Trimble R8 GNSS And R6/5800 GPS Receivesr User Guide R82

User Manual: R8

Open the PDF directly: View PDF .
Page Count: 86

Download
Open PDF In Browser	View PDF

USER GUIDE

Trimble R8 GNSS Receiver
Trimble R6/5800 GPS Receivers
®

NORTH AMERICA
Trimble Engineering &
Construction Group
5475 Kellenburger Road
Dayton, Ohio 45424-1099 • USA
800-538-7800 (Toll Free)
+1-937-245-5154 Phone
+1-937-233-9441 Fax

EUROPE
Trimble GmbH
Am Prime Parc 11
65479 Raunheim • GERMANY
+49-6142-2100-0 Phone
+49-6142-2100-550 Fax

ASIA-PACIFIC
Trimble Navigation
Singapore Pty Limited
80 Marine Parade Road
#22-06, Parkway Parade
Singapore 449269 • SINGAPORE
+65-6348-2212 Phone
+65-6348-2232 Fax

www.trimble.com

USER GUIDE

Trimble R8 GNSS Receiver
Trimble R6/5800 GPS Receivers
®

Version 3.64
Revision A
May 2008

Corporate office
Trimble Navigation Limited
Engineering and Construction group
5475 Kellenburger Road
Dayton, Ohio 45424-1099
USA
800-538-7800 (toll free in USA)
+1-937-245-5600 Phone
+1-937-233-9004 Fax
www.trimble.com

Legal notices
© 2004-2008, Trimble Navigation Limited. Trimble, the Globe & Triangle
logo, BlueCap, GPS Total Station, and TSC2 are trademarks of Trimble
Navigation Limited, registered in the United States and in other
countries. CMR+, Digital Fieldbook, Maxwell, Trimble Geomatics Office,
Trimble Survey Controller, TRIMMARK, TRIMTALK, and TSCe 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. Recon is a
registered trademark of Tripod Data Systems, Inc. Microsoft, Windows,
and Windows NT are either registered trademarks or trademarks of
Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. All
other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Release notice
This is the May 2008 release (Revision A) of the Trimble R8 GNSS and
R6/5800 GPS Receivers User Guide. It applies to version 3.64 of the
Trimble R8 GNSS receiver and the Trimble R6/5800 II GPS receivers.
Product Limited Warranty Information
For applicable product Limited Warranty information, please refer to the
Limited Warranty Card included with this Trimble product, or consult
your local Trimble authorized dealer.
Product Extended Limited Warranty Information
For applicable product Extended Limited Warranty information, please
refer to the Limited Warranty Card included with this Trimble product,
or consult your Trimble dealer.
Notices
Class B Statement – Notice to Users. This equipment has been tested
and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant
to Part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential
installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the
instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communication.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a
particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful
interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined
by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to
correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
– Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
– Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.
– Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that
to which the receiver is connected.
– Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Changes and modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer
or registrant of this equipment can void your authority to operate this
equipment under Federal Communications Commission rules.

Canada
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise
emissions from digital apparatus as set out in the radio interference
regulations of the Canadian Department of Communications.
Le présent appareil numérique n’émet pas de bruits radioélectriques
dépassant les limites applicables aux appareils numériques de Classe B
prescrites dans le règlement sur le brouillage radioélectrique édicté par
le Ministère des Communications du Canada.
Europe
This product has been tested and found to comply with the
requirements for a Class B device pursuant to European
Council Directive 89/336/EEC on EMC, thereby satisfying the
requirements for CE Marking and sale within the European Economic
Area (EEA). Contains Infineon radio module ROK 104001. These
requirements are designed to provide reasonable protection against
harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a residential or
commercial environment.
Australia and New Zealand
This product conforms with the regulatory requirements of the
Australian Communications Authority (ACA) EMC framework,
thus satisfying the requirements for C-Tick Marking and sale
within Australia and New Zealand.
Taiwan – Battery Recycling Requirements
The product contains a removable Lithium-ion battery.
Taiwanese regulations require that waste batteries are recycled.

廢電池請回收
Notice to Our European Union Customers
For product recycling instructions and more information, please go to
www.trimble.com/ev.shtml.
Recycling in Europe: To recycle Trimble WEEE (Waste Electrical
and Electronic Equipment, products that run on electrical
power.), Call +31 497 53 24 30, and ask for the "WEEE Associate".
Or, mail a request for recycling instructions to:
Trimble Europe BV
c/o Menlo Worldwide Logistics
Meerheide 45
5521 DZ Eersel, NL
Declaration of Conformity
We, Trimble Navigation Limited,
935 Stewart Drive
PO Box 3642
Sunnyvale, CA 94088-3642
United States
+1-408-481-8000
declare under sole responsibility that the products:
Trimble R8 GNSS receiver and Trimble R6/5800 GPS receivers
comply with Part 15 of FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) this device must accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired operation.

Safety Information

This manual describes the Trimble® R8 GNSS and R6/5800 II GPS receivers. Unless
otherwise specified, “the receiver“ refers to all receivers covered in this User Guide.
Note – To determine if you have a 5800 II GPS receiver, look underneath for a label that
shows the part number and the product name.
Before you use your receiver make sure that you have read and understood this
publication, as well as all safety requirements.

0.1

Warnings and Cautions
An absence of specific alerts does not mean that there are no safety risks involved.
Always follow the instructions that accompany a Warning or Caution. The information
they provide is intended to minimize the risk of personal injury and/or damage to the
equipment. In particular, observe safety instructions that are presented in the
following formats:

0.2

WARNING – A Warning alerts you to a likely risk of serious injury to your person and/or
damage to the equipment. A warning identifies the nature of the risk and the extent of
possible injury and/or damage. It also describes how to protect yourself and/or the
equipment from this risk. Warnings that appear in the text are repeated at the front of
the manual.

CAUTION – A Caution alerts you to a possible risk of damage to the equipment and/or
loss of data. A Caution describes how to protect the equipment and/or data from this risk.

Regulations and safety
The receivers contain an internal radio-modem and can send signals through
Bluetooth® wireless technology or through an external data communications radio.
Regulations regarding the use of the 450 MHz radio-modems vary greatly from country
to country. In some countries, the unit can be used without obtaining an end-user
license. Other countries require end-user licensing. For licensing information, consult
your local Trimble dealer. Bluetooth operates in license-free bands.
Before operating this receiver, determine if authorization or a license to operate the
receiver is required in your country. It is the responsibility of the end user to obtain an
operator’s permit or license for the receiver for the location or country of use. For FCC
regulations, see Notices, page 2.

Trimble R8 GNSS and R6/5800 GPS Receivers User Guide

Safety Information

0.3

Type approval
Type approval, or acceptance, covers technical parameters of the equipment related to
emissions that can cause interference. Type approval is granted to the manufacturer of
the transmission equipment, independent from the operation or licensing of the units.
Some countries have unique technical requirements for operation in particular
radio-modem frequency bands. To comply with those requirements, Trimble may have
modified your equipment to be granted Type approval. Unauthorized modification of
the units voids the Type approval, the warranty, and the operational license of the
equipment.

0.4

Exposure to radio frequency radiation

04.1

For 450 MHz radio
Safety. Exposure to RF energy is an important safety consideration. The FCC has
adopted a safety standard for human exposure to radio frequency electromagnetic
energy.
Proper use of this radio modem results in exposure below government limits. The
following precautions are recommended:

04.2

DO NOT operate the transmitter when someone is 20 cm (7.8 inches) of the
antenna.

•

DO NOT collocate (place within 20 cm) the radio antenna with any other
transmitting device.

•

DO NOT operate the transmitter unless all RF connectors are secure and any
open connectors are properly terminated.

•

DO NOT operate the equipment near electrical blasting caps or in an explosive
atmosphere.

•

All equipment must be properly grounded according to Trimble installation
instructions for safe operation.

•

All equipment should be serviced only by a qualified technician.

For GSM radio

•

CAUTION – For your own safety, and in terms of the RF Exposure requirements of the FCC,
always observe the precautions listed here.
- Always maintain a minimum separation distance of 20 cm (7.8 inches) between
yourself and the radiating antenna on the Trimble R8 GNSS or the Trimble R6
radio-modem.
- Do not collocate (place within 20 cm) the radio antenna with any other transmitting
device.

Trimble R8 GNSS and R6/5800 GPS Receivers User Guide

Safety Information

04.3

For Bluetooth radio
The radiated output power of the internal Bluetooth wireless radio is far below the
FCC radio frequency exposure limits. Nevertheless, the wireless radio shall be used in
such a manner that the Trimble receiver is 20 cm or further from the human body. The
internal wireless radio operates within guidelines found in radio frequency safety
standards and recommendations, which reflect the consensus of the scientific
community. Trimble therefore believes the internal wireless radio is safe for use by
consumers. The level of energy emitted is far less than the electromagnetic energy
emitted by wireless devices such as mobile phones. However, the use of wireless radios
may be restricted in some situations or environments, such as on aircraft. If you are
unsure of restrictions, you are encouraged to ask for authorization before turning on
the wireless radio.

0.5

Installing antennas

CAUTION – For your own safety, and in terms of the RF Exposure requirements of the FCC,
always observe these precautions:
- Always maintain a minimum separation distance of 20 cm (7.8 inches) between
yourself and the radiating antenna.
- Do not collocate (place within 20cm) the radio antenna with any other transmitting
device.

This device has been designed to operate with the antennas listed below.
UHF Antennas not included in this list, or having a gain greater than 5 dBi, are strictly
prohibited for use with this device. The required antenna impedance is 50 ohms.
GSM Antennas having a gain greater than 3 dBi ( for mobile applications) are strictly
prohibited for use with this device.
The antennas that can be used (country dependent) with the 450 MHz radio are 0 dBi
and 5 dBi whip antennas.
The antenna that can be used with the GSM radio is the 0 dBi whip antenna.
To reduce potential radio interference to other users, the antenna type and its gain
should be so chosen that the equivalent isotropically radiated power (e.i.r.p.) is not
more than that permitted for successful communication.

Trimble R8 GNSS and R6/5800 GPS Receivers User Guide

Safety Information

0.6

Rechargeable Lithium-ion batteries
These receivers use a rechargeable Lithium-ion battery.

WARNING – Do not damage the rechargeable Lithium-ion battery. A damaged battery
can cause an explosion or fire, and can result in personal injury and/or property damage.
To prevent injury or damage:
– Do not use or charge the battery if it appears to be damaged. Signs of damage include,
but are not limited to, discoloration, warping, and leaking battery fluid.
– Do not expose the battery to fire, high temperature, or direct sunlight.
– Do not immerse the battery in water.
– Do not use or store the battery inside a vehicle during hot weather.
– Do not drop or puncture the battery.
– Do not open the battery or short-circuit its contacts.

WARNING – Avoid contact with the rechargeable Lithium-ion battery if it appears to be
leaking. Battery fluid is corrosive, and contact with it can result in personal injury and/or
property damage.
To prevent injury or damage:
– If the battery leaks, avoid contact with the battery fluid.
– If battery fluid gets into your eyes, immediately rinse your eyes with clean water and
seek medical attention. Do not rub your eyes!
– If battery fluid gets onto your skin or clothing, immediately use clean water to wash off
the battery fluid.

WARNING – Charge and use the rechargeable Lithium-ion battery only in strict
accordance with the instructions. Charging or using the battery in unauthorized
equipment can cause an explosion or fire, and can result in personal injury and/or
equipment damage.
To prevent injury or damage:
– Do not charge or use the battery if it appears to be damaged or leaking.
– Charge the Lithium-ion battery only in a Trimble product that is specified to charge it.
Be sure to follow all instructions that are provided with the battery charger.
– Discontinue charging a battery that gives off extreme heat or a burning odor.
– Use the battery only in Trimble equipment that is specified to use it.
– Use the battery only for its intended use and according to the instructions in the product
documentation.

Trimble R8 GNSS and R6/5800 GPS Receivers User Guide

Safety Information

0.7

Other Warnings

WARNING – Operating or storing the receiver outside the specified temperature range
can damage it. For more information, see Physical specifications, page 50.

WARNING – Do not hold down the power button for more than 30 seconds. After 30
seconds, any application files stored in the receiver are deleted.

C
C

WARNING – Upgrading the firmware deletes all application files on the receiver.

WARNING – The receiver allows a maximum of 200 files on the internal memory. The
filenames must be in 8.3 format, otherwise, files copied to the internal memory may cause
data corruption or loss of data when logging.
Data is logged using the current logging settings configured in the receiver. Data files
logged internally are named automatically.

WARNING – Operating or storing the receiver outside the specified temperature range
can damage it. For more information, see Chapter 7, Specifications and Chapter 7,
Specifications.

Trimble R8 GNSS and R6/5800 GPS Receivers User Guide

Safety Information

Trimble R8 GNSS and R6/5800 GPS Receivers User Guide

Contents
Safety Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Warnings and Cautions . . . . . . . . . .
Regulations and safety . . . . . . . . . . .
Type approval . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exposure to radio frequency radiation .
For 450 MHz radio . . . . . . . . .
For GSM radio . . . . . . . . . . . .
For Bluetooth radio . . . . . . . .
Installing antennas . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rechargeable Lithium-ion batteries . .
Other Warnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

3
3
4
4
4
4
5
5
6
7

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Related information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Technical assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Your comments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Use and care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
COCOM limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Setting up the Receiver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Parts of the receiver. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front panel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lower housing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Setup guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Environmental conditions . . . . . . .
Sources of electrical interference . . .
General guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pole-mounted setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other system components . . . . . . . . . . .
Radios . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cellular modems and external radios

.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

20
20
21
22
22
22
23
23
25
25
26

General Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Front panel controls . . . . . . . . .
Button functions . . . . . . . . . . .
LED behavior. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
LED flash patterns . . . . . .
Starting and stopping the receiver
Logging data . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Logging internally . . . . . .

.
.
.
.

.
.
.
.
.
. . .
. . .

.
.
.
.
.
.
.

28
28
28
29
29
29
29

Trimble R8 GNSS and R6/5800 GPS Receivers User Guide

Logging to a Trimble controller .
Resetting to defaults . . . . . . . . . . . .
Batteries and power . . . . . . . . . . . .
Battery charging and storage . .
Power output . . . . . . . . . . . .
Firmware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

.
.
.
.
.
.

.
.
.
.
.
.
.

.
.
.
.
.
.

30
31
31
31
32
33

.
.
.
.
.
.
.

36
36
36
37
38
38
39

Software Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
The GPS Configurator software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installing the GPS Configurator software . . . . . . .
The WinFlash Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installing the WinFlash utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Upgrading firmware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adding frequencies for the 450 MHz internal radio
Configuring the internal transceiver . . . . . . . . . .

.
.
.
.
.
.

Configuration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Configuring the receiver in real time . . . . . . .
Configuring the receiver using application files
Application files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Special application files . . . . . . . . . . .
Applying application files . . . . . . . . . .
Storing application files . . . . . . . . . . .
Naming application files . . . . . . . . . .

.
.
.
.
.
.

.
.
.
.
.
.
.

42
42
43
43
43
44
46

Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Physical specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Positioning specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Technical specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Default Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Default settings . . . . . . . .
Resetting to factory defaults
Default behavior . . .
Power up settings. . .

.
.
.
.

54
54
55
55

Cables and Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Port 1 and 2 connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Power/serial data cables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

NMEA-0183 Output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
NMEA-0183 Outputs . . . . . .
Common Message Elements .
Message values . . . . .
NMEA Messages . . . . . . . .

.
.
.
.

Trimble R8 GNSS and R6/5800 GPS Receivers User Guide

.
.
.
.

62
63
63
63

RTCM Output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Generated messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Message scheduling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
LED conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Receiver issues. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

Index. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

Trimble R8 GNSS and R6/5800 GPS Receivers User Guide

CHAPTER

Introduction

1.1
1

Welcome to the Trimble R8 GNSS and R6/5800
GPS Receivers User Guide. This manual describes
how to install, set up, and use a Trimble® R8
GNSS receiver or a Trimble R6/5800 II GPS
receiver.

An electronic copy of this manual is available in
portable document format (PDF) on the receiver
CD-ROM. Use Adobe Reader to view the contents
of this file.
Other sources of related information are:
•

Release notes – the release notes describe
new features of the product, information not
included in the manual, and any changes to
the manual. They are provided as a PDF on
the CD. Use Adobe Reader to view the
contents of the release notes.

•

Registration – register your receiver to
automatically receive e-mail notifications of
receiver firmware upgrades and new
functionality. To register, do one of the
following:

Unless otherwise specified, “the receiver“ refers
to all receivers covered in this User Guide.
Note – To determine if you have a 5800 II GPS
receiver, look underneath for a label that shows the
part number and the product name.

Related information

Even if you have used other Global Positioning
System (GPS) products before, Trimble
recommends that you spend some time reading
this manual to learn about the special features of
your receiver.

– Run the receiver CD.

If you are not familiar with GPS, visit our website
for an interactive look at Trimble and GPS at
www.trimble.com

– Register electronically at
www.trimble.com.
– Print the registration form that is on the
CD, fill it in, and fax or mail it to the
address shown.

Trimble assumes that you are familiar with the
Windows® operating system and know how to
use a mouse, select options from menus and
dialogs, make selections from lists, and refer to
online help.

Contact your local Trimble Dealer for
more information about the support
agreement contracts for software and
firmware, and an extended warranty
program for hardware.
•

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

Trimble R8 GNSS and R6/5800 GPS Receivers User Guide 13

1.2

Introduction

Technical assistance

If you have a problem and cannot find the information you need in the product documentation, contact
your local Dealer. Alternatively, request technical support using the Trimble website at
(www.trimble.com/support.html).

1.3

Your comments

Your feedback about the supporting documentation helps us to improve it with each revision. E-mail
your comments to ReaderFeedback@trimble.com.

Trimble R8 GNSS and R6/5800 GPS Receivers User Guide

CHAPTER

Overview
In this chapter:
Q

Features

Use and care

COCOM limits

This chapter introduces the Trimble R8 GNSS
and R6/5800 GPS receivers for GPS surveying
applications.
Unless otherwise specified, “the receiver” refers
to all receivers covered in this User Guide.
The receiver incorporates a GPS antenna,
receiver, internal radio with a transmit option or
an internal GSM module, and a battery in a
rugged light-weight unit that is ideally suited as
an all-on-the-pole RTK rover. Three LEDs allow
you to monitor the satellite tracking, radio
reception, data logging status, and power.
Bluetooth wireless technology provides
cable-free communications between receiver and
controller.
•

The Trimble R6 GPS and Trimble R8 GNSS
receivers provide 72 channels for satellite
tracking and support, and to log raw GPS
observables to the handheld controller for
postprocessed applications.

•

The 5800 II GPS receiver provides 24 channels
for satellite tracking, and supports logging
raw GPS observables to the handheld
controller for postprocessed applications.

The receiver is available as a standalone rover,
base station, or as part of the GPS Total Station®
system, offering maximum versatility in the
system configuration to meet your specific
requirements.

Trimble R8 GNSS and R6/5800 GPS Receivers User Guide

2.1

Overview

Features
The receiver provides the following features:
•

•

Trimble R-track technology, which allows the receivers to track the following:
–

GLONASS (Trimble R6 GPS and Trimble R8 GNSS receivers)

–

L2C and L5 (Trimble R8 GNSS receiver)

Centimeter-accuracy, real-time positioning with RTK/OTF data, up to 10 Hz

position updates

2.2

•

Submeter-accuracy, real-time positioning using pseudorange corrections

•

Adaptive dual-frequency RTK engine

•

WAAS/EGNOS capability (Wide Area Augmentation System/European
Geo-Stationary Navigation System)

•

Automatic OTF (on-the-fly) initialization while moving

•

Single Lithium-ion rechargeable battery

•

Cable-free Bluetooth communications with the Trimble controllers

•

Two RS-232 serial ports for:
–

NMEA output

–

RTCM SC-104 input and output

–

Trimble Format (CMR+™) input and output

•

One TNC radio antenna connector

•

Internal memory for data storage

•

Internal 450 MHz radio with a transmit option or GSM module options

Use and care
The receiver can withstand the rough treatment that typically occurs in the field.
However, it is a high-precision electronic instrument and should be treated with
reasonable care.

WARNING – Operating or storing the receiver outside the specified temperature range
can damage it. For more information, see Chapter 7, Specifications.

High-power signals from a nearby radio or radar transmitter can overwhelm the
receiver circuits. This does not harm the instrument, but it can prevent the receiver
electronics from functioning correctly. Avoid using the receiver within 400 meters of
powerful radar, television, or other transmitters. Low-power transmitters such as those
used in cellphones and two-way radios normally do not interfere with receiver
operations.

Trimble R8 GNSS and R6/5800 GPS Receivers User Guide

Overview

For more information, contact your local Trimble distributor.

2.3

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
receiver.
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 receiver continuously resets until the
COCOM situation is cleared.

Trimble R8 GNSS and R6/5800 GPS Receivers User Guide

Overview

Trimble R8 GNSS and R6/5800 GPS Receivers User Guide

CHAPTER

Setting up the
Receiver

This chapter provides general information on
setup, connection, and cabling for the most
common uses of the receiver.
3

In this chapter:
Q

Parts of the receiver

Setup guidelines

Pole-mounted setup

Other system components

Trimble R8 GNSS and R6/5800 GPS Receivers User Guide

3.1

Setting up the Receiver

Parts of the receiver
All operating controls on the receiver are located on the front panel. Serial ports and
connectors are located on the bottom of the unit.

31.1

Front panel
Figure 3.1 shows the receiver front panel, which contains the three indicator light
emitting diodes (LEDs), and the power button.

Figure 3.1

Receiver front panel

The power button controls the receiver’s power on or off functions.
The indicator LEDs show the status of power, satellite tracking, and radio reception.
For more information, see LED behavior, page 28.

Trimble R8 GNSS and R6/5800 GPS Receivers User Guide

Setting up the Receiver

31.2

Lower housing
Figure 3.2 shows the receiver lower housing, which contains the two serial ports, one
TNC radio antenna or GSM antenna connector (depending on the internal
communication module ordered), the removable battery compartment and the 5/8-11
threaded insert.

Radio
antenna
connection

Port 2

Port 1

Figure 3.2

Receiver lower housing

Each port or connector on the receiver is marked with an icon to indicate its main
function as shown below.
Icon

Name

Connections

Port 1

Device, computer, external radio, power in

Port 2

Device, computer, external radio

RADIO

Radio communications antenna

Port 1 is a 7-pin 0-shell Lemo connector that supports RS-232 comms and external
power input. Port 1 has no power outputs.
Port 2 is a DB-9 male connector that allows for full 9-pin RS-232 comms. Port 2 does
not support power in or out. For more information, see Chapter 8, Default Settings and
Chapter 9, Cables and Connectors.

Trimble R8 GNSS and R6/5800 GPS Receivers User Guide

Setting up the Receiver

The TNC connector is for connecting a radio antenna to the receiver internal radio. A
whip “rubber duck” antenna is supplied with the system for units with internal UHF
radios. This connector is not used if you are using an external UHF radio or GSM.
External UHF or GSM antenna
Depending on which module you have purchased, use this TNC connection for an
external antenna to enhance the UHF or GSM.
The UHF and GSM antennas are both approximately 16.5 cm long. The UHF antennas
have color coded dots on the top where the GSM antenna has a black cap.
For more information on connecting the receiver, see the following sections in this
chapter.

3.2

Setup guidelines
Consider the following guidelines when setting up the receiver.

C
32.1

CAUTION – To satisfy the RF Exposure requirements of the FCC, you must maintain a
minimum separation distance of 20 cm (approximately 8 in.) between yourself and the
radiating GSM antenna for this device.
For mobile operation, the maximum gain of the GSM antenna must not exceed 0 dBi.

Environmental conditions
Although the receiver has a waterproof housing, take reasonable care to protect the
unit. Avoid exposure to extreme environmental conditions, including:

32.2

•

Water

•

Heat greater than 65 °C (149 °F)

•

Cold less than –40 °C (–40 °F)

•

Corrosive fluids and gases

Sources of electrical interference
Avoid the following sources of electrical and magnetic noise:

•

Gasoline engines (spark plugs)

•

Televisions and PC monitors

•

Alternators and generators

•

Electric motors

•

Equipment with DC-to-AC converters

•

Fluorescent lights

Trimble R8 GNSS and R6/5800 GPS Receivers User Guide

Setting up the Receiver

•

32.3

Switching power supplies

General guidelines

WARNING – These receivers use a rechargeable Lithium-ion battery. To avoid personal
injury or equipment damage, make sure that you read and understand the Safety
Information on page 3 at the front of this manual.

The following guidelines apply whenever you set up the receiver for operation:

3.3

•

When plugging in a Lemo cable, make sure that the red dots on the receiver port
and the cable connector line up. Do not use force to plug cables in, as this may
damage the connector pins.

•

When disconnecting a Lemo cable, grasp the cable by the sliding collar or
lanyard and then pull the cable connector straight out of the port. Do not twist
the connector or pull on the cable itself.

•

To securely connect a TNC cable, align the cable connector with the receiver
receptacle and then thread the cable connector onto the receptacle until it is
snug.

•

To insert the internal battery, place the battery in the battery compartment,
ensuring that the contact points are in the correct position to align with the
contacts in the receiver. Slide the battery and compartment as a unit upward
into the receiver until the battery compartment latches are locked into position.

Pole-mounted setup
Figure 3.3 on page 24 shows the pole-mounted setup for the receiver. To mount the
receiver on a range pole:
1.

Thread the receiver onto the range pole.

Attach the controller bracket to the pole.

Insert the controller into the bracket.

Note – When using a Trimble TCU, Trimble Recon®, TSCe™ with BlueCap® , or a TSC2
controller, no cabling is required, as shown in Figure 3.3.

Trimble R8 GNSS and R6/5800 GPS Receivers User Guide

Setting up the Receiver

Trimble R6/5800 GPS/R8 GNSS receiver

Trimble controller

Figure 3.3

Receiver pole-mounted setup

Trimble R8 GNSS and R6/5800 GPS Receivers User Guide

Setting up the Receiver

3.1

Other system components
This section describes optional components that you can use with the receiver.

31.1

Radios
Radios are the most common data link for Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) surveying. The
receiver is available with an optional internal radio in the 450 MHz UHF band, or with
an internal GSM module (Trimble R8 GNSS / R6 GPS receivers only). You can also
connect an external radio to either receiver port, whether or not the internal radio is
installed.
The receiver supports the following Trimble base radios with the internal 450 MHz
radio:
•

Trimble HPB450

•

Trimble PDL450

•

Receiver internal 450 MHz transmitter

•

TRIMMARK™ 3 radio

•

SiteNet™ 450 radio

Internal GSM setup
You can configure the optional internal GSM Module using the Trimble Survey
Controller™ software. For more information, refer to the Trimble Survey Controller User
Guide.
Internal radio setup
To configure the receiver optional internal radio, use one of the following:
•

The GPS Configurator software

•

The WinFlash utility

•

The Trimble Survey Controller software

•

The Trimble Digital Fieldbook™ software

For more information, refer to the documentation for these applications.
By default, the internal radio has only a few “test” frequencies installed at the factory. If
you purchased the transmit option, the broadcast frequencies must be programmed at
the factory. You can program the receive frequencies using the WinFlash utility. For
more information, see The WinFlash Utility, page 43.
Note – A Frequency Configuration sheet accompanies every receiver order that contains
the transmit option.

Trimble R8 GNSS and R6/5800 GPS Receivers User Guide

31.2

Setting up the Receiver

Cellular modems and external radios
For a data communications link, you can use an internal or external radio, or an
internal or external cellular modem.
To connect an external cellular modem to the receiver, you need the following:
•

A Trimble R8 GNSS or R6/5800 GPS receiver.

•

A cellular modem, or a cellphone that can transmit and receive data.

•

Serial (cellphone to DB9) cable (supplied with the cellular modem or phone).
Note – For more information, refer to the document Using Cellular and CDPD
Modems for RTK, which is available from your local Trimble Reseller.

•

Port 2 of the receiver supports full RS-232 protocol, and should function
properly with most cellular phone cables. Some cellular units may require
custom cabling.
Alternatively, the receiver also supports a cable-free Bluetooth connection with
Bluetooth-enabled cell phones.

For more information on using an external cellular modem as a data link, refer to the
Trimble Survey Controller User Guide.
To connect an external radio modem to a receiver, you need the following:

•

A receiver.

•

An external radio capable of receiving and decoding Trimble data packets.

•

Serial cable for either Port 1 or Port 2 of the receiver, as supplied by the radio
manufacturer.

•

Radio mount for the range pole.

Trimble R8 GNSS and R6/5800 GPS Receivers User Guide

CHAPTER

General
Operation

All the controls that you need for general receiver
operation are on the front panel.
4

For more information about other receiver
panels, see Parts of the receiver, page 20.

In this chapter:
Q

Button functions

LED behavior

Starting and stopping the receiver

Logging data

Resetting to defaults

Batteries and power

Trimble R8 GNSS and R6/5800 GPS Receivers User Guide

4.1

General Operation

Front panel controls
Figure 4.1 shows the receiver front panel controls for the power on/off functions, or
receiver reset. The LEDs provide power, radio, data logging, and SV tracking status
information.

Power button
Power/Data status
Radio
SV Tracking
Figure 4.1

4.2

LEDs

Receiver front panel controls and LEDs

Button functions
The receiver has only one button, the Power button. Press the Power button to turn on
or turn off the receiver, and to perform other functions, as described below.
Table 4.1

Power button functions

To …

Power button

turn on the receiver

Press

turn off the receiver

Hold for 2 seconds

delete the ephemeris file

Hold for 15 seconds

reset the receiver to factory defaults

Hold for 15 seconds

delete application files

Hold for 30 seconds

Note – The term “press” means to press the button and release it immediately. The term
“hold” means to press the button and hold it down for the given time.

4.3

LED behavior
The three LEDs on the front panel of the receiver indicate various operating
conditions. Generally, a lit or slowly flashing LED indicates normal operation, a LED
that is flashing quickly indicates a condition that may require attention, and an unlit
LED indicates that no operation is occurring. The following table defines each possible
LED state.
The term …

means that the LED …

Slow flash

alternates on/off for 500 milliseconds.

Fast flash

alternates rapidly on/off for 100 milliseconds

Trimble R8 GNSS and R6/5800 GPS Receivers User Guide

General Operation

43.1

The term …

means that the LED …

is lit

Off

is unlit

LED flash patterns
The following table details the possible flash patterns to indicate various states of
receiver operation.
Receiver mode

Power LED

Radio LED

Satellite LED

Green

Amber

Receiver OFF

OFF

Receiver ON:
Healthy power

N/A

Low power

Fast flash

N/A

Tracking <4 SVs

N/A

Fast flash

Tracking >4 SVs

N/A

Slow flash

Logging data internally

Flashes off
every 3 seconds

N/A

Transmitting internally

N/A

Flashes off when
transmitting

N/A

Receiving valid data
packets

Slow flash

N/A

No data packets

OFF

N/A

Receiver in Monitor

Slow flash

Note – If a column shows “N/A”, that specific LED may or may not be on, but it is not
relevant to that particular mode.

4.4

Starting and stopping the receiver
To turn on the receiver, press the Power button.
To turn off the receiver, hold down the Power button for two seconds.

4.5

Logging data
You can log data internally or to a Trimble controller.

45.1

Logging internally
The receiver logs raw data on internal memory.
You can then use the Trimble Data Transfer utility or Business Center software to
transfer logged data files to the office computer.

Trimble R8 GNSS and R6/5800 GPS Receivers User Guide

General Operation

Note – If you use the Data Transfer utility to download the internally-logged files, you lose
any collected GLONASS data. Consider this if you plan to use the Trimble Geomatics
Office™ software to process the *.dat files because that software does not process
GLONASS data.
If you have the Trimble Business Center software, the *.T01 file that is stored on the receiver
can be directly downloaded. The *.T01 files will contain any collected GLONASS data. The
Trimble Business Center software can process GLONASS data, if you have purchased that
option.

WARNING – The receiver allows for a maximum of 200 files on the internal memory. The
filenames must be in 8.3 format, otherwise, files copied to the internal memory may cause
data corruption or loss of data when logging.
Data is logged using the current logging settings configured in the receiver. Data files
logged internally are named automatically.

To begin internal logging, you must use a Trimble controller, or the GPS Configurator
software. The receiver does not have a continuously running internal clock when it is
turned off, so you can conduct timed survey sessions only if the receiver is turned on
and connected to a power source.
When the internal memory is full, the receiver stops logging data, and the Power LED
stops flashing and remains on continuously. Existing data files are not overwritten. You
can use the Auto-delete option to override this action and automatically delete the
oldest files when the receiver memory is full. However, you should use this option with
caution because it can result in loss of data.
Approximate storage requirements for different logging rates are shown below. The
values shown are for a one-hour logging session with six satellites visible.
Logging rate

45.2

Memory required

10 Hz

2,588 KB

1 Hz

335 KB

5 seconds

87 KB

15 seconds

37 KB

Logging to a Trimble controller
When the receiver is connected to a Trimble controller, you can log GPS data from the
receiver to the controller, or to a data card inserted in the controller. When you use a
Trimble controller, you do not use the receiver’s controls. Instead, you use the
controller functions to set logging options, specify filenames, and control when logging
occurs.
Controller software job files and the corresponding raw data files can be transferred to
an office computer using the Trimble Data Transfer utility.
For more information on logging data from a receiver using a Trimble controller, refer
to the user guide for your particular controller.

Trimble R8 GNSS and R6/5800 GPS Receivers User Guide

General Operation

4.6

Resetting to defaults
To reset the receiver to its factory default settings, hold down the Power button for at
least 15 seconds.
For more information, see Default settings, page 54.

4.7

Batteries and power

The receiver can be powered by its internal battery or by an external power source
connected to Port 1.
If an external power source is connected to Port 1, it is used in preference to the
internal battery. When there is no external power source connected, or if the external
power supply fails, the internal battery is used.

The receiver is supplied with two rechargeable Lithium-ion batteries, and a dual
battery charger. The two batteries charge sequentially and take approximately four
hours each to fully charge.

47.1

Battery charging and storage
All battery types discharge over time when they are not being used. Batteries also
discharge faster in colder temperatures. If a Lithium-ion battery is to be stored for long
periods of time, make sure it is fully charged before storing and re-charged at least
every three months.

Trimble R8 GNSS and R6/5800 GPS Receivers User Guide

General Operation

Charging the Lithium-ion battery
The rechargeable Lithium-ion battery is supplied partially charged. Charge the battery
completely before using it for the first time. If the battery has been stored for longer
than six months, charge it before use.
To protect the battery from deep discharge (5 V or less), the receiver is designed to
switch batteries or cease drawing power when the battery pack discharges to 5.9 V.
A battery that has reached the deep discharge level cannot be recharged and must be
replaced. The following recommendations provide optimal performance and extend
the life of your batteries:
•

Fully charge all new batteries prior to use.

•

Do not allow the batteries to discharge below 5 V.

•

Keep all batteries on continuous charge when not in use. Batteries may be kept
on charge indefinitely without damage to the receiver or batteries.

•

Do not store batteries in the receiver or external charger unless power is applied.

•

If you must store the batteries, fully charge them before storing and then
recharge them at least every three months.

Disposing of the rechargeable Lithium-ion battery
Discharge the Lithium-ion battery before disposing of it. When disposing of the
battery, be sure to do so in an environmentally sensitive manner. Adhere to any local
and national regulations concerning battery disposal or recycling.

47.2

Power output
The receiver does not supply power from either of its two ports.

Trimble R8 GNSS and R6/5800 GPS Receivers User Guide

General Operation

47.3

Firmware
A receiver’s firmware is the program inside the receiver that controls receiver
operations and hardware. You can upgrade the firmware for the receiver using the
WinFlash utility provided on the receiver CD.
For more information, see The WinFlash Utility, page 43.

CAUTION – Downgrading the firmware deletes all application files on the receiver.

Trimble R8 GNSS and R6/5800 GPS Receivers User Guide

General Operation

Trimble R8 GNSS and R6/5800 GPS Receivers User Guide

CHAPTER

Configuration

In this chapter:
Q

Configuring the receiver in real time

Configuring the receiver using
application files

Application files

The receiver has no controls to change settings.
To configure the receiver, use external software
such as GPS Configurator, WinFlash, Trimble
Survey Controller, or Trimble Digital Fieldbook.
To configure the receiver, do one of the following:
•

Configure the receiver in real time.

•

Apply the settings in an application file.

This chapter provides a brief overview of each of
these methods and describes the contents and
use of application files.

Trimble R8 GNSS and R6/5800 GPS Receivers User Guide

5.1

Configuration

Configuring the receiver in real time
GPS Configurator, Trimble Survey Controller, and Trimble Digital Filedbook software
support real-time configuration of the receiver.
When you configure the receiver in real time, you use one of these software
applications to specify which settings you want to change. When you apply the
changes, the receiver settings change immediately.
Any changes that you apply to the receiver are reflected in the current application file,
which is always present in the receiver. The current application file always records the
most recent configuration, so if you apply further changes (either in real time or using
an application file) the current file is updated and there is no record of the changes that
you applied originally.
For more information on configuring the receiver in real time, see Chapter 6, Software
Utilities.

5.2

Configuring the receiver using application files
An application file contains information for configuring a receiver. To configure a
receiver using an application file, you need to create the application file, transfer it to
the receiver and then apply the file’s settings. The GPS Configurator software does this
automatically when you work with configuration files.
For more information on applying application files, see Chapter 6, Software Utilities.

5.3

Application files
An application file is organized into records. Each record stores configuration
information for a particular area of receiver operation. Application files can include the
following records:

•

File Storage

•

General Controls

•

Serial Port Baud/Format

•

Reference Position

•

Logging Rate

•

SV Enable/Disable

•

Output Message

•

Antenna

•

Device Control

•

Static/Kinematic

•

Input Message

Trimble R8 GNSS and R6/5800 GPS Receivers User Guide

Configuration

An application file does not have to contain all of these records. When you apply an
application file, any option that is not included in the records in the file remains at its
current setting. For example, if you apply an application file that only specifies the
elevation mask to use, all other settings remain as they were before the application file
was applied.
You can store up to ten different application files in the receiver. You can apply an
application file’s settings at the time it is transferred to the receiver, or at any time
afterwards.

53.1

Special application files
The receiver has three special application files, which control important aspects of the
receiver’s configuration.
Default application file
The default application file (Default.cfg) contains the original receiver configuration,
and cannot be changed. This file configures the receiver after it is reset. You can reset
the receiver by holding down [P] for at least 15 seconds, or by using the reset option in
the GPS Configurator software.
For more information, see Default settings, page 54.
Although you cannot change or delete the default application file, you can use a power
up application file to override any or all of the default settings.
Current application file
The current application file (Current.cfg) reflects the current receiver configuration.
Whenever you change the receiver’s configuration, either in real time or by applying an
application file, the current file changes to match the new configuration.
You cannot delete the current file or change it directly, but every change to the
receiver’s current configuration is applied to the current file as well.
When you switch off the receiver then turn it on again, all the settings from the current
application file are applied, so you do not lose any changes that you have made. The
only exceptions are the following logging parameters:
•

Logging rate

•

Position rate

•

Elevation mask

These parameters are always reset to the factory default values whenever the receiver
is switched off.

Trimble R8 GNSS and R6/5800 GPS Receivers User Guide

Configuration

Power up application file
The power up application file (Power_up.cfg) is used to set the receiver to a specific
configuration any time the unit is turned on.
In this file, you can specify that the receiver is reset to defaults before the power up
settings are applied. This ensures that restarting the receiver always results in the same
configuration. This method is useful for defining “default” settings for the receiver that
differ from those in the default file, which cannot be changed.
Alternatively, you can specify that the power up settings are applied immediately after
the current application file’s settings have been applied. Restarting the receiver results
in a configuration that uses your default settings for the options you define in the
power up file, but the current settings for all other options.
By default, there is no power_up application file on the receiver. To use a power up
application file, you must create and save a power_up application file in the GPS
Configurator software. If you save this file to disk, the file is called power_up.cfg. The
extension .cfg is used, by convention, to identify application files on the office
computer. When you transfer this file to the receiver, the file is saved on the receiver as
power_up, and becomes the new power up file.

53.2

Applying application files
An application file’s settings do not affect the receiver’s configuration until you apply
the application file. You can do this at the same time that you save the file.
Alternatively, you can save the file on the computer or in the receiver, then open it later
and apply its settings.

53.3

Storing application files
You can store application files that you create in the GPS Configurator software on the
receiver and on the computer. For example, each file can represent a different user
sharing the same receiver, or a particular mode of operation or survey style. Saving
application files on your computer as well as in your receiver is optional, but it is useful
because:

•

it gives you a permanent copy of the settings you have sent to a receiver, for
audit or your own reference.

•

you can use the same file to configure multiple receivers identically.

•

you can use an existing application file as a template to create other application
files with similar settings.

Trimble R8 GNSS and R6/5800 GPS Receivers User Guide

Configuration

53.4

Naming application files
The application filename in the office computer and in the receiver are always the
same. This makes it easier to recognize and keep track of your application files.
When you change the name of the application file in the receiver, this changes the
application filename on your computer. When you transfer an application file from the
receiver and save it to the computer, the system renames the file to match the internal
receiver file. However, if you use Windows Explorer, for example, to change the .cfg
filename on the computer, this does not change the internal receiver filename. This
means that the GPS receiver does not recognize the change to the filename on the
computer.

Trimble R8 GNSS and R6/5800 GPS Receivers User Guide

Configuration

Trimble R8 GNSS and R6/5800 GPS Receivers User Guide

CHAPTER

Software
Utilities

This chapter describes the software utilities that
you can use with the receiver.
6

In this chapter:
Q

The GPS Configurator software

The WinFlash Utility

Trimble R8 GNSS and R6/5800 GPS Receivers User Guide

6.1

Software Utilities

The GPS Configurator software
GPS Configurator is office software that configures selected Trimble GPS or GNSS
receivers.
GPS Configurator software enables you to:

61.1

•

edit and save configuration files to the receiver and the computer

•

check current receiver settings and operation

•

configure receiver settings with your office computer

Installing the GPS Configurator software
A copy of GPS Configurator software is included on the receiver CD.
1.

Insert the CD into the CD drive on your computer.

From the main menu, select Install individual software packages.

Select Install GPS Configurator vX.XX.

Follow the onscreen instructions.

Configuring the receiver using GPS Configurator software
1.

Connect Port 1 or 2 on the receiver to a serial (COM) port on the computer and
apply power.

To start GPS Configurator, click
and then select
Programs / Trimble / GPS Configurator / GPS Configurator.

In the Device Type dialog, select Trimble R8/R6.
The software automatically establishes a connection with the receiver.

Make appropriate selections for your required receiver settings.
For more information, refer to the GPS Configurator Help.

Click Apply.
The settings in GPS Configurator software are applied to the receiver.

Trimble R8 GNSS and R6/5800 GPS Receivers User Guide

Software Utilities

6.1

The WinFlash Utility
The WinFlash utility communicates with Trimble products to perform various
functions including:
•

installing software, firmware, and option upgrades

•

running diagnostics ( for example, retrieving configuration information)

•

configuring radios

For more information, online help is also available when using the WinFlash utility.
Note – The WinFlash utility runs on Windows 2000, XP, or Windows Vista® operating
systems.

61.1

Installing the WinFlash utility
1.

Insert the receiver CD into the CD drive on the computer.

From the main menu, select Install individual software packages.

Select Install WinFlash vX.XX for R/5000/NetR5 receivers and then follow the
on-screen instructions.

Alternatively, install the WinFlash utility from the Trimble website

60.1

Upgrading firmware
Your receiver is supplied with the latest version of receiver firmware installed. If a later
version becomes available, upgrade the firmware installed on your receiver.
The WinFlash utility guides you through the firmware upgrade process. The steps
required are described below. For more information, refer to the WinFlash Help.
To upgrade the receiver firmware:
1.

Start the WinFlash utility. The Device Configuration screen appears.

From the Device type list, select Trimble R8/R6.

From the PC serial port field, select the serial (COM) port on the computer that
the receiver is connected to.

Click Next.
The Operation Selection screen appears. The Operations list shows all of the
supported operations for the selected device. A description of the selected
operation is shown in the Description field.

Select GPS software upgrade and click Next.
The GPS Software Selection window appears. This screen prompts you to select
the software that you want to install on the receiver.

Select the latest version from the Available Software list and then click Next.

Trimble R8 GNSS and R6/5800 GPS Receivers User Guide

Software Utilities

The Settings Review window appears. This screen prompts you to connect the
receiver, suggests a connection method and then lists the receiver configuration
and selected operation.
7.

If all is correct, click Finish.
Based on your selections, the Software Upgrade window appears and shows the
status of the operation ( for example, Establishing communication with the
5800. Please wait ...)

Click OK.
The Software Upgrade window appears again and states that the operation was
completed successfully.

60.1

Click Menu to select another operation, or click Exit to quit WinFlash.

10.

If you click Exit, another screen appears asking you to confirm that you want to
quit. Click OK.

Adding frequencies for the 450 MHz internal radio
If your receiver has the optional internal radio installed, you can use the WinFlash
utility to add receiving frequencies to the default list. If you purchase a transmit
upgrade (after initial purchase), the broadcast frequencies must be programmed using
a .set file obtained from a Trimble service provider.
1.

Start the WinFlash utility. The Device Configuration screen appears.

From the Device type list, select the appropriate receiver name.

From the PC serial port field, select the serial (COM) port on the computer that
the receiver is connected to.

Select Configure Radio and then click Next.

Trimble R8 GNSS and R6/5800 GPS Receivers User Guide

Software Utilities

The Frequency Selection dialog appears:

In the Wireless Format group, select the appropriate channel and wireless mode.
The Wireless Mode must be the same for all radios in your network.

In the Specify Frequency field, enter the frequency you require.

Click Add. The new frequency appears in the Selected Frequencies list.

Note – The frequencies that you program must conform to the channel spacing and
minimum tuning requirements for the radio. To view this information, click Radio Info.
You may select either 12.5 or 25 kHz channel spacing. All radios in your network must use
the same channel spacing.
9.

When you have configured all the frequencies you require, click OK.
The WinFlash utility updates the receiver radio frequencies and then restarts
the receiver.

Note – You can only configure receive frequencies. The FCC approved transmit frequencies
must be specified and configured by Trimble.

Trimble R8 GNSS and R6/5800 GPS Receivers User Guide

Software Utilities

Configuring the internal transceiver

60.1

Use the WinFlash Internal Transceiver Configuration dialog to configure the internal
transceiver.

Tip – To view a list of all radio information, including the current configuration, click
Radio Info.
1.

Select the Current Channel, which determines the radio operating frequency.

Select the Wireless Mode, which determines the over-the-air communications
parameters. The following example shows a rover setup:

To reduce battery consumption on your base receiver, set the wireless mode as
high as possible. For example, 9600 bits per second (bps) consumes half the
power of 4800 bps for the same data format and time of operation.
Note – All radios in the network must be configured with the same wireless
setting.

Trimble R8 GNSS and R6/5800 GPS Receivers User Guide

Software Utilities

Select the appropriate operating mode, depending on how you intend to use the
receiver, for example, Base with No Repeaters:

Select one of the following channel sharing configurations (base modes only;
not available for rover):
–

Off. The carrier detect mode is off. The unit will ignore other transmissions
on your frequency and continue to transmit data.
Note – It may be illegal in your country of use to set channel sharing to
Off. You may be subject to penalties or fines based upon the specific
licensing requirements for your country of use. Please consult your radio
license documentation or licensing agency for operational guidelines.

–

Avoid Weak Signals.The carrier detect mode is on. The radio will cease
transmitting if it detects another radio transmission on its frequency. It will
resume transmission when the channel is free of radio traffic.

–

Avoid Strong Signals. The carrier detect mode is on, but the radio will stop
transmitting only when there is a strong signal present (receive level greater
than 90 dBm).

If you are operating in Base mode, select the Enable Station ID check box and
then enter your call sign in the Call Sign field. This FCC requirement is for U.S.
licensed users. It sets your radio to transmit your call sign in Morse code every
15 minutes.

To update the configuration, click OK.
In the Status dialog that appears, select an option to return to the main menu or
to exit the WinFlash utility.

Tip – You can print or save the radio configuration information for future reference. If required,
you can fax or e-mail the file to Trimble Support to aid in troubleshooting radio problems.

Trimble R8 GNSS and R6/5800 GPS Receivers User Guide

Software Utilities

Updating the frequency list
You can program the internal transceiver modem with a list of up to 20 frequencies,
which are stored in non-volatile memory. This list is pre-configured based on the
frequencies that you requested when you ordered the unit. Government regulations
stipulate that only manufacturers or authorized dealers can create this frequency list
and that all frequencies programmed into a unit must comply with the host country
regulations. If you need to add, delete, or replace frequencies, contact your Trimble
dealer, and provide the radio modem serial number and an updated list of the
frequencies you require. Once you receive the frequency file, you can upgrade the radio
using the WinFlash utility.

Trimble R8 GNSS and R6/5800 GPS Receivers User Guide

CHAPTER

Specifications

This chapter lists the receiver specifications.
Where specifications apply to only one receiver
model, this is clearly indicated.

In this chapter:
Q

Physical specifications

Positioning specifications

Technical specifications

Trimble R8 GNSS and R6/5800 GPS Receivers User Guide

7.1

Specifications

Physical specifications
Feature

Specification

Size

19.0 cm (7.5") wide x 11.2 cm (4.4") deep including
connectors

Weight: with internal
battery, radio, and standard
antenna

1.35 kg (2.97 lbs)

Operating times on internal
2.4 Ah battery (varies with
temperature)

450 MHZ receive only - 5.3 hours
450 MHz receive/transmit: 3.5 hours (varies with wireless
data rate)
GSM: 3.8 hours

Power input

11–28 V DC with over-voltage protection on port 1 (7-pin
lemo)

Operating temperaturea

–40 °C to +65 °C (–40 °F to +149 °F)

Storage temperature

–40 °C to +75 °C (–40 °F to +167 °F)

Humidity

100% condensing, unit fully sealed

Casing

Water/dustproof IP67 dustproof, protected from temporary
immersion to depth of 1 m (3.28 ft)

Receiver will operate normally to –40 °C.
Bluetooth module and internal batteries are rated to –20 °C.
GSM module is rated to -30°C.

7.2

Positioning specifications
Feature

Specification

Code differential GPS positioninga
Horizontal

±0.25 m + 1ppm RMS

Vertical

±0.50 m + 1ppm RMS

WAAS differential positioning accuracy

Static and FastStatic GPS surveying
Horizontal

±5 mm + 0.5 ppm RMS

Vertical
Kinematic surveying

typically <5 m 3DRMS

±5 mm + 1 ppm RMS
a

Horizontal

±10 mm + 1 ppm RMS

Vertical

±20 mm + 1 ppm RMS

Accuracy and reliability may be subject to anomalies due to multipath, obstructions, satellite geometry, and atmospheric conditions.
Always follow recommended survey practices.
b

Depends on WAAS/EGNOS system performance.

Trimble R8 GNSS and R6/5800 GPS Receivers User Guide

Specifications

7.3

Technical specifications

Feature

Specification

Tracking:
Trimble R8 GNSS
receiver

72 Channels GPS L1 C/A Code, L2C, L1/L2/L5 Full Cycle
Carrier,
GLONASS L1 C/A Code, L1 P Code, L2 P Code, L1/L2
Full Cycle Carrier

4 additional channels for SBAS
WAAS/EGNOS support
Fully operational during P-code
encryption

Trimble R6 GPS
receiver

72 Channels GPS L1 C/A Code, L1/L2 Full Cycle Carrier,
(Optional) GLONASS L1 C/A Code, L1 P Code, L2 P
Code, L1/L2 Full Cycle Carrier

4 additional channels for SBAS
WAAS/EGNOS support
Fully operational during P-code
encryption

5800 GPS
receiver

24 Channels GPS L1 C/A Code, L1/L2 Full Cycle Carrier

2 additional channels for SBAS
WAAS/EGNOS support
Fully operational during P-code
encryption

Signal
processing

Advanced Trimble Maxwell™ Custom Survey GNSS chip
Very low-noise GNSS carrier phase measurements with <1 mm precision in a 1 Hz
bandwidth
Multipath suppression

Start-up

Cold start: < 60 seconds from power on
Warm start: < 30 seconds with recent ephemeris

Initialization

Automatic while moving or static

Initialization
timea

Typically:
• <10 seconds (Trimble R8 GNSS)
• <20 seconds (Trimble R6 & 5800)

Initialization
reliabilityb

Typically >99.9%

Communications

Two RS-232 serial ports (Port 1, Port 2,)
Baud Rates up to 115,200 bps
RTS/CTS flow control negotiation supported on port 2
Bluetooth communications through Trimble controller with Bluetooth support

Configuration

Through user-definable application files or GPS Configurator

Output formats

NMEA-0183: AVR; GGA; GSA; GST; GSV; PTNL,GGK; PTNL,GGK_SYNC; HDT; PTNL,PJK;
PTNL,PJT; RMC, ROT; PTNL,VGK; VHD; VTG; ZDA
GSOF (Trimble Binary Streamed Output)
RT17

May be affected by atmospheric conditions, signal multipath, obstructions and satellite geometry.

May be affected by atmospheric conditions, signal multipath, and satellite geometry. Initialization reliability is continuously monitored to ensure highest
quality.

Trimble R8 GNSS and R6/5800 GPS Receivers User Guide

Specifications

Trimble R8 GNSS and R6/5800 GPS Receivers User Guide

CHAPTER

Default Settings
In this chapter:
Q

Default settings

Resetting to factory defaults

All receiver settings are stored in application files.
The default application file, Default.cfg, is stored
permanently in the receiver, and contains the
factory default settings for the receiver.
Whenever the receiver is reset to its factory
defaults, the current settings (stored in the
current application file, current.cfg) are reset to
the values in the default application file.
You cannot modify the default application file.
however, if there is a power up application file
(Power_up.cfg) in the receiver, the settings in this
file can be applied immediately after the default
application file, overriding the factory defaults.
For more information, see Application files,
page 36.

Trimble R8 GNSS and R6/5800 GPS Receivers User Guide

8.1

Default Settings

Default settings
These settings are defined in the default application file.
Table 8.1

Default settings

Function

Factory default

SV Enable

All SVs enabled

General Controls:

Serial Port 1:

Serial Port 2:

Input Setup:

13°

PDOP mask

RTK positioning mode

Low Latency

Motion

Kinematic

Baud rate

38400

Format

8-None-1

Flow control

None

Baud rate

38400

Format

8-None-1

Flow control

None

Station

Any

NMEA/ASCII (all supported messages)

All ports Off

Streamed output

All Types Off
Offset = 00

RT17/Binary

All ports Off

Reference position:

Antenna:

8.2

Elevation mask

Latitude

0°

Longitude

0°

Altitude

0.00 m HAE

Type

Trimble R6 Internal /Trimble R8
Model 2 internal/5800 internal

Height (true vertical)

0.00 m

Group

All

Measurement method

Bottom of mount

Resetting to factory defaults
To reset the receiver to its factory defaults, do one of the following:

•

On the receiver, press and hold down the Power button for 15 seconds.

•

In the GPS Configurator software, select Connect to Receiver and then click Reset
receiver in the General tab.

Trimble R8 GNSS and R6/5800 GPS Receivers User Guide

Default Settings

82.1

Default behavior
The factory defaults specified above are applied whenever you start the receiver. If a
power up file is present in the receiver, its settings are applied immediately after the
default settings, so you can use a power up file to define your own set of defaults.
When you turn the receiver
on and …

then logging settings
are …

and logging …

it is the first time that the
receiver has been used

the factory defaults

does not begin
automatically

you have reset the receiver to its the factory defaults, or
factory defaults
those in the power up filea

does not begin
automatically

you have performed a full reset

does not begin
automatically

82.2

the factory defaults,
because resetting deletes
any power up file

A factory default setting is used only if the setting is not defined in the power up file.

Power up settings
When you turn off the receiver, any changes that you have made to logging settings are
lost and these settings are returned to the factory defaults. Other settings remain as
defined in the current file. The next time you turn on the receiver, the receiver checks
for a power up file and, if one is present, applies the settings in this file.
When you use the Power
button to turn off and then
turn on the receiver and …

then logging settings
are …

and all other settings
are …

you changed the receiver settings
by applying an application file

the factory defaults

the last settings used

you changed the receiver settings
using configuration software

the factory defaults

the last settings used

there is a power up application file the factory defaults, or
the last settings used, or
in the receiver
those in the power up filea those in the power up file
aA

factory default setting is used only if the setting is not defined in the power up file.

Trimble R8 GNSS and R6/5800 GPS Receivers User Guide

Default Settings

Trimble R8 GNSS and R6/5800 GPS Receivers User Guide

CHAPTER

Cables and
Connectors
In this chapter:
Q

Port 1 and 2 connectors

Power/serial data cables

This chapter describes the pinouts for the
receiver standard and optional cables. This
information can be used to prepare special cables
for connecting the receiver to devices and
instruments not supported by the standard and
optional cables.

Trimble R8 GNSS and R6/5800 GPS Receivers User Guide

9.1

Cables and Connectors

Port 1 and 2 connectors
Port 1

Port 2

1
2
BARCODE S/N LABEL

Figure 9.1

Receiver serial ports
1

3
Figure 9.2

Port 1 connector pinouts
Pins 9 8 7 6

Pins 5 4 3 2 1
Figure 9.3
Pin

Port 2 connector pinouts

Pinout function
Port 1 – 7-pin Lemo

Port 2 – DB-9

Signal ground

DCD

Power ground

RXD

TXD

N/C

DTR

N/C

Signal ground

+ Power in

DSR

Trimble R8 GNSS and R6/5800 GPS Receivers User Guide

Cables and Connectors

9.2

Pinout function
Port 1 – 7-pin Lemo

Port 2 – DB-9

TRXD

RTS

N/A

CTS

N/A

Ring indicator

Power/serial data cables
The data-I/O cable is supplied with the receiver.
Table 9.1

Data-I/O cable pinouts

DB-9 Female

9-pin

Function

1-6

DCD5_232

DTR5_232

RX5_232

TX5_232

RX5_232

DTR5_232

1-6

DCD5_232

GND

RTS5_232

CTS5_232

RTS5_232

no connection RI5_232

Note – Table 9.1 assumes that the cable is attached to the connector labeled Port 2.
This data cable may be used for firmware upgrades and other computer functions with
the receiver. Power must be supplied to the receiver through Port 1, or from the
internal battery.
Note – This pinout information also applies to the power/serial data cable, which is
optional for use with the receiver. This cable can be used for firmware upgrades through
Port 1, while also supplying external power.
Note – Table 9.2 assumes that the cable is attached to the connector labeled Port 1.
Table 9.2

Power/serial data cable pinouts

Lemo 0-shell connector Direction DE9-F connector

Power lead

7-Pin

2 Cond

7 Cond

Function

Pin Color

Function

GND

↔

Signal
ground

GND

→

TX3_232

→

Orange

TXD

RTS/TXD

→

Blue

RTS

CTS/RXD

←

Green

CTS

Brown

Color

Function

Black

V-OUT

Trimble R8 GNSS and R6/5800 GPS Receivers User Guide

Cables and Connectors

Table 9.2

Power/serial data cable pinouts (continued)

Lemo 0-shell connector Direction DE9-F connector

Power lead

7-Pin

2 Cond

7 Cond

Function

Pin Color

PWR_IN

←

RX3_232

←

Trimble R8 GNSS and R6/5800 GPS Receivers User Guide

Yellow

Function

TXD

Color

Function

Red

Power IN (+)

APPENDIX

NMEA-0183
Output
In this appendix:
Q

NMEA-0183 Outputs

Common Message Elements

NMEA Messages

This appendix describes the formats of the
subset of NMEA-0183 messages that are available
for output by the receiver. For a copy of the
NMEA-0183 Standard, go to the National Marine
Electronics Association website at
www.nmea.org.

Trimble R8 GNSS and R6/5800 GPS Receivers User Guide

A.1

NMEA-0183 Output

NMEA-0183 Outputs
When NMEA-0183 output is enabled, a subset of NMEA-0183 messages can be output
to external instruments and equipment connected to the Trimble receiver serial ports.
These NMEA-0183 messages let external devices use selected data collected or
computed by the receiver.
All messages conform to the NMEA-0183 version 3.01 format. All begin with $ and end
with a carriage return and a line feed. Data fields follow comma (,) delimiters and are
variable in length. Null fields still follow comma (,) delimiters but contain no
information.
An asterisk (*) delimiter and checksum value follow the last field of data contained in
an NMEA-0183 message. The checksum is the 8-bit exclusive OR of all characters in the
message, including the commas between fields, but not including the $ and asterisk
delimiters. The hexadecimal result is converted to two ASCII characters (0–9, A–F).
The most significant character appears first.
The following table summarizes the set of NMEA messages supported by the receiver,
and shows the page where detailed information about each message can be found.
Message

Function

Page

AVR

Time, yaw, tilt, range, mode, PDOP, and number of SVs for
Moving Baseline RTK

GGA

Time, position, and fix related data

GSA

GNSS DOP and active satellites

GST

Position error statistics

GSV

Number of SVs in view, PRN, elevation, azimuth, and SNR

HDT

Heading from True North

64
65
66
66
67
67
68
69
69
70
70
71
71
72
72

PTNL,GGK

Time, position, position type and DOP values

PTNL,GGK_SYNC

Time, synchronized position, position type and DOP values

PTNL,PJK

Local coordinate position output

PTNL,PJT

Projection type

PTNL,VGK

Time, locator vector, type and DOP values

PTNL,VHD

Heading Information

RMC

Position, Velocity, and Time

ROT

Rate of turn

VTG

Actual track made good and speed over ground

ZDA

UTC day, month, and year, and local time zone offset

To enable or disable the output of individual NMEA messages, do one of the following:

•

Create an application file in the GPS Configurator software that contains NMEA
output settings and then send the file to the receiver.

•

Add NMEA outputs in the Serial outputs tab of the GPS Configurator software
and then apply the settings.

Trimble R8 GNSS and R6/5800 GPS Receivers User Guide

NMEA-0183 Output

A.2

Common Message Elements
Each message contains:
•

A message ID consisting of $GP followed by the message type. For example, the
message ID of the GGA message is $GPGGA.

•

A comma

•

A number of fields, depending on the message type, separated by commas

•

An asterisk

•

A checksum value

Below is an example of a simple message with a message ID ($GPGGA), followed by 13
fields and a checksum value:
$GPGGA,172814.0,3723.46587704,N,12202.26957864,W,2,6,1.2,18.893,M,25.669,M,2.0,0031*4F

A2.1

Message values
The following values can be found in NMEA messages that the receiver generates.
Latitude and longitude
Latitude is represented as ddmm.mmmm and longitude is represented as
dddmm.mmmm, where:
•

dd or ddd is degrees

•

mm.mmmm is minutes and decimal fractions of minutes

Direction
Direction (north, south, east, or west) is represented by a single character: N, S, E, or W.
Time
Time values are presented in Universal Time Coordinated (UTC) and are represented
as hhmmss.cc, where:

A.3

•

hh is hours, from 00 to 23

•

mm is minutes

•

ss is seconds

•

cc is hundredths of seconds

NMEA Messages
When NMEA-0183 output is enabled, the following messages can be generated.

Trimble R8 GNSS and R6/5800 GPS Receivers User Guide

NMEA-0183 Output

AVR

Time, Yaw, Tilt, Range for Moving Baseline RTK
The AVR message string is shown below, and Table A.1 describes the message fields.
$PTNL,AVR,181059.6,+149.4688,Yaw,+0.0134,Tilt,,,60.191,3,2.5,6*00
Table A.1

AVR message fields

Field

Meaning

UTC of vector fix

Yaw angle in degrees

Yaw

Tilt angle in degrees

Tilt

Reserved

Range in meters

Quality indicator:

0:
1:
2:
3:
4:

GGA

Fix not available or invalid
Autonomous GPS fix
Differential carrier phase solution RTK (Float)
Differential carrier phase solution RTK (Fix)
Differential code-based solution, DGPS

PDOP

Number of satellites used in solution

Time, Position, and Fix Related Data
An example of the GGA message string is shown below. Table A.2 describes the
message fields.
$GPGGA,172814.0,3723.46587704,N,12202.26957864,W,
2,6,1.2,18.893,M,-25.669,M,2.0,0031*4F
Table A.2
Field

GGA message fields
Meaning

UTC of position fix

Latitude

Direction of latitude:

N: North
S: South
4
5

Longitude
Direction of longitude:

E: East
W: West

Trimble R8 GNSS and R6/5800 GPS Receivers User Guide

NMEA-0183 Output

Table A.2
Field

GGA message fields (continued)
Meaning

GPS Quality indicator:

0: Fix not valid
1: GPS fix
2: Differential GPS fix
4: Real Time Kinematic, fixed integers
5: Real Time Kinematic, float integers
7

GSA

Number of SVs in use, range from 00 to 12

HDOP

Orthometric height (MSL reference)

M: unit of measure for height is meters

Geoid separation

M: geoid separation is measured in meters

Age of differential GPS data record, Type 1 or Type 9. Null field when DGPS is
not used.

Reference station ID, ranging from 0000 to 1023. A null field when any
reference station ID is selected and no corrections are received.

GNSS DOP and active satellites
An example of the GSA message string is shown below. Table A.3 describes the
message fields.
$GPGSA,<1>,<2>,<3>,<3>,,,,,<3>,<3>,<3>,<4>,<5>,
<6>*<7>
Table A.3

GSA message fields

Field

Meaning

Mode 1, M = manual, A = automatic

Mode 2, Fix type, 1 = not available, 2 = 2D, 3 = 3D

PRN number, 01 to 32, of satellite used in solution, up to 12 transmitted

PDOP-Position dilution of precision, 0.5 to 99.9

HDOP-Horizontal dilution of precision, 0.5 to 99.9

VDOP-Vertical dilution of precision, 0.5 to 99.9

Checksum

Trimble R8 GNSS and R6/5800 GPS Receivers User Guide

NMEA-0183 Output

GST

Position Error Statistics
An example of the GST message string is shown below. Table A.4 describes the
message fields.
$GPGST,172814.0,0.006,0.023,0.020,273.6,
0.023,0.020,0.031*6A
Table A.4

GSV

GST message fields

Field

Meaning

UTC of position fix

RMS value of the pseudorange residuals (includes carrier phase residuals during
periods of RTK(float) and RTK(fixed) processing)

Error ellipse semi-major axis 1 sigma error, in meters

Error ellipse semi-minor axis 1 sigma error, in meters

Error ellipse orientation, degrees from true north

Latitude 1 sigma error, in meters

Longitude 1 sigma error, in meters

Height 1 sigma error, in meters

Satellite Information
The GSV message string identifies the number of SVs in view, the PRN numbers,
elevations, azimuths, and SNR values. An example of the GSV message string is shown
below. Table A.5 describes the message fields.
$GPGSV,4,1,13,02,02,213,,03,-3,000,,
11,00,121,,14,13,172,05*67
Table A.5

GSV message fields

Field

Meaning

Total number of messages of this type in this cycle

Message number

Total number of SVs visible

SV PRN number

Elevation, in degrees, 90° maximum

Azimuth, degrees from True North, 000° to 359°

SNR, 00–99 dB (null when not tracking)

8–11

Information about second SV, same format as fields 4–7

12–15

Information about third SV, same format as fields 4–7

16–19

Information about fourth SV, same format as fields 4–7

Trimble R8 GNSS and R6/5800 GPS Receivers User Guide

NMEA-0183 Output

HDT

Heading from True North
The HDT string is shown below, and Table A.6 describes the message fields.
$GPHDT,123.456,T*00
Table A.6

Heading from true north fields

Field

Meaning

Heading in degrees

T: Indicates heading relative to True North

PTNL,GGK
Time, Position, Position Type, DOP
An example of the PTNL,GGK message string is shown below. Table A.7 describes the
message fields.
$PTNL,GGK,172814.00,071296,
3723.46587704,N,12202.26957864,W,
3,06,1.7,EHT-6.777,M*48
Table A.7
Field

PTNL,GGK message fields
Meaning

UTC of position fix

Date

Latitude

Direction of latitude:

N: North
S: South
5
6

Longitude
Direction of Longitude:

E: East
W: West
7

GPS Quality indicator:

0: Fix not available or invalid
1: Autonomous GPS fix
2: Differential, floating carrier phase integer-based solution, RTK(float)
3: Differential, fixed carrier phase integer-based solution, RTK(fixed)
4: Differential, code phase only solution (DGPS)
8

Number of satellites in fix

DOP of fix

Ellipsoidal height of fix

M: ellipsoidal height is measured in meters

Note – The PTNL,GGK message is longer than the NMEA-0183 standard of 80 characters.

Trimble R8 GNSS and R6/5800 GPS Receivers User Guide

NMEA-0183 Output

PTNL,GGK_SYNC
Time, Synchronized Position, Position Type, DOP
The PTNL,GGK_SYNC message has the same format as the PTNL,GGK message, but
outputs Synchronized 1 Hz positions even in Low Latency mode. An example of the
PTNL,GGK_SYNC message string is shown below. Table A.8 describes the message
fields.
$PTNL,GGK_SYNC,172814.00,071296,
3723.46587704,N,12202.26957864,W,
3,06,1.7,EHT-6.777,M*48
Table A.8
Field

PTNL,GGK_SYNC message fields
Meaning

UTC of position fix

Date

Latitude

Direction of latitude:

N: North
S: South
5

Longitude

Direction of Longitude:

E: East
W: West
7

GPS Quality indicator:
0: Fix not available or invalid
1: Autonomous GPS fix
2: Differential, floating carrier phase integer-based solution, RTK(float)
3: Differential, fixed carrier phase integer-based solution, RTK(fixed)
4: Differential, code phase only solution (DGPS)

Number of satellites in fix

DOP of fix

Ellipsoidal height of fix

M: ellipsoidal height is measured in meters

Note – The PTNL,GGK_SYNC message is longer than the NMEA-0183 standard of 80
characters.

Trimble R8 GNSS and R6/5800 GPS Receivers User Guide

NMEA-0183 Output

PTNL,PJK Local Coordinate Position Output
An example of the PTNL,PJK message string is shown below. Table A.9 describes the
message fields.
$PTNL,PJK,010717.00,081796,
+732646.511,N,+1731051.091,E,
1,05,2.7,EHT-28.345,M*7C
Table A.9

PTNL,PJK message fields

Field

Meaning

UTC of position fix

Date

Northing, in meters

Direction of Northing will always be N (North)

Easting, in meters

Direction of Easting will always be E (East)

GPS Quality indicator:

0: Fix not available or invalid
1: Autonomous GPS fix
2: Differential, floating carrier phase integer-based solution, RTK (float)
3: Differential, fixed carrier integer-based solution, RTK (fixed)
4: Differential, code phase only solution (DGPS)
8

Number of satellites in fix

DOP of fix

Ellipsoidal height of fix

M: ellipsoidal height is measured in meters

Note – The PTNL,PJK message is longer than the NMEA-0183 standard of 80 characters.

PTNL,PJT Projection Type
An example of the PTNL,PJT message string is shown below. Table A.10 describes the
message fields.
$PTNL,PJT,NAD83(Conus),California Zone 4 0404,*51
Table A.10
Field

PTNL,PJT message fields
Meaning

Coordinate system name (can include multiple words)

Projection name (can include multiple coordinates)

Trimble R8 GNSS and R6/5800 GPS Receivers User Guide

NMEA-0183 Output

PTNL,VGK
Vector Information
An example of the PTNL,VGK message string is shown below. Table A.11 describes the
message fields.
$PTNL,VGK,160159.00,010997,-0000.161,
00009.985,-0000.002,3,07,1,4,M*0B
Table A.11

PTNL,VGK message fields

Field

Meaning

UTC of vector in hhmmss.ss format

Date in mmddyy format

East component of vector, in meters

North component of vector, in meters

Up component of vector, in meters

GPS quality indicator:

0: Fix not available or invalid
1: Autonomous GPS fix
2: Differential carrier phase solution RTK(float)
3: Differential carrier phase solution RTK(fix)
4: Differential code-based solution, DGPS
7

Number of satellites if fix solution

DOP of fix

M: Vector components are in meters

PTNL,VHD
Heading Information
An example of the PTNL,VHD message string is shown below. Table A.12 describes the
message fields.
$PTNL,VHD,030556.00,093098,187.718,
-22.138,-76.929,-5.015,0.033,0.006,
3,07,2.4,M*22
Table A.12

PTNL,VHD message fields

Field

Meaning

UTC of position, in hhmmss.ss,ddmmyy format

Date in mmddyy format

Azimuth

ΔAzimuth/ΔTime

Vertical Angle

ΔVertical/ΔTime

Range

ΔRange/ΔTime

Trimble R8 GNSS and R6/5800 GPS Receivers User Guide

NMEA-0183 Output

Table A.12
Field

PTNL,VHD message fields (continued)
Meaning

Quality indicator:

0: Fix not available or invalid
1: Autonomous GPS fix
2: Differential carrier phase solution RTK(float)
3: Differential carrier phase solution RTK(fix)
4: Differential code-based solution, DGPS

RMC

Number of satellites used in solution

PDOP

Position, Velocity, and Time
The RMC string is shown below, and Table A.13 describes the message fields.
$GPRMC,123519,A,4807.038,N,01131.000,E,022.4,084.4,230394,003.1,W*6A
Table A.13

ROT

GPRMC message fields

Field

Meaning

UTC of position fix

Status A=active or V=void

Latitude

Longitude

Speed over the ground in knots

Track angle in degrees (True)

Date

Magnetic variation

The checksum data, always begins with *

Rate of Turn
The ROT string is shown below, and Table A.14 describes the message fields.
$GPROT,35.6,A*4E
Table A.14

ROT message fields

Field

Meaning

Rate of turn, degrees/minutes, "–" indicates bow turns to port

A:
V:

Valid data
Invalid data

Trimble R8 GNSS and R6/5800 GPS Receivers User Guide

NMEA-0183 Output

VTG

Actual Track Made Good Over and Speed Over Ground
An example of the VTG message string is shown below. Table A.15 describes the
message fields.
$GPVTG,,T,,M,0.00,N,0.00,K*4E
Table A.15

ZDA

VTG message fields

Field

Meaning

Track made good (degrees true)

T: track made good is relative to true north

Track made good (degrees magnetic)

M: track made good is relative to magnetic north

Speed, in knots

N: speed is measured in knots

Speed over ground in kilometers/hour (kph)

K: speed over ground is measured in kph

UTC Day, Month, And Year, and Local Time Zone Offset
An example of the ZDA message string is shown below. Table A.16 describes the
message fields.
$GPZDA,172809,12,07,1996,00,00*45
Table A.16

ZDA message fields

Field

Meaning

UTC

Day, ranging between 01 and 31

Month, ranging between 01 and 12

Year

Local time zone offset from GMT, ranging from 00 to ±13 hours

Local time zone offset from GMT, ranging from 00 to 59 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.

Trimble R8 GNSS and R6/5800 GPS Receivers User Guide

APPENDIX

RTCM Output

In this appendix:
Q

Generated messages

Message scheduling

Trimble R8 GNSS and R6/5800 GPS Receivers User Guide

B.1

RTCM Output

Generated messages
Table B.1 shows the messages that are generated when you select a specific RTCM
version. The messages in the table are in the same order as they appear in the GPS
Configurator software. For the details of the contents of individual messages, refer to
the RTCM documentation.
Table B.1

RTCM output

Selection

Message

Version 2

USCG 9-3

3
3

RTCM/RTK 2.2+2.3

RTK Only 2.2+2.3
RTCM/RTK 2.3

3
3

RTK Only 2.2
RTCM/RTK 2.1

RTK Only 2.1

22
22

19
19

RTCM/RTK 3.00

B.2

18
18

RTK Only 2.3
RTCM/RTK 2.2

9-3

1004

1006

1008

1013

Message scheduling
Table B.2 describes the frequency at which messages are generated when they are
enabled in a base receiver.
Table B.2

Message scheduling

Type

Frequency

Every second

The 10th second after the first measurement, then every 10 seconds after that

9-3

Every second

The 5th second after the first measurement, then every 10 seconds after that

The 4th second after the first measurement, then every 10 seconds after that

59-sub, 13

The 5th second after the first measurement, then every 10 seconds after that

1004

Every second

1006

Every 10 seconds

1008

Every 10 seconds

1013

Every 300 seconds

Trimble R8 GNSS and R6/5800 GPS Receivers User Guide

APPENDIX

Troubleshooting

In this appendix:
Q

LED conditions

Receiver issues

Trimble R8 GNSS and R6/5800 GPS Receivers User Guide

C.1

Troubleshooting

LED conditions
An LED that is flashing quickly indicates a condition that may require attention, and
an unlit LED indicates that no operation is occurring. The following table describes
some LED conditions, possible causes, and how to solve them.

C.2

Condition

Possible cause

Solution

The SV Tracking LED is
lit solidly and the
Logging/memory LED is
flashing slowly.

The receiver is in Monitor
mode, ready for new
firmware to be loaded or
new options to be added.

Turn off or turn on the receiver.

The SV Tracking LED is
flashing rapidly.

The receiver is tracking fewer Wait until the SV Tracking LED is
than four satellites.
flashing slowly.

Load the latest version of the
firmware, which you can download
from www.trimble.com/support

Receiver issues
The following table describes some possible receiver issues, possible causes, and how
to solve them.
Issue

Possible cause

Solution

The receiver does not External power too low.
turn on.

Check the charge on the external
battery, and check the fuse if
applicable. Replace the battery if
necessary.

Internal power too low.

Check the charge on the internal
batteries and replace if necessary.
Ensure battery contacts are clean.

External power not properly
connected.

Check that the Lemo connection is
seated properly.
Check for broken or bent pins in the
connector.

Faulty power cable.

Try a different cable.
Check pinouts with multimeter to
ensure internal wiring is intact.

Receiver does not log Insufficient internal memory.
data.

The receiver is not
responding.

Delete old files using the GPS
Configurator or Trimble Survey
Controller software, or by holding
down the Power button for 30
seconds.

The receiver is tracking fewer
than four satellites.

Wait until the SV Tracking LED is
flashing slowly.

Receiver needs soft reset.

Power down the receiver and power
back up.

Receiver needs full reset.

Hold down the Power button for 30
seconds.
If you want to retain data files,
remove the CompactFlash card first.

Trimble R8 GNSS and R6/5800 GPS Receivers User Guide

Troubleshooting

Issue

Possible cause

Solution

Reference receiver is
not broadcasting.

Port settings between
reference receiver and radio
are incorrect.

Using the Trimble Survey Controller
software, connect directly to the
radio and change the port settings.
Try to connect to the radio through
the receiver to ensure that they are
communicating.

Faulty cable between receiver Try a different cable.
and radio.
Examine the ports for missing pins.
Use a multimeter to check pinouts.
No power to radio.
Roving receiver is not Reference receiver is not
receiving radio.
broadcasting.

If the radio has its own power supply,
check the charge and connections.
See above.

Incorrect over air baud rates
Connect to the roving receiver’s radio
between reference and rover. and check to ensure it has the same
setting as the reference receiver.
Incorrect port settings
between roving external
radio and receiver.

If the radio is receiving data (the
Power LED is flashing) and the
receiver is not getting radio
communications, use Trimble Survey
Controller to check that the port
settings are correct.

The cellular modem does not
have hardware flow control
enabled.

Disable flow control on the modem.
Use a special cable. For more
information, refer to the document
Using Cellular and CDPD Modems for
RTK, which is available from your
Trimble Reseller.

Trimble R8 GNSS and R6/5800 GPS Receivers User Guide

Troubleshooting

Trimble R8 GNSS and R6/5800 GPS Receivers User Guide

Index
Symbols
, (NMEA field delimiter) 62
.cfg files 36–39
.elf files 33
* (NMEA checksum delimiter) 63
$ (NMEA start of message delimiter) 62

A
accuracy
centimeter-level 16
submeter-level 16
Actual Track Made Good Over and Speed Over
Ground message 72
adding frequencies for internal radio 44
antenna information, default 54
Antenna record, in application file 36
antennas
electrical interference 22
mounting 22
application files
applying 38
configuring the receiver with 36
Current (Current.cfg) 37, 53
Default (Default.cfg) 37, 53
deleting 28
maximum number 37
naming 39
overview 36
power up (Power_up.cfg) 38, 53
records 36
storing 38
applying application files 38
ASCII, output, default settings 54
Australia, notices to users 2

B
baseline, moving 62
battery
compartments 22
inserting in the receiver 23
baud rate, default 54

binary output, default settings 54
Bluetooth wireless technology 16, 26
bottom panel 22
buttons 20, 28

C
cables, data/power 59
catch, for CompactFlash/USB door 20
cellphones 26
cellular modems 26, 77
centimeter-level accuracy 16
CMR
input 16
output 16
COCOM limits 17
cold start, time required 51
CompactFlash card, upgrading receiver firmware
from 33
CompactFlash port 22
CompactFlash/USB door 22
CompactFlash/USB door catch 20
configuring
MS Series parameters 64
receiver in real time 36
receiver using application files 36
current application file 37, 53
current receiver configuration 37

D
data link, using a cellular modem 26
data outputs, NMEA 64
data, logging to Trimble Survey Controller
software 30
data/power cable pinouts 59
default application file 37, 53
default settings
antenna 54
ASCII output 54
baud rate 54
binary output 54
changing 38

Trimble R8 GNSS and R6/5800 GPS Receivers User Guide

Index

elevation mask 54
motion 54
NMEA output 54
overriding 37
receiver 53
reference position 54
reference station 54
resetting 31
RT17 output 54
serial format 54
streamed output 54
SV enabling 54
deleting files
application files 28
ephemeris file 28
delimiters, NMEA
checksum 63
field separator 63
start of message 62
Device Control record, in application file 36
dimensions, receiver 50
direction, NMEA field format 63
disabling flow control 77
dual-frequency RTK engine 16

E
electrical interference 22
electronic interference 16
elevation mask, default 54
enabling power output on Port 3 32
environmental factors, when setting up the
receiver 22
ephemeris file, deleting 28
Europe, notices to users 2
European Council Directive 89/336/EEC 2

F
factory defaults
receiver 53–55
resetting to 28, 54
features
automatic OTF (on-the-fly) initialization 16
centimeter accuracy 16
CMR input and output 16
OTF data 16
real-time positioning 16
receiver 16
RTCM SC-104 input and output 16

Trimble R8 GNSS and R6/5800 GPS Receivers User Guide

RTK data 16
submeter accuracy 16
WAAS capability 16
File Storage record, in application file 36
firmware, upgrading 33, 43
flashing LED 28
flow control
default setting 54
disabling on cellular modem 26, 77
receiver 51
frequencies, for internal radio 44
front panel 20
full reset 76

G
General Controls record, in application file 36
GGA message, time, position, and fix related data 64
GPS antenna port 16
GPS Configurator software
installing 42
Trimble R6/R8 receiver 25, 35, 42
GSA message 65
GST message 66
GSV message 66
guidelines for setting up receiver 23

H
Heading Information message 70

I
icons, on top panel 21
indicator LEDs 20, 28
initialization
minimum time required 51
on-the-fly 16
specifications 51
input
CMR 16
RTCM 16
Input Message record, in application file 36
installing
GPS Configurator software 42
WinFlash utility 43
interference
electrical 22
electronic 16

Index

internal radio
adding frequencies 44
internal radio, receiver 25

L
latitude, NMEA field format 63
LEDs
flashing 28
receiver 20, 28
Lemo cables, plugging in 23
limits, imposed by COCOM 17
Local Coordinate Position Output message 69
Logging Rate record, in application file 36
logging to Trimble Survey Controller software 30
longitude, NMEA field format 63

M
maximum number of application files 37
Maxwell architecture 51
memory, full 76
message ID, in NMEA messages 63
mobile phones 26
Monitor mode 33, 76
motion, default settings 54
mounting antenna, avoiding electrical
interference 22

N
naming application files 39
New Zealand, notices to users 2
NMEA
output 16, 61–72
output, default settings 54
NMEA messages
common elements 62
common message elements 63
delimiters 63
enabling and disabling 62
GGA 64
GSA 65
GST 66
GSV 66
ID 63
PTNL,GGK 67
PTNL,GGK_SYNC 68
PTNL,PJK 69
PTNL,PJT 69

PTNL,VGK 70
PTNL,VHD 70
summary 62
values 63
VTG 72
ZDA 72
notices to users
Australia and New Zealand 2
Europe 2

O
on-the-fly (OTF) initialization 16
operating controls 20
operating temperature 50
output formats
CMR 16
NMEA 16, 61
RT17 51, 54
RTCM 16
Trimble R6/R8 receiver 51
Output Message record, in application file 36
overriding default settings 37

P
physical specifications 50
pinout information, receiver 57
pinouts
data/power cable 59
serial ports 58
pole-mounted setup, receiver 23
Port 1
default baud rate 54
default serial format 54
flow control 54
icon 21
pinout diagram 58
power output 32
Port 2
default baud rate 54
default serial format 54
icon 21
pinout diagram 58
Port 3
flow control 54
power output 32
port settings, checking 77
ports, receiver pinout diagram 58
Position Error Statistics message 66

Trimble R8 GNSS and R6/5800 GPS Receivers User Guide

Index

Power button 28
power cable, pinouts 59
power output
enabling on Port 3 32
on Port 1 32
power supply 31
power up application file
overriding factory defaults with 53
Trimble R6/R8 receiver 38
Power_Up.cfg See power up application file 53
problems, troubleshooting 75–??
Projection Type message 69
PTNL,GGK message 67
PTNL,GGK message, Time, Position, Position Type,
DOP 67
PTNL,GGK_SYNC message 68
PTNL,PJK message 69
PTNL,PJT message 69
PTNL,VGK message 70
PTNL,VHD message 70

turning on and off 28, 29
upgrading firmware 33, 43
use and care 16
receiver setup 19–26
Reference Position record, in application file 36
reference position, default 54
reference station, default settings 54
registration 13
release notes 13
reset
full 76
soft 76
to factory defaults 28, 54
Trimble R6/R8 receiver 37
RT17 output
default settings 54
Trimble R6/R8 receiver 51
RTCM input 16
RTCM output 16
RTK engine 16
RTK/OTF data 16

R
radio antenna port 16
radio noise emissions, Canada 2
RADIO port icon 21
radios
internal 25
Trimble R6/R8 receiver 25
TRIMMARK 3 25
real time, configuring receiver in 36
rear panel 21
receiver
buttons 28
catch lock 21
changing default settings 38
configuring 35
connecting to devices 57
current configuration 37
factory default settings 53
inserting the internal battery 23
internal radio 25
LEDs 28
maximum number of application files 37
output formats 51
parts of the receiver 20–22
pole-mounted setup 23
resetting 37
resetting to factory defaults 28, 54
setup 19–26
specifications 49–51

Trimble R8 GNSS and R6/5800 GPS Receivers User Guide

S
Satellite Information message 66
security limits 17
serial format, default setting 54
Serial Port Baud/Format record, in application file 36
serial ports pinouts 58
setup
guidelines 22
pole-mounted 23
Trimble R6/R8 receiver 19–26
signal processing 51
size, receiver 50
soft reset 76
specifications
physical 50
receiver 49–51
technical 51
start-up specifications 51
Static/Kinematic record, in application file 36
storage temperature 50
storing application files 38
streamed output, default settings 54
submeter-level accuracy 16
SV Enable/Disable record, in application file 36
SV enabling, default settings 54

Index

technical specifications 51
temperature
operating range 50
storage range 50
time values in NMEA messages 63
Time, Position, and Fix Related Data message 64
Time, Position, and Fix Related Data, GGA
message 64
Time, Position, Position Type, DOP message 67
Time, Synchronized Position, Position Type, DOP
message 68
TNC connector 16
TNC ports 16
tracking specifications 51
Trimble Survey Controller software
configuring the internal radio with 25
configuring the receiver with 35
Trimble web site 13
TRIMMARK 3 radio 25
troubleshooting 75–??
turning the receiver on and off 28, 29

ZDA message 72

U
U.S. Department of Commerce 17
Universal Time Coordinated (UTC) See UTC
upgrading receiver firmware 33, 43
USB port 22
use and care of the receiver 16
UTC Day, Month, and Year, and Local Time Zone
Offset message 72
UTC, NMEA time values 63

V
Vector Information message 70
VTG message 72

W
WAAS, receiver 16
warm start, time required 51
website 13
weight, receiver 50
WinFlash utility
installing 43
receiver 25, 43
upgrading receiver firmware with 43

Trimble R8 GNSS and R6/5800 GPS Receivers User Guide

Index

Trimble R8 GNSS and R6/5800 GPS Receivers User Guide

Source Exif Data:

File Type                       : PDF
File Type Extension             : pdf
MIME Type                       : application/pdf
PDF Version                     : 1.6
Linearized                      : Yes
Encryption                      : Standard V1.2 (40-bit)
User Access                     : Print, Copy, Fill forms, Extract, Assemble, Print high-res
Page Mode                       : UseOutlines
XMP Toolkit                     : Adobe XMP Core 4.0-c316 44.253921, Sun Oct 01 2006 17:14:39
Format                          : application/pdf
Creator                         : Trimble Navigation Limited - Technical Publications group
Description                     : Trimble R8 GNSS and Trimble R6/5800 GPS Receivesr User Guide
Title                           : Trimble R8 GNSS and Trimble R6/5800 GPS Receivesr User Guide
Subject                         : Trimble R8 GNSS and Trimble R6/5800 GPS Receivesr User Guide
Create Date                     : 2008:05:23 13:31:44Z
Creator Tool                    : FrameMaker 8.0
Modify Date                     : 2008:05:23 13:46:18+12:00
Metadata Date                   : 2008:05:23 13:46:18+12:00
Producer                        : Acrobat Distiller 8.1.0 (Windows)
Keywords                        : Trimble R8 GNSS and Trimble R6/5800 GPS Receivesr User Guide
Document ID                     : uuid:2a70f8ca-720a-4527-9465-6e710b1d0861
Instance ID                     : uuid:038910a1-deb8-4b4a-b930-366cc0142fba
Page Count                      : 86
Author                          : Trimble Navigation Limited - Technical Publications group

EXIF Metadata provided by EXIF.tools

Trimble R8 GNSS And R6/5800 GPS Receivesr User Guide R82

Navigation menu

Versions of this User Manual:

Views

Navigation