Trimble® SNB900 Radio Modem User Guide Version 1.
Contact Information Trimble Geomatics and Engineering Division 5475 Kellenburger Road Dayton, Ohio 45424-1099 USA 800-538-7800 (toll free in USA) +1-937-233-8921 Phone +1-937-233-9004 Fax www.trimble.com Copyright and Trademarks © 2004, Trimble Navigation Limited. All rights reserved. Trimble and the Globe & Triangle logo are trademarks of Trimble Navigation Limited, registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office and other countries.
TRIMBLE NAVIGATION LIMITED IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE OPERATION OR FAILURE OF OPERATION OF GPS SATELLITES OR THE AVAILABILITY OF GPS SATELLITE SIGNALS. Limitation of Liability TRIMBLE’S ENTIRE LIABILITY UNDER ANY PROVISION HEREIN SHALL BE LIMITED TO THE AMOUNT PAID BY YOU FOR THE PRODUCT OR SOFTWARE LICENSE.
Declaration of Conformity (Canada) Company name Trimble Navigation Limited Company number 1756 Company address Trimble Geomatics and Engineering Division 5475 Kellenburger Road Dayton, Ohio 45424-1099 USA 800-538-7800 (toll free in USA) +1-937-233-8921 Phone +1-937-233-9004 Fax Model number SNB900 Approval date Specification code 17561031902A3 17 Specification RSS210 Issue 3 Band 650KG1D Power 740m From frequency 902M To frequency 928M
Contents 1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Welcome . . . . . . Related Information . Technical Assistance Your Comments . . . 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 .2 .3 .3 Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Introduction . . . . . .
Contents Installing antennas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 4 Characteristics and Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Antenna Gain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Omni-directional antennas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 5 Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CHAPTER 1 Introduction 1 In this chapter: Q Welcome Q Related Information Q Technical Assistance Q Your Comments SNB900 Radio Modem User Guide 1
1 1.1 Introduction Welcome This manual describes how to set up and use a Trimble® SNB 900 radio modem. 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 this product. If you are not familiar with GPS, visit the Trimble website (www.trimble.com) for an interactive look at Trimble and GPS.
Introduction 1.3 1 Technical Assistance If you have a problem and cannot find the information you need in the product documentation, contact your local dealer. Alternatively, do one of the following: 1.4 • Request technical support using the Trimble website at www.trimble.com/support.html • Send an e-mail to trimble_support@trimble.com Your Comments Your feedback about the supporting documentation helps us to improve it with each revision.
1 Introduction 4 SNB900 Radio Modem User Guide
CHAPTER 2 Overview 2 In this chapter: Q Introduction Q Features Q Use and Care Q Equipment Sets Q Optional Accessories Q SNB900 Description SNB900 Radio Modem User Guide 5
2 2.1 Overview Introduction The rugged Trimble® SNB900 radio modem is ideal for harsh environments, such as those associated with construction, seismic, and mining surveys. It is convenient and versatile: When used with a Trimble rover GPS receiver that has an internal radio modem, the SNB900 can be used to establish a robust wireless data broadcast network for real-time differential and real-time kinematic GPS applications. 2.
Overview 2 Note – In this manual, CMR™ and CMR+ formats are both represented by CMR+. 2.3 Use and Care The SNB900 is configured as a base or rover, and can be connected to most Trimble survey-grade GPS receivers through a single serial I/O cable and power cable. When used as a repeater, the SNB900 operates autonomously and requires only a power and antenna connection, with no connection to the serial port.
2 2.5 Overview Optional Accessories The following accessories can be purchased in addition to the standard system: 2.6 • 18 Ah battery with carry pouch (P/N 44103-18) • Battery charger, 18 Ah (P/N 44111-00) • 6 Ah battery with carry pouch and charger (P/N 34106-00) • 10 Ah battery with carry pouch and charger (P/N 34107-00) SNB900 Description The SNB900 is packaged in a weatherproof housing. The front panel has a VFD display for network frequency, radio status, and error messages. See Figure 2.
Overview 2 When you start the radio modem, the Network menu opens automatically. Use the front panel control keys to select these additional menus: • NEXT – Browse though the menu screens • UP / DOWN – Scroll through items within the menus Table 2.1 describes the main menu items and the selections they provide. Certain items displayed on the front panel will differ according to your units settings. Table 2.
2 26.1 Overview Power and I/O cables The SNB900 base equipment set comes with: • Radio-to-receiver I/O cable • Antenna cable with antenna mount • Power supply • Configuration cable, office computer to radio modem (this enables you to use WinFlash to modify the SNB900 configuration) When configured as a base, the radio modem receives data at the DATA connector through the Lemo-to-Lemo cable that plugs into a Trimble GPS receiver, or using the 26-pin cable.
CHAPTER 3 Configuration and Installation 3 In this chapter: Q Introduction Q Configuration Q Installation SNB900 Radio Modem User Guide 11
3 3.1 Configuration and Installation Introduction The SNB900 contains both a data modem and a radio. It can be used in a variety of configurations to form a complete wireless data network. For example, you can configure the SNB900 to operate as: 3.
Configuration and Installation 32.2 30.1 3 Connecting to an office computer 1. Connect the SNB900 adaptor from the I/O port to a serial COM port on the computer. 2. Connect the power cable from the POWER connector to a suitable power source. Getting started with WinFlash To configure the SNB900, run the WinFlash communications setup utility on an office computer. A Microsoft Windows 95, 98, Me, Windows NT 4.0 or later, Windows 2000, or Windows XP operating system is required.
3 Configuration and Installation 2. 3. 14 To connect to the radio modem, follow the instructions shown in the dialog: a. Select the appropriate PC serial port (COM port). b. Select SNB900 and click Next. The Operation Selection dialog appears: Select an operation to perform and click Next. The Settings Review dialog appears.
Configuration and Installation 4. 3 Confirm your selected operation and click Finish. A connection status window appears, and counts to 100%, and then displays the SNB900 Configuration dialog: Use the SNB900 Configuration dialog to modify configuration settings: 1. In the Mode field, select the appropriate operating mode depending on intended use. For example, Base with No Repeaters. 2. In the Data Port group select the Baud Rate and Parity.
3 Configuration and Installation 4. To update the configuration, click Set. When the status dialog confirms that the configuration is complete, return to the main menu or exit WinFlash. Click the RadioInfo button to view a text list of all radio information, including the current configuration settings. B 30.1 Tip – You can print or save to file the radio configuration information for future reference, or to send to Trimble Support to aid in troubleshooting radio problems.
Configuration and Installation 3 An SNB900 can be installed in a network as a base station, access point, or repeater. 31.1 Installing an SNB900 as a base 1. If necessary, reconfigure the serial port settings on the unit to those of the GPS receiver. Configure the unit as a base with no repeaters, or with one or two repeaters. Ensure that all units in your network are configured according to their specific task within the network. 2. 3. C Before connecting the power cable: a.
3 30.1 Configuration and Installation Installing an SNB900 as a repeater To achieve coverage to all points in a survey area, an SNB900 network can include up to two repeaters. The repeaters retransmit data packets in a way that avoids mutual interference with the base and each other. The operation of the repeaters is transparent to the rovers. The rover will use the data packets from the base or repeater, whichever it receives first. To install a SNB900 as a repeater: 1.
Configuration and Installation 3 The repeater should now be in operation. When the repeater receives data broadcast from the base, RPT (Repeat) flashes in the top right corner of the SNB900 display. 30.1 Installing antennas Safety You must maintain a minimum separation distance of 20 cm (approximately 8 in) between yourself and the radiating antenna for this device to satisfy the RF Exposure requirements of the FCC. For mobile operation, the maximum gain of the antenna must not exceed 0 dBi.
3 20 Configuration and Installation SNB900 Radio Modem User Guide
CHAPTER 4 Characteristics and Specifications 4 In this chapter: Q Introduction Q Antenna Gain SNB900 Radio Modem User Guide 21
4 4.1 Characteristics and Specifications Introduction This chapter summarizes the general characteristics and specifications of the SNB900. 4.2 Antenna Gain The antennas supplied with an SNB900 do not increase the energy radiated by the radio modem. They concentrate the energy from the radio modem in a particular direction. The degree to which they concentrate radio frequency energy in any particular direction is called directivity and is measured in decibels (dB).
Characteristics and Specifications 4 Figure 4.1 shows the radiated energy patterns of the omni-directional antennas. Figure 4.1 Omni-directional antenna gain patterns The top view shows radiated energy patterns in the horizontal, or azimuth plane of the antennas, the plane that perpendicularly bisects the length of the antenna. For omni-directional antennas, all azimuths receive equal energy, but the 5 dB antenna radiates almost four times more power in the horizontal plane than the 0 dB antenna.
4 24 Characteristics and Specifications SNB900 Radio Modem User Guide
CHAPTER 5 Troubleshooting 5 In this chapter: Q Introduction Q Servicing Q Status Messages SNB900 Radio Modem User Guide 25
5 5.1 Troubleshooting Introduction This chapter lists status messages and describes how you can use these to isolate and correct system configuration or operational issues. 5.2 Servicing There are no user-serviceable parts in an SNB900 radio modem. Contact your Trimble representative or local service provider for assistance. 5.3 Status Messages A status message can appear as a one or two line message on the front panel. Message Description Action Battery Low The battery voltage is below 11.
Troubleshooting Warning: Radio Hot The radio is nearing its Reduce the data rate. maximum operating Shade the radio modem from direct sunlight. temperature. C Warning: Radio Hot Output Off Caution – The housing of the SNB900 is hot to touch if the Radio Hot message is displayed. Use caution and reasonable care when handling an SNB900 that is in this state. The unit has exceeded Allow the SNB900 to cool down. Reduce the power its maximum internal output and the data rate.
5 28 Troubleshooting SNB900 Radio Modem User Guide
Index Numerics 5700 GPS receiver see Trimble 5700 GPS receiver 5800 GPS receiver see Trimble 5800 GPS receiver A accessories 8 antenna 5 dB, 0 dB 23 directional 23 gain 22 installing 19 obstructions 19 omni-directional 22 orienting 22 radiated energy 22 safety 19 antenna connector 9 B base installing SNB900 as 17 SNB900 configured as 7 battery charger, accessory 8 Battery Low message 26 Battery Low, Radio Turned Off message 26 baud rate 9 browsing menu screens 9 C carry pouch, accessory 8 caution polari
Index Declaration of Conformity iv default data port configuration 10 menu 9 mode 10 network 10 settings, changing 12 Device Configuration dialog 13 DEVICE STATUS menu 8 directional antenna 23 display 8 installing antenna 19 prerequisites 16 SNB900 as a base 17 SNB900 as a repeater 18 SNB900 in a network 17 interference, reducing electronic 16 L Limitation of Liability iii line-of-sight (LOS) 7, 19 E electrical connectors 9 electronic interference 16 energy radiated by antenna 22 error messages 8 ERROR,
Index Notice to Users iii O obstructions, line-of-sight 19 office computer, connecting to 12 omni-directional antenna 22 operating mode 15 operating system 12 Operation Selection dialog 14 orienting the antenna 22 overview 5 P parity 9 polarity, power cable 17, 18 power and I/O cables 10 power cable polarity 17, 18 POWER connector 10 power connector 9 power source 17 power/data connector 9 R R7 GPS receiver see Trimble R7 GPS receiver R8 GPS receiver see Trimble R8 GPS receiver radar interference 16 radi
Index internal radio 6 Trimble Network Router (TNR) 6 Trimble R7 GPS receiver 7, 12 Trimble R8 GPS receiver 7, 12 Trimble website 2 troubleshooting 26 U UP/DOWN menu 9 update notes 2 updating firmware 16 use and care 7 V VFD display 8 W warning radio hot 27 temperature 27 Warning, Radio Hot message 27 Warning, Radio Hot Output Off message 27 warranty ii website, Trimble 2 WinFlash configuration cable 10 operating system requirements 12 starting 13 wireless settings 15 32 SNB900 Radio Modem User Guide
