procedure is as
follows:

1. Connect the AgGPS 900 radio to the AgGPS 252 receiver. See
Connecting the Radio to the AgGPS 252 GPS Receiver,
page 12.

2. Connect the AgGPS 900 to the computer. See Connecting the
Radio to the Office Computer, page 13.

3. Start AgRemote.

4. Configure Port B on the AgGPS 252 GPS receiver to receive
input from the radio.

5. Configure the radio to change settings when required.

6. Review radio status.

For more information on Steps 3 through 6, see the following sections.

16 AgGPS Radio for the AgGPS 252 GPS Receiver User Guide

40.1 Start AgRemote

1. Select / Programs / AgRemote / AgRemote. The
AgRemote window appears.

2. Select File / Connect. The Port Settings dialog appears.

3. Make sure that the Comm Port field is set to the correct
computer port. This is the one to which you have connected the
receiver.

Configuring the Radio 4

4. Click

OK.

AgRemote establishes communication with the receiver. The
Home screen of the AgGPS receiver menu system is displayed
in the AgRemote window on the office computer.

Figure 4.1 shows the AgRemote window, the Home screen, and
the navigation keys.

Home screen

Esc

Enter

Right

Left

Down Up

Keys

Figure 4.1 AgRemote window showing the AgGPS 252 GPS

receiver Home screen and navigation keys

AgGPS Radio for the AgGPS 252 GPS Receiver User Guide 17

4 Configuring the Radio

40.1 Configure Port B on the AgGPS 252 receiver

You must actively configure Port B on the AgGPS 252 GPS receiver to
accept real-time corrections from the AgGPS radio:

1. Make sure that the radio is attached to the GPS receiver, and
that the receiver is connected to the computer. Start the
AgRemote utility (see page 17).

2. In AgRemote, select Configuration / Port B Config.

3. Change the input setting to RtkLnk and set the baud rate, data
bits, parity, and stop bit settings to match what the radio is set
to. These are usually the default settings shown on page 16.

The AgRemote utility, when connected to an AgGPS 252 receiver,
automatically changes the receiver port communication settings to
8-O-1 TSIP 115 K.

These settings enable optimal communication

with an office computer.

Note – If the GPS receiver is to work with an Autopilot system, the
receiver port communication settings must be set to 8-N-1 TSIP

38.4 K.

18 AgGPS Radio for the AgGPS 252 GPS Receiver User Guide

40.1 Configure the radio to change settings

1. Make sure that the radio is attached to the receiver, and that the
receiver is connected to the computer. Start the AgRemote
utility (see page 17).

2. In AgRemote, select Configuration / RTK Config. The
following option is available for configuration for the
AgGPS 900 radio:

Configuring the Radio 4

– If the message

Unknown appears, it means that the radio

cannot find or modify the information to be configured.

– If the message

No radio found appears, it means that there is

no radio connected.

To change which GPS base station an AgGPS 900 radio listens
to, change the network number in the Radio Network screen.

Note – If there is more than one GPS base station on the site, set
all AgGPS 900 radios to the network number that the base
station is using. Each GPS base station must be on a separate
radio network. Select a different network number for each radio
network.

AgGPS Radio for the AgGPS 252 GPS Receiver User Guide 19

4 Configuring the Radio

3. The 900 MHz radio type is set automatically when the GPS
receiver that the radio is connected to gets its first GPS position.
The Radio Type screen indicates which frequency mode (single
or multi) the radio is in. You do not normally need to modify
this information.

C

C

Caution – It is illegal to select single frequency mode in USA, Canada,
Australia, and New Zealand.

• For multi-frequency radios, use the Radio Frequency screen to
select the country where the radio will be used. This ensures
that the radio uses the correct frequency range for the country.
For example:

• For single-frequency radios, use the Radio Frequency screen to
specify which channel is to be used. For example:

Caution – Select the channel that matches the frequency specified on
your license. Consult your Trimble representative for assistance with
mapping the channel number to the actual frequency.

20 AgGPS Radio for the AgGPS 252 GPS Receiver User Guide

40.1 Review radio status

1. Make sure that the radio is attached to the receiver, and that the
receiver is connected to the computer. Start the AgRemote
utility (see page 17).

2. In AgRemote, select Status / RTK. The following screens
appear:

–The Radio Product screen shows what type of radio is

connected to the receiver. If no radio is connected, the
message

–The Radio Version screen shows the version of firmware in

the radio. If no radio is connected, the message

Found

appears.

Configuring the Radio 4

No Radio Found appears.

No Radio

4.1 LED Status Indicator

The LED can be orange and/or green depending on the situation. The
LED reports the operational status of the AgGPS 900 radio. See
Tabl e 4.1 .

Table 4.1 LED Conditions

LED color LED flash Radio Status

Orange Solid Power is supplied

Green Solid Radio is synchronized with source of corrections

Orange+Green 1 Hz flash Radio is in Firmware-Loading mode

Orange+Green Off No power is supplied

AgGPS Radio for the AgGPS 252 GPS Receiver User Guide 21

4 Configuring the Radio

22 AgGPS Radio for the AgGPS 252 GPS Receiver User Guide

CHAPTER

5

Mounting the AgGPS Radio5

In this chapter:

Q Mounting the AgGPS Radio on a Vehicle

Q Setting up the Equipment in the Field

Once the AgGPS 900 radio is correctly configured, it is ready to be mounted
on a vehicle. This chapter explains how to mount the unit, and how to set it up
out in the field.

AgGPS Radio for the AgGPS 252 GPS Receiver User Guide 23

5 Mounting the AgGPS Radio

5.1 Mounting the AgGPS 900 Radio on a Vehicle

When mounting the radio on a vehicle:

• To reduce damage, minimize shock and vibration to the
AgGPS 900.

• Prevent signal interference. Position the antenna away from
rotating beacons, strobe lights, and other antennas (especially if
the other antenna is a two-way radio).

• Position the radio and receiver on a flat surface at the highest
point along the centerline on the vehicle. However, do not
position them in such a way that they will be damaged if the
vehicle is driven into a shed or storage area.

Note – Mounting must be done in accordance with the
processes outlined in the AgGPS 252 Receiver User Guide, and
the AgGPS AutoPilot installation guide appropriate to your
vehicle (if an Autopilot system is being used).

24 AgGPS Radio for the AgGPS 252 GPS Receiver User Guide

Mounting the AgGPS Radio 5

Figure 5.1 shows the mounting kit and how the parts fit together in a
typical radio installation.

A

Figure 5.1 Radio mounting kit

B

To mount the radio on a vehicle:

1. Attach the radio to the AgGPS 252 GPS receiver.

2. Connect the cable from the radio to Port B on the receiver.

3. Ensure that the radio mounting screws are all fitted with
washers and lock washers.

4. Bolt the combined unit into the AgGPS 252 mounting plate.

AgGPS Radio for the AgGPS 252 GPS Receiver User Guide 25

5 Mounting the AgGPS Radio

5. Use the bolts provided to securely mount the adapter plate to the
vehicle.

6. Use the bolts that are included with the adapter plate to bolt the
AgGPS 252 mounting plate to the adapter plate.

B

5.1 Setting Up the Equipment in the Field

Tip – Use threadlocking Loctite or equivalent to secure the bolts.

7. Provide DC power to the GPS receiver. The GPS receiver
provides power to the AgGPS 900 radio.

• Make sure that each radio is configured to the same network
number.

• Set the serial port settings for the base and all rover GPS
receivers that are using that base to 38.4 Kbps, 8 bits, parity
none, and 1 stop bit. For more information about setting up the
GPS receiver, refer to the GPS receiver manual.

Note – High-power signals from a nearby radio station or radar
transmitter can overwhelm the radio circuits. This does not harm the
radio, but can prevent it from functioning correctly. To avoid
problems, try not to use the radio within 400 meters (1300 feet) of
powerful radar, television, or other transmitters. Low power
transmitters, such as those in portable phones and walkie-talkies, do
not usually interfere with AgGPS radio operation unless they are
tuned to the same channel.

26 AgGPS Radio for the AgGPS 252 GPS Receiver User Guide

CHAPTER

6

Upgrading the Firmware 6

In this chapter:

Q Firmware Upgrade Procedure

This chapter describes how to use the FlashLoader 200 utility with the
AgGPS 900 radio in order to perform the following tasks:

• upgrade the radio to use the latest firmware

• review the radio configuration

• collect troubleshooting information

Note – When you upgrade the firmware on the radio, any custom settings are
reset to the factory defaults. Before you upgrade, make a note of any settings
that you have changed. You can reconfigure them after the upgrade.

AgGPS Radio for the AgGPS 252 GPS Receiver User Guide 27

6 Upgrading the Firmware

6.1 Firmware Upgrade Procedure

1. Download the FlashLoader 200 firmware upgrade utility.

2. Download the radio firmware. Do this only if you need to
upgrade the radio firmware.

3. Install FlashLoader 200 on the office computer.

4. Connect the radio to the office computer.

5. Upgrade the radio firmware.

For more information about each step, see the following sections.

60.1 Step 1: Download the FlashLoader 200 firmware upgrade

utility

1. Go to the Trimble website: www.trimble.com.

2. Click

Support.

3. Click your AgGPS product.

4. Click

Downloads.

5. Click the latest version of the FlashLoader 200 firmware
upgrade utility. The File Download wizard appears.

6. Select Save this program to disk, and then click

7. On the C:\ drive, select My Documents as the destination and
then click

Save. Your internet connection speed determines

how long the download takes (usually 5–30 minutes).

60.1 Step 2: Download the radio firmware

1. Complete Step 1 through Step 4.

2. Click the latest version of the radio firmware. The firmware file
will have a *.abs extension.

3. Complete Step 6 and Step 7.

28 AgGPS Radio for the AgGPS 252 GPS Receiver User Guide

OK.

Upgrading the Firmware 6

60.1 Step 3: Install FlashLoader 200 on the office computer

Install the FlashLoader 200 software on an office computer that is
running a Microsoft® Windows® 95, 98, ME, Windows NT®,
Windows 2000, or XP operating system.

To install the FlashLoader 200 software:

1. Save any open documents and close other applications that are
running on the office computer.

2. Browse to My Documents. If you selected a different location
when you downloaded the firmware, browse to that location
instead.

3. Double-click the FlashLoader 200 file that you downloaded.
The Wel co me dialog appears.

4. Click

5. Click

Next. The Select Destination Directory dialog appears:

Next. The Select Additional Tasks dialog appears.

AgGPS Radio for the AgGPS 252 GPS Receiver User Guide 29

6 Upgrading the Firmware

6. Click Next. The Ready to Install dialog appears:

7. Click

Install. The computer installs the FlashLoader 200

software.

8. Click

60.1 Step 4: Connect the radio to the office computer

Finish.

For information on how to connect the radio to the office computer,
see Chapter 3.

60.2 Step 5: Upgrade the radio firmware

When you upgrade the firmware on the radio, any custom settings are
reset to the factory defaults. Before you upgrade, make a note of any
settings that you have changed. You can reconfigure them after the
upgrade.

C

30 AgGPS Radio for the AgGPS 252 GPS Receiver User Guide

Caution – Do not disturb or disconnect the power to the radio while you

are installing the firmware. If power is lost or the computer fails during the
installation, you may have to return the radio to the factory for service.

Upgrading the Firmware 6

To upgrade the radio firmware:

1. In Windows, select / Programs / FlashLoader 200.
The FlashLoader 200 dialog appears:

2. Select the Upload firmware to receiver check box and click

Proceed. The Select Firmware File dialog appears:

AgGPS Radio for the AgGPS 252 GPS Receiver User Guide 31

6 Upgrading the Firmware

3. Select the location of the firmware file and click Open. The
FlashLoader 200 dialog displays the location and name of the
firmware file:

4. Click

Proceed. FlashLoader 200 establishes communication

with the radio and transfers the new firmware.

A progress bar appears during the upgrade. The upgrade
process takes approximately five minutes. When the upgrade is
complete, the message

Requested operations completed successfully

appears.

5. Click

OK.

6. Exit FlashLoader 200.

You can now use AgRemote to reconfigure any custom settings
that you previously had in the radio (See page 30).

32 AgGPS Radio for the AgGPS 252 GPS Receiver User Guide

APPENDIX

A

Technical Specifications A

In this appendix:

Q Technical Information

Q Pinout Information

This chapter lists the technical specifications of the AgGPS 900 radio, and
shows the pinout information of the RS-232 cable.

AgGPS Radio for the AgGPS 252 GPS Receiver User Guide 33

A Technical Specifications

A.1 Technical Information

Table A.1 shows the technical information for the AgGPS 900 radio.
This information is subject to change without notice.

Table A.1 Technical information

Item Specification

Physical:

Size
Weight

Environmental:

Operating temperature
Storage temperature
Humidity

Vibration

Shock:

Operational

Survival

Electrical

Power consumption:

Nominal
Receive
Protection
Input range

GPS connector:

Ty p e
Provides

RF connector:

Ty p e
Provides

Indicators Radio Receive Status (Green LED)

300 mm W x 309 mm D x 25.4 mm H
approx. 2.3 kg (5 lbs)

–40 °C through +70 °C
–40 °C through +85 °C
Complies with Mil 810E Method 507.3 Procedure
III Aggravated Cyclic Humidity. Ten 24 hour cycles
of constant 95% RH, with cycling temp and dwells
+30 °C and +60 °C.

3.06 gRMS, 5–1000 Hz random vibration

± 40 g for 10 ms in each axis (using a sawtooth
waveform)
± 75 g for 6 ms in each axis (using a sawtooth
waveform)

300–500 mA at 12 V DC
<2 Watts
LoadDump
Input 9 V DC through 32 V DC

12-pin Deutsch connector
Power and 1 serial port

Female TNC 50 ohm connector
Radio input

Power Status (Orange LED)

34 AgGPS Radio for the AgGPS 252 GPS Receiver User Guide

Table A.1 Technical information (continued)

Item Specification

AgGPS 900 radio performance

Range:

Optimal
Typical

Radio link:

Frequency range
Networks
Wireless data rates
Modes

10 km (6 miles)
3 km–5 km (2 miles–3 miles)

Varies with terrain and operating conditions

902 MHz–928 MHz (in USA and Canada)
40 user selectable networks
128 Kbps
Rover

Technical Specifications A

AgGPS Radio for the AgGPS 252 GPS Receiver User Guide 35

A Technical Specifications

A.2 Pinout Information

Figure A.1 shows the pinout information for the AgGPS radio.

123456

12 11 10 9 8 7

Pin Function

1 Not connected
2 TX (transmit data from radio)
3 RX (receive data by radio)
4 Not connected
5GND
6 Not connected

Figure A.1 AgGPS radio RS-232 pinout connections

Pin Function

7 Not connected
8 Not connected
9 Not connected
10 V+
11 V–
12 Not connected

36 AgGPS Radio for the AgGPS 252 GPS Receiver User Guide

Index

A

about the radio 2, 10
AgRemote 15

configuring the radio with 19
reviewing status of radio 21
starting 17
using 16

Autopilot 15, 18

B

base station 6
baud rate, default 16

C

cautions

changing or modifying equipment vi
installing firmware 30
selecting channel for license 20

single frequency mode 20
channel, selecting 20
CMR format 10
CMR+ format 10
comments 3
computer

connecting to radio 13

configuring 15

communication 18
radio with AgRemote 19

connecting

radio to office computer 13
radio to receiver 12

D

data bits, default 16
data format 10
default settings 16
description, technical 6

F

features 9
feedback 3
firmware version, viewing 21
FlashLoader 200 utility

downloading firmware 28
downloading utility 28
installing 29

upgrading firmware 27, 30
frequency band 7
frequency mode, single or multi 20

AgGPS Radio for the AgGPS 252 GPS Receiver User Guide 37

Index

I

interference 26
introduction 1

L

LED, status indicator 21
licensing vi
low voltage 8

M

messages

No Radio Found 19, 21
Unknown 19

N

network setting 19
No Radio Found message 19, 21
notes

release 2
update 2

R

radio

configuring using AgRemote 19

connecting to office computer 13

mounting on vehicle 24

status 21
radio frequency (RF) energy vii
receiver

configuring Port B of 18

connecting to 12
release notes 2
repeater 6
RF energy vii
RS-232 pinout information 36
RTCM 10

S

setting up

in the field 26
single frequency mode 20
SiteNet radio 6, 10
status indicator LED 21
status, radio 21
stop bits, default 16
support 2

O

options 9

P

parity, default 16
pinout information 36
port settings 16
power consumption 34
power loss 8

38 AgGPS Radio for the AgGPS 252 GPS Receiver User Guide

T

technical information 34
technical support 2
temperature 34
TRIMCOMM 900 radio 10
turbo mode 10
type approval vi

U

Unknown message 19
update notes 2
upgrading firmware 28

W

website 1

Index

AgGPS Radio for the AgGPS 252 GPS Receiver User Guide 39

Index

40 AgGPS Radio for the AgGPS 252 GPS Receiver User Guide