4800

Operation Manual

Part Number: 33899-00

Revision: B
Date: December 1997

Trimble Navigation Limited

Commercial Systems Group
645 North Mary Avenue
Post Office Box 3642
Sunnyvale, CA 94088-3642
U.S.A.

+1-800-827-8000 in North America

+1-408-481-8000 International
FAX: +1-408-481-7744
www.trimble.com
 Trimble Navigation Europe Limited
Trimble House, Meridian Office Park
Osborn Way, Hook
Hampshire RG27 9HX
ENGLAND
+44-1256-760-150
FAX: +44-1256-760-148

Trimble Navigation Singapore PTE Limited

79 Anson Road
#05-02
Singapore 079906
SINGAPORE
+65-325-5668
FAX: +65-225-9989

Trimble Japan K.K.

Sumitomo Hamamatsu-cho, Building 10F
1-18-16 Hamamatsu-cho Minato-ku
Tokyo 105
JAPAN
+81-3-5472-0880
FAX: +81-3-5472-2326

Trimble Navigation New Zealand Limited

11 Birmingham Drive
P.O. Box 8729 Riccarton
Christchurch
NEW ZEALAND
+64-3-339-1400
FAX: +64-3-339-1417

Copyrights
1997 Trimble Navigation Limited. All rights reserved. No part of this manual may be
copied, photocopied, reproduced, translated, or reduced to any electronic medium or machine-
readable form without prior written consent from Trimble Navigation Limited.
Printed in the United States of America. Printed on recycled paper.
Revision Notice
This is the first release of this manual, 4800 Operation Manual, Part Number 33899-00
Revision B, December 1997. This guide describes receiver firmware version 1.0.

Trademarks
Trimble and the Trimble logo, GPS Total Station, GPSurvey, PowerLiTE, Survey Controller,
Trimble Survey Office, TRIMNET Plus, TSC1, TSIP, and WAVE are trademarks of Trimble
Navigation Limited. Scorpio is a registered trademark of Scorpio Marine Electronics, Limited.
IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines, Inc. MS-DOS and
Windows are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Intel is a trademark of Intel Corporation.
All other brand names are trademarks of their respective holders.

Patents
The 4800 units are covered by the following U.S. patents: 4754465, 5148179, 5187450,
5202694, 5311149, 5402347, 5402450, 5493588, 5519620, 5564098, 5602741 and other
patents pending.

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
communications. 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.
Disclaimer of Warranty
EXCEPT AS INDICATED IN LIMITED WARRANTY HEREIN, TRIMBLE HARDWARE,
SOFTWARE, FIRMWARE AND DOCUMENTATION IS PROVIDED AS IS AND WITHOUT
EXPRESS OR LIMITED WARRANTY OF ANY KIND BY EITHER TRIMBLE OR ANYONE WHO
HAS BEEN INVOLVED IN ITS CREATION, PRODUCTION, OR DISTRIBUTION INCLUDING
BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS
FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. THE ENTIRE RISK, AS TO THE QUALITY AND
PERFORMANCE OF THE TRIMBLE HARDWARE, SOFTWARE, FIRMWARE AND
DOCUMENTATION, IS WITH YOU. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OF
IMPLIED WARRANTIES, SO THE ABOVE EXCLUSION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.

Limitation of Liability
IN NO EVENT WILL TRIMBLE OR ANY PERSON INVOLVED IN THE CREATION,
PRODUCTION, OR DISTRIBUTION OF THE TRIMBLE PRODUCT BE LIABLE TO YOU ON
ACCOUNT OF ANY CLAIM FOR ANY DAMAGES, INCLUDING ANY LOST PROFITS, LOST
SAVINGS, OR OTHER SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR EXEMPLARY
DAMAGES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY DAMAGES ASSESSED AGAINST OR
PAID BY YOU TO ANY THIRD PARTY, RISING OUT OF THE USE, LIABILITY TO USE,
QUALITY OR PERFORMANCE OF SUCH TRIMBLE PRODUCT INCLUDING HARDWARE,
SOFTWARE, FIRMWARE, AND DOCUMENTATION, EVEN IF TRIMBLE OR ANY SUCH
PERSON OR ENTITY HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF DAMAGES, OR FOR ANY
CLAIM BY ANY OTHER PARTY. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE LIMITATION OR
EXCLUSION OF LIABILITY FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES SO, THE
ABOVE LIMITATIONS MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.

Software and Firmware Limited Warranty

Trimble warrants that Software and Firmware products will substantially conform to the
published specifications provided it is used with the Trimble products, computer products, and
operating system for which it was designed. For a period of ninety (90) days, commencing
thirty (30) days after shipment from Trimble, Trimble also warrants that the magnetic media on
which Software and Firmware are distributed and the documentation are free from defects in
materials and workmanship. During the ninety (90) day warranty period, Trimble will replace
defective media or documentation, or correct substantial program errors at no charge. If
Trimble is unable to replace defective media or documentation, or correct program errors,
Trimble will refund the price paid for The Software. These are your sole remedies for any
breach in warranty.
Hardware Limited Warranty
Trimble Navigation Limited products are warranted against defects in material and
workmanship for a period of one year. The warranty period shall commence thirty (30) days
after shipment from Trimbles factory. Warranty service will be provided at a designated
Trimble Service Center. Trimble will at its option either repair or replace products that prove to
be defective. The Customer shall pay all shipping charges for products returned to Trimble for
warranty service. Trimble shall pay all shipping charges for the return of products to the
Customer. This warranty shall not apply to defects resulting from:
1. Improper or inadequate maintenance by the buyer
2. Buyer-supplied software or interfacing
3. Unauthorized modification or misuse
4. Operation outside of the environmental specifications of the product
5. Improper installation, where applicable
6. Lightning or other electrical discharge
7. Fresh or salt water immersion or spray
8. Normal wear and tear on consumable parts (for example, batteries)
No other warranty is expressed or implied. Trimble Navigation Limited specifically disclaims
the implied warranties of fitness for a particular purpose and merchantability.
Table of Contents
Preface
Scope and Audience . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .xvii
Organization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .xvii
Related Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .xix
Update Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .xix
Other Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .xx
World Wide Web. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .xx
FTP Site . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .xx
Technical Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .xxi
Reader Comment Form . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .xxii
Document Conventions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .xxii
Warnings, Cautions, Notes, and Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .xxiii

1 GPS Surveying Concepts

1.1 Number of Visible Satellites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-2
1.2 Elevation Mask . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-2
1.3 Logging Rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-2
1.4 Environmental Factors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-3
1.5 GPS versus Conventional Surveying Techniques . . . . . . . . . .1-3
1.5.1 Postprocessed Surveys. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-4
1.5.2 Real-Time Kinematic Surveys. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-4
1.5.3 GPS Surveying Methods. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-5
1.6 Design of GPS Surveys. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-7

4800 Operation Manual vii

Table of Contents

1.7 Postprocessed Surveying . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-9

1.7.1 Static Surveying . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-10
1.7.2 FastStatic Surveying . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-11
1.8 Sample Field Survey - Postprocessed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-13
1.8.1 FastStatic Data Collection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-14

2 General Operation
2.1 Applications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-2
2.2 Switches and Indicator LEDs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-2
2.3 Serial Ports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-5
2.4 Power Management. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-7
2.4.1 Power In . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-7
2.4.2 Power Out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-7
2.4.3 External Power Sources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-8
2.4.4 How the Receiver Selects a Power Source . . . . . . . .2-9
2.4.5 Restarting the Survey After Power-Down . . . . . . . . .2-10
2.4.6 Charging the Batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-11
2.5 Clearing RAM and File System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-11
2.6 Use and Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-12
2.7 COCOM Limits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-12
2.8 Data Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-13
2.8.1 Data Download . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-13
2.9 Measuring Unit Height . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-16
2.9.1 Fixed-Height Tripod . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-18
2.10 Hardware and Software Requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-18
2.11 Operating Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-19

viii 4800 Operation Manual

 Table of Contents

3 Pre-Survey Planning
3.1 Preparation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-1
3.2 Site Reconnaissance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-2
3.3 Network Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-2
3.4 Survey Planning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-3
3.4.1 Project Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-3
3.4.2 Check Satellite Availability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-4

4 In the Field - Control Surveying

4.1 Control Surveying Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-2
4.1.1 Static Surveying . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-2
4.1.2 FastStatic Surveying . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-3
4.2 Basic Survey Project Steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-4
4.3 FastStatic Surveying Methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-6
4.3.1 Required Equipment and Software . . . . . . . . . . . .4-6
4.3.2 Setting Up the Equipment and Running the Survey . . . .4-6
4.3.3 Minimum Observation Times . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-11
4.4 Static Surveying Methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-12
4.4.1 Equipment and Software Required . . . . . . . . . . . .4-12
4.4.2 Setting Up the Equipment and Running the Survey . . . .4-12
4.4.3 Static Survey Times and Distances . . . . . . . . . . . .4-13
4.4.4 Setting Up a Rangepole . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-13

5 Back in the Office with Postprocessed Data

5.1 Open a Project . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-2
5.2 Download Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-2
5.2.1 File Management Inside the 4800 . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-4
5.3 Check In and Verify Field Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-5
5.4 Back Up Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-6
5.5 Process the Baselines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-6

4800 Operation Manual ix

Table of Contents

5.6 View the Baseline Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-6

5.7 Adjust the Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-7
5.7.1 Create Project Reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-7

6 In the Field - Real-Time Kinematic Surveying

6.1 Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) Surveying Description. . . . . . . . .6-2
6.1.1 RTK Survey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-3

A Typical Configurations
A.1 Tripod Setup: Field Checklist and Configuration . . . . . . . . . .A-1
A.2 Rangepole Setup: Field Checklist and Configuration . . . . . . . .A-5
A.3 Preparing to Download Field Data from the 4800 . . . . . . . . . .A-8
A.4 External Power Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A-10
A.4.1 6 AH battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A-10
A.4.2 10 AH battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A-10
A.4.3 PowerLiTE battery, cable and pouch . . . . . . . . . . .A-10
A.4.4 Other Trimble power supplies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A-11
A.5 Internal Radio. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A-11

B Specifications

C NMEA-0183 Output
C.1 Message Elements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .C-1
C.1.1 Fields and Delimiters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .C-2
C.1.2 Latitude and Longitude . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .C-2
C.1.3 Direction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .C-2
C.1.4 Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .C-3
C.2 Supported Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .C-3
C.2.1 GGA: Time, Position, and Fix Related Data . . . . . . .C-4
C.2.2 GST Position Error Statistics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .C-5

x 4800 Operation Manual

 Table of Contents

C.2.3 PTNL,GGK: Time, Position, Position Type, DOP . . . .C-6

C.2.4 PTNL,PJK: Local Coordinate Position Output . . . . . .C-7
C.2.5 PTNL, PJT: Projection Type. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .C-8
C.2.6 VTG: Actual Track Made Good Over and
Speed Over Ground . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .C-8
C.2.7 ZDA: UTC Day, Month, And Year, and
Local Time Zone Offset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .C-9

D Troubleshooting

E PowerLiTE Battery Charger Operation

E.1 Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .E-2
E.2 Charge Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .E-3
E.3 Temperature Warning Indication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .E-4
E.4 Desktop Power Module. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .E-5
E.5 Safety Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .E-5
E.6 Technical Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .E-6

F Using WinFLASH
F.1 Installing WinFLASH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .F-1
F.2 Using WinFLASH: An Example . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .F-2

G Using CommSet
G.1 What is CommSet? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .G-1
G.2 Using CommSet: An Example . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .G-2

4800 Operation Manual xi

Table of Contents

xii 4800 Operation Manual

List of Figures
Figure 1-1 Network Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-7
Figure 1-2 Radial Survey. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-8
Figure 1-3 Control Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-14
Figure 1-4 Base at 1, FastStatic Data Logging Session . . . . . . . . . . 1-14
Figure 1-5 Base at 3, FastStatic Data Logging Session . . . . . . . . . . 1-15
Figure 2-1 4800 Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1
Figure 2-2 4800 Control Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
Figure 2-3 4800 Ports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5
Figure 2-4 Serial Port Icons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5
Figure 2-5 7-Pin Small Shell LEMO Receiver Ports. . . . . . . . . . . . 2-6
Figure 2-6 Sample 4800 External Power Source Connection . . . . . . . 2-9
Figure 2-7 Standard Configuration for Data Download . . . . . . . . . . 2-14
Figure 2-8 Measuring the 4800 Antenna Height . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-17
Figure 4-1 4800 Mounted on a Tripod . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-7
Figure 4-2 Locating the Unit with a Clear View of the Sky . . . . . . . . 4-8
Figure 4-3 4800 Mounted on a PowerLiTE Pole With Composite Bipod . 4-14
Figure 5-1 Standard Configuration for Data Download . . . . . . . . . . 5-3
Figure A-1 Typical Configuration: Using a 4800 for Static or
FastStatic with a Conventional Tripod Setup. . . . . . . . . . A-3
Figure A-2 Using a 4800 for Static or FastStatic with a
Conventional Tripod and Lithium Ion Battery . . . . . . . . . A-4
Figure A-3 Typical Configuration: Using a 4800 for Static or
FastStatic with the PowerLiTE Pole . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-6

4800 Operation Manual xiii

List of Figures

Figure A-4 Making the Connections when Downloading

Field Data from the 4800 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-8
Figure A-5 Downloading Field Data from the 4800 Using
the 4-Pack Charger Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-9
Figure A-6 4800 Unit with Internal Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-11
Figure E-1 4-Pack Charger Setup. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-2

xiv 4800 Operation Manual

List of Tables
Table 1-1 Baseline Observation Techniques . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5
Table 2-1 4800 Indicator LED Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4
Table 2-2 4800 Port Pinouts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-6
Table 2-3 System Defaults . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-19
Table 4-1 FastStatic Survey Point Occupation Times . . . . . . . . . . 4-11
Table A-1 Items Required for Conventional Tripod Setup . . . . . . . . A-1
Table A-2 Optional Items . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-2
Table A-3 Recommended Items Not Supplied by Trimble . . . . . . . . A-2
Table A-4 Items Required for Rangepole Setup (Control Work) . . . . . A-5
Table A-5 Optional Items . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-5
Table A-6 Functions of Items in PowerLiTE Pole Setup . . . . . . . . . A-7
Table B-1 Static Survey Performance Accuracy (Postprocessed) . . . . . B-1
Table B-2 4800 Unit Physical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-1
Table B-3 4800 Unit Technical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-2
Table B-4 4800 Unit Electrical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-2
Table C-1 NMEA Message Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-3
Table C-2 GGA Message Fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-4
Table C-3 GST Message Fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-5
Table C-4 PTNL,GGK Message Fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-6
Table C-5 PTNL,PJK Message Fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-7
Table C-6 PTNL,PJT Message Fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-8
Table C-7 VTG Message Fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-8
Table C-8 ZDA Message Fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-9

4800 Operation Manual xv

List of Tables

Table D-1 4800 Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-2

Table E-1 Status Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-4

xvi 4800 Operation Manual

 Preface
Welcome to the 4800 Operation Manual. This manual describes the 4800 unit and its
configuration for Static, FastStatic, Kinematic, and Real Time Kinematic (RTK) survey
applications. The 4800 unit tracks GPS satellites on the L1/L2 frequency to provide
precise position data for land survey applications.

Caution, Warning, Danger, Notes, and Tips

The following cautions, warnings, dangers, notes and tips symbols are found throughout the manual where
appropriate. These symbols are placed to alert the user of the necessary precautions.

Caution!
! Indicates a potentially hazardous situation that could result in minor
Injury, moderate injury, or product or property damage.

Warning!
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation that if not avoided, could
result in severe injury or death.

Danger!
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation that if not avoided, could
result in severe injury or death.

Caution!
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation that could result in minor
Injury, moderate injury, or product or property damage.

4800 xiii
Preface

SYMBOL INTENDED MEANING INTERNATIONAL SYMBOL

The equipment generates radio

frequency (RF) non-ionizing
radiation that could cause
pacemaker malfunction.

(1) Signal Word WARNING

(2) Nature of Hazard

(3) Consequence Which Can

Result

Turn off and lock out

(4) How to Avoid the Hazard power at main
electrical panel

* Note Gives additional significant information about the subject to increase your
knowledge, or guide your actions. A note can precede or follow the text it references.

F Tip Indicates a shortcut or other time or labor-saving hint that can help you make better
use of the Galaxy Sentinel System.

xiv 4800
 Preface

Scope and Audience

The following sections provide a guide to this manual and other documentation received with this product.

Organization
This manual contains the following chapters and appendices:
Chapter 1, GPS Surveying Concepts, provides an overview of the GPS surveying topics as
related to the 4800 unit.
Chapter 2, Theory of Operation Describes the block-diagram level theory of operation and
provides general operation procedures.
Chapter 3, Interfacing Describes the 4800 interfacing connections, cable requirements, and
related data.
Chapter 4, Troubleshooting Provides data and procedures for localizing a problem to a
replaceable assembly.
Chapter 5, CU Service and Repair Provides detailed instructions for disassembly and
reassembly of the communications unit.
Chapter 6, Service Operations Provides procedures for updating Galaxy Sentinel memory
and transferring files to and from disk.
Appendix A, Parts and Release Information Lists replaceable parts, field service kit(s), and
software release history.
Appendix B, Module Exchange Procedures Describes standard warranty and non-warranty
repair process.
Appendix C, typical Configuration of a 4800.
Appendix D, describes the physical and technical specifications of the 4800.
Appendix E, describes the NEMA-0183 output messages available from the 4800.

4800 xv
Preface

Related Information

Related Manuals
"GPS, A Guide to the Next Utility", (P/N 16778) available from Trimble Navigation.
Where appropriate, this manual refers you to the other manuals for specific information.

Update Notes
A Warranty Activation Sheet is provided with your 4800 unit. When sending in your
Warranty Activation Sheet, updated notes will be sent as they become available. These
notes contain important information about software and hardware changes. Contact the
local Trimble Dealer for more information about the support agreement contacts for
software, firmware and extended warranty programs for hardware.

Technical Assistance
If you have problems and cannot find the information you need in this document, contact
your local dealer.
If you need further assistance, contact the Trimble Technical Assistance Center (TAC) by
phone, fax, or email. A support technician can help determine the cause of the problem
and provide technical assistance. You can reach the TAC by any of the following means:

Sunnyvale TAC
Phone: +1-800-SOS-4TAC (North America)
(+1-800-767-4822)
+1-408-481-6940 (International)
Fax: +1-408-737-6020
Email: [email protected]
Inmarsat Mobile #: 584-493135930 (AOR-W)
Standard hours: 1400-0130 (UTC)
(0600-1730 (Pacific Time))
Trimble UK TAC
Phone: +44-1256-746207
Fax: +44-1256-746299
Inmarsat Mobile #: 581-492340278 (AOR-E)
Standard hours: 0830-1730 (GMT), Monday Friday

xvi 4800
 Preface

When you contact TAC, have the following information available:

1. Trimble product name, any software or firmware version numbers, and if
appropriate the serial number.
2. Your specific question or problem.

Please give detail background information such as the configuration of your data
collector or receiver, and the exact type, make and configuration of your computer.
If you have received an error message, please specify the exact wording.
If you need to send a data file along with your inquiry, please compress the file using
PKZIP software by PKWARE, Inc., and name the file with the extension.zip.
Use one of the following methods to send the file;
Attach the file to your email inquiry.
Put the file on the Trimble BBS or the Trimble FTP site and include the filename
in your email inquiry.

Worldwide Web
Check the Trimble worldwide web site and FTP site on the Internet for the latest news on
new products and firmware, software, and document releases relevant to the Galaxy
Sentinel product line.
Web site: http://www.trimble.com
FTP site: ftp://ftp.trimble.com/pub
The FTP site can also be access from the Trimble World Wide Web site. (http://
www.trimble.com/support/support.htm)

Reader Comment Form

A reader comment form is provided at the end of this guide. If this form is not available,
you can send comments and suggestions to Trimble as follows:
mail: Trimble Navigation Limited
645 North Mary Avenue, Post Office Box 3642
Sunnyvale, CA 94088-3642 USA
fax: 408-481-6020
email: [email protected]
All comments and suggestions become the property of Trimble Navigation Limited.

4800 xvii
Preface

Document Conventions
Italics identify software menus, menu commands, dialog boxes, and the dialog box fields.
SMALL CAPITALS identify DOS commands, directories, filenames, and filename
extensions.
Courier is used to represent what you see printed on the screen by the DOS system or
program.
Courier Bold represents information that you must type in a software screen or
window.
[Return] or [Ctrl] + [C] identifies a hardware function key or key combination that you
must press on a PC.
Helvetica Bold represents a software command button.

xviii 4800
 Preface

Acronyms and Abbreviations

The acronyms and abbreviations used in this manual are defined below. Refer to the Glossary in the Galaxy
Sentinel Users Guide for complete definitions.
2D two-dimensional
3D three-dimensional
AC alternating current
ASCII American Standard Code for Information Interchange
AOR-E Atlantic Ocean Region (East)
AOR-W Atlantic Ocean Region (West)
BRT brightness
CC country code
CNID closed network identification
COG course over ground
CON contrast
CSDN circuit switched data network
CU communications unit
DC direct current
DCE data communications equipment
DNIC data network identification code
DNID data network identification
DOS disk operating system
DSP digital signal processor
DTE data terminal equipment
EGC Enhanced Group Call
email electronic mail
FIFO first in/first out
GMDSS Global Maritime Distress and Safety System
GPS Global Positioning System
GMT Greenwich Mean Time
HD high density
IA5 International Alphabet #5
IF intermediate frequency
IMN Inmarsat Mobile Number

4800 xix
Preface

IMO International Maritime Organization

Inmarsat International Maritime Satellite Organization
I/O input/output
IOR Indian Ocean Region
IP Information Provider
ITA-2 International Telex Alphabet #2
Lat latitude
LCD liquid crystal display
LED light emitting diode
LES land earth station
LESO LES Operator
Lon longitude
MMSI Maritime Mobile System Identification
MSI Maritime Safety Information
NAVAREA Navigation Area
NCS Network Coordination Station
NMEA National Maritime Electronics Association
PC personal computer
OR ocean region
POR Pacific Ocean Region
PSDN packet switched data network
PSTN public switched telephone network
RAP remote alarm panel
RCC Rescue Coordination Center
rcv receive
RF radio frequency
RO Routing Organization
Rx receive
SAR Search and Rescue
SCC Satellite Control Center
SES Ship Earth Station
SOG speed over ground
Tx transmit

xx 4800
 Preface

UTC Universal Time Coordinated

XMIT transmit

4800 xxi
Preface

xxii 4800
 1 GPS Surveying
Concepts
This chapter provides an overview of GPS surveying topics and the
GPSurvey software as related to the 4800 unit. For a more detailed
explanation of GPS surveying, refer to the GPS Surveying General
Reference in the GPSurvey Software documentation package.
GPS surveying requires the use of GPS receiver hardware, proper
field procedures, and software. It is not necessary to have a thorough
understanding of all of the principles of GPS to use it. However, it is
useful to become familiar with the basic GPS terminology.
The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a satellite-based positioning
system operated by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). This
system provides all-weather, worldwide, 24-hour position and time
information. The satellites broadcast signals that can be tracked by
receivers for positioning and navigation purposes. The positioning
accuracy of GPS ranges from 100 meters to less than 1 centimeter,
depending upon the equipment and techniques used.

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GPS Surveying Concepts 1

1.1 Number of Visible Satellites

The Global Positioning System is designed so that at least four
satellites are above the local horizon at all times. Normally, there are
more than four satellites visible. Because the satellites are orbiting,
satellite geometry changes throughout the day, but generally repeats
from one day to the next. In general, track as many satellites as
possible.
Low elevation satellites present problems for a GPS receiver. The
amount of atmosphere that the GPS signals must travel through
increases for low elevation satellites, and this adversely affects the
GPS signal. These low elevation satellites have lower signal-to-noise
ratios, and signal multipath tends to be worse.

1.2 Elevation Mask

The Elevation Mask is the cutoff angle for satellite tracking. The
receiver ignores satellites below the Elevation Mask. The default
Elevation Mask for the 4800 unit is 15, which works well for most
sites.

1.3 Logging Rate

The default logging rate for the 4800 unit is 15 seconds. This is
considered the optimal epoch interval for Static and FastStatic data
collection. To increase precision, increase the observation period
rather than reducing the logging rate.

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1 GPS Surveying Concepts

1.4 Environmental Factors

Environmental factors that impact GPS measurement quality include:
ionospheric activity
tropospheric delay
signal obstructions
multipath
radio interference
High ionospheric activity causes rapid changes in GPS signal delay,
even between closely spaced receivers. Ionospheric activity is most
extreme at the polar and equatorial regions, and it varies along an 11-
year cycle. During periods of high ionospheric activity, real-time
kinematic initialization performance can be degraded in the time-to-
initialize and in precision of the results.

1.5 GPS versus Conventional Surveying Techniques

The following are advantages of GPS over conventional surveying
techniques:
Line-of-sight between stations is not required.
GPS accuracy is subject to little degradation by weather (rain,
snow, high or low temperatures, or humidity).
GPS is faster than conventional methods.
GPS provides results in a unified world coordinate system.
GPS results are digital and easily transferred to mapping or
GIS systems.
There are many options for observing GPS baselines. For example,
GPS surveys can be conducted either as postprocessed surveys or
real-time kinematic (RTK) surveys.

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GPS Surveying Concepts 1

1.5.1 Postprocessed Surveys

In the default configuration, the 4800 unit is designed for
postprocessed surveys. In postprocessed surveys, data is logged in the
receiver or in a handheld data collector, then downloaded at the office
to a PC and processed using specially designed software, such as
GPSurvey.
When data is collected for postprocessing, there are a number of
different data collection techniques. The terms Static, FastStatic, and
kinematic refer to different methods of collecting data in the field.
Kinematic surveys can include both stop-and-go kinematic and
continuous kinematic.
In general, unless a survey technique or piece of equipment states
real-time or RTK, assume data is being logged for postprocessing.

1.5.2 Real-Time Kinematic Surveys

The 4800 unit can be configured with a real-time kinematic upgrade,
which includes all the necessary hardware and software to support
real-time surveying applications (for example, stakeout, monument
recovery, and topo). In real-time kinematic surveys, data processing
occurs in the field as data is logged, providing immediate results
(coordinates) in the handheld data collector.
Real-time surveys are kinematic surveys with a communications link
(radio) between the base receiver and rover. Like the postprocessed
kinematic technique, RTK can include stop-and-go data collection
and continuous data collection. Real-time surveys with the 4800 unit
always require a TSC1 handheld unit at the rover station.

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1 GPS Surveying Concepts

1.5.3 GPS Surveying Methods

Table 1-1 lists the basic types of data collection for the 4800 unit.
Table 1-1 Baseline Observation Techniques

Baseline Observation Best Suited For

Techniques Using
Dual- Frequency GPS
Receivers
Static long baselines and high-order control
work
FastStatic local surveys where high productivity is
required, but many obstructions
between stations exist
Stop-and-Go Kinematic high productivity on local sites with few
satellite obstructions
Continuous Kinematic topographic surveys in large open areas
and dynamic (moving) platforms
Real-time Kinematic stakeout, detail, and topographic
(RTK) surveys on local sites with few
obstructions

All of the baseline observation procedures described in Table 1-1

require the use of at least two receivers. This is because in GPS
baseline determination, the position of one receiver is computed
relative to the position of another.
A result of GPS processing is the computation of the difference in
position between a reference point and an unknown station. The
derived coordinates of survey stations are only as accurate as the
reference on which computations are based. That is, the difference
between the stations can be measured very precisely using GPS
surveying, but the absolute accuracy of the coordinates derived from a
GPS survey depends on the accuracy of the reference station
coordinates within the network.

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GPS Surveying Concepts 1
Each data collection method has special conditions associated with it
that dictate how and when the method can be used. The following
section describes types of GPS survey networks and the data
collection methods you can employ with the 4800 unit.

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1 GPS Surveying Concepts

1.6 Design of GPS Surveys

Before going out to the field to collect data, develop a scheme or
design for what you want to measure. To do so, answer this question:
what is the objective for this survey?
If this is a control survey, your primary consideration is the precision
of your final coordinates. Therefore, you should design a network
with a considerable amount of redundancy, or additional
measurements above and beyond the absolute minimum required.
This type of network includes an optimal number of known points,
with as many cross-ties and repeated measurements as you can
reasonably schedule.
The sample network of stations and baselines in Figure 1-1 is
provided as an illustration.

Figure 1-1 Network Design

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GPS Surveying Concepts 1
Suppose you are surveying a small area, and the primary objective is a
topographic map of the area. In this case, you are more concerned
about surveying a large number of points as efficiently as possible.
There may be many individual features and break points you need to
occupy, and there may be large open areas where you want to drive a
vehicle and log data.
In this case, the measurements are probably radial lines from one or
more base receiver(s). The lack of redundancy in the design is due to
the conscious decision to increase productivity rather than maximize
precision. Your network looks more like the one shown in Figure 1-2.

Figure 1-2 Radial Survey

Control surveys are normally performed as postprocessed surveys,

often employing more than (the minimum) two receivers. After data
is collected and processed, a least-squares adjustment is performed to
compute optimal coordinates for all stations in the network. Software
for baseline processing and adjustment is included in many of the
4800 configurations.
Control surveys can also be performed as RTK surveys, but the
network adjustment can only be performed back in the office, after
the RTK data has been collected. (QC1 and QC2 output is required if
you want to adjust your RTK data. This setting is made in the TSC1
handheld.) For this reason, it may be more efficient to establish a
control network that overlays your project area using postprocessed
techniques and then employ RTK for more detailed surveys with the
established control network. Stations in the adjusted control network,
then, provide ideal base stations and check points for your RTK work.

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1 GPS Surveying Concepts

After you have decided what it is you want to survey, you can start
planning how you want to execute the survey and determine the
optimal method of collecting the data. The next section describes the
options for data collection with the 4800 unit.

* Note In this manual the reference, base or base station refers to the
4800 unit positioned over a known point. The 4800 unit measuring an
unknown point is called the rover.

1.7 Postprocessed Surveying

The 4800 unit can be used in Static, FastStatic, as well as RTK and
postprocessed kinematic surveys. You can use the 4800 unit with any
other Trimble survey grade receivers for this purpose.
The following items are important conditions for this application:
At least one other receiver must log data at the same epoch
rate and at the same time to be able to compute baselines.
For every baseline desired, each receiver on the points
defining the desired baseline must be tracking at least four
satellites in common.
Each receiver must be a survey-grade receiver, capable of
logging both C/A code and at least L1 carrier phase
observables.
The 4800 unit is a dual-frequency receiverto achieve dual-
frequency baseline results, the unit must be used with another
dual-frequency receiver.
Static and FastStatic are two types of postprocessed surveys.

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GPS Surveying Concepts 1

1.7.1 Static Surveying

Static surveying is the most precise GPS surveying technique, but
requires long occupation times at each station. Like all GPS surveys,
the Static survey requires the use of at least two units, at either end of
a baseline, logging observations simultaneously from at least four
common satellites. Static surveying requires that observations be
logged for an extended period of time, usually about 45 to 60 minutes.
Although Static surveying requires more time than other techniques,
it is also more forgiving. A large amount of data are collected during
this 45-60 minute period, and this enables the processing software to
resolve more problems in the data set than might otherwise be
resolved in shorter observation periods. Furthermore, the additional
data typically lead to greater precision in the baseline solution.
The information associated with a Static occupation is stored in a
separate, unique data file. There is only one occupation per file. If for
any reason the unit is turned off in the middle of an occupation, a
second file can be opened and the survey can continue. In this case,
there is more than one file per occupation, but still only one
occupation per file. The GPSurvey software (the baseline processing
software) offers an option to concatenate (combine) these files when
downloading.
Static surveys can be performed with either single-frequency or dual-
frequency receivers. The 4800 unit is an integrated dual-frequency
receiver and antenna.
The occupation time required for a Static survey depends on many
factors. Trimble recommends an occupation time of at least 45
minutes when five or more satellites are available, or 60 minutes
during times when only four satellites are available. The GPSurvey
software allows two planning modes: Plan and Quick Plan. Either of
these (essentially identical utilities) can help you determine satellite
availability at a specified site and time.

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1 GPS Surveying Concepts

Static surveying techniques are generally used for projects where the
highest precision is required. At least two receivers are required, but
you can use multiple receivers to increase productivity. The sequence
of observations should be dictated by your network design.
Remember the most important rule of surveying with GPS: only
common data between receivers can be processed, therefore you must
be sure to have your receivers logging data at the same epoch rate, at
the same time of day, and observing the same satellites.

1.7.2 FastStatic Surveying

FastStatic surveying is a data collection technique that is similar to
Static surveying in some ways and similar to kinematic surveying in
other ways.

FastStatic versus Static

FastStatic surveying requires at least two receivers logging common
data from two different locations. The length of time the receivers log
data depends on the number of satellites being tracked, the geometry
of the satellites being tracked (PDOP), and the quality of the data
being logged.
Items affecting the quality of data are cycle slips (interruptions of data
logging on one or more satellites), multipath (reflections of the
satellite signal off nearby surfaces, such as the roof of a car), and
radio frequency (RF) interference.
In general, occupation times for FastStatic surveys on baselines
20km range from about 8 minutes with at least 6 satellites to about 20
minutes with 4 satellites.
FastStatic surveying is similar to Static surveying in that data is
logged only while the receiver is stationary and occupying a point. As
the receiver moves from each point to another point in the survey, no
data is logged, since the 4800 unit is turned off. The manner in which
the data is treated by the baseline processor is also similar.

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GPS Surveying Concepts 1
FastStatic surveying differs from Static surveying in the fact that less
data is collected. The occupation time is shorter, resulting in fewer
measurements for the baseline processor to use. Therefore, the
expected baseline precision is not quite as high for FastStatic as it is
for Static.

FastStatic using a TSC1 Handheld

A less important distinction between FastStatic and Static is the
potential for logging more than one occupation within a single data
file. The 4800 unit requires the use of a TSC1 handheld data
collector to perform a FastStatic survey with multiple occupations in
a single data file. In this application, the data file remains open while
the receiver moves between occupations, but no data is logged. The
advantage in this case is efficiency in the field. If you do not have a
TSC1 handheld, then each of your FastStatic occupations are logged
in the 4800 unit as individual, unique data files with one occupation
per file.
Refer to Survey Controller Reference Manual and Survey Controller
Field Guide for more information on TSC1 handheld operation.

FastStatic versus Kinematic

FastStatic surveying also shares similarities with kinematic
surveying. Because FastStatic procedures are highly productive, they
are often used in the same type of network design as kinematic
techniques. This design calls for at least one base receiver, which logs
data constantly throughout the survey, and one or more roving
receivers, which move from point to point, logging data at each
stationary occupation. The result is a radial survey from each base
receiver.
There is no requirement to restrict FastStatic techniques to a radial
survey. The application of a particular data collection technique to a
particular network design is a decision left to the individual surveyor.

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1 GPS Surveying Concepts

When logging data in a FastStatic survey, it is very important to

obtain the best data possible. Because the occupation times are
relatively short, the PDOP should be low and conditions for multipath
minimized. It is also very important to log data that is free of cycle
slips, so obstructions to the sky at each station should be minimized.
If obstructions exist at stations, use the PLAN (or Quick Plan) module
to help account for the obstructions and optimize field observation
time.
If you are planning to set up one receiver as a base receiver for a
significant portion of your survey, select a site that has a clear a view
of the sky. With the roving receiver, track the required number of
satellites continuously for the minimum time specified. The 4800 unit
informs you when sufficient data has been collected with a slow
flashing Data LED (yellow).

1.8 Sample Field Survey - Postprocessed

For this example, consider a survey for an area that is about 800
meters, or about 2500 feet, on each side. In this survey, you have
recovered monuments at all four corners, and you are expected to
measure between these monuments. FastStatic techniques will be
used to measure the baselines between monuments.
In this example, we assume you have three 4800 units to perform the
field work.

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GPS Surveying Concepts 1

1.8.1 FastStatic Data Collection

In Figure 1-3, receiver A is the base at point 1, while receivers B and
C measure at points 2 and 4. Receivers B and C then move to points 5
and 6.

Figure 1-3 Control Network

This data logging is graphically displayed in Figure 1-4, where the

solid lines indicate the receiver is on, data is being logged, and the
receiver is Static (not moving).

Figure 1-4 Base at 1, FastStatic Data Logging Session

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1 GPS Surveying Concepts

In Figure 1-5, receiver A moves to point 3 and receiver B and C

remeasure at points 5 and 6. Once complete, receiver B and C move to
remeasure at points 2 and 4. At this point, the FastStatic control
survey is complete.

Figure 1-5 Base at 3, FastStatic Data Logging Session

The observation periods of overlapping times are called sessions, and

in Figure 1-3, measured baselines from a single session are shown in
the same line type. That is, the first session, in which lines 1-4 and
1-2 were measured, is shown with solid lines. Similarly, the second
session, in which lines 2-3 and 3-4 were measured, is plotted with
phantom (dash/dot) lines.
At the end of the survey, the receivers are taken back to the office,
where all of the data files are downloaded into a GPSurvey project
database. Static, FastStatic (as well as kinematic) data can all be
processed simultaneously in GPSurveys WAVE baseline
processor. After the baselines have been processed, a network
adjustment is performed to produce final coordinates in your
preferred (local) coordinate system.

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GPS Surveying Concepts 1

1-16 4800 Operation Manual

 2 General Operation
The 4800 unit, shown in Figure 2-1, is designed for GPS surveying
and mapping applications using Static, FastStatic, and Kinematic
survey methods. The unit features single-button operation for ease-of-
use, and LEDs to monitor the survey in progress.

Figure 2-1 4800 Unit

The 4800 unit tracks GPS satellites on both the L1 and L2 frequencies
to provide precise position data for land survey applications. The unit
records GPS data and makes all raw and computed data available
through bi-directional RS-232 ports.

4800 Operation Manual 2-1

General Operation 2

2.1 Applications
The 4800 unit is designed to excel in surveying applications. It can
perform Static, FastStatic, and Kinematic surveys. Survey data is
logged internally for later downloading to a computer.
Trimbles GPSurvey software program postprocesses logged data for
various types of applications.

2.2 Switches and Indicator LEDs

The only operating controls on the 4800 unit are the power ON/OFF
button and three LEDs, as shown in Figure 2-2.

Figure 2-2 4800 Control Panel

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2 General Operation

During typical operation, slow-blinking LEDs indicate normal

operation. Fast-blinking LEDs indicate a condition that may have a
negative effect on the survey and may require operator attention. A
solid red LED indicates low battery power. LEDs that are off indicate
that no operation is occurring.
During normal operation, the 4800 unit transitions through three
stages:
1. Power Up and Initialization
When you press the power button to turn the 4800 unit on, the
green LED remains on solid and the other LEDs turn off. The
red satellite tracking LED starts blinking fast while the
receiver locks onto the first 3 satellites. As soon as it locks
onto 4 or more satellites, the red tracking LED begins to blink
slowly. When this happens, a data file is opened and the
yellow data logging LED turns on solid.
2. Data Logging/Memory
When the 4800 unit is logging data normally, the red LED
blinks slowly and the yellow LED is on solid. During this
period data is stored, the unit is tracking satellites, and the
internal processor is timing how long it needs to log data for a
FastStatic survey.
3. When the 4800 unit determines that enough data has been
logged for the FastStatic survey (see Section 4.3.3, Minimum
Observation Times for details), the yellow data LED blinks
slowly. At this time it is safe to turn the unit off if the baseline
being measured is within the FastStatic limits. If the unit is
left on, it continues to log data, provided adequate memory
and power are available.

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General Operation 2

* Note The FastStatic session timer in the 4800 unit starts counting
when the receiver begins tracking 4 or more satellites and a session
file is opened. If, at any time during the tracking session, the receiver
loses lock on the fourth satellite and is only tracking 3 or fewer
satellites, the session timer resets to zero. When the receiver again
locks onto 4 or more satellites, the session timer restarts. During this
session only one data file is kept open.

Table 2-1 lists the three indicator LEDs and describes the functions of
each LED.
Table 2-1 4800 Indicator LED Functions

LED Function Power Data Logging/ Memory Satellite

Tracking
Yellow
Color Green Red
OFF Unit off Unit not logging data, the Unit not
survey has not yet started or tracking
memory is full and additional satellites
data cannot be logged.
ON Unit on Unit logging data normally. Low power

Blink Slow N/A Unit has logged sufficient data Unit tracking 4
in this session for a FastStatic or more
survey, however, data continues satellites
to be logged.
Blink Fast N/A Unit logging data, but low Unit tracking 3
memory condition exists. There or fewer
should be sufficient memory to satellites
complete session in progress.

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2 General Operation

2.3 Serial Ports

Figure 2-3 shows the ports on the 4800 unit.

Figure 2-3 4800 Ports

There are three serial ports:

Port 1 is typically connected to the TSC1 handheld. (Flow
control only on port 1.)
Port 2 is connected to an external power source or to a
computer.
Port 3 is for connecting to an external RTK radio.
On all ports, baud rates range from 2400 to 38,400. The icons above
each port, as shown in Figure 2-4, can be used to identify the ports.

Figure 2-4 Serial Port Icons

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General Operation 2
A 4800 unit can be powered externally through the Port 2 connector
only. See Figure 2-5 and Table 2-2.

Figure 2-5 7-Pin Small Shell LEMO Receiver Ports

Table 2-2 4800 Port Pinouts

Pin Port 1 Port 2 Port 3

Pinout Function Pinout Function Pinout Function
1 Signal ground Signal ground Signal ground
2 Power Out RTN (-) Power In RTN (-) Power Out RTN (-)
3 Serial data out (TXD1) Serial data out (TXD2) Serial data out (TXD3)
4 RTS1 Spare RTS3
5 CTS1 Spare CTS3
6 Power Out (+) Power In (+) Power Out (+)
7 Serial data in (RXD1) Serial data in (RXD2) Serial data in (RXD3)

* Note The 4800 unit uses connectors known technically as 0-shell

LEMO connectors. The 0 designation refers to the size of the
diameter of the connector. Because the 0-shell LEMO connector is
the smallest in the series, it is also referred to as a small shell LEMO
connector. The terms 0-shell and small-shell are considered
interchangeable throughout the rest of this manual.

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2 General Operation

2.4 Power Management

The following sections describe power use and requirements for the
4800 unit.

2.4.1 Power In
A 4800 unit requires a DC power supply. The receiver turns itself off
if the voltage drops below 10.5 VDC. The power source must be
regulated to eliminate voltage spikes or voids. It must be filtered to
within the 10.5-20 VDC operating range; power from an unfiltered
automobile battery charger is not acceptable. The 4800 unit powers
itself on if more than 15 VDC are supplied through port 2.

* Note Connect external input power to port 2 only. Do not connect

external power to port 1 or port 3.

I Caution The receiver's DC power inputs have no user-serviceable

fuses. Any external DC power supply must be fuse-protected. The
Trimble equipment warranty is voided if this precaution is not followed.

2.4.2 Power Out

When any external power source is connected to port 2, power is
routed to port 1 for powering the TSC1 handheld and to port 3 for
powering an external TRIMTALK 450S, 450 or 900 RTK radio.
When power is supplied by the Lithium ion battery, power is routed to
port 1 only.

4800 Operation Manual 2-7

General Operation 2

2.4.3 External Power Sources

The 4800 unit requires an external power source. The typical
configurations are as follows:
The 6AH battery is standard for Static and FastStatic
applications.
The Lithium ion battery (P/N 31030-00, part of the
PowerLiTE rangepole assembly) is standard for roving
applications (for example, postprocessed and real-time
kinematic).
Refer to Appendix A, Typical Configurations for diagrams of
configurations.
The 4800 unit is designed to operate using an external power source,
as shown in Figure 2-6. External power is connected to the unit at port
2 using a 0-shell LEMO 7-pin connector. Any external power source
must provide 10.5 to 20 VDC for the unit to operate properly. Trimble
recommends using the 6AH battery (P/N 32364-00) or equivalent.

I Caution When the temperature falls below 10F (-12C) the

PowerLiTE battery should not be used in Port 2. Port 2s shutdown
cutoff is set at 10.5VDC in order to avoid permanent damage to a
lead acid battery.

M Warning Do not apply more than 20 VDC to the 4800 unit.

* Note When both Lithium ion (pole) batteries and external batteries
are connected, the 4800 unit uses the external source first.

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2 General Operation

Figure 2-6 Sample 4800 External Power Source

Connection

2.4.4 How the Receiver Selects a Power Source

If external power is connected to port 2, the 4800 unit uses the
external power to operate. If external power is not connected, and the
Lithium ion pole battery is connected through the rangepole, then the
4800 unit uses the Lithium ion battery for operation. If both external
power (for example, a 6AH) and a Lithium ion battery are connected,
the 4800 unit defaults to the external power. If the external power is
discharged and a pole battery is connected, the 4800 unit switches to
the pole battery.

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General Operation 2

2.4.5 Restarting the Survey After Power-Down

When the 4800 unit is powered on, and auto data logging starts, the
survey parameters (elevation mask, epoch interval, and so on) are set
to the default values. However, if one of the following things occurs
during the survey:
a power failure
an automatic power-down due to low battery
the surveyor powers down before changing the battery after
the low battery warning (solid red LED) has occurred
then the survey parameters are maintained from the previous session
when the unit automatically restarts after power-up.
For example, in this case, the 4800 unit is powered up and started
with the TSC1 handheld, and the epoch interval is changed to 5
seconds (postprocessed kinematic survey). If the power supply to the
4800 unit is disconnected during the survey, such as by pulling the
battery cable from port #2 (power failure) and the unit is restarted, it
maintains the previously set 5-second epoch interval. The same
happens during an automatic power-down due to a low battery or a
power-down before changing the battery after the low battery
warning (solid red LED) has occurred.
However, if the 4800 unit is manually powered down (with the power
key) before the low power warning, and then restarted, it sets default
parameters and resets the epoch interval to 15 seconds.
To summarize, if the 4800 unit is powered off normally, the settings
are returned to the defaults; if an abnormal power-off condition
occurs, the current settings are retained.

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2.4.6 Charging the Batteries

The typical configurations for charging the batteries used with a 4800
unit are:
6AH charger for the 6AH battery (P/N 34106-00, battery kit
including battery, charger and powercord)
4-barrel charger for the Lithium-ion batteries (P/N 34108-00,
PowerLiTE charger kit). See Appendix E for details.

2.5 Clearing RAM and File System

If the power key is held down continuously at power-up, the
following sequence occurs:
1. After 15 seconds the GPS red LED turns on and a RAM clear
(SV almanacs and ephemerides are cleared; all control
parameters reset to default) is triggered to occur when the
unit next powers up.
2. After 60 seconds any survey datalogging in progress is
terminated and the file system is fully initialized (all files are
deleted). The receiver then powers down.
At any time between 15 and 60 seconds (while the LED is on), the
power key can be released. This powers down the unit, leaving the file
system unchanged.

M Warning Clearing the file system (60-second key press) deletes all
data files in the 4800 unit, including files that may not have been
downloaded.

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General Operation 2

2.6 Use and Care

The 4800 unit is designed to tolerate the sort of rough treatment that
equipment may suffer in the field. Nevertheless, it is a high-precision
electronic instrument and should be treated with reasonable care.
The unit operates in temperatures from -40 to +55 Celsius (-40F to
+131F).
The receiver is protected with both internal and external bumpers for
vibration and shock mitigation. The receiver is designed and has been
tested to withstand an accidental drop when mounted to a 1.8 meter
long pole (PowerLiTE Pole). A drop of this magnitude could scratch
or slightly deform the external bumper ring. This will not affect the
GPS performance of the receiver.
High-power signals from a nearby radio or radar transmitter can
overwhelm the unit's receiver circuits. This does not harm the unit,
but can prevent it from functioning. To avoid problems, try not to use
the 4800 unit within 400 meters of powerful radar, television, or other
transmitters. Low-power transmitters such as the ones in portable
phones and walkie-talkies, and transmission lines normally do not
interfere with unit operations. For more information, see the Trimble
technical note Using Radio Communication Systems with GPS
Surveying Receivers.

2.7 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 the 4800 unit.
Immediate access to satellite measurements and navigation results is
disabled when the receiver's velocity is computed to be greater than
1000 knots, or its altitude is computed to be above 18,000 meters. The
unit continuously resets until the COCOM situation is cleared.

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2 General Operation

2.8 Data Management

The 4800 unit automatically assigns a filename and creates a tracking
session file when the unit begins tracking four or more satellites after
start-up. Each filename identifies the specific receiver by serial
number, lists the GPS date, and file sequence number as follows:
AAAABBBC
Where: AAAA = the last four digits of the unit serial number
BBB = GPS date code (Julian day,
e.g., Jan 1 = 001, Dec 31 = 365)
C = session sequence number (0 - 9, A - Z)
This numbering scheme allows up to 36 session files to be uniquely
numbered. If more than 36 session files are recorded, the filenames
for all session files after number 36 (Z) are identical, but each file has
a unique time code to identify it from the previous files.

2.8.1 Data Download

The first thing to do when you return to the office after completing a
survey is to download your data to a computer that has the latest
version (version 2.3 or later) of the GPSurvey software installed. The
GPSurvey software provides the tools for processing survey data to
produce baselines and coordinates.

4800 Operation Manual 2-13

General Operation 2
Use the data cable to connect the 4800 unit to the computer as shown
in Figure 2-7.

Figure 2-7 Standard Configuration for Data Download

The 4800 unit keeps satellite measurements and other data in files
stored in its internal memory. These files cannot be processed until
you have transferred (downloaded) them to the computer.
Download the data files to the computer using the GPLoad software
module in GPSurvey. GPLoad allows you to download all of the files
or selected files only. For more information about the download
process, see the GPLoad Software Users Guide.
When downloading is complete, the GPSurvey software
automatically begins checking in the downloaded files and places the
data in the current project database. When using the TSC1 handheld,
you can correct any data-entry errors that occurred in the field during
the data check-in process.

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2 General Operation

Backing Up Data
Always make a backup copy of your data files after downloading
them from the unit. Trimble recommends you use GPSurveys
Backup utility for project compression and archival.
See the GPSurvey Software User's Guide for additional information
on using the backup and restore options in the GPSurvey software.

Deleting Files
Files stored in the 4800 unit can be deleted in the following ways:
1. Use GPLoad in the GPSurvey software (version 2.3 or
above).
2. Use the TSC1 handheld.
3. Press the green power key continuously for 60 seconds.
(When using this method, all data is deleted. See Section 2.5,
Clearing RAM and File System, for additional details.)

M Warning Clearing the file system (60-second key press) deletes all
data files in the 4800 unit, including files that may not have been
downloaded.

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General Operation 2

2.9 Measuring Unit Height

Accurate height measurements are essential for meaningful survey
results. Mistakes in height measurement are the most common source
of error in GPS surveying. Make sure you record the unit height
measurements correctly in your field log, as well as the base station or
survey mark name, the unit serial number, and the time. The height
measurement can be the true vertical height of the unit on a tripod, or
the slope height acquired using a tape measure to find the distance
from the outer edge of the unit to the survey mark. The GPSurvey
software used in processing your files accepts either of these two
measurements to calculate the survey mark position precisely.
The 4800 unit is shipped with a tape measure and has tape-measuring
tabs on the unit housing. Use these to measure the slope height of the
unit when it is mounted on a standard tripod. Connect the tape
measure to the tape-measuring tabs, as shown in Figure 2-8, and
measure the distance to the survey mark. Be sure to record the value
and type of measurement accurately. The offsets are calculated (to the
phase center of the 4800 unit) in the GPSurvey software.

* Note The tape supplied with the 4800 unit reads the distance from
the end of the tape to the pointer on the tape case. While measuring
slope from the 4800 tab to the monument, record the exact tape value
as the slope distance. The GPSurvey software computes the exact
height of phase center from your measured slope distance.

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2 General Operation

Figure 2-8 Measuring the 4800 Antenna Height

4800 Operation Manual 2-17

General Operation 2

2.9.1 Fixed-Height Tripod

A fixed-height tripod has a fixed-height rod attached to the vertical
axis to simplify the height measurement process. To set up a fixed-
height tripod, place the tip of the measuring rod on the mark and
release the tripod's legs, which automatically extend to the ground.
Then adjust the tripod until the measuring rod's built-in level bubble is
centered in the visible ring, and lock the legs in place.
Since the fixed-height tripod does not require direct measurement of
unit height, there is less possibility for height measurement blunders.
For this reason, the fixed-height tripod is preferred for control
surveys.

2.10 Hardware and Software Requirements

The following items are the minimum hardware, software, and
firmware requirements for using and processing data from the 4800
unit:
Survey Controller version 6.0
GPSurvey 2.3
Trimble Survey Office 1.0
(for RTK and/or postprocessed kinematic data)

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2 General Operation

2.11 Operating Parameters

Table 2-3 lists the default operating parameters set up in the 4800
unit.
Table 2-3 System Defaults

Communications
Port 1 Baud Rate 9600
Format 8 data bits, parity none, 1 stop bit
Port 2 Baud Rate 9600
Format 8 data bits, parity none, 1 stop bit
Port 3 Baud Rate 9600
Format 8 data bits, parity none, 1 stop bit
Masks
Elevation Mask All types of surveys: 15
PDOP Mask 7.0
Data Logging
Minimum SVs 4
Measurement Storage Rate All types of surveys: 15-second
intervals
Position Storage Rate 5-minute interval
Auto-Survey Mode is Enabled

Ports 1 and 3 always default to the above settings at power-up, but

will adjust to the optimal settings after the connection is made.
Port 2 retains the settings.

4800 Operation Manual 2-19

General Operation 2

2-20 4800 Operation Manual

 3 Pre-Survey Planning
This chapter outlines the steps necessary to plan a GPS survey
project. The procedures are suggestions that are generally applicable
to most situations, but can be modified to fit your particular project.
The following tasks are associated with planning a GPS survey:
preparation
site reconnaissance
network design
survey planning

3.1 Preparation
Efficient use of GPS surveying requires an understanding of
fundamental surveying principles as well as familiarity with the
hardware, software, and field procedures associated with GPS. The
functionality of your hardware determines whether to use control
survey procedures, such as FastStatic and static, or kinematic survey
procedures to observe baselines in the field. Thorough knowledge of
the field procedures allows you to perform GPS surveys in the most
productive manner, while ensuring high-precision baseline
measurements.

4800 Operation Manual 3-1

Pre-Survey Planning 3
Prepare a written plan of your project describing the purpose, scope
of work, and ways you expect to collect and use the data. You may
find that by collecting data on a few additional points, you can
strengthen the network geometry considerably. Also, collecting more
data than is needed can yield valuable information for future use. For
example, it might enable you to salvage a survey if you find gross
errors in the observation of one or more baselines. Determine if
observations on additional points are feasible for your current project.

3.2 Site Reconnaissance

Site reconnaissance is usually an indispensable part of field survey
planning. It enables you to:
set or recover survey points to be located during the survey
note the presence of obstructions that can affect observation
scheduling or require that you relocate survey points
obtain permission to enter the job site from private property
owners
determine the best way to reach each survey station, in any
type of weather and at any time of the day or night
draw maps and write directions so that the survey crew can
reach the job site and find the points to be observed
estimate travel time between stations

3.3 Network Design

A good network design is imperative for a successful control survey
campaign. Even in cases where GPS is used for topographic purposes,
control points are required to tie the project to a common reference
frame. Extra control points also act as reinitialization points if
postprocessed or real-time kinematic procedures are to be used.

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3 Pre-Survey Planning

When designing your network, make a map of the stations, including

both fixed-control and unknown points to be observed. Scale the map
correctly, as distance between points is an important factor. Also,
create an observation schedule that considers both the observation
time for each station and the travel time between the stations.

3.4 Survey Planning

Create a project in the GPSurvey software. This automatically creates
the subdirectories required for all further operations associated with
the project and initializes a new project database.

* Note Before you can use the GPSurvey software, you must install it
and perform the product activation procedure. See the GPSurvey
Software Users Guide for instructions.

3.4.1 Project Management

The project management portion of the GPSurvey processing
environment contains the facilities for the day-to-day management of
projects. Use the project management options to perform the
following:
create a new project
open existing projects
modify project parameters
close a project
delete a project
review project status
back up, restore, and check the project database
For more specific information concerning the project management
module of GPSurvey, see the GPSurvey Software User's Guide.

4800 Operation Manual 3-3

Pre-Survey Planning 3

3.4.2 Check Satellite Availability

The GPSurvey software Quick Plan / Plan module provides the
environment for planning the field observation portion of the project.
Either of these modules allow you to:
create field observation sessions and define all of the stations
you want to observe
enter information from the obstruction diagrams you drafted
on your visit to each survey station
compute the field observation times required based on the SV
and local conditions
Use the Plan module to save obstruction and session information to
the project database. The Plan module can generate several types of
graphs and reports to help you plan field observations. These include
displays of satellite azimuth over time, satellite elevation over time,
satellite constellation changes, and skyplot (satellite tracks as seen
from a station). The skyplot includes outlines of any curtains you
defined to describe obstructions.
For more detailed information about the capabilities of GPSurvey's
planning software, and the functional differences between Quick Plan
and Plan, refer to the Quick Plan / Plan Software Users Guide.

3-4 4800 Operation Manual

 4 In the Field -
Control Surveying
This chapter contains a summary of the steps involved in carrying out
a GPS survey project using control surveying methods. Refer to the
GPSurvey software documentation and other Trimble publications to
review specific control survey techniques.
Understanding field data collection procedures is critical to
performing successful GPS surveys. It is not enough to know how to
operate the 4800 unit; you must also understand how to use the unit to
gather data to produce baselines with the highest precision and
efficiency possible.

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In the Field - Control Surveying 4

4.1 Control Surveying Description

The purpose of a control survey is to produce coordinates on selected
survey points at a specified level of precision. This level of precision
is set high enough that propagated error in subsequent surveys will
continue to be within the tolerances or requirements of the overall
project standards. To ensure this high level of precision, GPS control
surveys use procedures that may be more time-consuming than other
GPS surveys.
The two types of data collection techniques suggested for control
surveys are Static surveying and FastStatic surveying. Each of these
procedures requires that at least two receivers log simultaneous
observations of four or more satellites for a specified minimum time.
Using the known control information and the baselines computed
from your GPS field observations, the GPSurvey postprocessing
software can derive coordinates throughout the network.

* Note Always adjust your survey networks. The direct results of GPS
postprocessing are GPS baselines and unadjusted coordinates
insufficient for standard survey procedures. Use the GPSurvey
network adjustment option (TRIMNET Plus) to complete this step.

4.1.1 Static Surveying

Static surveying is the most precise surveying procedure, and the
slowest. It requires observations of at least four common satellites for
a period of 45 to 60 minutes. It yields baselines that are precise to
5 mm + (1 ppm times baseline length), assuming more than five
satellites being tracked continuously. Precise ephemeris and
meteorological data may be necessary to achieve this high accuracy,
depending on conditions at the time of observation. The 4800 unit
performs dual-frequency static surveys.

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4 In the Field - Control Surveying

4.1.2 FastStatic Surveying

FastStatic surveying is a less precise, but faster, procedure. It requires
simultaneous observations of four or more satellites for a period of 8
to 20 minutes and yields baseline components with precision that
approaches Static, depending on the number of common SVs, SV
geometry, ionospheric conditions, and so on. The FastStatic precision
is a function of occupation time and observation conditions.
FastStatic surveying is normally limited to operations with baselines
of approximately 20 km or less, and is more sensitive to cycle slips
and high PDOP (reflecting poor satellite geometry) than static
surveying.

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In the Field - Control Surveying 4

4.2 Basic Survey Project Steps

The main task associated with performing a GPS survey is the
collection of the field data, also known as baseline observation.
Field techniques can vary, depending on the required precision of the
project, topographic features and obstructions, accessibility, and
many other items. However, there are a number of field procedures
that are common to all GPS surveys.
These procedures are suggestions and can be modified to fit your
particular project, but they are generally applicable to most situations.
The basic steps are:
1. Set up the 4800 units on the survey marks.
2. Connect the 4800 unit to the power source (for example, 6AH
battery).
3. Measure the 4800 unit antenna heights.
4. Record the height, point ID, unit serial number, and start time
in the field log.
5. Begin the baseline observations by turning on the 4800 units
and verify they are logging data.
6. Monitor the LEDs and make sure the 4800 unit is tracking (at
least) four satellites and that no major losses of lock occur.
7. Based on the number of satellites tracked and the type of
survey performed, make sure sufficient time has elapsed
before turning off the unit to end the session.

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4 In the Field - Control Surveying

* Note Pay close attention to procedures for measuring instrument

height. Accurate height measurements are essential for meaningful
survey results. Mistakes in height measurement are the most
common source of error in GPS surveying. Make sure to record the
instrument height measurements correctly in your field log, as well as
the base station or survey mark name, the unit serial number, and the
time. Fixed-height tripods are recommended to reduce the possibility
of blunders caused by incorrect height measurement.

The height measurement can be the true vertical height of the

instrument on a tripod, or the slope height acquired using a tape
measure to find the distance from the outer edge of the unit to the
survey mark. The GPSurvey software, used in processing your files,
accepts either of these two measurements to calculate the survey
mark position.

4800 Operation Manual 4-5

In the Field - Control Surveying 4

4.3 FastStatic Surveying Methods

FastStatic surveying is identical to static surveying except that you do
not stay as long on each point. FastStatic surveying requires
simultaneous observations of four or more satellites. Data collection
time is typically 8 to 20 minutes, depending on atmospheric
conditions and the number of satellites available.
FastStatic surveying yields baseline components with precision that
approaches Static, depending on the number of common SVs, SV
geometry, ionospheric conditions, and so on. The FastStatic precision
is a function of occupation time and observation conditions. Baseline
length is assumed to be 20 km or less. The procedure is more
sensitive to cycleslips and high PDOP than static surveying.

4.3.1 Required Equipment and Software

A FastStatic survey requires at least two 4800 units. FastStatic survey
results are postprocessed with the GPSurvey software.

4.3.2 Setting Up the Equipment and Running the Survey

The 4800 unit is mounted on either a tripod, as shown in Figure 4-1,
or a PowerLiTE pole with Composite bipod, as shown in
Figure 4-3. This section describes the method for mounting the unit
on a tripod and running the survey.

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4 In the Field - Control Surveying

Figure 4-1 4800 Mounted on a Tripod

4800 Operation Manual 4-7

In the Field - Control Surveying 4
A tripod with tribrach and optical plummet is the standard type of
support for GPS antennas used in control surveys, and for all types of
GPS antennas at temporary base stations. The following procedure
outlines the steps to position the unit over the survey mark and to
measure its height accurately. For uninterrupted data collection, the
4800 unit must have a clear line of sight to the satellites it tracks
during the survey. See Figure 4-2.

Figure 4-2 Locating the Unit with a Clear View of the

Sky

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4 In the Field - Control Surveying

Making an Observation
Set up the 4800 unit and run the FastStatic survey as described in the
following steps:
1. Set up the tripod over the survey mark. The top of the tripod
should be roughly at eye level. This makes it easier to adjust,
and also reduces the risk of signal multipath from nearby
objects.
2. Screw the tribrach adapter into the 4800 unit. Seat the adapter
on the tribrach and clamp the assembly to the tripod.
3. Connect the 4800 unit to a power source (for example, a 6AH
battery).
4. Position and level the tripod precisely over the survey mark.
5. Measure the 4800 antenna height using the tape measure
shipped with the unit. Hook the tape measure to the tape
measuring tab on the unit case and measure the exact distance
to the survey mark, as shown in Figure 2-8, Measuring the
4800 Antenna Height.

* Note The tape supplied with the 4800 unit reads the distance from
the end of the tape to the tip of the pointer on the tape case. Measure
from the 4800 unit tab to the monument and record the exact tape
value as a slope distance.

6. Record the slope height measurement, the base station or

survey mark name, the unit serial number, and the time that
you started the session in your field log. If you know the true
vertical height of the unit (if you were using a fixed-height
tripod instead of a conventional tripod), record that in your
field log. If using a TSC1 handheld, this data is typed in
before the beginning of the observation and is stored
electronically within the data file.

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In the Field - Control Surveying 4

* Note The hardware and setup procedures for base stations and
rovers are the same.

7. Repeat steps 1 through 6 to set up one or more base stations

(also called reference units) at reference marks whose WGS-
84 or NAD-83 coordinates are known with sufficient
accuracy for your purposes.

F Tip When measuring the 4800 unit at the start of the session, read
the units in U.S. Survey feet, and at the end of the session read the
metric side of the tape. Convert the US Survey units to metric and
compare. This helps catch measurement blunders.

8. Repeat steps 1 through 6 to set up one or more rovers (survey

units) at survey marks whose coordinates are to be
determined.
9. Turn each unit on by pressing the Power button.
10. Observe the indicator LEDs on each units control panel to
verify the unit is operating properly (refer to Chapter 2).
11. Wait until the yellow LED on a unit blinks slowly, then turn
off the unit.
12. Move the unit to the next survey mark and repeat the previous
steps to set up the 4800 unit and begin the next session.

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4 In the Field - Control Surveying

4.3.3 Minimum Observation Times

To complete an observation, the 4800 rover unit must collect data
from the required number of satellites continuously for the minimum
time specified within its internal parameter setup, shown in Table 4-1.
Table 4-1 FastStatic Survey Point Occupation Times

Baseline Length 4 Satellites 5 Satellites 6 or more

Satellites
20 km 20 min 15 min 8 min

If observation of any of the satellites being tracked is interrupted

(anything more than a momentary interruption), the 4800 unit ignores
that satellite and falls back to a longer observation time with a smaller
number of satellites. If the number of satellites being tracked falls
below four, the unit restarts the timed observation period at the
beginning.
The indicator LEDs on the unit should be monitored to determine if
the unit is logging data properly. Refer to Section 2.2, Switches and
Indicator LEDs, for information on the LED indications.

* Note The session timer in the 4800 unit is optimized for baselines of
20 km or less. Longer baselines should be observed using the
guidelines for Static surveys.

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In the Field - Control Surveying 4

4.4 Static Surveying Methods

Static surveying is the most precise surveying procedure a 4800 unit
can perform; however, it requires a longer occupation time at each
station. The occupation time required for a static survey depends on
many factors. Trimble recommends an occupation time of at least
45 minutes during times when five or more satellites are available, or
60 minutes during times when only four satellites are available. The
Plan or Quick Plan module can help you determine satellite
availability at a specified site and time.

4.4.1 Equipment and Software Required

A static survey requires at least two 4800 units, each mounted on a
tripod. The GPSurvey software is recommended for postprocessing
static survey results.

4.4.2 Setting Up the Equipment and Running the Survey

The 4800 unit is mounted on either a tripod, as shown in Figure 4-1,
or a PowerLiTE pole with Composite bipod, as shown in Figure 4-3.
This section describes the method for mounting the unit on a tripod
and running the survey.
A tripod with tribrach and optical plummet is the standard type of
support for GPS antennas used in control surveys, and for GPS
antennas at temporary base stations. The following procedure outlines
the steps required to position the unit over the survey mark and to
measure its height accurately. To facilitate uninterrupted data
collection, the 4800 unit should also have a clear line of sight to the
satellites it tracks during the survey, as shown in Figure 4-2.

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4 In the Field - Control Surveying

Set up the 4800 unit and run the Static survey as described.
Perform steps 1-12 as outlined in Making an Observation, page 4-9,
and then continue as follows:
13. Wait for 45 to 60 minutes before turning the unit off. The
yellow LED will begin to blink slowly during this
observation period; however, data continues to be logged
until the unit is turned off.
14. Move the unit to the next survey mark and repeat the previous
steps to set up the 4800 unit and begin the next session.

* Note Be sure to specify in your field log whether an antenna height

measurement is slope distance or true vertical. Typically, with
standard tripods the measurement is slope distance, and with fixed-
height tripods it is true vertical or to "bottom of antenna mount."

4.4.3 Static Survey Times and Distances

Point occupation times for static surveying depends on the number of
satellites available and the length of the baseline being measured. The
recommended occupation times are between 45 and 60 minutes
depending on baseline lengths.

4.4.4 Setting Up a Rangepole

The Trimble PowerLiTE pole with Composite bipod, shown in Figure
4-3, is the recommended support for 4800 rovers in operations with
moderate precision requirements and short to moderate observation
times (for example, kinematic surveys and some FastStatic surveys).

4800 Operation Manual 4-13

In the Field - Control Surveying 4
.

Figure 4-3 4800 Mounted on a PowerLiTE Pole With

Composite Bipod

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 5 Back in the Office with
Postprocessed Data
This chapter contains a summary of the steps required for
postprocessing GPS survey data. Familiarity with these steps and
knowledge of the postprocessing software aids in the planning and
reduction of your baseline observations, as well as the management
and output of your project. The following procedures are suggestions
and can be modified to fit your particular project, but they are
generally applicable to most situations.
The tasks associated with postprocessing GPS survey data are the
following:
Open a project
Download the data from the 4800 unit
Check in data to the project database and review the field
input
Back up the downloaded data
Perform the baseline processing
Analyze the results of processing
Adjust the network and produce final coordinates

4800 Operation Manual 5-1

Back in the Office with Postprocessed Data 5

5.1 Open a Project

Before downloading the data from the receivers, you must open a
project in GPSurvey. If you used the Plan utility within the GPSurvey
software to plan the project, you created this project during mission
planning. (This is not the case if you used QuickPlan.)

5.2 Download Data

A GPS receiver keeps satellite measurements and other data in files
stored in its internal memory. GPSurvey cannot process the data until
you transfer (download) these files to the computer.
Download files into the open project using GPSurveys GPLoad
utility. This program allows you to download all of the files in a
receiver or selected files only. You can also import files that were
already transferred from the receiver to a directory outside the current
project, solution files from another project, or real-time surveying
files from a data collector.
For more information about the downloading process, see the
GPLoad Software Users Guide.

5-2 4800 Operation Manual

5 Back in the Office with Postprocessed Data

When you return to the office, connect the 4800 unit to a computer
that has GPSurvey software version 2.3 or later installed, as shown in
Figure 5-1. The GPSurvey software provides the tools for processing
survey data to produce baselines and coordinates.

Figure 5-1 Standard Configuration for Data Download

4800 Operation Manual 5-3

Back in the Office with Postprocessed Data 5

5.2.1 File Management Inside the 4800

The 4800 unit automatically assigns a filename and creates a tracking
session file when the unit is tracking four or more satellites. Each
filename identifies the specific unit by serial number, lists the GPS
date, and file sequence number as follows:
AAAABBBC
where:
AAAA = the last four digits of the unit serial number
BBB = GPS date code (Julian day, e.g., Jan 1 = 001,
Dec 31 = 365)
C = session sequence number (0 - 9, A - Z}
This numbering scheme allows up to 36 session files to be uniquely
numbered. If more than 36 session files are recorded, the filenames
for all session files after number 36 (Z) are identical, but each file has
a unique time code to identify it from previous files.

5-4 4800 Operation Manual

5 Back in the Office with Postprocessed Data

5.3 Check In and Verify Field Information

The GPSurvey data check-in program has several parameters that
control the process of transferring data to the project database. You
can set criteria for defining station names and station identifiers, and
have the software do some automatic error detection and correction as
well. Check-in is the place where you enter any station information
you recorded in the field log, but were unable to enter into the
receiver.
Before beginning any baseline processing, make sure the information
you entered is correct. Incorrect station information, such as station
names or antenna heights, causes erroneous results during baseline
processing.
You can also use the data check-in program to edit and view any data
entered, such as antenna heights and station information. Use your
field notes to compare the actions in the field with what is present in
the data set. Be sure to verify the station names and the antenna-
height entries for each occupation in every 4800 unit.
Be especially careful when specifying the type of antenna-height
measurement (uncorrected or true vertical). If you are entering a true
vertical antenna-height measurement, be aware that GPSurvey makes
no corrections to this value throughout the data reduction.
The GPSurvey software supports the use of the TSC1 handheld with
Survey Controller firmware, which is required for a kinematic
survey with the 4800 unit. If you used a TSC1 handheld in the field,
there is more information to check inand more sources of potential
errors. Check the descriptive information, such as station names, as
well as the surveying data. Checking and double-checking at this
stage can help to avoid typographical or occupational blunders being
carried into the subsequent processing phase of the data reduction.
For more information about verifying station information, see the
GPSurvey Software Users Guide.

4800 Operation Manual 5-5

Back in the Office with Postprocessed Data 5

5.4 Back Up Data

Always make a backup copy of data files after downloading. Trimble
recommends that you use GPSurveys Backup utility for project
compression and archival.
See the GPSurvey Software User's Guide for additional information
on using the backup and restore options in the GPSurvey program.

5.5 Process the Baselines

Use the GPSurvey software module, WAVE (Weighted Ambiguity
Vector Estimator), to reduce the field observations and produce
baselines. You do not have to be concerned that the data may have
been collected using a combination of field techniques. The WAVE
module automatically recognizes and distinguishes between static,
FastStatic, and kinematic data files.
See the WAVE Software Users Guide for complete information on
baseline processing.

5.6 View the Baseline Results

The GPSurvey software also provides the facility to view the
observed stations and processed baselines in a network map. Use
additional options to perform loop closures and view the detailed
information in the closure log, or generate a baseline log with a list of
solution files associated with selected baselines.
See the GPSurvey Software Users Guide for complete information
on the network map viewing options.

5-6 4800 Operation Manual

5 Back in the Office with Postprocessed Data

5.7 Adjust the Network

Network adjustment is the most important tool in judging the overall
integrity of your observations and survey network. Just because
a baseline can be processed in GPSurvey does not mean that the
baseline fits within your survey network. It is not enough for a
baseline to be statistically precise; it must fit into the network
of baselines that you have observed.
By default, the coordinates output by WAVE are WGS-84 datum
coordinatesyou will probably want to transform these coordinates
to some other, more meaningful, local datum. Use the network
adjustment process and tools to assist with the tasks of datum
transformations, geoid modeling, and quality control.
TRIMNET Plus, the network adjustment program that typically
comes bundled with the GPSurvey software, can combine GPS,
terrestrial, and geoid observations in network adjustment
computations.

5.7.1 Create Project Reports

Utility options available in the GPSurvey software can be used to
create, preview, and print the following customized summaries of
your project:
Project: general project information
Station: information about selected stations in the project
Baseline: one-line summaries of processing results for
selected baselines
Baseline solution: brief processing information for selected
baselines
Detailed baseline: detailed processing information for
selected baselines

4800 Operation Manual 5-7

Back in the Office with Postprocessed Data 5

5-8 4800 Operation Manual

 6 In the Field -
Real-Time Kinematic
Surveying
This chapter contains a brief discussion of the steps involved in
executing a GPS survey project using real-time kinematic surveying
methods. Refer to the Survey Controller Reference Manual and
Survey Controller Field Guide for version 6.0, and the Trimble Survey
Office Software Users Guide for more information on equipment
operation and RTK (as well as postprocessed kinematic) survey
techniques.

* Note A Trimble TSC1 handheld with Survey Controller firmware is

required to perform a real-time or postprocessed kinematic survey
with the 4800 unit. The Survey Controller software on the handheld
provides an interface to the GPS unit, allowing you to specify
beginning and ending times for stop-and-go occupations or
continuous kinematic segments. The Survey Controller also allows
you to enter point names, feature codes and antenna heights while
you are occupying a station or while you are moving.

For RTK, the base receiver and each rover must have its own
dedicated radio and antenna to maintain the required
communications link between base and rover.

4800 Operation Manual 6-1

In the Field - Real-Time Kinematic Surveying 6

6.1 Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) Surveying Description

Real-time kinematic surveying has three basic physical components:
GPS base station
GPS rover
Radio link between the base and the rover
The radio link transmits the GPS observations (data) from the base
receiver to the rover. The roving receiver then combines the base
station data with the rover GPS data to process baselines and produce
coordinates at the rover in real-time.
A significant feature of RTK is the ability to work in local
coordinates. This feature is possible only if a calibration has been
performed for the local system, where the calibration defines the
transformation parameters, or mathematical relationship, between the
GPS coordinate system (WGS84) and the local coordinate system.
Because RTK is, by definition, a kinematic procedure, it shares the
same initialization requirements as a postprocessed kinematic survey.
You must initialize the roving receiver at the beginning of the survey
and maintain lock on at least four of the same satellites that the base
receiver is tracking, while performing a successful RTK survey. If
there is a loss of lock (interruption in tracking of at least four common
satellites), you must re-initialize the rover before proceeding.
When configured for RTK, the 4800 unit is capable of on-the-fly
initialization, or initialization while moving. This allows for regaining
initialization while walking or moving from one point to the next,
assuming a clear view to the sky. This initialization method requires
tracking at least five common satellites at base and rover.
You can perform an entire GPS survey using only RTK methods, but
it is also possible to combine the results of a postprocessed survey
with RTK. The basic RTK requirements are the same in each of these
cases, but the sequence of the steps varies. The example in
Section 1.8, Sample Field Survey - Postprocessed, illustrated one
approach to combining postprocessed and RTK surveys.

6-2 4800 Operation Manual

6 In the Field - Real-Time Kinematic Surveying

6.1.1 RTK Survey

The following basic steps are required to conduct a real-time survey,
when there has been no previous GPS conducted on site:
1. Set up the base receiver with radio modem and radio antenna.
2. Start the base receiver using the TSC1 handheld.
3. Set up the roving receiver with radio and radio antenna.

* Note The 4800 unit can be configured with an internal RTK radio
modem. If no internal radio modem exists, you must connect one
externally to port 3 of the 4800 unit.

4. Start the roving receiver using the TSC1 handheld.

5. Initialize the roving receiver.
6. Locate control points with rover.
7. Perform in-field calibration in the TSC1 handheld.
8. Proceed with RTK survey.
Before performing the calibration, control points are located relative
to the base receiver in a system approximating the GPS coordinate
system (WGS84). After the calibration has been successfully
performed, all results are presented in the local coordinate system.
This is one advantage to using RTK exclusively: one trip to the job
site is eliminated. With RTK, the control points can be located on the
first trip to the job site using RTK and in-field calibration. This avoids
having to perform a postprocessed control survey, return to the office,
process the data and adjust the coordinates, and then return to the
field to perform the RTK survey.
The disadvantage to this approach is the absence of a network
adjustment for the control stations or any other stations in the survey
network. Also, there is no existing network of GPS baselines for
possible initialization, so the only option to begin the RTK survey is
with the RTK initializer.

4800 Operation Manual 6-3

In the Field - Real-Time Kinematic Surveying 6

6-4 4800 Operation Manual

 A Typical Configurations
This appendix contains the typical configurations for using the 4800
unit in the field as well as for downloading the field data.

A.1 Tripod Setup: Field Checklist and Configuration

Table A-1 lists the items required for each 4800 unit setup using a
conventional tripod.
Table A-1 Items Required for Conventional Tripod
Setup

Part Name Part Number

4800 unit varies, depending on options
4800 softcase 33849-00
6 AH battery 32364-00
Conventional Tribrach 12179
Laser Tribrach 33848
Tribrach adapter 12180
Tripod 12178
H.I. tape 27402-00

4800 Operation Manual A-1

Typical Configurations A
Table A-2 lists optional items.
Table A-2 Optional Items

Part Name Part Number

10 AH battery 32365-00
PowerLiTE Pole with composite bipod 34111-00
Fixed height tripod varies, depending on
height
PowerLiTE Lithium ion battery 31030-00
PowerLiTE battery cable 33914-00
PowerLiTE battery pouch 33993

Table A-3 lists additional items recommended, but not supplied by

Trimble.
Table A-3 Recommended Items Not Supplied by
Trimble

Item Function
Directions to Keeps crews on schedule, minimizes time lost
each station due to unforeseen local traffic or road
conditions
Station Facilitates station recovery and occupation
descriptions
Communication Allows communication between crews
(radio) devices
Field logs Necessary to record station names, antenna
height measurements, unit serial numbers,
etc.

Figure A-1 illustrates the 4800 unit setup when using a conventional
tripod. Figure A-2 illustrates the 4800 unit setup when using a
conventional tripod and a Lithium ion battery.

A-2 4800 Operation Manual

A Typical Configurations

Figure A-1 Typical Configuration: Using a 4800 for Static

or FastStatic with a Conventional Tripod
Setup

4800 Operation Manual A-3

Typical Configurations A

Figure A-2 Using a 4800 for Static or FastStatic with a

Conventional Tripod and Lithium Ion Battery

A-4 4800 Operation Manual

A Typical Configurations

A.2 Rangepole Setup: Field Checklist and

Configuration
Table A-4 lists items required for each 4800 setup using a rangepole.
Table A-4 Items Required for Rangepole Setup
(Control Work)

Part Name Part Number

4800 unit varies, depending on
options
4800 softcase 33849-00
PowerLiTE Pole with composite bipod 34111-00
PowerLiTE Lithium ion battery 31030-00

Table A-5 lists optional items.

Table A-5 Optional Items

Part Name Part Number

6 AH battery 32364-00
10 AH battery 32365-00
4800 softcase 33849-00
H.I. tape 27402-00
Additional Lithium ion battery 31030-00
Battery length extension 34135-00
Lithium ion battery pouch 33993
PowerLiTE Pole carrying case 34110
TSC1 with Survey Controller 30000-40
TSC1 Cable 31288

Figure A-3 illustrates the 4800 unit setup when using a rangepole.

4800 Operation Manual A-5

Typical Configurations A

Figure A-3 Typical Configuration: Using a 4800 for Static

or FastStatic with the PowerLiTE Pole

A-6 4800 Operation Manual

A Typical Configurations

Table A-6 lists the functions of items in the PowerLiTE pole setup.
Table A-6 Functions of Items in PowerLiTE Pole Setup

Part Name Function

Pole 1) Support and positioning of the 4800 unit over
the survey mark
2) Conduit for the power cabling from the 4800
unit to the lithium ion battery
Bipod Allows hands-free support and positioning of the
4800 unit over the survey mark
Cable clip Secures the TSC1 cable to the pole
Pole extension Adds a pre-defined length to the pole (equal to
the length of the Lithium ion battery)
Pole tip Facilitates precise placement of the pole on the
survey mark (point is standard plumb bob point)
Lithium ion Supplies power to the 4800 unit
battery
TSC1 Bracket Enables the TSC1 to be fastened to the pole

4800 Operation Manual A-7

Typical Configurations A

A.3 Preparing to Download Field Data from the 4800

Figure A-4 shows the connections required to download field data
from the 4800 unit.

Figure A-4 Making the Connections when Downloading

Field Data from the 4800

To download field data from the 4800 unit:

1. Connect the 7-pin end of the LEMO cable (P/N 32345) to
Port 2 of the 4800 unit. See Figure A-4.
2. Connect the RS-232 end of this cable to the serial port of the
computer.
3. Connect the cable that comes with the power supply
(P/N 30413) into the loose end of the download cable
(P/N 32345).

A-8 4800 Operation Manual

A Typical Configurations

4. Connect the power cord (P/N 11017) into the power supply
(switching AC adaptor, P/N 30413).
5. Connect the power supply (switching AC adaptor) to an AC
outlet.
Figure A-5 shows the connections required to download field data
using the 4-pack charger unit for power.

Figure A-5 Downloading Field Data from the 4800 Using

the 4-Pack Charger Unit

F Tip When using LEMO connectors, look for the red dot on the cable
end and the red hash mark on the hardware port. If these two marks
are aligned the cable should slip easily into the port.

4800 Operation Manual A-9

Typical Configurations A

A.4 External Power Options

There are a number of external power options. These are discussed in
the following sections.

A.4.1 6 AH battery
The rechargeable, portable 6 AH battery powers the 4800 unit for
approximately eight hours. The battery connects to the unit using a
cable with a 7-pin (0-shell) LEMO connector. The connector plugs
into port 2. The 6 AH battery is standard with a GPS Total Station
4800 or postprocessed bundle.

A.4.2 10 AH battery
The rechargeable, portable 10 AH battery powers the 4800 unit for
approximately 14 hours. The battery comes in a carrying bag with a
fused cable that has a 7-pin (0-shell) LEMO connector. The connector
plugs into port 2. The 10 AH battery is available as an option.

A.4.3 PowerLiTE battery, cable and pouch

For control work, the PowerLiTE battery can be connected directly to
port 2 of the 4800 through the PowerLiTE battery cable. The battery
can be attached to the tripod with the provided pouch.

I Caution When the temperature falls below 10F (-12C) the

PowerLiTE battery should not be used in Port 2. Port 2s shutdown
cutoff is set at 10.5VDC in order to avoid permanent damage to a
lead acid battery.

A-10 4800 Operation Manual

A Typical Configurations

A.4.4 Other Trimble power supplies

To use other Trimble power supply options that you currently own or
plan to purchase in the future, use P/N 32959 to make the connection
from a 0-shell 7-pin LEMO to a 1-shell 5-pin LEMO device (for
example, an Office Supply Module or OSM).

A.5 Internal Radio

To determine whether the 4800 unit has an internal radio installed
look for the stickers (as shown in Figure A-6) on the bottom of the
4800 unit.

Figure A-6 4800 Unit with Internal Radio

4800 Operation Manual A-11

Typical Configurations A

A-12 4800 Operation Manual

 B Specifications
The following tables contain physical and technical specifications for
the 4800 unit.
Table B-1 Static Survey Performance Accuracy (Postprocessed)

Horizontal 5mm + 1ppm* (baseline length)

Vertical 10mm + 1ppm* (baseline length)

Azimuth 1 arc second + 5/ (baseline length in kilometers)

*Assumes 5 satellites (minimum) tracked continuously using the recommended sur-
vey procedures and utilizing the L1 and L2 signals at all sites; precise ephemerides
and meteorological data may be required. FastStatic is a function of occupation
time and observation conditions.

Table B-2 4800 Unit Physical Specifications

Size 9" (D) x 7" (H)

23cm (D) x 17.8cm (H)
Weight 4.1 lbs. (1.8 Kg) 4800 only, no radio

Power 6 watts typical, 10.5 to 20 VDC

Operating Temperature -40C to +55C (-40F to +131F)

Storage Temperature -40C to +75C (-40F to +167F)

Humidity 100% fully sealed, buoyant

Casing Dust proof, splash proof, water proof and shock

resistant
Shock 2m pole drop

4800 Operation Manual B-1

Specifications B
Table B-3 4800 Unit Technical Specifications

Tracking 9 channels L1 C/A code, L1/L2 full cycle carrier. Fully

operational during P-code encryption.
Signal Processing Maxwell architecture; very low-noise C/A code processing;
Supertrak multibit GPS signal processing; multipath
suppression: full 32-bit microprocessor
Communications Dual RS-232 ports for serial input and data collector
control. Baud rates up to 38,400; Dedicated RS232 serial
port for external radio communications
Optional Output NMEA-0183: GGK, GGA, ZDA, GST, VTG Formats
Trimble General Serial Output Format
Requires Configuration-Toolbox software

Table B-4 4800 Unit Electrical Specifications

Power Nominal 10.5 to 20 VDC, 2 DC power inputs

Nominal 6W (4800 only), 7W (while operating internal radio
modem and TSC1 handheld)
Battery >8 hours typical with 6 AH battery
>4 hours typical with PowerLite Lithium-ion battery
GPS antenna Integrated Micro-centered GPS antenna and lightweight
groundplane
Certification FCC, DOC, and CE Mark approved

B-2 4800 Operation Manual

 C NMEA-0183 Output
When the NMEA-0183 output is enabled, messages can be produced
to aid integration with other sensors.

C.1 Message Elements

All messages conform to the NMEA-0183 Version 2.0 format. All
begin with dollar sign ($) and end with a carriage return and a line
feed. Data fields follow comma (,) delimiters and are variable in
length. Null fields still follow a comma delimiter but contain no
information.
The optional checksum field is the last field in a message and follows
the asterisk (*) delimiter. The checksum is the 8-bit exclusive OR of
all characters in the message, including the commas, between but not
including the comma and asterisk delimiters. The hexadecimal result
is converted to two ASCII characters (0-9, A-F). The most significant
character appears first.

4800 Operation Manual C-1

NMEA-0183 Output C

C.1.1 Fields and Delimiters

Each message consists of:
message ID consisting of $GP followed by the message type
For example, the message ID of the ALM message is
$GPALM.
comma
number of fields that depends on the message type, separated
by commas
asterisk
checksum
An example of a simple message with six fields plus the message ID
and checksum follows:
$GPZDA,152145,21,05,1993,-7,00*50

C.1.2 Latitude and Longitude

Latitude is represented as ddmm.mmmm. Longitude is always
represented as dddmm.mmmm, where direction (north, south, east, or
west) is presented in a separate field.
dd or ddd is degrees
mm.mmmm is minutes and decimal fractions of minutes

C.1.3 Direction
Direction is a single character: N, S, E, or W for North, South, East, or
West

C-2 4800 Operation Manual

C NMEA-0183 Output

C.1.4 Time
Time values are in UTC, and are represented as hhmmss, where:
hh is hours, from 00 to 23
mm is minutes
ss is seconds

C.2 Supported Messages

Table C-1 summarizes the set of NMEA messages supported by the
4800 units and shows the page number where detailed information
about each message is found.

Table C-1 NMEA Message Summary

Message Function Page

GGA Time, position, and fix related data C-4
GST Position error statistics C-5
PTNL, GGK Time, position, position type and DOP C-6
values
PTNL, PJT Projection type C-8
PTNL, PJK Local coordinate position output C-7
VTG Actual track made good and speed over C-8
ground
ZDA UTC day, month, and year, and local time C-9
zone offset

4800 Operation Manual C-3

NMEA-0183 Output C

C.2.1 GGA: Time, Position, and Fix Related Data

$GPGGA,151924,3723.454487,N,12202.269799,W
,2,09,0.9,-17.49,M,-25.67,M,1,0000*57
Table C-2 describes the message fields in the GGA message.

Table C-2 GGA Message Fields

Field Meaning
1 UTC of position fix
2 Latitude
3 Direction of latitude (N or S)
4 Longitude
5 Direction of longitude (E or W)
6 GPS Quality indicator:
0: Fix not valid
1: GPS fix
2: Differential GPS fix
7 Number of SVs in use, 00 to 12
8 HDOP
9 Antenna height, MSL reference
10 M is fixed text indicating that the unit of measure for altitude
is meters
11 Geoidal separation
12 M is fixed text indicating that the unit of measure for geoidal
separation is meters
13 Age of differential GPS data record, Type 1 or Type 9. Null
when DGPS not used
14 Base station ID, 00001023, null when any reference
station ID is selected and no corrections are received

C-4 4800 Operation Manual

C NMEA-0183 Output

C.2.2 GST Position Error Statistics

$GPGST,172814.0,0.006,0.023,0.020,273.6,0.
023,0.020,0.031*6A
Table C-3 describes the message fields in the GST message.

Table C-3 GST Message Fields

Field Meaning
1 UTC position fix
2 RMS value of the pseudorange residuals (includes carrier
phase residuals during periods of RTK (float and RTK
(fixed) processing)
3 Error ellipse semi-major axis 1 sigma error (meters)
4 Error ellipse semi-minor axis 1 sigma error (meters)
5 Error ellipse orientation (degrees from true north)
6 Latitude 1 sigma error (meters)
7 Longitude 1 sigma error (meters)
8 Altitude 1 sigma error (meters)

4800 Operation Manual C-5

NMEA-0183 Output C

C.2.3 PTNL,GGK: Time, Position, Position Type, DOP

$PTNL,GGK,172814.00,071296,3723.46587704,N
,12202.26957864,W,3,06,1.7,EHT-6.777,M*48
Table C-4 describes the fields in the PTNL,GGK message.

Table C-4 PTNL,GGK Message Fields

Field Meaning
1 UTC of position fix
2 Date
3 Latitude
4 Direction of latitude (N or S)
5 Longitude
6 Direction of Longitude (E or W)
7 GPS Quality indicator:
0: Fix not available or invalid
1: Autonomous GPS fix
2: Differential, floating carrier phase integer-based
solution (FLOAT)
3: Differential, fixed carrier phase integer-based solution
(FIXED)
4: Differential, code phase only solution (DGPS)
8 Number of satellites in fix
9 DOP of fix
10 Ellipsoidal height of fix
11 M is fixed text indicating the unit of measure for ellipsoidal
height is meters

* Note The GGK message is longer than the NMEA-0183 standard of

80 characters.

C-6 4800 Operation Manual

C NMEA-0183 Output

C.2.4 PTNL,PJK: Local Coordinate Position Output

$PTNL,PJK,010717.00,081796,+732646.511,N,+
1731051.091,E,1,05,2.7,EHT-28.345,M*7C
Table C-5 describes the fields in the PTNL, PJK message.

Table C-5 PTNL,PJK Message Fields

Field Meaning
1 UTC of position fix
2 Date
3 Northing (meters)
4 Direction of Northing, will always be N (North)
5 Easting (meters)
6 Direction of Easting, will always be E (East)
7 GPS Quality indicator:
0: Fix not available or invalid
1: Autonomous GPS fix
2: Differential, floating carrier phase integer-based
solution (FLOAT)
3: Differential, fixed carrier integer-based solution
(FIXED)
4: Differential, code phase only solution (DGPS)
8 Number of satellites in fix
9 DOP of fix
10 Ellipsoidal height of fix
11 M is fixed text indicating the unit of measure for ellipsoidal
height is meters

* Note The PJK message is longer than the NMEA-0183 standard of

80 characters.

4800 Operation Manual C-7

NMEA-0183 Output C

C.2.5 PTNL, PJT: Projection Type

$PTNL,PJT,NAD83(Conus),California Zone 4
0404,*51
Table C-6 describes the fields in the PTNL,PJT message.

Table C-6 PTNL,PJT Message Fields

Field Meaning
1 Coordinate system name (can include multiple words)
2 Projection name (can include multiple coordinates)

C.2.6 VTG: Actual Track Made Good Over and Speed Over
Ground
$GPVTG,,T,,M,0.00,N,0.00,K*4E
Table C-7 describes the fields in the PTNL, PJT message.

Table C-7 VTG Message Fields

Field Meaning
1 Track made good (degrees true)
2 T is fixed text that indicates that track made good (prior
field) is relative to true north
3 Null field
4 M is fixed text
5 Speed (knots)
6 N is fixed text that indicates that speed is in knots
7 Speed over ground in kilometers/hour (KPH)
8 K is fixed text that indicates that speed over ground is in
KPH

C-8 4800 Operation Manual

C NMEA-0183 Output

C.2.7 ZDA: UTC Day, Month, And Year, and Local Time Zone
Offset
$GPZDA,172809,12,07,1996,00,00*45
Table C-8 describes the fields in the ZDA message.

Table C-8 ZDA Message Fields

Field Meaning
1 Time, in UTC
2 Day, 01 to 31
3 Month, 01 to 12
4 Year
5 Local time zone offset from GMT, 00 to 13 hours
6 Local time zone offset from, minutes

Fields 5 and 6, together, yield the total offset. For example, if field 5 is
5 and field 6 is 15, local time is 5 hours and 15 minutes earlier than
GMT.

4800 Operation Manual C-9

NMEA-0183 Output C

C-10 4800 Operation Manual

 D Troubleshooting
This appendix contains information about troubleshooting the 4800
unit. If you have trouble using the 4800 unit, check Table D-1 to see if
the symptom is described and try using the solution to correct it.
Table D-1, on the following page, lists possible causes and their
solutions.

4800 Operation Manual D-1

Troubleshooting D
Table D-1 4800 Troubleshooting

Symptom Possible Cause Solution

Unit does not Unit batteries are low. Replace the batteries.
turn on. External power source Replace or recharge the external
batteries are low. batteries. (See Section 2.4.6,
Charging the Batteries.)
External power source Check external power source
cable not connected cable, make sure both ends are
properly or faulty. securely inserted. Check any in-
line fuses.
Unit does not log Insufficient memory to Use GPLoad software to delete
data. log current session. (Fast old session files from memory.
blinking yellow LED.)
Unit cannot track 4 or Check survey mark location for
more SVs. (Fast blinking obstructions, trees, buildings,
red LED.) towers.
Unit locked up. Unit needs to be reset. Remove all power
Level 1
Unit locked up. Unit needs to be reset. Hold button down for 10 seconds
Level 2 at power-up. This resets the
battery-backed memory. Stored
survey data is not lost. On power-
up, the satellite and power LEDs
flash simultaneously for 5
seconds.
Unit locked up. Unit needs to be reset. Hold button down for 30 seconds
at power-up. All stored survey
Level 3
data is deleted from memory.

D-2 4800 Operation Manual

 E PowerLiTE Battery
Charger Operation
This appendix contains safety information and instructions for using
the PowerLiTE battery charger (P/N 31791-00).
Charging a lithium ion battery (P/N 31030-00, 11.1V, 2.4AH), from
full discharge to full charge, requires approximately three hours.

4800 Operation Manual E-1

PowerLiTE Battery Charger Operation E

E.1 Setup
Connect the output plug of the AC switching adaptor (P/N 30413) to
the input power jack of the charger. Apply AC power of 90 to 264V,
50/60 Hz single phase to the AC power plug of the module.

Figure E-1 4-Pack Charger Setup

E-2 4800 Operation Manual

E PowerLiTE Battery Charger Operation

E.2 Charge Status

The following procedure describes how the PowerLiTE battery
charger operates.
1. Insert up to four battery packs into the charger slots. The
batteries charge one at a time from left to right. The orange
indicator at each occupied position glows, indicating that the
battery is electrically connected to the charger. One green
indicator flashes when the battery is charging while the other
green indicators remain unlit.
2. When the battery is fully charged, the flashing green
indicator changes to a continuous glow. The next battery in
line begins charging automatically, indicated by the flashing
green indicator.
3. Any fully charged battery can be removed from the charger
and replaced with a discharged battery at any time. If another
battery is in charging mode the discharged battery only
indicates electrical contact with a glowing orange indicator.
When the currently charging battery is fully charged, the
charger resumes operation as described in step 1 and 2.
4. When all batteries are fully charged, the charger continuously
checks each battery's condition periodically. If a battery
requires more charge, it is charged automatically.
Summaries of the status indicators are as shown in Table E-1:

4800 Operation Manual E-3

PowerLiTE Battery Charger Operation E
Table E-1 Status Indicators

Green Indicator Battery Status

OFF Waiting to charge
ON Fully charged. Battery ready for use
FLASH Charging
Orange Indicator Terminal Contact
ON Battery in slot with good electrical contact
OFF Poor terminal pin contact or battery is in
protection mode (see Note below)

* Note In protection mode, the battery has zero output voltage. To

restore battery to operational mode, remove battery from slot for 5
minutes, and then reinsert. Approximately 2 seconds later, after
battery reinsert, the orange and green indicators go on. Now the
battery can be used.

E.3 Temperature Warning Indication

The recommended ambient temperature range for operation is OC to
+50C. Should the ambient temperature move out of this range, a red
warning indicator light glows, charging stops, and the charger enters
sleep mode. (All green and orange indicators dim, except a green
power-on indicator.) Sleep mode dissipates minimal power from AC
power source to save energy. When ambient temperature re-enters the
specified range, the red warning indicator turns off and the charger
resumes normal operation.

E-4 4800 Operation Manual

E PowerLiTE Battery Charger Operation

E.4 Desktop Power Module

The desktop module (P/N 30413) delivers a maximum output
capability of +18 VDC at 1.66A with built-in overload and short-
circuit protection. This unit is rated to power one 4-Pack Charger
(P/N 3179100) and one 2-Pack Charger (P/N 31970-00)
simultaneously. This power module and both chargers described in
Section E.1, Setup, can remain plugged in continuously.

E.5 Safety Instructions

To avoid fire, explosion, or leaking electrolyte, the following
precautions must be taken.
Use only Trimble Navigation Limited specified chargers
listed in Section E.4, Desktop Power Module.
Do NOT do the following:
Submerge battery in any type of liquid.
Drop battery nor apply mechanical shocks.
Dispose battery in fire.
Disassemble, short circuit, deform, alter, nor solder
batteries.
Use battery close to heat source. If strange smell or
electrolyte leak is detected, discontinue use and move
battery away from heat source.
Allow electrolyte to contact skin. If contact occurs,
immediately rinse with large quantities of running water
then seek proper medical attention. Keep out of reach of
untrained individuals who have not read this operating
manual.
Use or store batteries above 50C.
When disposing of batteries, cover terminal pins with
insulated tape.

4800 Operation Manual E-5

PowerLiTE Battery Charger Operation E

E.6 Technical Support

For more technical product information, question or support, contact
Trimble at (800) 827-8000 (in the United States and Canada) or
(408) 481-8000.

E-6 4800 Operation Manual

 F Using WinFLASH
WinFLASH is a software package that communicates with Trimble
products to perform various functions, such as:
software and option upgrades
diagnostics (for example, retrieving configuration
information)

F.1 Installing WinFLASH

To install WinFLASH:
1. Insert the first WinFLASH program floppy disk in the
computers floppy drive (for example, A:).
2. Type A:setup.exe and follow the on-screen prompts to
complete the installation.
A program icon is installed for future use of WinFLASH.

4800 Operation Manual F-1

Using WinFLASH F

F.2 Using WinFLASH: An Example

The program uses a series of screens to guide you through the desired
process. An overview of the steps is described in the example below.
This example describes how to retrieve configuration data (for
example, serial number and installed options) from a 4800 unit. For
more general help, please refer to the WinFLASH on-line help.
1. Start WinFLASH by clicking the program icon.
2. When the Device Configuration screen appears, select the
Trimble device and PC serial port the device is connected to,
and press Next >. (for example, device = 4800 Receiver, PC
serial port = COM2)
The Operation Selection screen appears. The Operations box
lists all of the supported operations for the selected device,
and the description of each operation is shown in the
Description box.
3. Select an operation and press Next >. (for example,
Configuration retrieval)
The Settings Review window appears. This screen prompts
you to connect the device, suggests a connection method, and
then lists the device configuration and operation you selected.
4. If all is correct, select Finish.
Based on the selections shown above, the Configuration
Retrieval window appears and shows the status of the
operation (for example, Establishing communication with the
4800. Please wait) Once communication is established, the
progress bar indicates that a successful link has been
established as well as the extent of completion.
Finally the Configuration Information window appears and
lists the device specific configuration information (for
example, Serial number and installed options).

F-2 4800 Operation Manual

F Using WinFLASH

5. Click OK.
The Configuration Retrieval window appears once more and
states that the operation was completed successfully.
6. At this point press Menu to select another operation or Exit to
quit WinFLASH.
7. If you select Exit, another screen appears stating that this
selection causes WinFLASH to terminate. Click OK to quit
WinFLASH.

* Note WinFLASH is a 32-bit application, so the local computers

operating system must be Windows 95 or Windows NT (it does not
run under Windows 3.1 or earlier versions of Windows).

4800 Operation Manual F-3

Using WinFLASH F

F-4 4800 Operation Manual

 G Using CommSet
This appendix describes the functions of the CommSet program and
outlines a basic example of its use.

G.1 What is CommSet?

CommSet is a communications setup utility for configuring Trimble
radio modem products. Trimble radio modems can be configured for
specific applications or for individual job requirements (for example,
selecting the base station's preset radio modem frequency) with this
program.
Configuration parameters can be modified as often as necessary and
you can check the configuration of a radio modem without making
changes. If your radio modem is approved for firmware updates,
CommSet is used to download new firmware into the radio modem.

* Note For optimal performance, all (roving) 4800 unit radio modems
need to know the type of radio modem used at the base station when
performing an RTK survey. The default setting is Trimmark II. If the
base station is using a TrimTalk 450 or TrimTalk 450S, CommSet must
be used to change the radio modem settings for each 4800 rover unit
involved in the (RTK) survey.

4800 Operation Manual G-1

Using CommSet G

G.2 Using CommSet: An Example

The basic steps to modify or check the configuration on the Trimble
radio modem follow:
1. Start CommSet by clicking on the program icon.
The CommSet dialog box appears.
2. Make the connection between the computer (pick a COM
port, for example COM2) and the 4800 unit (Port 3).
3. Make sure that the 4800 unit has power.
4. Press Connect in the CommSet dialog box.
The Connecting To Radio dialog box appears.
Completion of the connection is shown by a progress bar and
then the Trimble 4800 Radio Properties dialog box appears,
with the radio modems serial number at the top.
5. At the prompt To change the Trimble 4800s radio settings:
make your selections from the drop-down boxes in lines 1
and 2, and press Set in line 3 to make the changes.
The Setting the Radio dialog box indicates the progress.
When complete you are returned to the dialog box in step 1.

* Note CommSet is a 32-bit application, therefore the local PC's

operating system must be either Windows 95 or Windows NT (it will
not run under Windows 3.1 or earlier versions).

G-2 4800 Operation Manual

Index
Numerics B
10 AH battery A-10 Back In the Office 5-1
4800 unit 2-1 back up data 2-15, 5-6
applications 2-2 Base 1 FastStatic Data Logging
control panel 2-2 Session 1-14
electrical specifications B-2 Base 3 FastStatic Data Logging
indicator LED functions 2-4 Session 1-15
mounted on a PowerLiTE base station or survey mark name 2-16,
pole 4-14 4-5
mounted on a tripod 4-7 baseline observations 4-4
physical specifications B-1 techniques 1-5
technical specifications B-2 baseline results
4-pack charger setup E-2 view 5-6
6 AH battery A-10 basic survey project
steps 4-4
batteries
A charging 2-11
accuracy
static survey (postprocessed) B-1
C
adjust the network 5-7
advantages Camcorder Battery Kit 2-8
GPS surveying techniques 1-3 care and use 2-12
analyzing the results of processing 5-1 cautions xxiii
applications 2-2 charging the batteries 2-11
audience xvii check in and verify field
information 5-5
clearing RAM and file system 2-11
COCOM limits 2-12

4800 Operation Manual Index-1

Index

comment form xxii Dilution of Precision (DOP) xix

CommSet disclaimer of warranty iv
example G-2 document conventions xxii
using G-1 DoD 1-1
connections download data 5-2
to download field data A-8 download field data
connectors connections A-8
power ports 2-6 preparation A-8
serial ports 2-6 dual-frequency option
continuous kinematic segments 6-1 static survey 4-2
control network 1-14
control panel 2-2
control surveying 4-1 E
description 4-2 elevation mask xix, 1-2
required equipment and environmental factors 1-3
software 4-6 equipment and software required 4-12
conventional tripod setup external power options A-10
optional items A-2 10 AH battery A-10
required items A-1 6 AH battery A-10
copyrights ii PowerLiTE battery A-10
create project reports 5-7 external power sources 2-8
cycle slips 1-11 other Trimble options A-11
cycleslips 4-3 extra control points 3-2

D F
data FastStatic data collection 1-14
back up 2-15, 5-6 FastStatic survey 2-2, 2-4
download 2-13 point occupation times 4-11
management 2-13 FastStatic surveying 1-11, 4-2, 4-3
data download methods 4-6
standard configuration 2-14, 5-3 minimum observation times 4-11
data logging/memory 2-3 precision 4-6
default operating parameters 2-18, 2-19 required equipment and
deleting files 2-15 software 4-6
design of GPS surveys 1-7 FastStatic using a TSCI Handheld 1-12
desktop power module E-5

Index-2 4800 Operation Manual

 Index

FastStatic vs. Kinematic 1-12 H

FastStatic vs. Static 1-11
hardware and software
field data collection procedures 4-1
requirements 2-18
file management inside the 4800
height of unit
receiver 5-4
measuring 2-16
file system
clearing 2-11
files
I
deleting 2-15
fixed-height tripod 2-18 icons
FTP site xx serial ports 2-5
installing WinFLASH F-1
interference 2-12
G internal processor 2-3
General Operation 2-1
Global Positioning System xvii
K
GPLoad software 5-2
GPS xvii Kinematic
baselines 1-3 procedures 3-2
date code 2-13, 5-4 Kinematic surveying 2-2, 6-1
positioning accuracy 1-1 methods 6-1
GPS survey
networks 1-6
project 4-1 L
GPS surveying L1 and L2 frequencies 2-1
concepts 1-1 land survey applications 2-1
methods 1-5 LEDs
GPSurvey 4-6 functions 2-4
data check-in program 5-5 LEMO 7-pin connector 2-8
download data 5-2 limitation of liability iv
processing environment 3-3 limited warranty
project management options 3-3 firmware iv
Quick Plan /Plan 3-4 hardware v
software 3-3 software iv
GPSurvey software 1-4, 1-10 locating the receiver 4-8
open a project 5-2 logging rate 1-2

4800 Operation Manual Index-3

Index

low memory condition 2-4 other information xx

low power input indication 2-4 FTP site xx
World Wide Web site xx

M
P
making an observation 4-9
manual organization xvii patents iii
measuring 4800 PDOP 4-3
unit height 2-16, 4-5 Plan 3-4
antenna height 2-17 Plan utility 5-2
postprocessed
data 5-1
N example 1-13
NAD-83 coordinates 4-10 surveys 1-4, 1-9
network design 3-1, 3-2 postprocessing GPS survey data 5-1
new project database 3-3 power management 2-7
NMEA-0183 messages C-1 power in 2-7
NMEA-0183 output C-1 power out 2-7
message elements C-1 power ON/OFF button 2-2
supported messages C-3 power source
notes xxiii how receiver selects 2-9
notices iii power up and initialization 2-3
number of visible satellites 1-2 PowerLiTE battery A-10
PowerLiTE battery charger
charging procedure E-3
O desktop power module E-5
operation E-1
observation 4-9 safety instructions E-5
observation times setup E-2
FastStatic surveying 4-11 status indicators E-4
open a project 5-2 technical support E-6
operating temperature E-4
controls 2-2 preparation 3-1
parameters 2-19 preparing to download field data A-8
operating temperature 2-12 pre-survey planning 3-1
optical plummet 4-8, 4-12 printout
organization xvii NMEA-183 C-1

Index-4 4800 Operation Manual

 Index

private property owners 3-2 RTK survey 6-3

process the baselines 5-6
project
open 5-2 S
project management 3-3 samples
project reports 4800 external power source
create 5-7 connection 2-9
field survey using combined
techniques 1-13
Q
network 1-7
Quick Plan 1-10, 4-12 satellite availability 4-12
check using Quick Plan / Plan 3-4
satellite azimuth 3-4
R satellite measurements 5-2
radial arm survey 1-12 satellite-based positioning system 1-1
RAM scope xvii
clearing 2-11 serial ports 2-5
rangepole setup icons 2-5
optional items A-5 pinouts 2-6
required items A-5 session
reader comment form xxii sequence number 2-13, 5-4
Real Time Kinematic 1-3 timer 2-4
surveys 1-4 setting up a rangepole 4-13
Real Time Kinematic (RTK) surveying setting up the equipment and running the
description 6-2 survey 4-6, 4-12
receiver height measurements 4-5 simultaneous observations 4-3
reference receivers 4-10 single button operation 2-1
related information xix single-frequency
update notes xix receiver 1-10
restarting survey after power-down 2-10 static surveys 1-10, 4-2
revision notice iii site reconnaissance 3-1, 3-2
RF interference 1-11 skyplot 3-4
rovers software and hardware
survey receivers 4-10 requirements 2-18
RS-232 ports 2-1 specifications B-1
RTK 1-3 electrical B-2
physical B-1

4800 Operation Manual Index-5

Index

technical B-2 Trimble Technical Assistance Center

standard configuration TAC xxi
data download 2-14, 5-3 TRIMNET Plus network adjustment
Static survey program 5-7
times and distances 4-13 tripod
Static surveying 1-10, 2-2, 4-2, 4-12 fixed-height 2-18
equipment and software optical plummet 4-8, 4-12
required 4-12 tribrach 4-8, 4-12
methods 4-12 troubleshooting D-1, G-1
station unit does not log data D-2
identifiers 5-5 unit does not turn on D-2
names 5-5 unit is locked up D-2
stationary occupations 6-1 TSC1 handheld 1-12
strengthening network geometry 3-2 types of control survey
successful control survey campaign 3-2 static surveying 4-2
survey mark 4-8, 4-12 typical configuration
survey mark or base station name 2-16, using 4800 for Static or FastStatic
4-5 with conventional tripod
survey planning 3-1, 3-3 setup A-3
survey project using 4800 for Static or FastStatic
planning 3-1 with PowerLiTE pole A-6
surveys typical configurations A-1
postprocessed 1-4
switches and indicator lights 2-2
system defaults 2-19 U
U.S. Department of Commerce 2-12
U.S. Department of Defense 1-1
T
unit height measurements 2-16
TAC xxi unit serial number 2-13, 2-16, 4-5, 5-4
tape measure 2-16, 4-9 update notes xix
tape mounting tabs 2-16, 4-9 use and care 2-12
technical assistance xxi using CommSet G-1
tips xxiii example G-2
tracking session file 2-13, 5-4 using WinFLASH F-1
trademarks iii example F-2
tribrach
adapter 4-9

Index-6 4800 Operation Manual

 Index

V
view the baseline results 5-6

W
warnings xxiii
WAVE software
Weighted Ambiguity Vector
Estimator 5-6
WGS-84 5-7
WGS-84 coordinates 4-10
WinFLASH
example F-2
installing F-1
using F-1
World Wide Web site xx

Z
ZDA
UTC day, month, and year, and
local time zone offset C-9

4800 Operation Manual Index-7

Index

Index-8 4800 Operation Manual