|
Additional Information: [
Application Notes ]
0. The
price seems too low, is it too good to be true? This is
the #1 comment from callers inquiring about the X90-OPUS and
X900S-OPUS. Please be
assured that these receivers are not cheap. They are extremely well built.
The accessories are first class and the hard-shell carry case and
foam insert will protect your receiver for years of hard service. The GPS
engine is top notch, the ground plane antenna is large, extremely
good, well anchored, the phase center tolerances are tight and
extremely well matched between devices. With 4-gigabytes of flash
memory, you will probably never need to even delete your old jobs.
These receivers are built specifically
for iGage by one of the largest (and we think the best) GPS
manufacturers in the world. We designed it to exactly fill the
requirements for static processing with no extras. We wrote and maintain the
software tools. Most importantly we don't have a big operation with
lots of sales and marketing people.
The X90-OPUS and the
X900S-OPUS are the 'Real-Deal.'
1. How long will the X90 run on a
battery? A new battery at 70 deg F. will typically last:
| X90-OPUS |
6 hours |
| X900S-OPUS |
7 hours |
An external battery clip cable is included in each kit
for attaching the receiver to an external 12-volt battery. For
applications with 120-240 VAC power available, the power supply for
the battery charger will also power the head. (And the external
power clips will power the battery charger for charging cells at a
remote location.) An internal battery is not required
if external power is provided.
2. How long does it take the supplied charger to
recharge a battery? From empty to full charge it typically takes 3
hours and 15 minutes to charge a battery. You can charge two
batteries at once with the supplied charger.
3. How much memory do
these receivers have?
4-gigabytes. It is so much memory that when the download tool copies
a file from the receiver, it leaves the original on the receiver
with a '_' pre-pended on the filename. We anticipate that the
receiver can be used for backup storage of downloaded files for the
life of the receiver without it ever filling.
4. Has the antennas been calibrated by
the NGS? Yes, check out these links: [
ANTEX ] [
ANTINFO ] [
General ]
5. Can the X90-OPUS be used as a RTK receiver? The
X90 is US satellite only, does not have Bluetooth, does not have an
internal UHF radio. So it is not an appropriate receiver for RTK
use. Check out the similar receivers [
here ]. That said, the X90 can be used as an 'Auto Base',
details are available [
here ].
RTK operation on the X900S-receiver
is not supported.
6. Can this
receiver be used as a source of network real-time corrections?
It is not a great choice: it does not have an Ethernet port, it does
not track GLONASS, it would be relatively difficult to configure.
Checkout the CHC N71 receiver for an inexpensive, perfect solution for this
application.
7. Why do you
have to paste (Control-V) then press enter to fill in the ZIP
filename when submitting to OPUS? The Internet Explorer
has a reasonable security precaution that will not allow a program
to automatically upload a file from your computer to the internet.
If the X9x-Download tool could automate this step, then a malicious
program could steal your address book, or any file, from your
computer.
8. Why does
the download program decimate and ZIP observation data?
Consider a 5-second interval, 2-hour observation file: a typical
size is 1,620,000 bytes. 15-second decimating reduces the file size
to 550,000 bytes. The ZIP'ed file is 190,000 bytes. So the upload
time (the time it takes your computer to upload the file to NGS is
reduced 88%.) If you are connected by MiFi or CellPhone while in the
field, this might save you considerable time.
9. Does the
X9x-OPUS download tool support OPUS-Projects? Yes.
Here is how it works:
a. On the 'Configuration' tab
set 'Show Advanced Settings' to 'Support OPUS-Projects':
b. Now under the 'Project' selector, check the (now
visible) 'OPUS-Project' checkbox:
c. Finally, when you click on 'Prepare for OPUS', the
download tool will automatically push the 'OPTIONS' button
on the NGS submittal form and enter the project name:
10. Would the
X90-OPUS GPS receiver be a good choice for a large highway control
project? If you are going to process using NGS OPUS
or NGS OPUS Projects; an unqualified yes.
If you are planning on processing and
adjusting the results yourself using TBC, SPSO, GNSS Solutions or
another tool; perhaps:
A more expensive receiver will
allow you to use GLONASS observables, which will shorten your
observation times. But it will introduce uncertainty due to
inter-channel bias on the GLONASS observables unless every
receiver is exactly the same.
Clearly given the same hardware budget,
you could purchase three to 10 times more X90-receivers than you
could using repurposed RTK heads. More receivers is probably
much-more-better in this case. A fleet of 20 X90-OPUS static
receivers will probably beat a set of 5 GLONASS receivers.
The X900S-OPUS
receiver costs only a bit more and tracks GPS+GLO+BDS constellations
and is an excellent choice at a very reasonable price.
11. The batteries look familiar, can I
use another source? Leica GNSS batteries fit and work, however
they have a third terminal that is not used on the X90-OPUS receiver
or charger. Trimble
batteries also will run the X90-OPUS. There are also several third party
replacements available on Amazon and eBay that may work.
You are
cautioned to ONLY only
charge CHC batteries in the CHC charger and to not charge alternate
batteries in the CHC charger. Intermixing charging
technologies (for example charging CHC batteries in Leica chargers)
is asking for a meltdown and possible fire.
In other words "All
of the 7 volt batteries that fit in the hole, probably work well"
but we are not responsible for issues and mishaps that occur with
batteries that we don't sell. That said, we have no knowledge of any
mishaps. If
you want to search Amazon for batteries, try this link [
Compatible Batteries on Amazon ] 12. L2C?
X90-OPUS->Yes! Checkout Don Jewell's excellent article [
here ].
Who cares? You may in 2020.
Checkout [
phase-out ]. 13. What is the
difference between a X90-OPUS and a standard CHC X90? It depends on
the specific X90 model, X90's have been introduced in several
variants. Here are the possibilities: Bluetooth or No Bluetooth; UHF
Radio or no UHF Radio; Cell Data Modem (three models) or no Cell
Data Modem; 32 Megabyte flash or 4 GB flash; USB Flash drive
interface or RS232 Serial Interface; GPS or GNSS; "+" or no
"+'. Suffice it to say that the X90-OPUS is a stripped down
X90; just what you need for
NGS OPUS-Static, OPUS-RS, OPUS-Projects and not much more.
Also note that the
iGage X90-Download tool, by design, only works with receivers that
originate as X90-OPUS receivers. So a X90 variant purchased in Hong
Kong, won't work with the iGage download tool. What is the
difference between a X900S-OPUS and a standard CHC X900+? It depends on
the specific X900+ model. Here are the possibilities: Bluetooth or No Bluetooth; UHF
Radio or no UHF Radio; Cell Data Modem (three models) or no Cell
Data Modem; 32 Megabyte flash or 4 GB flash; USB Flash drive
interface or RS232 Serial Interface; GPS or GNSS; "+" or no
"+'. Suffice it to say that the X900S-OPUS is a stripped down
X900+; just what you need for NGS OPUS-Static, OPUS-RS, OPUS-Projects and
other static campaigns.
Also note that the
iGage X90-Download tool, by design, only works with receivers that
originate from iGage. So a X90 variant purchased in Hong
Kong, won't work with the iGage download tool.
14.
Who does warranty and non-warranty service on
these receivers? iGage Mapping Corporation is the
responsible party. While CHC maintains an excellent factory repair
depot in the United States for all other products, we take care of
the X9x-OPUS receivers at our office in Salt Lake City Utah.
15. Is the
X90-OPUS a good solution for aerial survey applications?
Probably, see the GLONASS note on Question 10. Again, the low price
allows you to purchase lots more receivers to strengthen your
network solutions.
The receivers
support higher rate recording intervals, if needed for inertial
post-processing software:
16. What is
the maximum recording rate for static observations? The
X90-OPUS will record 5-Hz (5 observations per second, 0.200 second
spacing.) 16B. Are higher data rates
(faster than 5Hz) possible? Please call us. 17. What about
a Tripod? Fixed height tripods are best. We include a
Hold-A-Pole with every receiver: [ Click Here
] 18.
What kind of data tests are performed
by the X90 download tool?
- Observation files shorter than
the programmed length (7,000 bytes by default) are outright
ignored.
- Observation files without
navigation messages are flagged and transferred to the hidden
"_Error" project.
- Observation and navigation
files are checked for minimum RINEX structure requirements.
- MP1 and MP2 are monitored for
gross problems, although only severe issues are flagged.
- Warnings are generated if the
proper antenna model, HI or email can not be automatically
filled on the OPUS submission
form. (As opposed to just continuing with a default antenna
model.)
- Email addresses are checked to
insure reasonable form.
- Occupations are automatically
classified as suitable for OPUS-RS or OPUS-Static.
- Occupations longer than
48-hours are rejected.
- Occupations shorter than
15-minutes are rejected.
- Occupations that ended after
the top of the current hour are flagged as probably having no
overlapping CORS data (yet.)
- For the first 15-minutes of
each hour, occupations that ended in the previous hour are
flagged as probably having no overlapping CORS data (yet.)
19.
When I enter "2" meters for an
HI, the download tool displays "2.000,0"; what's up with that?
The download tool is inserting a comma to make it easier for you
to discern 1/10th millimeters:
Which is easier to
read? 4743107.431 or 4,743,107.431
Same difference:
2.1315 or 2.131,5
20.
Does the X90-OPUS track L5? No. Other, more expensive
receivers do. Give us a call and we can hook you up.
The point of
the X90-OPUS is to have the minimum specifications and price
while still providing access to NGS OPUS (Static, Rapid Static
and Projects.) In a couple of years OPUS will probably accept L5
and GLONASS. At that time, it will make sense to make an entry
level receiver that tracks L5 and GLONASS. But for now, the X90-OPUS is what we need for
OPUS; and nothing extra.
21. Can
you download files from the receiver while it is recording data?
No. When you connect the USB plug, the receiver stops recording data
and emulates a thumb drive.
22. When
sessioning is enabled, do the sessions start at the top of the hour
or 1-hour after the file is opened?
Sessioning happens after the
programmed time. 23.
Have you ever tested the X90-OPUS to see how
long they will run on a 50 amp hour marine battery? At
12.3 V the receiver draws 0.028 amps. 50 AH / 0.028 A = 1,785 hours =
74 days which is over 2-months.
24. If the
receiver is set to 15-second epochs, how long will it store data
before the internal memory fills? The receiver
generates about 1 megabyte of data for every 80 hours of occupation
at 15-second epochs while tracking 12 SV's. The receiver holds 4-GB.
That is 320,000 hours or 13,300 days or 444 months or 35 years.
Obviously this is derived, not tested.
25.
What happens if the battery runs out during an
occupation? If the battery runs out, or the battery is
removed while the receiver is storing data, the file is left intact
in memory. No epochs are lost. This has been extensively tested.
26.
What happens if external power is attached?
The X90-OPUS will run off of external power until external power is
removed and then switch to the internal battery. The internal
battery is not charged by the external power source. It is not
necessary to have an internal battery if external power is supplied,
however it does provide a back up in case external power is lost.
27.
What kind of RINEX file is exported?
2.10. Here is a
sample observation header:
28.
What about 'Elevation Mask'? The
X90-OPUS, by default, is set to record satellites above 0 (zero)
degrees. OPUS ignores observations below 10 degrees (this used to be
15 degrees however it was changed to 10 degrees.) Since the X90-OPUS
has essentially unlimited internal memory available to store
observation data, we want the engine to begin tracking SV's as soon
as they are visible so that as they rise to 10 degrees they are
fully tracked.
If you
disagree with tracking to zero degrees, it is possible to change the
minimum value using the 'Receiver Settings' area of the 'GPS
Settings' tab in the download tool:
29.
Did I read that the X90-OPUS receivers
write a RINEX file as the onboard data storage? The
X90-OPUS stores occupation data in a proprietary file format with
the extension '.HCN' in the flash memory inside the receiver.
The download
tool automatically convert the HCN file to standard RINEX (see FAQ
#27) when the file is downloaded from the receiver.
Here are some
good reasons to like the '.HCN' file format:
The HCN
file is compressed. A 111,000 byte '.HCN' file is 317,000 bytes
when converted to RINEX.
This
format is engine neutral (so we can change out the internal GPS
engine to an alternate brand or model and still write out '.HCN'
files and use the same conversion tool to generate standard
RINEX data.
30.
Will the X90-OPUS work in the
Canadian Spatial Reference System Precise
Point Positioning post-processing application? Yes,
CACS has the X90-OPUS antenna model and will correctly process
observation files from the X90-OPUS. See [
CACS PPP ] for information on this system. Because of CACS's
site web scripting, the download tool is unable to automate the
process of submission, however CACS has a great [
PPP Direct ] desktop application which allows you to directly
drag and drop X90-OPUS observation files into CACS.
31. Will the X90-OPUS work
in AUSPOS? (See [
AUSPOS ] for system information.) Yes, AUSPOS includes the
X90-OPUS antenna model and will properly compute heights. Builds
9100 and higher of the X90 Download tool will automatically submit
your observations to AUSPOS.
32.
Can the X90-OPUS be used with 'RTX CenterPoint'? Yes,
the X90 Download tool includes a button to automatically submit
observation files to RTX. Because RTX only accepts observations from
a subset of devices, the download tool spoofs a supported receiver
(with the same engine),
spoofs a supported antenna and adjusts your HI to compensate for the
L1 phase center offset difference.
34.
Is the X90-OPUS listed in the IGS antenna and
device files? Yes:
The X90-OPUS is defined in
the IGS Antenna Working Group's [
antenna.gra file ]
The X90-OPUS receiver and antenna are defined in the IGS [
Equipment Description file ]
35.
Can the X90-OPUS be used with Trimble Business
Center (TBC) and Spectra Precision Survey Office (SPSO)?
Yes, once files are downloaded from the receiver, they are standard
RINEX files.
36.
Will the X90-OPUS work in Gamit-Globk?
(See [ GAMIT-GLOBK
] for system information.) The X90-OPUS receiver antenna definitions
are not available in the rcvant.dat file (yet.)
37.
I would like to purchase a campaign set of
receivers?
Great! We have a [ standard configuration
] with 6 receivers and 6 chargers in a (albeit large) case with
plenty of room for accessories. The outside case size is
44.9 x 25.32 x 16.5" (114 x 64.3 x 41.9 cm)
Complete kits are reasonably priced.
38.
What about REALLY long occupations? Will
the X90-OPUS record data for multiple days? Checkout [
X90-OPUS-DealingWithGIANTFiles.pdf ]
39.
My Yellow and Green LED's flash simultaneously
and the receiver won't store data files. [
Read This ]
|
