The NGS ARP is the bottom of the nut on the underside of the APS-3. The NGS calibration value for the APS-3 L1 vertical offset is 113.5 mm. For more information see section 2.4 GNSS Antenna Offsets:
http://www.ngs.noaa.gov/cgi-bin/query_cal_antennas.prl?Model=APS
ftp://igs.org/pub/station/general/igs08.atx

A unit is reset to factory default settings by re-loading the Altus Default Configuration from the supplied file. There are two files depending on the version of APS-3 used. The files are located on the ALTUS CD ("APS-3_Default_Config.txt" or "APS-3_Rev2_Default_Config.txt") or from Altus’s Support web page. To load the file, start RxControl, select File -> Upload Script and browse to the configuration file location, select the file and follow the prompts.

Get the latest firmware release from Altus. Connect the 5 pin controller serial cable (SER1) to the bottom of the APS-3, connecting the DB9 side of the cable to a PC's RS232 serial port. Power on the APS-3 and open RxControl. Once connected to the APS-3 click the tools tab and select upgrade receiver. Click Ok to close connection. Then click "Next" in the RxControl Upgrade Wizard. Next select the COM port used for the connection between the APS-3 and computer followed by clicking "Next". Locate the appropriate SUF file, and click "Next". Then select "Upgrade", and proceed with any other on screen directions. Once completed, firmware version can be verified in the "Help" tab of RxControl in the "Receiver Identification" menu. It can also be checked in SurvCE, follow "viewing battery status" section 4.3.4 where the firmware can also be identified.

The APS-3 model is determined by the APS-3 Serial number found on the bottom of the unit. Serial numbers in the 10000 series are classified as APS-3. Serial numbers in the 20000 series are classified as APS-3 V2.

Refer to the following diagram. Measure the slant height to the point as shown. The data collector software computes the vertical height from the measurements and dimensions, so manual calculation is not required with software that has programmed an APS-3 interface.

The APS-3 is designed to operate reliably from -20 to +65 °C. Like most manufacturers, we test beyond that limit to ensure we can operate at the published extremes.

First confirm that the base station transmits GLONASS corrections. The APS-3 utilizes GPS satellites to get to RTK Fixed status first. Then if more than 2 acceptable GLONASS satellites are available, GLONASS is added to the solution for Fixed GPS+GLO RTK.

First check Base Station Configuration. Make sure that Base Station receiver is set up and using more than 5 common Satellites. Check Rover Configuration; make sure that it is configured to use the same RTK format corrections as the base. Both Base Station and Rover must use the same UHF Radio Channel and same radio settings. Moving the base and rover further apart (or lowering base transmit power) may help to establish a connection between the radios more quickly.

Base stations transmit different messages types. It is important to confirm what message type(s) the base is transmitting so the Rover can be set accordingly. SurvCE allows the Message types for some base stations to be identified directly in SurvCE.

A setting in the APS-3 has changed causing a disruption with power communication. Power the unit off, remove all power sources for 15 seconds, and turn the unit back on. After the unit boots, perform a hard reset and upload the default script to restore settings.

A setting in the APS-3 has changed causing a disruption with power communication. If the receiver does not power off immediately after 4 seconds, wait for 20 seconds to see if it powers off. If the receiver still does not respond, power the unit off by removing all power sources, and then turn the unit back on. After the unit boots, perform a hard reset and upload the default script.

Make sure that the serial cable (SER1) is disconnected. The serial cable takes precedence over Bluetooth© connectivity, so Bluetooth© will not connect when the cable is attached. Also verify the Bluetooth© is ON/Visible on the hand held computer. Lastly, uploading the ALTUS default script (using RxControl) will configure all COM ports correctly and often fixes Bluetooth© connectivity.

The APS-3 remembers the settings set during the last configuration and uses these upon restart. To stop logging upon startup, Close the Data File and reconfigure the base/rover. Reconfigure by selecting the green check mark on GPS Base/Rover tab.

The passcode is 'default'

Be sure that you are selecting the correct APS-3 model in your data collection software. Selecting the wrong model from the data collector software will have GSM modem connection failure because the commands are different for each model.

Note the APS-3 & APS-3 V2 have different default configuration files. The APS-3 V2 GSM modem requires that Flow Control be enabled on the system. Configure flow control on the APS-3 V2 by uploading the APS-3 V2 default script to the receiver.

There are three key items that must be specified to get the correct GSM SIM card and service from your cellular service provider;

• GSM SIM card (not UMTS)
• Data service only
• No IMEI number (i.e. no associated hardware/handset)

SIM cards that had one or more of the above 3 features incorrect did not work. In the USA, AT&T and T-Mobile provide GSM SIM cards that have been used successfully with the APS-3.

In order to correctly configure a radio network with a repeater, all radios must have matching settings. Ensure the same frequency, radio protocol, channel spacing, FEC, and scrambling options are found on all radios.

For more detailed instructions please refer to our “APS-3 Radio Guide” document located on the Altus website.

NMEA (National Marine Electronics Association) output is a standard format of digital data exchange. It provides the position, time, Latitude, Longitude, fix quality, number of satellites being tracked, as well as other pertinent data integral to GPS technology.

GSM "Global System for Mobile communications" is an international standard and uses a SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) card. It is best suited for international roaming. The advantage of a SIM card is that it may be placed in any device the user would like at any time.

CDMA "Code Division Multiple Access" is a signal that is better suited for voice as studies have shown. These devices do not use a SIM card and thereby make switching devices much more difficult and time-consuming. The European Union mandated the sole use of GSM technology, making CDMA not practical in that area. CDMA is much more complicated than that of a "simple" GSM system; as a result, the batteries in CDMA devices deplete at a higher rate than GSM devices.

In the main view of the controller, select the Start Menu, next click Settings Menu, then select the System tab, lastly select the About icon which will display the Windows Mobile© version.

Locate the most recent data collection software in the Support section of the ALTUS website. These versions have been tested and approved by ALTUS.

Connect the data collector to a PC (via Serial or USB connection). Run the latest data collection executable and perform the tasks as directed on the screen.

No, SurvCE recalls the vertical offset automatically when the APS-3 is selected.

Use the battery status indicator in data collection software to confirm which battery is "In Use" before hot-swapping batteries. Refer to the corresponding software manual for more details.

In the Equip Tab, select GPS Base/GPS Rover. In the Current Tab, select the Information icon located to the right of the Manufacturer field. This screen will provide the APS-3 firmware version as well as battery status.

Send the increment command via the Send File utility, which and be located via SurvCE -> Equip Tab -> GPS Utilities -> Send Command. Then enter: setFileNaming, DSK1, Incremental, ALTUS.

One way to delete points is to go to the File tab and select the Points button. Once in the Points Menu select the point and click delete.

The GPS constellation is well over 25 years old now [not all birds]. There have been delays in launching newer technology birds, but it doesn't necessarily mean the older satellites will shut down; it doesn't mean they won't either!  Worst Case: DOD requires 95% probability of 24 satellites at any given time. Best Case: The existing satellites will last 20 more years before shutting down and something new and improved will take its place.

These settings must be set when starting a new job. In the File tab select Job Settings, then select the System tab and choose the Distance Units from the drop down menu.

Earlier versions than 2.55 of SurvCE saved settings to the receiver boot. These earlier versions recalled the settings set during the last configuration and uses these upon restart. To stop logging upon startup, Close the Data File and reconfigure the base/rover. Reconfigure by selecting the green check mark on GPS Base/Rover tab. Else upgrade SurvCE to version 2.55.

Verify that you have the appropriate firmware (1.8 Rev 1B3 or later) loaded onto the internal radio which allows for this selection. This firmware can be found in the download section of the ALTUS website.

Select the wrench in the upper right-hand corner of the map screen to open the Instrument Settings menu. Select Raw Data Logging and select start/stop logging.

Select the wrench in the upper right-hand corner of the map screen to open the Instrument Settings menu. Select Instrument Disconnect. Back in the Map View, select the wrench again to open the Instrument Selection menu. From here you can select your GPS Reference or GPS Rover profiles.

Verify that you have the appropriate firmware (1.8 Rev 1B3 or later) loaded onto the internal radio which allows for this selection. This firmware can be found in the Support section of the ALTUS website.