16 April 2012

Trimble GPS Pathfinder ProXRT Receiver: Frequently

Asked Questions
What is the Trimble GPS Pathfinder ProXRT receiver?
The Trimble® GPS Pathfinder® ProXRT receiver is a high-precision GNSS receiver, ideal for GIS data
collection and maintenance applications that require high accuracy in real time (that is, in the field).
When combined with a suitable field computer and compatible software, the ProXRT receiver provides
the ultimate in high-accuracy GIS positioning.
Model 2 of the ProXRT receiver also includes a new GNSS processor, offering better tracking, faster
initialization, and higher accuracy in tough conditions. It also enables the support of the OmniSTAR G2
service with OmniSTAR HP, which incorporates GLONASS corrections, provided the user has also
purchased the GLONASS option,
With the latest generation of Trimble 360 receiver technology 1, the receiver is also capable of tracking
the Galileo GIOVE-A and GIOVE-B test satellites for signal evaluation and test purposes, through the
Web Browser interface available with the NMEA optional upgrade..

What are the main differences between the original Trimble GPS Pathfinder
ProXRT receiver and the Model 2?
Capabilities supported by Model 2 of the ProXRT receiver (shipping from October 2010) and not
supported by the original ProXRT receiver are as follows:
• A new GNSS processor, offering better tracking, faster initialization, and higher accuracy in
tough conditions.
• Support of the G2 OmniSTAR service for GLONASS.

1
This powerful receiver technology conforms to the current Open Service Signals-in-Space Interface Control
Document (OS SIS ICD), Issue 1, Revision1, September 2010. Sale of receivers based on information in the
Galileo ICD is subject to the licensing terms for manufactures promulgated by the European Commission (EC).

This document is for informational purposes only and is not a legally binding agreement or offer. Trimble makes no
warranties and assumes no obligations or liabilities hereunder.

Trimble Navigation Limited, 10355 Westmoor Drive, Suite #100, Westminster, CO 80021, USA

© 2012, Trimble Navigation Limited. All rights reserved. Trimble, the Globe & Triangle logo, GPS Pathfinder, Juno, Nomad, Recon,
and Yuma are trademarks of Trimble Navigation Limited, registered in the United States and in other countries. DeltaPhase, GPS
Analyst, GPScorrect, H-Star, TerraSync, and VRS are trademarks of Trimble Navigation Limited. The Bluetooth word mark and
logos are owned by the Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Trimble Navigation Limited is under license. All other
trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

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 • Tracking of the Galileo GIOVE-A and GIOVE-B test satellites for signal evaluation and test
purposes, through the Web Browser interface available with the NMEA optional upgrade.
Model 2 of the ProXRT receiver can be distinguished by the label on the back of receiver. Original
model ProXRT receivers do not support these new capabilities.

What are the main benefits of using the Trimble GPS Pathfinder ProXRT
receiver?
• High accuracy: The ProXRT receiver is designed specifically for GIS data collection that offers
real-time decimeter (10 cm / 4 inch) to subfoot (<30 cm) accuracy.
• Flexibility: The receiver offers a wide range of real-time capabilities, together with the option of
GLONASS support and the ability to mount the system on a pole, in a backpack, or on a vehicle.
• Worldwide real-time capability: The receiver’s integrated OmniSTAR capability allows for
real-time accuracy at the decimeter/subfoot/submeter level practically anywhere on earth.
• Ruggedness: The receiver is rugged and waterproof, so it can work as hard as you do, wherever
you work.

What applications will benefit from subfoot and decimeter accuracy in real time?
Anyone requiring the highest levels of accuracy for their GIS database will benefit from achieving
subfoot and decimeter accuracy in real time (in the field).
With real-time subfoot accuracy you can be confident that you have logged data to the required accuracy,
and you don’t need to rely on the availability of base station data for postprocessing. This is particularly
beneficial for contractors and in circumstances where any processing issue can’t be corrected later (for
example, when mapping a site just before the bulldozers come in to clear it).
But the greatest benefits of real-time subfoot accuracy are realized when relocating previously-mapped
assets, particularly those which are buried or hidden. Cables and pipes can be excavated immediately
without the need for postprocessing or risk of damage to nearby assets.
Applications that will benefit from subfoot and decimeter accuracy in real time are:
• High-accuracy GIS data collection and “as-built” mapping
• Relocating buried and hidden assets
• Navigation to existing assets where exact location identifies the proper asset
• Electric and gas utilities projects
• Water and wastewater services projects
• Land reform projects
• Other applications where on-the-spot positioning is crucial

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What is H-Star technology?
Trimble H-Star™ technology is a patented Trimble technology that uses a combination of GPS code and
carrier data to compute positions in the decimeter to subfoot (10 cm to <30 cm) range. For information
on how H-Star technology works, and how to get the best performance from receivers that have H-Star
technology, refer to the white paper H-Star Technology Explained, available at www.trimble.com.

What is GNSS?
GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) is the collective term used to describe satellite-based
positioning systems that offer global coverage. At present there are two available GNSS systems: the US
Global Positioning System (GPS) and the Russian GLONASS system. Planned future GNSS systems
include the European Union’s Galileo system and the Chinese COMPASS system.
A GNSS receiver is a device that can compute its position based on signals received from one or more
GNSS systems. The ProXRT receiver always uses signals from GPS and, when the GLONASS option is
installed, also from GLONASS.
For more information, refer to the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) FAQs for Mapping and
GIS, available at www.trimble.com.

What is GLONASS?
GLONASS is the Russian GLObal NAvigation Satellite System, originally developed by the Soviet
Union and now managed for the Russian Government by the Russian Space Forces.
At the time of writing, the GLONASS constellation remains incomplete, with between 4 and 6 satellites
typically above the horizon at any moment in time. Until such time as the constellation is complete,
GLONASS will remain a viable GNSS only when combined with GPS.

What applications will benefit from GLONASS support?

Installing the GLONASS option on your Trimble GPS Pathfinder ProXRT receiver increases the number
of satellites that you can potentially observe when working in the field. By tracking GPS and GLONASS
satellites when sky visibility is limited, the receiver may maintain lock on enough satellites to keep
positioning, letting you work for longer periods in tough environments.
Tracking GLONASS satellites as well as GPS satellites can also improve productivity by reducing the
time required to achieve real-time decimeter to subfoot accuracy.
Logging and postprocessing of GLONASS measurements with Model 2 of the ProXRT receiver is
supported in the following software versions:
• Field software
– Trimble TerraSync™ software version 5.00 or later
– Trimble GPScorrect™ extension for Esri ArcPad software version 3.14 or later
– Applications developed with Trimble GPS Pathfinder Field Toolkit, version 2.42 or later
• Office software
– Trimble GPS Pathfinder Office software version 5.00 or later

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 – Trimble GPS Analyst™ extension for Esri ArcGIS for Desktop software version 2.20 or later
(with the latest updates installed)

What is Galileo?
Galileo is Europe’s global navigation satellite system, providing a highly accurate, guaranteed global
positioning service under civilian control. It will be inter-operable with GPS and GLONASS, the two
other global navigation satellite systems.
The first experimental satellite, GIOVE-A, was launched on 28 December 2005; the second, GIOVE-B,
in April 2008. At the time of writing four additional satellites are planned for 2011.

What is the OmniSTAR G2 service?

An optional service to HP that provides GLONASS corrections, G2 can also be used with the GPS
Pathfinder ProXRT receiver with the GLONASS option to improve productivity in tough environments.

What level of real-time horizontal accuracy can I expect with the Trimble GPS
Pathfinder ProXRT receiver?
The Trimble GPS Pathfinder ProXRT receiver provides a range of horizontal accuracy in real time,
depending on the real-time differential correction source used:
Real-time correction source Horizontal accuracy Notes
Trimble VRS™ network, Real-time H-Star technology Accuracy degrades outside the
accessed using a cellular typically provides 10 cm (4 inch) VRS network even though
connection to the Internet accuracy, anywhere within a corrections may still be available
VRS network
Single dual-frequency base Real-time H-Star technology H-Star specified accuracy is
station, accessed using a cellular provides: typically achieved within 2
connection to the Internet minutes
• 10 cm (4 inch) accuracy up
to 30 km from the base
station
• Subfoot (<30 cm) accuracy
30 km to 80 km from the
base station
• Submeter accuracy (+1ppm)
beyond 80 km of the base
station
OmniSTAR HP service 10 cm (4 inch) accuracy, after
OmniSTAR HP + G2 service initialization time of up to 60
minutes Subscription required. For
pricing,coverage and additional
OmniSTAR XP service 20 cm accuracy, after
accuracy and initialization
initialization time of up to 60
information, contact OmniSTAR
minutes
(www.omnistar.com)
OmniSTAR VBS service Submeter accuracy, with no
initialization delay

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 SBAS Submeter within the coverage Coverage depends on the
area specific SBAS service.
Marine beacon Submeter within 200 km of an
MSK marine beacon
Other external radio or cellular Depends on the base station, the
connection to a base station range, and connection latency

What level of horizontal accuracy can I expect after postprocessing?

After H-Star postprocessing, the Trimble GPS Pathfinder ProXRT receiver achieves horizontal accuracy
of 10 cm + 1 ppm, except in conditions where most GNSS signals are affected by trees, or buildings, or
other objects.
The following factors increase the availability of 10 cm (4 inch) accuracy with H-Star receivers:
• Longer elapsed time tracking uninterrupted L1/L2 carrier phase data
• Tracking of more satellites with L2 carrier measurements
• Shorter distance to the base station(s)
• Use of more base stations for postprocessing
When GNSS carrier data is logged for a period of at least 45 minutes without interruption, carrier
postprocessing will yield horizontal accuracy of 1 cm + 2 ppm, provided the baseline length is no longer
than 10 km.
In conditions where H-Star processing is not possible (for example, due to frequent loss of carrier lock)
or where code-processing alone is selected, the ProXRT receiver provides postprocessed horizontal code
accuracy of 50 cm + 1 due to Trimble DeltaPhase™ technology. This new enhanced code processing
technology was introduced in Trimble GPS Pathfinder Office software version 4.20 and the Trimble GPS
Analyst extension for Esri ArcGIS for Desktop software version 2.20.

What level of real-time vertical accuracy can I expect from the Trimble GPS
Pathfinder ProXRT receiver?
The Trimble GPS Pathfinder ProXRT receiver provides a range of vertical accuracy, depending on the
real-time differential correction source or the type of postprocessing used:
Real-time correction source Vertical accuracy Notes
VRS network, accessed using a Real-time H-Star technology Accuracy degrades outside the
cellular connection to the typically provides 10 cm (4 inch) VRS network even though
Internet accuracy, anywhere within a corrections may still be available
VRS network
Single dual-frequency base Real-time H-Star technology H-Star specified accuracy is
station, accessed using a cellular provides: typically achieved within 2
connection to the Internet minutes
• 10 cm (4 inch) accuracy up
to 30 km from the base
station
• 45 cm accuracy 30 km to

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 80 km from the base station
• Submeter accuracy (+2ppm)
beyond 80 km of the base
station
OmniSTAR HP service 15 cm accuracy, after
OmniSTAR HP + G2 service initialization time of up to 60
minutes Subscription required. For
pricing,coverage, and additional
OmniSTAR XP service 30 cm accuracy, after
accuracy and initialization
initialization time of up to 60
information, contact OmniSTAR
minutes
(www.omnistar.com)
OmniSTAR VBS service Better than 5 meters, with no
initialization delay
SBAS Better than 5 meters, within the Coverage depends on the
coverage area specific SBAS service.

What level of vertical accuracy can I expect after postprocessing?

After H-Star postprocessing, the Trimble GPS Pathfinder ProXRT receiver achieves vertical accuracy of
10 cm + 2 ppm, except in conditions where most GNSS signals are affected by trees, or buildings, or
other objects.
The following factors increase the availability of 10 cm accuracy with H-Star receivers:
• Longer elapsed time tracking uninterrupted L1/L2 carrier phase data
• Tracking of more satellites with L2 carrier measurements
• Shorter distance to the base station(s)
• Use of more base stations for postprocessing
When GNSS carrier data is logged for a period of at least 45 minutes without interruption, carrier
postprocessing will yield vertical accuracy of 2 cm + 2 ppm, provided the baseline length is no longer
than 10 km.
In conditions where H-Star processing is not possible (for example, due to frequent loss of carrier lock)
or where code-processing alone is selected, the ProXRT receiver provides postprocessed vertical code
accuracy at the submeter level, due to Trimble DeltaPhase technology. This new enhanced code
processing technology was introduced in the Trimble GPS Pathfinder Office software version 4.20 and
the Trimble GPS Analyst extension for Esri ArcGIS for Desktop software version 2.20.

Which real-time correction options provide the highest accuracy?

Only the real-time H-Star technology and OmniSTAR XP or HP service options reliably deliver
accuracy better than submeter. H-Star technology relies on local GNSS infrastructure to achieve
accuracy in the decimeter to subfoot range using VRS, while OmniSTAR XP and HP services deliver
this level of accuracy in remote areas where local infrastructure is unavailable.

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Note: OmniSTAR XP and HP services typically require up to 60 minutes’ initialization time which may
make these services impractical in environments with many obstacles (for example, trees and buildings)
that can obstruct OmniSTAR signals.

What real-time correction options are available in my area?

Contact your Trimble reseller to talk about the options available in your area. In some parts of the world,
there may be very few options; in other areas there may be numerous ways to achieve high accuracy in
real time, and you’ll want to discuss the economic and workflow differences between each of these
options.

How does the Trimble GPS Pathfinder ProXRT receiver support GLONASS?
The Trimble GPS Pathfinder ProXRT receiver has a dual-constellation RF signal processor and can
decode and process signals from both GPS and GLONASS. The ProXRT receiver has 72 channels, each
capable of tracking one of two frequency ranges for the GPS and/or GLONASS systems. Model 2 of the
ProXRT receiver also supports G2, an optional service to OmniSTAR HP, providing GLONASS
corrections.

How does Model 2 of the Trimble GPS Pathfinder ProXRT receiver support
Galileo?
Model 2 of the Trimble GPS Pathfinder ProXRT receiver is capable of tracking the Galileo GIOVE-A
and GIOVE-B test satellites for signal evaluation and test purposes. The tracking of the satellites can be
seen through the Web Browser interface in the Satellites – Skyplot screen available with the NMEA
optional upgrade

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Can I use the Galileo GIOVE-A and GIOVE-B to help with my GNSS position
solution?
No. Currently, receiver technology which has Galileo capability to operate in the Galileo frequency
bands and uses information from the Galileo system for future operational satellites, is restricted in the
publicly available Galileo open Service Signal-In-Space Interface Control document (GAL OS SIS ICD).
It is not currently authorized for commercial use. Receiver technology that tracks the GIOVE-A and
GIOVE-B test satellites uses information that is unrestricted in the public domain in the GIOVE A + B
Navigation Signals-In-Space Interface Control document. Receiver technology which has developmental
GIOVE-A and B capability is intended for signal evaluation and test purposes.

What field computers work with the Trimble GPS Pathfinder ProXRT receiver?
The Trimble GPS Pathfinder ProXRT receiver can work with any field computer that can connect to the
receiver using a serial cable (RS232) or Bluetooth® wireless technology. In particular, the ProXRT
receiver has been intensively tested with the following Trimble rugged field computers:
• Trimble Nomad® G series handhelds
• Trimble Recon® handheld
• Trimble Yuma® rugged tablet computer
• Trimble Juno® series handhelds

What software is available for use with Model 2 of the Trimble GPS Pathfinder
ProXRT receiver?
With the Model 2 of the Trimble GPS Pathfinder ProXRT receiver, use the following field software
applications:
• Trimble TerraSync software (Standard, Professional, and Centimeter editions), version 5.00 or
later
• Trimble GPScorrect extension for Esri ArcPad software, version 3.14 or later, with the latest
updates applied
• Applications created using the Trimble GPS Pathfinder Field Toolkit, version 2.42 or later, with
the latest updates applied
Note: The ProXRT receiver does not output data using the NMEA protocol,unless the NMEA Output
option has been purchased and installed (P/N 85360-20-UPG)

For optimal postprocessing performance, data collected using the ProXRT receiver should be
downloaded and processed by one of the following office software applications:
• Trimble GPS Pathfinder Office software, version 5.00 or later
• Trimble GPS Analyst extension for Esri ArcGIS software, version 2.20 with the latest updates
installed, or later

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What do I get in the box?
Purchasers of the ProXRT Receiver receive the following items:

What mounting options should I purchase?

In addition to the items you receive with the Trimble GPS Pathfinder ProXRT receiver, you may need to
purchase some of the following:
• To achieve decimeter to subfoot level accuracy, Trimble recommends that you purchase the Pole
Field Kit In addition, don’t forget to purchase the appropriate pole-mount for your handheld
• To use the receiver in a backpack, purchase the Backpack Field Kit).
• To use the ProXRT receiver on a vehicle, purchase the following vehicle mounting accessories:
quick-release adapter

What Trimble GPS Pathfinder ProXRT receiver options are available?

You can purchase the ProXRT receiver with GLONASS pre-installed using or you can purchase the
ProXRT without GLONASS and subsequently upgrade the receiver to GLONASS capability using. The
GLONASS option is discounted when purchased at the same time as the receiver. For pricing
information, see your Trimble reseller.
If you require NMEA output for use with third party software applications, you must purchase the
NMEA Output option for the ProXRT receiver This option enables the Web Browser interface, which
allows you to view the tracked Galileo GIOVE-A and GIOVE-B test satellites for signal evaluation and
test purposes.
You must purchase a subscription to an OmniSTAR service before you can use an OmniSTAR service
with the ProXRT receiver. For details of subscription charges and coverage, contact OmniSTAR
(www.omnistar.com).

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Can I deactivate the Bluetooth radio?
The internal Bluetooth radio is always on and discoverable. There is no user control to disable the
Bluetooth radio.

Can I use the Trimble GPS Pathfinder ProXRT receiver as a reference station?
The ProXRT receiver is configured as a roving receiver and does not support operation as a real-time or
postprocessing reference station. For customers who require their own local base station, Trimble
recommends the NetR8™ or NetR9™ reference station, available from Trimble infrastructure resellers.

Where can I get more information?

For further information, go to www.trimble.com or contact your local Trimble reseller.

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