Trimble TC900C User Manual

Trimble® SNR900

Radio-Modem

Operation Manual

F

Part Number 52357-00-ENG

Revision B

December 2004

Contact Information

Trimble Geomatics and Engineering Division
5475 Kellenburger Road
Dayton, Ohio 45424-1099
U.S.A.

800-538-7800 (toll free in USA)
[phone] Phone
[phone] Fax
www.trimble.com

Copyright and Trademarks

© 2001–2004, Caterpillar Trimble Control Technologies LLC. All rights
reserved.

Trimble, the Globe & Triangle logo, BladePro, and SiteVision are
trademarks of Trimble Navigation Limited, registered in the United States
Patent and Trademark Office and other countries.

CMR+, MS750, MS860, SiteNet, and TRIMCOMM are trademarks of
Trimble Navigation Limited.
Microsoft, Windows, and Windows NT are trademarks or registered
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 December 2004 release (Revision B) of the SNR900 Operation
Manual, part number 52357-00-ENG. It applies to version 1.0 of the

SNR900 radio-modem.

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 stand-alone 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 one (1) year, 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 EXCLUSI ON 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.

The SNR900 operates in the 902 to 928 MHz frequency band. It is certified
for unlicensed use in this band as a transmitter pursuant to 47 C.F.R. §§

15.247, 15.249 (1993) (unlicensed, low-power devices) Subpart C of Part
15 of FCC Rules regarding Spread Spectrum Systems for the United States.
License-free operation in Canada is covered by RSS-210 of Industrie
Canada.

Contents

1 Introduction

Welcome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

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

Technical Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

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

2 Getting Started

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Hardware Specification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

SNR900 Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Frequency Band . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

3 Configuring the SNR900

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Default Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

WinFlash Configuration Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Connecting to the SNR900. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Configuring the SNR900. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Serial Port Baud Rate and Parity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Defaults. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Diagnostics and Firmware Upgrade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

SNR900 Operation Manual iii

Contents

4 Installing the SNR900 Network

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Physical Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Connectors and Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Mounting the SNR900 on a Machine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Machine Mount Kit (PN 35087-00) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Cabling Configurations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Power and I/O Cable for Machine Installations . . . . . . . . . 24

Infrastructure/Base Station Power and I/O Cable . . . . . . . . 26

Machine Service Cable. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Antenna Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Antenna Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

A Technical Specifications

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

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

Index

iv SNR900 Operation Manual

CHAPTER

1

Introduction 1

In this chapter:

Q Welcome

Q Related Information

Q Technical Assistance

Q Your Comments

1 Introduction

1.1 Welcome

This manual describes how to set up and use the SNR900 radio­modem.

This publication assumes that you are know how to use the
Microsoft® Windows® operating system.

1.2 Related Information

Sources of related information include the following:

• Readme.txt file – a Readme.txt file contains information added
after the documentation was completed. To read this file,
double-click it or use a text editor to open it. The installation
program also copies it into the program directory.

• 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
CD and are installed in the program directory (typically
C:\Program Files\Trimble\<Folder>) when you install the
software.

• Update notes – there is a warranty activation sheet with this
product. Send it in to automatically receive update notes
containing important information about software and hardware
changes. Contact your local Trimble dealer for more
information about the support agreement contracts for software
and firmware, and an extended warranty program for hardware.

• Trimble training courses – Consider a training course to help
you use your GPS system to its fullest potential. For more
information, go to the Trimble website at
www.trimble.com/training.html.

2 SNR900 Operation Manual

1.3 Technical Assistance

If you have a problem and cannot find the information you need in the
product documentation, contact your local dealer. Alternatively, do
one of the following actions:

• Request technical support using the Trimble website at
www.trimble.com/support.html

• Send an e-mail to [e-mail]

1.4 Your Com men ts

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

Introduction 1

SNR900 Operation Manual 3

1 Introduction

4 SNR900 Operation Manual

CHAPTER

2

Getting Started 2

In this chapter:

Q Introduction

Q Hardware Specification

Q SNR900 Description

2 Getting Started

2.1 Introduction

The SNR900 radio-modem broadcasts raw GPS data in Compact
Measurement Record (CMR) format from a reference receiver to one
or more roving receivers for precise machine positioning.

The SNR900 is compatible with the Trimble SiteNet™ 900 and
TRIMCOMM™ 900 radio for broadcasting and receiving Radio
Technical Commission for Maritime Services (RTCM) or CMR data.

Trimble recommends that you use the Trimble CMR+™ format
whenever possible. This requires version 1.40 or later software in all
of your radios.

2.2 Hardware Specification

The SNR900 meets stringent hardware requirements and is designed
to survive in harsh environments. It has the following features:

• Integrated low-profile antenna for machine installations.

• Physical connection by means of the same 8-pin male Bendix
connector previously used on SiteNet 900 and TRIMCOMM
radios. For a description of the connector pinout, see Pinout
Information, page 36.

In addition, SNR900 is designed for use with unconditioned 10 VDC
to 32 VDC power.

6 SNR900 Operation Manual

2.3 SNR900 Description

The SNR900 is a frequency-hopping, spread-spectrum radio unit and
data modem packaged in a rugged, waterproof, metal case and is
designed to withstand severe environmental stress.

2.3.1 Features

• Low latency CMR transmission

• Compatible with SiteNet and TRIMCOMM radio networks

• Upgradeable software

• Forty selectable networks

• License-free operation in the U.S., Canada, Australia, and New
Zealand

• Ruggedized, weatherproof casing

• Typical 3–5 km range

• Low power consumption

Getting Started 2

• One CAN (J1939) port

• Two RS-232 interfaces at either 9600, 38400, or 57600 baud

• Low-profile antenna for machine applications

• Machine mounting kit option (for more information, see
Mounting the SNR900 on a Machine, page 20)

SNR900 Operation Manual 7

2 Getting Started

2.3.2 Frequency Band

The SNR900 operates in the 902 to 928 MHz frequency band. It is
certified for unlicensed use in this band as a transmitter pursuant to
47 C.F.R.

§§ 15.247, 15.249 (1993) (unlicensed, low-power devices)

Subpart C of Part 15 of FCC Rules regarding Spread Spectrum
Systems for the United States. License-free operation in Canada is
covered by RSS-210 of Industrie Canada.

The SNR900 can be purchased with a reduced frequency range for use
in Australia and New Zealand. It is available in single-frequency mode
for other countries.

Note – The 902–928 MHz band is a shared-use band and as such is
subject to interfering signals.

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 SNR900 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 SNR900.

8 SNR900 Operation Manual

CHAPTER

3

Configuring the SNR900 3

In this chapter:

Q Introduction

Q Default Settings

Q WinFlash Configuration Software

Q Diagnostics and Firmware Upgrade

3 Configuring the SNR900

3.1 Introduction

The SNR900 is a data modem and a radio in one unit. Two units can
provide a radio data link between Trimble GPS receivers.

3.2 Default Settings

The SNR900 serial ports are initially configured with the following
settings:

• 38400 baud

• 8 data bits, no parity

•1 stop bit

The SNR900 is also initially configured as a rover; its network setting
is Network 1.

When the SNR900 powers up, it retrieves its default settings from its
nonvolatile memory. The default settings can be changed whenever
necessary.

3.3 WinFlash Configuration Software

The Trimble WinFlash software is a Microsoft Windows-based
application that configures the SNR900 for use in a network. Use
WinFlash to configure all SNR900 radios required for a project.

Note – The Trimble CommSet software is required to configure
Trimble SiteNet 900 radios.

To configure a SNR900 using WinFlash, complete the following
procedures:

1. Connect the office computer to the SNR900.

2. Configure the SNR900 using WinFlash.

These procedures are discussed in the following sections.

10 SNR900 Operation Manual