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TIPS guide:
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Tips cover both System 1200 and System 500. They are small but important items that come up from time to time.
If you have any tips to share, please send me an email and I will enter them and give you credit.
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I've returned to the Blog method. All new tips will be entered in
The Tips Blog
Old tips are still available below:
Sunday, Jul 17, 2005
Topic
Keep your firmware and software up to date.
Tip
New capabilities and improvements are added to the software and firmware all time.
Not keeping up to date is not good business. There are new importers available for the LGO Design to Field tool.
Check for the current firmware versions here. If you are not a member of Leica Advantage, join so you can download the latest.
Topic
When I go to Survey, the position icon disappears and I only have one satellite showing.
Tip
Check your base position. You may have forgotten to change E to W in the Longtitude field. Your on the other side of the world.
Before entering the longitude, press the F3 [WEST] key to change the E to a W. If you have already entered the longitude, you need to make sure the longitude field is highlighted and then press the F3 key
(I didn't do this correctly in a hurry, and it took me an hour to figure out what I'd done wrong...looking like an idiot with a group waiting.)
Topic
Ortho heights won't display on my rover.
Tip
Check your geoid model field file. You may have forgotten to change E to W in the Longtitude field when you specified the center or extents positions.
In both cases, it would nice for the receiver to let us know that we are on the opposite side of the world. It is on the wishlist.
// posted by Ellis @ 9:00 AM
Tuesday, Nov 30, 2004
Topic
Exporting XML design files from LDD or Eagle Point for use with RoadRunner.
Tip
It appears that LDD and Eagle Point default to international feet units. This can be very bad if you are expecting your units to be in U.S. survey feet in your receiver, especially when using large coordinates such as state plane coordinates. Make sure your units are correct before exporting an XML file from your design software for use with RoadRunner.
When you get differences of between 3-6 feet in your coordinates, suspect units confusion between US survey feet and international feet.
// posted by Ellis @ 10:00 AM
Thursday, Nov 11, 2004
Topic
Ugrading System 1200 firmware.
Tip
Starting with version 1.52 which will soon be released, instruments or receivers must have an up-to-date maintenance contract in order to load new firmware. If you get a message about out-of-date maintenance and your firmware does not load, you will need to enter a maintenance license key code. If you are not a member of Leica Advantage, please contact your sales representative.
Click HERE to link to the Leica Advantage site.
// posted by Ellis @ 6.00 PM
Friday, Aug 13, 2004
Topic
New format files are available for System 1200.
Tip
New format files for System 1200 are available on the Leica Advantage website. The FBK, RW5, and LISCAD format files include directions on the complete procedure of configuring, collecting data and exporting.
Click HERE to link to the Leica Advantage site.
// posted by Ellis @ 5.00 PM
Friday, Aug 13, 2004
Topic
Version 5.0 Firmware has been released for System 500
Tip
The final version of firmware (5.0) is now available for System 500. This version adds System 1200 antennas, etc.
The firmware should be available soon in the Leica Advantage members area.
// posted by Ellis @ 5.00 PM
Thursday, Aug 5, 2004
Topic
CSCS model is not being found on the receiver.
Tip
Disassociate the CSCS model from the coordinate system in LGO before transferring the coordinate system to the receiver. After you have transferred the coordinate system and the CSCS model field file to the receiver, associate the field file with the coordinate system and it should work properly.
Thanks to Greg Hazelquist for this tip.
Topic
Clean up your System RAM when installing System 1200 firmware upgrades.
Tip
When installing new firmware, you might the take the time to clean up your System Ram. A clean machine is a healthy machine, and it runs faster.
Before formatting the CF Card and installing the new firmware, Transfer your coordinate systems, codelists, configurations, etc. to the card, and back your card up on the computer. Delete any unneccessary coordinate systems, configurations, codelists, etc. in the System RAM. Alternately, you can just format the System RAM and then reload the necessary items.
Install the new firmware according to the steps in the Release Notes. Remember to remove the old application programs first.
After the firmware upgrade is complete, copy back the current jobs (and geoid models if they are kept on the card) from your backup on the computer. If you formatted the System RAM, you'll want to copy the relevant files from your backup and transfer the needed coordinate systems, configurations, codelists, etc. back to the System RAM.
// posted by Ellis @ 5:30 PM
Topic
Need an AX1202 antenna definition for a System 500 receiver.
Tip
Here is a LIST.ANT file with the Leica AX1202 phase center offsets. Put it in the GPS directory on the card and transfer it into System 500 receiver's System RAM.
Click here to download the file.
// posted by Ellis @ 5:15 PM
Topic
OPUS is rejecting the Ofiles I created in LGO.
Tip
Use the following link:
http://www.leicaadvantage.com/support/GPS1200/GPS_System1200_FAQs.cfm
and then select the topic Why is OPUS rejecting my RINEX data from System 1200 GPS data?
Follow the steps, paying particular attention to making sure the Ignore Windows box is not checked in step 5.
Topic
How can I find the job name for a set of DBX files?
Tip
The file with the .xcf extension contains the job name.
Open this file with a text editor that can read binary files (www.ultraedit.com). The job name is in the second line. In the example below it is Data 1.
Topic
Grid north and zone boundaries.
Tip
Grid north varies from one zone to another. True north stays constant, but grid north is based on true north at the central meridian of the zone. It is zone dependent, and will vary from zone to zone. See the picture below for a graphical illustration. Notice the alignment of the punch rows as the cards come together.
Wednesday, January 14, 2004
Topic
Geoid03
Tip
A new Geoid03.exe and .bin files are available for SKI-Pro in the GPS FAQ section of the Leica Advantage site. Geoid03 is currently only available for the continental US.
Note: Don't use the NGS binary files, use the .bin files at this link.
http://www.leicaadvantage.com/support/GPS1200/GPS_Geoid03FAQ.cfm
Topic
"Merge intervals" option under the Settings tab in the Assign dialog box.
Tip
Not only does this option combine static observation sets where a power outage has occured, but it will combine multiple postions of an RTK point occupation providing only one mean position. If this option is checked when you import RTK data, and you have made multiple measurements when occupying points, you will lose these multiple measurements and only get one position for the occupation.
Topic
Attaching and activating the dongle after SKI-Pro has been started.
Tip
If you have already started SKI-Pro, but forgot to attach your dongle, you do not need to restart SKI-Pro to activate the dongle. Simply attach the dongle and then click on Help | About... | Purchased Options... to read and activate the dongle.
Topic
SKI-Pro 3.0 and RINEX
Tip
When using RINEX control data, make sure you import the rapid or precise orbit so that you will be able to process all the data. If you use the braoadcast orbit, you will be limited to the time span covered by your receiver's data. It is recommended that you use the IGS orbits. They are available at http://igscb.jpl.nasa.gov/components/prods_cb.html.
Thursday, November 13, 2003
Topic
Using a System 300 Base for a System 500 Rover
Tip
If you are going to use a System 300 receiver as a base for a System 500 receiver, make sure that the 344 controller has firmware version 3.7. This firmware is not on the Advantage site. It is not general release, but is needed only when using the System 300 as base for a System 500 rover. Email me or support@leicaadvantage.com if you need a copy of this firmware.
Topic
Base receiver losing lock
Tip
If your base receiver has lock on satellites, then beeps and a "complete loss of lock" message appears, and this repeats regulary, your radio antenna may be causing the problem, especially if the radio is cranked to 35W. Move the radio antenna away from the receiver setup and see if the problem disappears.
Topic
The "System has detected and invalid project - it will be deleted" message
Tip
The rude message "System has detected an invalid project - it will be deleted" appears in SKI-Pro when the project folder of a registered project has been improperly deleted or moved to another drive or directory. The result is that the project name is just unregistered in SKI-Pro, no files are deleted. If you have moved the project folder, you can simply re-register it.
Wednesday, October 22, 2003
Topic
Compute loops option is grayed out.
Tip
If you have processed or imported GPS vectors, and your Compute Loops option is grayed out in the adjustment page pop-up menu and your GPS vectors don't display, select Graphical Settings and put a check mark next to GPS. When GPS is unchecked, you will not be able to see your GPS vectors and they are also not able to be worked with.
// posted by Ellis @ 3:10 PM
Topic
Road Plus Editor documentation error.
Tip
On page 15 of both the General Guide to Road Plus 4.0en and the General Guide to Road Plus Editor 4.0en, the left slope of the fill section is shown as being a positive value. The left slope of a cut section is shown as a negative value. This is also indicated in the Template panel for a FILL section on page 75 of the General Guide to Road Plus Editor 4.0en where the L. End slp(%) is entered as 2.000% and the R. End slp(%) is entered as a -2.000%.
This is incorrect. The L. End slp(%) of a fill section should be entered as -2.000% in Road Plus Editor, and the L. End slp(%) of a cut section should be entered as a positive value. The documentation is incorrect.
Topic
Geoid and CSCS field files.
Tip
With version 4.0 and above of the firmware, you do not need to transfer geoid field files or CSCS field files to the system RAM. They can remain on the PC card. Do not use the transfer routine on the receiver for these models.
See the Leica Advantage LGO/SKI-Pro and RTK Data Questions section and click on the "Can I make a geoid model or a CSCS model field file large enough to encompass my entire state/province? or Click Here for the paper.
Topic
Creating a NAD27 coordinate system.
Tip
Thanks to John Coldrick and Henri Ayers the hard work has already been done.
Go to the Leica Advantage LGO and SKI-Pro FAQ page and click on "How do I create a NAD27 state plane coordinate system to use in SK-Pro?" in the Coordinate Systems Questions section and follow the instructions (read the whole thing).
You can download the GPSTRF.DAT file with all the state zone projections in it by clicking on the line below the above link.
Topic
Processing a static dataset kinematically
Tip
If you would like to process a static dataset kinematically, i.e. a solution every epoch, you need to export the target data to a RINEX file. Edit the flag in column 29 of the header of the first epoch of data, and change the 0 flag to a 2 as shown in the example below:
END OF HEADER
3 5 12 19 25 20.0000000 0 10G 6G10G15G16G17G18G21G23G26G29
--------------------------^
END OF HEADER
3 5 12 19 25 20.0000000 2 10G 6G10G15G16G17G18G21G23G26G29
--------------------------^
Then re-import the RINEX data and process the new data interval.
For more information on RINEX go to http://www.ngs.noaa.gov/CORS/instructions2/
Topic
Transferring the the System RAM to other receivers.
Tip
Saving the system RAM (7 Transfer/19 System) to the PC
card and transferring it to other receivers is a quick way to
make sure all receivers have the same contents. However, if
you do this, be sure to change the sensor identification back
to its normal value in the receivers that have uploaded the
transferred system, otherwise all receivers will create the
same file names.
To do this:
* Press the CONFIG key.
* Highlight 3 General and press the F1 key.
* Highlight 7 Sensor Identification and press the F1
key.
* Enter in the correct Sensor ID and press F1.
The Sensor ID is usually the last four digits of the serial
number, but can be any four characters, e.g. JOES.
05/27/2003
Topic
Want a quick grade between two points?
Tip
Hit the Status button and select Survey | Position. Then press
the F5 [GRADE] key. You can select any Known Point or the
Last Point and get the following information from the selected
point to the current position:
Grade [1:]
Grade [%]
Hgt Diff
Horz Dist
Slope Dist
Thanks again to Hans Haselbach for this tip.
04/04/2003
Topic
Lots of satellites, but having problems fixing at longer distances.
Tip
Raise the elevation mask to exclude low satellites. Use the
CONFIG key and select Survey | Satellites. Raise the mask
angle until you fix. In an example scenario there were 10
satellites but the system did not want to fix. Raising the mask
to exclude the 3 lowest satellites solved the problem and the
system fixed.
02/27/2003
Topic
New FAQ section on transformations.
Tip
Please review the new FAQ section on transformations (#8) at www.ellisv.com
02/20/2003
Topic
I have no averaged position on my RTK points even though I measured them more than once.
Tip
If you import RTK points that have multiple measurements, but
the "averaged" class is unavailable (i.e., you only have one
"measured" class position for the points), remove the check
mark from the box in front of the Merge Intervals option of the
Settings tab in the Assign dialog box.
Thanks to Hans Haselbach for this.
02/05/2003
Topic
I can't copy my job file. I get a "Write Protect" error.
Tip
If you get a "Write Protect" error when you try to copy a job
from the GeoDB directory using Windows Explorer, or SKI-Pro
doesn't seem to find the job, look in the GeoDB directory and
delete any files with the .tmp extension.
01/24/2003
Topic
How to convert a scale factor from PPM to a multiplier.
Tip
To convert a PPM scale value to a multiplier, divide the PPM
value by 1,000,000 and add 1. This value will scale up. To
scale down, divide this value into one (use the 1/x key on your
calculator).
An example would be a scale factor expressed as 352 PPM.
(About 0.35 feet in a thousand feet).
The multiplier to increase by this amount would be
352/1,000,000 = .000352 + 1 = 1.000352.
The multiplier to decrease by this amount would be 1/1.000352
= .999648.
01/13/2003
Topic
Keep those cards cleaned up.
Tip
Pay attention to your housekeeping tasks. Keep those cards
clean (See the Housekeeping page).
A TDS Ranger user discovered he couldn't setup the base
receiver with the SET command. He got the message that
SurveyPro could not execute the command. The problem
turned out to be a full card in the receiver.
01/02/2003
Topic
Taking multiple shots for averaging.
Tip
Take out any pole or bubble errors by rotating the pole 180
degrees between shots in your averaging.
12/21/2002
Topic
Use the power of the Leica database when collecting points
Tip
When collecting large points, such as a 2" open iron pipe, use
the Hans method. Instead of trying to estimate and occupy the
center, take four shots around the perimeter to get the
averaged value. You can force the software to use the points if
they are outside of your normal averaging limits.
Thanks to Hans Haselbach for this tip.
11/22/2002
Topic
Disappearing Tabs in SKI-Pro
Tip
Don't panic if you upgrade to SKI-Pro 2.5 and can't see some
of your page tabs. Not seeing the GPS-Proc or Adjustment
tabs does not mean your dongle isn't working. The tabs are
now selectable for viewing, and you can arrange the order.
Right-click on any of the visible tabs to see the selection pop-
up.
Note: To check your dongle, select Help|About|Purchased
Options.
11/07/2002
Topic
Leica's excellent newsletters.
Tip
Don't forget about Leica's excellent newsletters. Click on
Newsletters in the Contents panel to the left, and click on the
top link. Some very good information within.
11/04/2002
Topic
Adding a point to a coordinate system transformation.
Tip
If you need to extend your work beyond the limits of your
coordinate system, you should add a point (or points) to the
transformation by following the steps in Section 11.2 of the
Technical Reference Manual.
(See SKI-Pro General FAQ #1 for how to make the Technical
Reference Manual easily accessible).
10/28/2002
Topic
The difference between Control and Reference point classes.
Tip
CONTROL and REFERENCE point classes are quite different.
The control class is used by the adjustment routines and
constrains an adjustment.
The reference class is created by the software and controls
processing.
If you want the processed coordinates of an unknown point to
be relative to a known position, you must edit the reference
class position of the known point, not its control class
position.
10/19/2002
Topic
Selecting a group of points in SKI-Pro import, or Points tab lists.
Tip
To select (or deselect) a group of points in the project Points
tab, or in the import View Data tab do the following: Click on
the first point in the group (not on the check box, but
somewhere to the right of it) and then holding the shift-key
down, click on the last point in the group. Then click on one of
the check boxes in the selected group to place or remove the
check mark, and all the boxes of the selected points will be
checked or unchecked accordingly.
Note: All RTK points in a track are automatically selected
together.
10/16/2002
Topic
How to Transfer any file to the sensor serially
Tip
If you need to transfer a .GSI file, or a .DXF file, to the sensor
using a serial connection, do the following steps.
* Select Tools/Sensor Transfer
* Right-click on Sensor
* Click on Transfer any file...
* Select Files of Type as GSI
* Navigate to directory containing the GSI files
* Select the file to transfer
* Set Sensor Device to PC-Card
* Set Directory to GSI
* Click the Transfer button
Do the same for the DXF file, just put it in the DTM
directory.
09/26/2002
Topic
SKI-Pro Application Background Color
Tip
If you have trouble reading the white text below the icons in
the SKI-Pro list bar, you can change the background color in
Windows. Go to Start-Settings-Control Panel-Display-
Appearance, select the item "Application Background" and
set the dark gray color.
09/04/2002
Topic
Using DTM Stakeout
Tip
Using DTM Stakeout, you must correctly enter the name of
the layer that contains the 3DFACE triangles in the DXF file.
This name must be entered in the "DTMSO\ SET DTM FILE"
panel in the "DXF Layer:" field.
This layer name should be 8 characters or less. If not, rename
it in the DXF file. See FAQ #1 of DTM Stakeout.
08/24/2002
Topic
Using modified northings and eastings
Tip
If you utilize the Compute Average Combined Factor facility of
SKI-Pro to create modified northing and eastings, you will get
ground coordinates. But to be able to fully utilize these
coordinates, you should export the modified coordinates as an
ASCII file and then re-import into a new project. In Datum &
Map (or in your receiver), create a coordinate system using the
original project as System A, and the new project as System
B. See FAQ #3 of Datum & Map.
08/05/2002
Topic
RTK State Plane Base Position
Tip
An easy way to provide State Plane coordinates to your RTK
positions is to configure the base to record data. Then in SKI-
Pro, export this data to a RINEX file and upload it to OPUS.
Change the base Reference Class position to the OPUS
position and all the attached RTK positions will change
accordingly.
07/29/2002
Topic
Firmware Upgrades
Tip
If you have trouble locking to satellites after upgrading your
firmware, recreate your configuration sets.
07/08/2002
Topic
RTK Base position
Tip
Make sure you enter your antenna height before using the
HERE function or getting an average position (SPP) at your
RTK base. Leaving out the antenna height positions the
antenna, not the mark on the ground.
07/01/2002
Topic
Buying New Computers
Tip
Before buying a new computer, make sure that your software
will run under the computer's operating system, and that the
computer has the necessary parallel and serial ports required
by your software and hardware devices.
// posted by Ellis @ 7:59 AM
Copyright(c) 2003 Ellis R. Veatch II. All rights reserved.
ellisv@ellisv.com
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