Someone gave me a used Ashtech Z-Surveyor. Anyone familiar?

I was recently given a Z-Surveyor RTK base and rover.
Does anyone still use it, and, if so, would you have time for some questions?

Ask away.

BTW, what size antenna connection, N or TNC?

Which antenna?

Did you get an antenna cable?

What size power and data connectors?

Did you get a data cable?

Did you get an AC power adaptor?

Did you get a controller with it?

Did you get batteries and what type?

Did you get a battery charger?

Did you download the Z manual from the Ashtech ftp web site?

I know nothing of the RTK radio setup.

Paul in PA

Morning, Paul

I'm not sure about the antenna connections.  Here are six photos for you.  They may help.  Will reply again momentarily to answer your questions.

Paul,

Answers to your questions are below.  The current problem I am facing appears to be in the ability to record a session to the data card, which I picked up online for $50, but will return soon if it doesn't work.  I'll try to keep up with you and am willing to call you if you think you are able to help.  I certainly don't want to waste your time, but it is appreciated.

I was able to view the lat long on the receiver...actually saw it change from 0 to the lat long, so I know it was gathering some info, just cant store it.

BTW, what size antenna connection, N or TNC?
    don't know anything about that
Which antenna?
    Sokkia L1-L2  (see photos)
Did you get an antenna cable?
    yes, one for each antenna and receiver
What size power and data connectors?
     have them, but not sure
Did you get a data cable?
     yes, with serial connector
Did you get an AC power adaptor?
     no
Did you get a controller with it?
     no
Did you get batteries and what type?
     yes, 12v replacement for Duracell DR36 laptop battery - internal
Did you get a battery charger?
    yes, in working condition
Did you download the Z manual from the Ashtech ftp web site?
    yes, have read through most of it.
I know nothing of the RTK radio setup.
    I can try to work with the RTK end of it, but just want to make sure I can at least perform static observations first.

The RTK psoitions would be stored in the controller, which you do not have.

Without a data card, the card contacts may have become very dirty.

It appears you have all of the later type smaller connections, and a TNC antenna connection.

The card should be initialized in the receiver, for it to work. I do believe that takes a controller.

Go to the ftp site and download Datalogger and Evaluate. They will allow you to see some of what is going on inside the receiver using your computer as the controller. You can queery and change receiver settings. 

Paul in PA

I actually downloaded Evaluate yesterday, but not datalogger.  Will try them when I get a chance.

I am aware that I could probably run RTK, with a controller.  I.e.  TDS Survey Pro - GPS module on my recon.  I'd have to buy the module.

The only problem is that the base radio doesn't appear to work from the power provided by the receiver.  I'm guessing I need an external power supply for the base?

I don't want to invest in the GPS module for Survey Pro at this point without knowing the radio will work.

Even if it does work, I'd like to be able to use the receivers in static mode for opus purposes, but I believe I need the PC Card for that.

Otherwise, I'll have to set control using local NGS control stations, then revisit with the RTK, which again...not sure about the battery.

My old firm had two of these:
Original sales flyer: http://www.mertind.com/descarga/catalogos/gsr2300.pdf

We used them with SDR33-RTK datacollectors or in static mode with the PCMIA card with OPUS.
SDR33-RTK and GSR2300 Workflow: http://www.scribd.com/doc/6009533/Sokkia-GSR2300-SDR33-Workflow

I believe you can get to the card format menu through the front panel, but you have to hold the two arrow keys down at the same time during power on to get to the menu.  The menu structure is like setting up an old HP or OCE Plotter (might be a Sokkia or Astech Workflow still lingering on the web but I couldn't find it). Arrowing up and over.  Also watch the cards you use, the flyer states  2, 4, 8, 10 and 20, 85Mb PCMCIA memory cards.  I picked up a second 8Mb card and could never get it to take in one of the units (might have been dirty or broken contacts).  OPUS also won't take the native Astech format these record in; you'll have to convert it to RINEX before uploading.

If it was an RTK rig, there should have also been a 2W Pacific Crest Blue Brick hiding in the backpack bag.  You'll also need the complementing GSR2200 base (or possibly a second GSR2300 set as a base?) to make RTK happen.

If you give up on it, I'll gladly take it off your hands.  Seriously, I'm looking for a cheap static solution.

Found this on the PCMIA cards.  This might have been my problem back in the day since we never had the correct serial cable to issue receiver commands to any of the GSR2300s, just the 2200.

Formatting the PC Card

PCMCIA cards are typically factory formatted for PC compatibility. If the PC card is not formatted, format it with the PCMCIA drive in the PC using the DOS format command.

Prior to use in the receiver, the PCMCIA card must also be receiver formatted, and should be reformatted on a regular basis. PC cards should be reformatted biweekly for receivers in continual use. Regular reformatting prevents file fragmentation on the card that could cause data problems.

The PCMCIA card can be formatted in one of the following two methods.
However, prior to first use, the $PASHS,CLM method should always be used.

• Issue the serial command $PASHS,CLM which formats all tracks in the PC card one by one, including the FAT (file allocation table), the directory, and the data area. This process requires approximately 7-8 seconds per MB, including both the reformatting and the file system mounting time.
This is the optimum and recommended method.

• Issue the serial command $PASHS,FIL,D,999 or select the DELETE ALL option in the SESSION menu on the front panel LED display. Both of these techniques format only the FAT and the directory area in the PC card, and does not physically clear the data area. This process takes just a few seconds to complete, regardless of PC card size.

eea123,

Thank you for taking the time to respond.  The workflow info will come in handy.  I have the other information you provided.  I haven't had a lot of time to work with the units, yet.  I do have a 2nd GSR2300 receiver included in the kit.

I couldn't get power to the 35w radio when setting it up initially and am wondering if I need an additional power source, but will use the workflow sheet to try it again.

FYI, I have had interest in the receivers from one other person, so you are second on the list.  If I ever do decide to unload them, I need to check with the donator of the equipment first.

Thanks again for the help

Fair enough.  On the 35W BlueBrick, we used to power that from a "motorcycle" battery.  Should be a black offset, keyed DC connector hardwired from the back of the BlueBrick with maybe a foot or so of wire?  You'll have to research the exact voltage.  We had two of them and a trickle charger.  BatteriesPlus had them in stock.  Make sure you add an inline fuse to proctect the radio.

PacificCrest Spec sheet: http://www.navchina.com/download/pdf/rfm96w.pdf 

Oh, when and if you do get this going make sure you have registered with the FCC.  35W is regulated broadcast power (the 2W are not from what I understand).  I think the broadcast frequency is selectable on the GSR side (at least it was with the old 2200).  That will be what you need to register.  I think you can get a portable licence for data.

You can double check with these guys on the cable (http://gpac.biz/sokkia.html).  Looks like the keyed connector is actually split off of one of the Fischer connectors to the BlueBrick, http://gpac.biz/images/2010/S23HPB_bg.jpg.  You can see the offset, keyed DC connector I was mentioning in the right of the photo. 

From what I read in the Pacific Crest spec sheet, the 35W will power to run / work from the GSR 2300's cabling only when in 2W receive mode (rover) not in full power broadcast mode as needed for base operation.  They also have firmware updates at http://www.pacificcrest.com/support.php?page=updates if you find you need them.