Trimble Alloy User Manual

Version 0.02
Revision A
Oct 2017

User Guide

Trimble® Alloy GNSS

Reference Receiver

Alloy GNSS reference receiver User Guide

2

Corporate Office

Trimble Inc.
935 Stewart Drive
Sunnyvale, CA 94085
USA

www.trimble.com

Survey Business Area

Trimble Inc.
10368 Westmoor Drive
Westminster, CO 80021
USA
[phone] Phone (US Toll Free)
[phone] Phone
[phone] Fax

www.trimble.com

E-mail: [e-mail]

Legal Notices

© 2006–2017, Trimble Inc. All rights reserved.
Trimble, the Globe & Triangle logo, and CenterPoint are trademarks
of Trimble Inc., registered in the United States and in other countries.
AutoBase, CMR, CMR+, Connected Community, EVEREST,
HYDROpro, Maxwell, Micro-Centered, Trimble Geomatics Office,
SiteNet, SitePulse, TRIMMARK, TRIMTALK, TSCe, VRS, Zephyr,
and Zephyr Geodetic are trademarks of Trimble Inc.
Microsoft, Windows, and Windows Vista are either registered
trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United
States and/or other countries.
The Bluetooth word mark and logos are owned by the Bluetooth SIG,
Inc. and any use of such marks by Trimble Navigation Limited is
under license.
All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Support for Galileo is developed under a license of the European
Union and the European Space Agency.

NTP Software Copyright

© David L. Mills 1992-2009. Permission to use, copy, modify, and
distribute this software and its documentation for any purpose with or
without fee is hereby granted, provided that the above copyright
notice appears in all copies and that both the copyright notice and
this permission notice appear in supporting documentation, and that
the name University of Delaware not be used in advertising or
publicity pertaining to distribution of the software without specific,
written prior permission. The University of Delaware makes no
representations about the suitability this software for any purpose. It
is provided "as is" without express or implied warranty.

Release Notice

This is the October 2017 release (Revision A) of the Alloy GNSS
reference receiver User Guide. It applies to version 5.32 of the Alloy

GNSS reference receiver firmware.

Product Limited Warranty Information

For applicable product Limited Warranty information, please refer to
the Limited Warranty Card included with this Trimble product, or
consult your local Trimble authorized dealer.

COCOM limits

The U.S. Department of Commerce requires that all exportable GPS
products contain performance limitations so that they cannot be used
in a manner that could threaten the security of the United States. The
following limitations are implemented on this product:
– Immediate access to satellite measurements and navigation results
is disabled when the receiver velocity is computed to be greater than
1,000 knots, or its altitude is computed to be above 18,000 meters.
The receiver GPS subsystem resets until the COCOM situation
clears. As a result, all logging and stream configurations stop until the
GPS subsystem is cleared.

Notices

Class B Statement – Notice to Users. This device complies with

Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) This device must accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired operation.
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.

This equipment must be installed and operated in accordance with
provided instructions and the antenna(s) used for this transmitter
must be installed to provide a separation distance of at least 25 cm
(for 900 MHz and Bluetooth) or 45 cm (for 2.0 W UHF 450 MHZ
radio) from all persons and must not be co-located or operated in
conjunction with any other antenna or transmitters (except in
accordance with the FCC multi -transmitter product procedures).

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC, USA) has
dictated that on 1 January 2013, all radio users transmitting data
between 421 and 512 MHz within the United States of America,
must operate within 12.5 kHz channels or transmit using the bits
per second (bps) settings of 19200 bps when using a 25 kHz
channel. For more information on the FCC mandate, please view
http://trl.trimble.com/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document­618141/Survey_CustomerFAQs_FCencryption or search the
Internet.

Canada

This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003. Cet
appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme à la norme NMB-003
du Canada.
This apparatus complies with Canadian RSS-GEN, RSS-247, and
RSS-119.
Cet appareil est conforme à la norme CNR-GEN, CNR-247, et CNR­119 du Canada.

Europe

The products covered by this guide may be operated in all
EU member countries (BE, BG, CZ, DK, DE, EE, IE, EL,

ES, FR, HR, IT, CY, LV, LT, LU, HU, MT, NL, AT, PL, PT,
RO, SI, SK, FI, SE, UK), Norway and Switzerland. Products been
tested and found to comply with the requirements for a Class B
device pursuant to European Council Directive 2014/30/EU on EMC,
thereby satisfying the requirements for CE Marking and sale within
the European Economic Area (EEA). Contains a Bluetooth radio
module. These requirements are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference when the equipment is
operated in a residential or commercial environment. 450 MHz
transceiver is now harmonized under the RED 2014/53/EU Directive.
The 2.4GHz transceiver is not supported except BT/WiFi @2.4GHz.
And it is also harmonized under the RED 2014/53/EU.

CE Declaration of Conformity

Hereby, Trimble Inc., declares that the GPS receivers are in
compliance with the essential requirements and other relevant
provisions of Radio Equipment Directive 2014/53/EU.
English Hereby, Trimble Inc., declares that this receiver is in

compliance with the essential requirements and other
relevant provisions of Directive 2014/53/EU.

Finnish Trimble Inc.vakuuttaa täten että vastaanotin tyyppinen

laite on direktiivin 2014/53/EU oleellisten vaatimusten ja
sitä koskevien direktiivin muiden ehtojen mukainen.

Dutch Hierbij verklaart Trimble Inc. dat het toestel ontvanger in

overeenstemming is met de essentiële eisen en de
andere relevante bepalingen van richtlijn 2014/53/EU. Bij
deze verklaart Trimble Inc. dat deze ontvanger voldoet
aan de essentiële eisen en aan de overige relevante
bepalingen van Richtlijn 2014/53/EU.

French Par la présente Trimble Inc. déclare que l'appareil

récepteur est conforme aux exigences essentielles et aux
autres dispositions pertinentes de la directive
2014/53/EU. Par la présente, Trimble Inc. déclare que ce
récepteur est conforme aux exigences essentielles et aux
autres dispositions de la directive 2014/53/EU qui lui sont
applicables.

Swedish Härmed intygar Trimble Inc. att denna mottagare står I

överensstämmelse med de väsentliga egenskapskrav och
övriga relevanta bestämmelser som framgår av direktiv
2014/53/EU.

Danish Undertegnede Trimble Inc. erklærer herved, at følgende

udstyr modtager overholder de væsentlige krav og øvrige
relevante krav I direktiv 2014/53/EU.

Alloy GNSS reference receiver User Guide

3

German Hiermit erklärt Trimble Inc., dass empfänger in

Übereinstimmung mit den grundlegenden Anforderungen
und den anderen relevanten Vorschriften der Richtlinie
2014/53/EU befindet". (BMWi) Hiermit erklärt Trimble Inc.
die Übereinstimmung des Gerätes empfänger mit den
grundlegenden Anforderungen und den anderen
relevanten Festlegungen der Richtlinie 2014/53/EU.
(Wien)

Greek ΜΕ ΤΗΝ ΠΑΡΟΥΣΑ Trimble Inc ∆ΗΛΩΝΕΙ ΟΤΙ δέκτης

ΣΥΜΜΟΡΦΩΝΕΤΑΙ ΠΡΟΣ ΤΙΣ ΟΥΣΙΩ∆ΕΙΣ ΑΠΑΙΤΗΣΕΙΣ
ΚΑΙ ΤΙΣ ΛΟΙΠΕΣ ΣΧΕΤΙΚΕΣ ∆ΙΑΤΑΞΕΙΣ ΤΗΣ Ο∆ΗΓΙΑΣ
2014/53/EU.

Italian Con la presente Trimble Inc. dichiara che questo

ricevitore è conforme ai requisiti essenziali ed alle altre
disposizioni pertinenti stabilite dalla direttiva 2014/53/EU.

Spanish Por medio de la presente Trimble Inc. declara que el

receptor cumple con los requisites esenciales y
cualesquiera otras disposiciones aplicables o exigibles de
la Directiva 2014/53/EU.

Portuguese Trimble Inc. declara que este receptor está conforme com

os requisitos essenciais e outras disposições da Directiva
2014/53/EU.

Australia and New Zealand

This product conforms with the regulatory requirements of
the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) EMC
framework, thus satisfying the requirements for RCM Marking and
sale within Australia and New Zealand.

Taiwan – Battery Recycling Requirements

The product contains a removable Lithium-ion battery.
Taiwanese regulations require that waste batteries are
recycled.

廢電池請回收

Restriction of Use of Certain Hazardous Substances

in Electrical and Electronic Equipment (RoHS)

Trimble products in this guide comply in all material respects with
DIRECTIVE 2011/65/EU OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND

OF THE COUNCIL of 21 July 2011 on the restriction of the use of
certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment
(RoHS Directive) and with exemptions for lead in solder pursuant to
Paragraph 7 of the Annex to the RoHS Directive applied.

Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE)

For product recycling instructions and more information, please
go to www.trimble.com/Corporate/Environmental_
Compliance.aspx.

Recycling in Europe: To recycle Trimble WEEE (Waste Electrical and
Electronic Equipment, products that run on electrical power.), Call
[phone], and ask for the “WEEE Associate”. Or, mail a
request for recycling instructions to:
Trimble Europe BV, c/o Menlo Worldwide Logistics, Meerheide
45, 5521 DZ Eersel, NL

4

Alloy GNSS reference receiver User Guide

Safety Information

Before you use your Trimble® Alloy GNSS reference receiver, make sure that you have read and
understood all safety requirements.

!!!!WARNING - This alert warns of a potential hazard which, if not avoided, could result in severe

injury or even death.

!!!!CAUTION - This alert warns of a potential hazard or unsafe practice that could result in minor

injury or property damage or irretrievable data loss.

NOTE – An absence of specific alerts does not mean that th

ere are no safety risks involved.

Use and care

This product is designed to withstand the rough treatment and tough environment that typically
occurs in construction applications. However, the receiver is a high-precision electronic instrument
and should be treated with reasonable care.

!!!!CAUTION - Operating or storing the receiver outside the specified temperature range can

damage it.

Regulations and safety

Some receiver models with base station capability contain an internal radio-modem for
transmission or can transmit through an external data communications radio. Regulations
regarding the use of the 410 MHz to 470 MHz radio-modems vary greatly from country to country.
In some countries, the unit can be used without obtaining an end-user license. Other countries
require end-user licensing. For licensing information, consult your local Trimble dealer.

NOTE – The Alloy uses the 403 MHz to 473 MHz frequency ran

ge.

All Trimble receiver models described in this documentation are capable of transmitting data
through Bluetooth wireless technology.

Bluetooth wireless technology, and 900 MHz radio-modems and 2.4 GHz radio-modems operate in
license-free bands.

NOTE – 900 MHz radios are not used in Europe. The frequenc

y range of 900 MHz is not marketed in

Brazil.

Before operating a Trimble receiver or GSM modem, determine if authorization or a license to
operate the unit is required in your country. It is the responsibility of the end user to obtain an
operator's permit or license for the receiver for the location or country of use.

For FCC regulations, see Notices.

Alloy GNSS reference receiver User Guide 5

Type approval

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 units.
Some countries have unique technical requirements for operation in particular radio-modem
frequency bands. To comply with those requirements, Trimble may have modified your equipment
to be granted Type approval.
Unauthorized modification of the units voids the Type approval, the warranty, and the operational
license of the equipment.

Exposure to radio frequency radiation

The Alloy (with internal 450 MHz radio operating in base station transmit mode). Note
the safe distance is 40cm for RF Exposure.

For 450 MHz radio

Safety. Exposure to RF energy is an important safety consideration. The FCC has adopted a safety
standard for human exposure to radio frequency 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 modem results in exposure below government limits. The following
precautions are recommended:

•

DO NOT operate the transmitter when someone is 40 cm of the antenna.

• DO NOT operate the transmitter unless all RF connectors are secure and any open
connectors are properly terminated.

• DO NOT operate the equipment near electrical blasting caps or in an explosive
atmosphere.

•

DO NOT co-locate (place within 45 cm (17.7 inches)) the radio antenna with any other
transmitting antenna.)

• All equipment must be properly grounded according to Trimble installation instructions for
safe operation.

• All equipment should be serviced only by a qualified technician.

For license-free 900 MHz radio

!!!!CAUTION - For your own safety, and in terms of the RF exposure requirements of the FCC,

always observe these precautions:

• Always maintain a minimum separation distance of 25 cm (9.8 inches) between yourself
and the radiating antenna.

• Do not co-locate the antenna with any other transmitting device.

NOTE – 900 MHz radios are not used in Europe.

6

Alloy GNSS reference receiver User Guide

For Bluetooth radio

The radiated output power of the internal Bluetooth wireless radio and the Wi-Fi radio included in
some Trimble receivers is far below the FCC radio frequency exposure limits.
Nevertheless, the wireless radio(s) shall be used in such a manner that the Trimble receiver is 25
cm or further from the human body. The internal wireless radio(s) operate within guidelines found
in radio frequency safety standards and recommendations, which reflect the consensus of the
scientific community. Trimble therefore believes that the internal wireless radio(s) are safe for use
by consumers. The level of energy emitted is far less than the electromagnetic energy emitted by
wireless devices such as mobile phones. However, the use of wireless radios may be restricted in
some situations or environments, such as on aircraft. If you are unsure of restrictions, you are
encouraged to ask for authorization before turning on the wireless radio.

Installing antennas

!!!!CAUTION - For your own safety, and in terms of the RF exposure requirements of the FCC,

always observe these precautions:

• Always maintain a minimum separation distance of 25 cm (9.8 inches) between yourself
and the radiating antenna.

• Do not co-locate the antenna with any other transmitting device.

!!!!WARNING - The GNSS antenna and its cabling should be installed in accordance with all national

and local electrical codes, regulations, and practices. The antenna and cabling should be installed
where they will not become energized as a result of falling nearby power lines, nor be mounted
where they are subjected to over-voltage transients, particularly lightning. Such installations
require additional protective means that are detailed in national and local electrical codes.

Trimble receiver internal radios have been designed

to operate with the antennas listed below.
Antennas not included in this list are strictly prohibited for use with this device. The required
antenna impedance is 50 ohms.
To reduce potential radio interference to other users, the antenna type and its gain should be an
approved Trimble antenna, so that the equivalent isotropically radiated power (e.i.r.p.) is not more
than that permitted for successful communication.

Alloy GNSS reference receiver User Guide 7

Battery safety

_______________________________________________________________________________

WARNING – Do not damage the rechargeable Lithium-ion battery.

A damaged battery can cause
an explosion or fire, and can result in personal injury and/or property damage.
To prevent injury or damage:
– Do not use or charge the battery if it appears to be damaged. Signs of damage include, but are
not limited to, discoloration, warping, and leaking battery fluid.
– Do not expose the battery to fire, high temperature, or direct sunlight.
– Do not immerse the battery in water.
– Do not use or store the battery inside a vehicle during hot weather
– Do not drop or puncture the battery.
– Do not open the battery or short-circuit its contacts.

WARNING – Avoid contact with the rechargeable Lithium-ion battery if it appears to be leaking.

Battery fluid is corrosive, and contact with it can result in personal injury and/or property damage.
To prevent injury or damage:
– If the battery leaks, avoid contact with the battery fluid.
– If battery fluid gets into your eyes, immediately rinse your eyes with clean water and seek medical
attention. Do not rub your eyes!
– If battery fluid gets onto your skin or clothing, immediately use clean water to wash off the battery
fluid.

WARNING – Charge and use the rechargeable Lithium-ion battery only in strict accordance with

the instructions. Charging or using the battery in unauthorized equipment can cause an explosion
or fire, and can result in personal injury and/or equipment damage.
To prevent injury or damage:
– Do not charge or use the battery if it appears to be damaged or leaking.
– Charge the Lithium-ion battery only in a Trimble product that is specified to charge it.
Be sure to follow all instructions that are provided with the battery charger.
– Discontinue charging a battery that gives off extreme heat or a burning odor.
– Use the battery only in Trimble equipment that is specified to use it.
– Use the battery only for its intended use and according to the instructions in the product
documentation.

Power over Ethernet safety

_______________________________________________________________________________

WARNING – When this product is connected to a Power over Ethernet (PoE) connection, the

source of the Ethernet power must meet IEEE 802.11af, and its DC output (Ethernet power source)
must be completely isolated from earth ground (floating). If this is not done, a shock hazard may
exist.

WARNING – When this product is connected to a PoE connection, the DC voltage must be limited

to 57 VDC +0% under both normal and single fault conditions. This product may present an
electrical hazard if the recommended input voltage is exceeded.

8

Alloy GNSS reference receiver User Guide

DC power supply safety

_______________________________________________________________________________

WARNING – When DC voltage is applied to this product through connectors 2 or 3 (Lemo

connectors), the DC voltage must be limited to 28 V DC +0% under both normal and single fault
conditions. This product may present an electrical hazard if the recommended input voltage is
exceeded.

Wet location safety

_______________________________________________________________________________

WARNING – This product is not intended to be used in a wet location or a location that may

become wet when it is powered by the PoE interface, or by the external DC power supply. The
product should only be used in a wet location when operating on it own internal battery.

WARNING – The external power adapter and its associated power cord and plug are not intended

to be installed outdoors, nor in a wet location.

WARNING – Do not power the receiver through external power when operating in a wet

environment or an environment that may become wet. The power input connections must be
sheltered.

Alloy GNSS reference receiver User Guide

9

Contents

Safety Information .................................................................................................................. 4

Regulations and safety ........................................................................................................................... 4

Type approval ......................................................................................................................................... 5

Exposure to radio frequency radiation ................................................................................................... 5

For Bluetooth radio ......................................................................................................................................... 6

Battery safety ......................................................................................................................................... 7

Power over Ethernet safety .................................................................................................................... 7

DC power supply safety .......................................................................................................................... 8

Wet location safety ................................................................................................................................ 8

Introduction .......................................................................................................................... 13

About the Alloy GNSS reference receiver ............................................................................................ 14

Related information ............................................................................................................................. 14

Technical support ................................................................................................................................. 14

Your comments .................................................................................................................................... 14

Receiver Overview ................................................................................................................. 15

Receiver framework ............................................................................................................................. 16

Alloy receiver features ......................................................................................................................... 18

Use and care ......................................................................................................................................... 19

Electronic interference ......................................................................................................................... 19

COCOM limits ....................................................................................................................................... 19

Keypad and display ............................................................................................................................... 20

Rear connectors .................................................................................................................................... 21

Batteries and Power .............................................................................................................. 22

External power ..................................................................................................................................... 23

Battery safety ....................................................................................................................................... 24

Battery performance ............................................................................................................................ 24

Charging the Lithium-ion battery ......................................................................................................... 25

Storing the Lithium-ion battery ............................................................................................................ 25

Removing the rechargeable Lithium-ion battery ................................................................................. 26

Setting up the Receiver .......................................................................................................... 27

Setup Guidelines ................................................................................................................................... 28

Environmental Conditions ............................................................................................................................. 28

Sources of Electrical Interference .................................................................................................................. 28

Uninterruptible Power Supply ....................................................................................................................... 28

Connecting the receiver to external devices ........................................................................................ 30

GNSS Antenna ............................................................................................................................................... 30

Antenna Cabling ............................................................................................................................................ 30

Dial-up modems ............................................................................................................................................ 31

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Alloy GNSS reference receiver User Guide

Radio modems ............................................................................................................................................... 31

Meteorological and tilt sensors ..................................................................................................................... 31

Installing the tripod clip ........................................................................................................................ 32

Configuring the Receiver Using the Keypad and Display ........................................................ 33

Button functions ................................................................................................................................... 34

Power button operations ..................................................................................................................... 34

Home screen ......................................................................................................................................... 35

Status screens ....................................................................................................................................... 35

Setting up the receiver as a base station ............................................................................................. 36

Configuring the receiver as a base station .................................................................................................... 36

Setting up the receiver as part of an Ethernet configuration .............................................................. 39

Setting up the receiver to log data ....................................................................................................... 40

Enabling logging sessions .............................................................................................................................. 40

Configuring the Receiver Settings .......................................................................................... 41

Configuring Ethernet settings ............................................................................................................... 42

Configuring the Alloy receiver using a web browser ............................................................................ 46

Supported browsers ....................................................................................................................................... 46

Changing the settings .................................................................................................................................... 48

Receiver Status menu .................................................................................................................................... 48

Satellites menu .............................................................................................................................................. 53

Data Logging menu ....................................................................................................................................... 55

Receiver Configuration menu ........................................................................................................................ 60

I/O Configuration menu ................................................................................................................................. 65

OmniSTAR menu ............................................................................................................................................ 66

Network Configuration menu ........................................................................................................................ 67

Security menu ................................................................................................................................................ 68

Firmware menu ............................................................................................................................................. 69

Programmatic Interface menu ...................................................................................................................... 70

Default Settings and Application Files ................................................................................... 71

Default receiver settings ...................................................................................................................... 72

Resetting the receiver to factory defaults ............................................................................................ 72

Using application files to duplicate receiver settings ........................................................................... 72

Specifications ........................................................................................................................ 78

General specifications .......................................................................................................................... 79

Physical specifications .......................................................................................................................... 79

Electrical specifications ........................................................................................................................ 81

Communication specifications ............................................................................................................. 82

NMEA-0183 Output ............................................................................................................... 83

NMEA-0183 message overview ............................................................................................................ 84

Common message elements ................................................................................................................ 85

Message values ............................................................................................................................................. 85

NMEA messages ................................................................................................................................... 85

ADV ................................................................................................................................................................ 86

GGA ............................................................................................................................................................... 87

Alloy GNSS reference receiver User Guide

11

GSA ................................................................................................................................................................ 88

GST ................................................................................................................................................................ 89

GSV ................................................................................................................................................................ 90

HDT ................................................................................................................................................................ 91

PTNL, AVR ...................................................................................................................................................... 92

PTNL, GGK ..................................................................................................................................................... 93

PTNL, VGK ...................................................................................................................................................... 94

PTNL, VHD ..................................................................................................................................................... 95

RMC ............................................................................................................................................................... 96

ROT ................................................................................................................................................................ 97

VGT ................................................................................................................................................................ 98

ZDA ................................................................................................................................................................ 99

Upgrading the Receiver Firmware ....................................................................................... 100

The WinFlash utility ............................................................................................................................ 101

Installing the WinFlash utility ...................................................................................................................... 101

Upgrading the receiver firmware ....................................................................................................... 101

Forcing the receiver into Monitor mode ............................................................................................ 102

Troubleshooting .................................................................................................................. 103

Receiver issues ................................................................................................................................... 104

Programmatic Interface ....................................................................................................... 106

Overview ............................................................................................................................................. 107

Format of the Programmatic Commands ........................................................................................... 108

Uploading Files ............................................................................................................................................ 109

Responses to Commands ................................................................................................................... 110

Single Line Data Response ........................................................................................................................... 110

Multi-Line Data Response ............................................................................................................................ 110

Single Line Action Response - 'OK:' .............................................................................................................. 111

A Single Line Error Message ........................................................................................................................ 112

Binary File Response .................................................................................................................................... 112

How to use Programmatic Commands ............................................................................................... 113

Using Curl .................................................................................................................................................... 114

Using Perl .................................................................................................................................................... 115

Other techniques ......................................................................................................................................... 116

List of Programmatic Commands ....................................................................................................... 117

Status Commands ........................................................................................................................................ 117

Satellite Commands ..................................................................................................................................... 117

Configuration Commands ............................................................................................................................ 118

Input/Output Commands ............................................................................................................................ 118

Firmware Commands .................................................................................................................................. 118

Glossary............................................................................................................................... 119

12

Alloy GNSS reference receiver User Guide

Alloy GNSS reference receiver User Guide

13

Introduction

 About the Alloy GNSS reference

receiver

 Related information
 Technical support
 Your comments

Welcome to the Alloy GNSS reference receiver User
Guide. This manual describes how to set up and use

the Trimble® Alloy GNSS reference receiver.

Even if you have used other Global Navigation
Satellite Systems (GNSS) 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 GNSS, visit the
Trimble website (www.trimble.com) for an
interactive look at Trimble and GNSS.

14

Alloy GNSS reference receiver User Guide

About the Alloy GNSS reference receiver

The Alloy GNSS reference receiver is a multiple-frequency GNSS receiver. It can track all GPS signals
(L1/L2/L5) as well as GLONASS (L1/L2). You can use the front panel of the receiver or an office
computer to configure the receiver, access files, and publish data files to a company intranet or to the
Internet. The Alloy receiver makes it easy for you to set up a powerful, flexible, and reliable reference
station for continuous operation.

The Trimble Alloy receiver is designed to serve in all common geodetic reference receiver roles. It can
be the main component in a continuously operating reference station (CORS), streaming data to
Trimble GNSS Infrastructure software. It can also work well as a campaign receiver prior to
permanent deployment. The Alloy makes an excellent portable RTK base station with its internal
battery. This receiver also has specialized capabilities that make it an excellent reference receiver for
scientific applications.

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. They are provided as a .pdf file on
the Trimble website.

• Trimble training courses – Consider a training course to help you use your GNSS system to its

fullest potential. For more information, go to the Trimble website at
www.trimble.com/training.html.

Technical support

If you have a problem and cannot find the information you need in the product documentation,
contact your local Infrastructure dealer. Alternatively, go to the Support area of the Trimble website
(www.trimble.com/support.shtml) and then select the product you need information on. Product
updates, documentation, and any support issues are available for download.

If you need to contact Trimble technical support, complete the online inquiry form at

www.trimble.com/support_form.asp.

Your comments

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

Alloy GNSS reference receiver User Guide

15

Receiver Overview

In this chapter:

 Receiver framework
 Alloy receiver features
 Use and care
 Electronic interference
 COCOM limits
 Keypad and display
 Rear connectors

This chapter introduces the Trimble Alloy GNSS
reference receiver. This receiver makes it easy to set
up a powerful and reliable Continuously Operating
Reference Station (CORS) or to collect data from
temporary field locations.

The Alloy receiver is ideal for the following
infrastructure applications:

• Use as part of a GNSS Infrastructure

network in conjunction with Trimble GNSS
Infrastructure software.

• Use as part of a permanent reference

station with or without supporting
software.

• Use a temporary field base station to

broadcast RTK corrections and collect
observations for postprocessing.

• Use as a scientific reference station

collecting data for atmospheric or
seismological studies.

16

Alloy GNSS reference receiver User Guide

Receiver framework

The Alloy receiver integrates the latest multi-frequency GNSS technology into a specialized
processing and communications framework. The receiver can operate as a standalone reference
station or it can be integrated into a scalable network.

With Internet Protocol (IP) as the primary communications method, you can use public domain
tools, such as a web browser and FTP client, to configure the receiver and access logged data files.

Note – All references to the Internet are intended to mean either a Wide Area Network (WAN) or a
Local Area Network (LAN) connection.

You can enforce multiple levels of security, from a completely open system that allows anonymous
access to all features, to a secured system that requires a password protected login for configuration
changes and/or file access.

Use the network management features to create a base configuration with a variety of operating
modes. You can then enable those modes as necessary instead of switching the global state of the
receiver from one mode to another. For example, you can configure a number of streaming services
with different configurations (such as measurement intervals or smoothing controls) on different
TCP or UDP ports. To activate one or more modes, open the connection to the specific port. This
allows multiple clients to access any given streaming service.

These features and many more, shift the model of a GNSS receiver toward the concept of a
“network appliance”.

The network appliance concept

Traditionally, a GNSS receiver has one operator. That person is the only user of the receiver so they
can change settings without affecting other users.

With the Alloy receiver, an operator can configure a receiver once, and then make it available, as a
network appliance, for general use by one or more users (or clients).

This network appliance concept lets you set up the receiver to provide one or more services that
one or more users can access through a Local Area Network (LAN) or a Wide Area Network (WAN),
such as the Internet. Once the receiver is set up, you need make only minimal changes, if any, to the
receiver configuration.

When the receiver is operating as a network appliance, it provides services to all users attached to
the receiver through the network.

Different streamed services may be configured on different ports, for example, with differing data
rates or smoothing configurations. To obtain a service, the client has only to connect to a specific
port. In this way, most users do not need to control the receiver. Changing global settings, such as
masks, will affect all users of all services. However, the comprehensive set of controls that have
been provided for streamed service and data logging configuration avoids global changes for the
majority of applications.

Alloy GNSS reference receiver User Guide

17

The Alloy receiver provides the following standard configuration and data logging services:

Use  to perform 

HTTP all manual and automated configuration operations manual operations to manage the logged data file

space

FTP remote manual and/or automated operations to manage the logged data file space

Alloy services

The Alloy receiver can provide one or more streaming or query services over a RS-232 serial port or a
TCP/IP port:

• Streaming service

Anyone with authorized access can obtain streamed information, such as GNSS measurements or
RTCM corrections, without having to control or issue commands to the receiver. The client simply
connects to the port that is streaming the required information. Normally the port should be set to
Output only mode so multiple users can connect to receive correction data.

• Query service

This allows bi-directional communications between the receiver and another application. All ports
act as query ports unless Output only mode is selected. When Output only mode is selected, it also
means the receiver is more secure; especially if it is on the Internet. Multiple users can connect
simultaneously to a single port as long as it is set to Output only mode.

Multiple users can connect simultaneously to a single port as long as it is set to Output only mode.

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Alloy GNSS reference receiver User Guide

Alloy receiver features

The Alloy provides the following features:

• 440-channels

- GPS: L1/L2/L2C/L5

- Glonass: L1 C/A and unencrypted P code, L2 C/A, and unencrypted P code

- Galileo: GIOVE-A and GIOVE-B

- SBAS: L1C/A and L5 supporting WAAS, EGNOS, MSAS

- L-Band: OmniSTAR VBS/HP/XP

• 8 GB on-board storage

• External USB drive support

• Integrated battery, provides over 15 hours operation

• Integrated display and keypad for system configuration without a controller

• Integrated display and keypad for system configuration without a controller

• Integrated Bluetooth wireless technology for cable-free configuration and operation

• Permanent/semi-permanent and mobile quick setup base station capability

• Easy-to-use Web-interface menu system for rapid configuration and status checking

• Ability to operate as a Rover Integrity receiver with Trimble Infrastructure software to allow

monitoring of Trimble VRS network performance

• Rugged, weatherproof construction with an IP67 environmental rating

• -40 °C to +65 °C (-40 °F to +149 °F) operating temperature range

• 9.5 V to 28 V DC input power range, with over-voltage protection and configurable power-up

and power-down settings

• Power over Ethernet (PoE) support

• Data files generated in T02, RINEX v2.11, RINEX v3.00, BINEX, and Google Earth files

• Tracking and storage rates of up to 50 Hz

• Eight independent data logging sessions with configurable memory pooling

• FTP and Email push to allow uploading of logged data files to remote sites

• Email client to alert system users of any issues with the system

• Ethernet and reference station configuration via the front panel

• Multiple languages available through the Web interface and receiver front panel

• Ntrip (Networked Transport of RTCM via Internet Protocol) client/server/caster support

Alloy GNSS reference receiver User Guide

19

Use and care

This product is designed to withstand the rough treatment and tough environment that
typically occurs in CORS installation. However, the receiver is a high-precision electronic
instrument and should be treated with reasonable care.

CAUTION – Operating or storing the receiver outside the specified temperature range can damage it.

For more information, see Chapter 8, Specifications.

Electronic interference

High-power signals from a nearby radio or radar transmitter can overwhelm the receiver
circuits. This does not harm the instrument, but it can prevent the receiver electronics
from functioning correctly.

Avoid locating the receiver or antenna within 400 meters of powerful radar, television, or
other transmitters or GNSS antennas. Low-power transmitters, such as those in cell
phones and two-way radios, normally do not interfere with receiver operations.

COCOM limits

The U.S. Department of Commerce requires that all exportable GNNS products contain
performance limitations so that they cannot be used in a manner that could threaten the
security of the United States. The following limitations are implemented on this product:

• Immediate access to satellite measurements and navigation results is disabled when

the receiver velocity is computed to be greater than 1000 knots, or its altitude is
computed to be above 18 000 meters. The receiver GNSS subsystem resets until the
COCOM situation clears. As a result, all logging and stream configurations stop until
the GNSS subsystem is cleared.

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Alloy GNSS reference receiver User Guide

Keypad and display

Feature Description
1 Power LED Indicates if the receiver is turned on or off.

2 Buttons Used to turn on and configure the receiver. (see Button functions, page 36)
3 Display The receiver has a Vacuum Fluorescent Display. This display allows you to see how the

receiver is operating and view the configuration settings.

Figure 2.1 Front view of the Alloy receiver

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21

Rear connectors

Connector Type Description
1 TNC Connect to the GNSS antenna
2 BNC 10 MHz external frequency input
3 D9 Full 9-wire RS-232 serial port
4 Lemo (7-pin/0-shell)

(port 2)

• Event input and 1 PPS output using cable (P/N 36451-02)

• Power from a Trimble AC/DC power supply

• 3 wire RS-232 serial communications using a 7-pin/0-shell

Lemo cable (P/N 59044)

6 USB Mini B 5 pin USB. Connect to external USB drive for external
data logging or connect receiver to computer to download
files from receiver as an external device to the computer.

7 RJ45 Jack 10/100 Base-T Ethernet communications

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Alloy GNSS reference receiver User Guide

Batteries and Power

In this chapter:

External power
Battery safety
Battery performance
Charging the Lithium-ion battery
Storing the Lithium-ion battery
Removing the rechargeable
Lithium-ion battery

The Alloy GNSS receiver uses an internal
rechargeable Lithium-ion battery, which can be
replaced only at an Authorized Trimble Service
Center.

The receiver can also be powered by an external
power source that is connected to either of the
Lemo ports.

The operational time provided by the internal
battery depends on the type of measurement and
operating conditions. Typically, the internal battery
provides up to 12 hours operation.

Note – All battery operational tests are carried out
with new, fully charged batteries at room

Alloy GNSS reference receiver User Guide

23

temperature, tracking both GPS and GLONASS
satellites while storing and streaming data at 1 Hz.
Older batteries, at temperatures significantly higher
or lower than room temperature, will have a reduced

performance. Power consumption increases with an
increasing number of actively tracked satellites and
well as increasing observation and storage rates.

External power

The receiver uses an external power source in preference to its internal battery. If the receiver is not
connected to an external power source, or if the external power supply fails, the internal battery is
used.

The applied external power must offer between 9.5 V and 28 V DC and must be able to supply at
least 5 W of power. The receiver's internal battery will only charge when the external voltage is
above 12 V DC. Trimble recommends that external supply voltage be above 12 V DC for long-term
installations. This will ensure that the internal battery is charged and ready to compensate for power
supply disruptions.

While carrying out static measurements for postprocessed computations using the internal memory,
if no external power is supplied and the internal battery is drained, the receiver shuts down. No data
is lost and when power is restored, the receiver restarts in the same status as it was when power
was lost.

If for some reason you do not want to use the internal battery as an uninterruptable power supply,
you may disable this feature in the Web user interface. See Chapter 6 for details on the
configuration setting.

WARNING – The external AC power adapter and its associated power cord and plug are not

intended to be installed outdoors, nor in a wet location.

WARNING – Do not power the receiver through external power when operating in a wet

environment or an environment that may become wet. The power input connections must be
sheltered.

WARNING – When you apply DC voltage to this product through the Lemo connector, the DC

voltage must be limited to 28 V DC +0% under both normal and single fault conditions. This product
may present an electrical hazard if the recommended input voltage is exceeded.

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Alloy GNSS reference receiver User Guide

Battery safety

The receiver is powered by a rechargeable internal Lithium-ion battery. Charge and use the battery
only in strict accordance with the instructions below.

WARNING – Do not damage the rechargeable Lithium-ion battery. A damaged battery can cause an

explosion or fire, and can result in personal injury and/or property damage.
To prevent injury or damage:
– Do not use or charge the battery if it appears to be damaged. Signs of damage include, but are not
limited to, discoloration, warping, and leaking battery fluid.
– Do not expose the battery to fire, high temperature, or direct sunlight.
– Do not immerse the battery in water.
– Do not use or store the battery inside a vehicle during hot weather.
– Do not drop or puncture the battery.
– Do not open the battery or short-circuit its contacts.

WARNING – Avoid contact with the rechargeable Lithium-ion battery if it appears to be leaking.

Battery fluid is corrosive, and contact with it can result in personal injury and/or property damage.
To prevent injury or damage:
– If the battery leaks, avoid contact with the battery fluid.
– If battery fluid gets into your eyes, immediately rinse your eyes with clean water and seek medical
attention. Do not rub your eyes!
– If battery fluid gets onto your skin or clothing, immediately use clean water to wash off the battery
fluid.

Battery performance

To optimize battery performance and extend battery life:

• Fully charge all new batteries before use.

• Batteries perform best when they are not used at extreme temperatures. The receiver is

designed to operate at –40 °C to +65 °C (–40 °F to +149 °F). However, operation at
temperatures of less than 0 °C (32 °F) can cause a rapid drop in battery life.

• Do not allow a battery that is in storage to discharge to below 5 V.

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25

Charging the Lithium-ion battery

The rechargeable Lithium-ion battery is supplied partially charged. Charge the battery completely
before using it for the first time. If the battery has been stored for longer than three months, charge
it before use.

The internal battery charges fully in 24 hours when connected to a suitable power source.

WARNING – Charge and use the rechargeable Lithium-ion battery only in strict accordance with the

instructions. Charging or using the battery in unauthorized equipment can cause an explosion or fire,
and can result in personal injury and/or equipment damage.
To prevent injury or damage:
– Do not charge or use the battery if it appears to be damaged or leaking.
– Charge the Lithium-ion battery only within the Alloy receiver. The battery can only be removed by
an authorized Trimble Service Center.

Storing the Lithium-ion battery

If you must store a Lithium-ion battery for long periods, make sure that it is fully charged before it is
stored, and that you charge it at least once every three months while it is stored.

Do not allow a battery that is in storage to discharge to below 5 V. A battery that reaches deep
discharge level (5 V or less) cannot be recharged and must be replaced. (To protect a battery that is
in use from deep discharge, the receiver switches power sources or stops drawing power when the
battery pack discharges to 5.9 V.)

All batteries discharge over time when not in use, and they discharge faster in colder temperatures.
Do not store the receiver at temperatures outside the range –40 °C to +70 °C (–40 °F to +158 °F).

The receiver has an internal Lithium-ion battery. The internal battery will only charge from an
external power source that delivers more than 12 volts, for example, an AC power adaptor. The
receiver is supplied with a mains power supply unit that recharges the battery inside the receiver
when it is connected through the adaptor to either of the Lemo ports. When you use the receiver in
a long-term deployment, Trimble recommends that you use this power supply or another that

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Alloy GNSS reference receiver User Guide

provides at least 12 V DC at all times to keep the internal battery charged. This will ensure that the
internal battery provides an uninterrupted power supply that will keep the receiver operational for
up to 15 hours after a power failure.

Keep all batteries on continuous charge when not in use. You can keep batteries on charge
indefinitely without damage to the receiver or to the batteries.

Removing the rechargeable Lithium-ion battery

The internal Lithium-ion battery should be removed only at an authorized Trimble Service Center. If
the battery is removed at an unauthorized service center, the remaining warranty on the product
will be void.

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27

Setting up the Receiver

In this chapter:

 Setup guidelines
 Connecting the receiver to external

devices

 Installing the tripod clip

This chapter describes best practices for setting up
the equipment, and outlines the precautions that
you need to take to protect the equipment. It also
describes how to connect the receiver to external
devices.

The antenna installation guidelines offered here are
the minimum standards: When installing a geodetic
antenna to gather precise observation data, always
follow recommended CORS installation practices to
the greatest extent possible.

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Alloy GNSS reference receiver User Guide

Setup Guidelines

When you set up the receiver, follow these guidelines.

Environmental Conditions

The receiver has a waterproof housing. However, you should take reasonable care to keep the unit
dry.

To improve the performance and long-term reliability of the receiver, avoid exposing the receiver
to extreme environmental conditions, such as:

• Water

• Heat greater than 65 °C (149 °F)

• Cold less than -40 °C (-40 °F)

• Corrosive fluids and gases

Sources of Electrical Interference

Avoid locating the GNSS antenna near the following sources of electrical and magnetic noise:

• Gasoline engines (spark plugs)

• Televisions and computer monitors

• Alternators and generators

• Electric motors

• Equipment with DC-to-AC converters

• Fluorescent lights

• Switching power supplies

• Arc welding equipment

Uninterruptible Power Supply

Trimble recommends that you use an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) to power the receiver.
The internal battery can also operate as a UPS for up to 15 hours. A UPS protects the equipment
from power surges and spikes, and keeps the receiver running during short power outages.

Alloy GNSS reference receiver User Guide

29

Items operating with the receiver, such as an Ethernet switch, should also be on a UPS to provide
uninterrupted operation.

For more information, contact your local Trimble dealer.

Lightning and surge protection

Trimble recommends that you install lightning protection equipment at permanent sites. All
connections to the receiver should have surge protection. Typically, the minimum protection
should include a surge protector in the antenna feed line, on the Ethernet connection between the
receiver and the local area network, as well as on the receiver's power supply system. If serial
devices are attached to the receiver, those serial connections should also be provided with surge
protection. Also, protect any communications and power lines at building entry points. If you use
other antennas, such as a radio modem that distributes real-time correction messages or a last­mile radio, install surge protection on those antenna feeds as well.

No surge protection devices can offer protection unless they are connected to an excellent ground
using very low impedance conductors. Equipment damage caused by electrical surges occurs in
many permanent installations even though surge protection is in place. Commonly, this is because
the grounding system used was designed to protect against AC electrical hazards rather than to
dissipate the sudden, high current surges caused by lightning. Please consult with a lightning
protection expert or research the topic when planning permanent installations.

For more information, contact your local Trimble Infrastructure dealer, or go to the websites of
surge protection and grounding system manufacturers. Trimble customers have reported good
results when using products from the following manufacturers:

• Polyphaser (www.polyphaser.com)

• Huber and Suhner (www.hubersuhner.com)

• Harger (www.harger.com)

• Hyperlink Technologies (www.hyperlinktech.com)

Placing the antenna

The antenna location will have a significant effect on the quality of your Alloy receiver's
performance. In temporary developments it may not always be possible to set up on an ideal
location with an excellent sky view. However, when installing a permanent station, be sure to plan
the antenna location and mounting system carefully.

The general requirements for the antenna location and mount are:

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Alloy GNSS reference receiver User Guide

• Clear sky from the zenith to the horizon to a 100 m (328 feet) radius, in all directions (360

degrees).

• Mounted 1.5 m (5 feet) above any nearby signal reflectors.

• Separation of at least 300 m (984 feet) from radio signal transmitters.

• Mount stability that is not influenced by thermal expansion, wind loading, or soil

expansion/contraction.

For additional information on this topic, research the reference antenna installation guidelines
published by:

• the US National Geodetic Survey

(http://www.ngs.noaa.gov/PUBS_LIB/CORS_guidelines.pdf)

• the International GNSS Service

(http://igscb.jpl.nasa.gov/network/guidelines/guidelines.html)

Connecting the receiver to external devices

You can connect a Alloy receiver to the following devices:

• GNSS antenna

• Dial-up modems

• Radio modems

• Meteorological and tilt sensors

GNSS Antenna

The Alloy receiver provides a TNC-type female connector for connecting to an antenna. The
receiver is intended for use with a Zephyr™ Geodetic Model 2 antenna or a Trimble GNSS Choke
Ring antenna.

Antenna Cabling

Many permanent GPS installations have unique cabling requirements. Depending on the available
infrastructure, you may need to mount the antenna a substantial distance from the receiver.

The Alloy receiver can withstand a loss of 12 dB between the antenna and the receiver. The degree
of loss in a coaxial cable depends on the frequency of the signal passing through it. The following
table lists some common types of cable and the maximum length you can use before you need an
inline amplifier.