Tech Notes Tip
For this Tech Tip, I want to explain a couple of common messages that come up in Trimble Survey Controller. One is, "Initialization Lost Due to High RMS," and the other, "New Base Station Detected."
"Initialization Lost Due to high RMS" - First off, RMS is the measure of multipath, which is when we get multiple signals from the same satellite. Multipath is cause by obstructions such as tree canopy, buildings, and other structures. Second, initialization occurs when the system solves the integer ambiguity, which is the partial wave length from a satellite signal. This brings us from one to two meter accuracy to cm accuracy. Initialization reliability is directly related to the measure of multipath, RMS, in the receiver's current environment. If you lose Initialization Due to High RMS then it is possible that you've lost your initialization due to High RMS or Multipath. Be sure to check a measurement that was performed during previous initializations. After you have re-gained your init. Please not that the points that were shot during the initialization (init that was lost due to high RMS), will be flagged inside Trimble GeoMatics Office, as High RMS points. Again, this is a warning message to the user that these points are suspect.
"New Base Station Detected" - We use baseline solutions and initializations to get cm level results with GPS. To receive this baseline information we use radios to transmit the base's positional information. Government Agencies generally get licensed to use 1 or 2 channels while private firms generally are licensed to use a common list of 13. Because private parties have the same frequencies of a lot of time they are running on the same channel. If you are working near someone else transmitting on the same channel your radio link reliability will suffer. Basically both parties are stomping on each others signal. A lot of times Survey Controller will give you the "New Base Station Detected" message. It's receiving 2 different data packets and it doesn't know which to choose. It asks you if you want to use the new one, and generally you are forced to end survey. At this point the best fix is to change the frequency at the base and rover. Once you change to a clear channel you will not have any issues. The us of the Station Index option in your Survey Styles is a good way to know if there are other bases transmitting on the frequency as your base. When you start a rover survey it will build a base list and show you which are available and how reliable they are.

Welcome to 'Tech Notes' - Frontier Precision's bi-monthly e-newsletter! 'Tech Notes' is designed to keep you informed with tips and information on the latest technology in surveying, construction, and GIS. Our company goal is to help you be more efficient and more profitable with today's technology!

July 28, 2006

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