ALTUS APS-3 User manual

APS-3
User Manual
Revision 3.0.0

PAGE |2
APS-3 User Manual
© 2015 ALTUS Positioning Systems Inc. All rights reserved. ALTUS, the ALTUS logo,
and APS-3 are trademarks of ALTUS Positioning Systems Inc. registered in the U.S. and
other countries. No part of this document may be copied, used or reproduced without the
prior written permission of ALTUS Positioning Systems.
No part of this manual may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means,
electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and recording, for any purpose without
the express written permission of ALTUS Positioning Systems Inc.
Mention of third-party products in this document is for informational purposes only and
does not constitute an endorsement or a recommendation. ALTUS Positioning Systems
assumes no responsibility with regard to the performance or use of the APS-3 due to
GPS characteristics, USA Department of Defense operations control, atmospheric
effects, multipath and RF interference. All understandings, agreements, or warranties
take place directly between the seller and the prospective users. Every effort has been
made to ensure that the information in this manual is accurate. ALTUS is not responsible
for printing or clerical errors. All specifications are typical and subject to change without
prior notice.

PAGE |3
Table of Contents
1. Introduction............................................................................................... 5
1.1. Foreword ..................................................................................................................... 5
1.2. User Notice .................................................................................................................. 5
1.2.1. FCC......................................................................................................................5
1.2.2. CE Mark ..............................................................................................................5
1.2.3. Warranty ............................................................................................................6
1.3. Technical Support ........................................................................................................ 7
2. APS-3(G) Overview..................................................................................... 8
2.1. APS-3 Product Family Overview ................................................................................... 8
2.2. APS-3(G) Key Features ................................................................................................. 8
2.2.1. Navigation Accuracy ...........................................................................................9
2.2.2. APS-3 Ease of Use ...............................................................................................9
2.2.3. Shipping Case Contents ....................................................................................11
2.2.4. Using the APS-3 ................................................................................................12
2.2.5. APS-3 Front Panel .............................................................................................12
2.2.6. Front Panel Description ....................................................................................12
2.2.7. Power Button ...................................................................................................13
2.2.8. Ports .................................................................................................................13
2.2.9. Power Input ......................................................................................................14
2.2.10. SIM Card ...........................................................................................................15
2.2.10.1. Purchasing a SIM Card w/ plan .........................................................15
2.2.10.2. Installing SIM Card ............................................................................16
2.2.11. SD Card .............................................................................................................17
2.2.11.1. Removing SD Card .............................................................................17
2.2.11.2. Installing SD Card ..............................................................................17
2.2.11.3. Formatting SD Card ...........................................................................18
2.2.11.4. Compatible SD Cards.........................................................................18
3. APS-3 Device & Specifications .................................................................. 19
3.1. Internal UHF Radio..................................................................................................... 19
3.2. GSM Modem.............................................................................................................. 20
3.2.1. Communication Protocol..................................................................................20
3.3. Battery & Charger ...................................................................................................... 21
3.3.1. Battery Charger ................................................................................................21
3.3.2. Charging Battery...............................................................................................21
3.3.3. APS-3 Battery Installation and Replacement....................................................22
3.4. GNSS Antenna Offsets ............................................................................................... 23

PAGE |4
3.4.1. NGS Calibration ................................................................................................23
3.4.2. Slant Height Dimensions...................................................................................24
4. Restore Factory Settings........................................................................... 25
5. Upgrading software ................................................................................. 25
6. Frequently Asked Questions..................................................................... 26
7. List of Typical GNSS Related Acronyms ..................................................... 32

PAGE |5
1. Introduction
1.1. Foreword
Congratulations on purchasing the APS-3. The APS-3 is a high precision GNSS
satellite receiver with integrated state-of-the-art wireless communications specifically
designed for the Surveying market. This APS-3 User Manual contains important
reference information to assist you with using your new receiver.
1.2. User Notice
This section provides information regarding FCC, CE, Warranty and Customer
Service with Support. All specifications are typical and subject to change without prior
notice. ALTUS Positioning Systems reserves the right for improvements and changes to
this document, products and services without notice or obligation.
1.2.1. FCC
The APS-3 has been tested and found to comply with Part 15 of the FCC rules.
The standard is designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference
when operated in a commercial environment. This device will receive and transmit radio
frequency which may cause interference to radio communications unless operated as
specified according to this User Manual.
1.2.2. CE Mark
The APS-3 carries the CE mark, which indicates compliance with the
Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) directive and the Low Voltage Directive (LVD) of the
European Union (EU).

PAGE |6
1.2.3. Warranty
ALTUS provides a two-year warranty for the APS-3 receiver, free from defects in
materials and workmanship, from date of sale on the invoice of the original buyer. Li-ion
batteries carry a six-month warranty. A ninety-day warranty is provided for the cables
and other accessories. Firmware upgrades are free for life. Software support is free for
one-year from date of purchase.
The warranty does not cover:
Defects due to accidents, abuse, misuse, negligence, abnormal use or any other
non-recommended use.
Defects due to environmental conditions that do not conform to APS-3 specifications
Defects due to improper installation or operating procedures
Defects due to modifications, alterations, or changes not made in accordance with
the APS-3 User Manual and other technical documentation or directly authorized by
ALTUS
Normal wear and tear use
Shipping damage
3rd-party software included with the product, other than the warranty of the original
manufacturer to the extent the manufacturer permits
Warranty is void if the APS-3 has been tampered with or opened.

PAGE |7
1.3. Technical Support
Contact your ALTUS dealer for first-line support. For further information, please see
the Altus support website for documentation and firmware upgrades, or contact ALTUS
Technical Support:
North and South America:
Altus Positioning Systems
23848 Hawthorne Blvd., Suite 200
Torrance, California 90505,
USA
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
[email protected]
[email protected]
EMEA APAC
Septentrio Satellite Navigation
Interleuvenlaan 15G
BE3001 Leuven Belgium
phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
[email protected]
[email protected]

PAGE |8
2. APS-3(G) Overview
2.1. APS-3 Product Family Overview
2.2. APS-3(G) Key Features
The APS-3 is an all-in-one, cable free solution for your Surveying needs. It’s a
simple and easy to use GNSS surveying product, which provides the following features:
APS-3 :
136 Channel Septentrio AsteRx2e GNSS receiver,
with L1/L2/L2C GPS, GLONASS and SBAS.
APS-3G
136 Channel Septentrio AsteRx3 GNSS receiver,
withGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, & BeiDou
APS-3L / APS-T
136 Channel Septentrio AsteRx2eL receiver,
with GPS + GLONASS + SBAS + L-Band
Bluetooth®
Internal GSM or CDMA Modem to communicate with RTK
Networks
Internal digital UHF Radio to receive/transmit RTK
corrections
Two (2) Lithium-Ion Batteries for up to 10 hours of use
Easy-access removable SIM card for cellular service (SIM
card not Included)
Easy-access removable 2GB SD Card for internal data
logging.

PAGE |9
2.2.1. Navigation Accuracy
Navigation Performance
Horizontal (m)
Vertical (m)
Standalone (Autonomous)
1.3
1.9
SBAS (WAAS, EGNOS, MSAS)
0.6
0.8
DGPS (RTCM1,3 / 9,3)
0.5
0.9
RTK
0.01 + 1 ppm
0.02 + 1 ppm
Table 1: Navigation Accuracy
2.2.2. APS-3 Ease of Use
GNSS Antenna
LED Status Indicators
Power Button
Release Button for Battery
Compartment
Battery A Compartment
Battery B Compartment
Figure 1: APS-3, Front View

PAGE |10
SIM & SD Card Compartment
UHF Radio Antenna
Figure 2: APS-3, Rear View
The rear view of the APS-3 shows the door to access the SD card and SIM card.
GNSS raw data can be saved to the SD Card, and the SIM card allows cellular service
with the internal GSM modem.
The ports and the product label can be seen on the underside of the APS-3.
There are 3 ports: two serial ports and one external power input port. Also located on the
base of the APS-3 is a TNC connector for a UHF antenna, which is utilized by the internal
radio. ALWAYS connect a UHF antenna before powering ON the APS-3. The
threaded connector in the middle is a standard 5/8”connector for mounting onto survey
poles or accessories.
Data (8-pin LEMO)
Power (4-pin LEMO)
Control (5-pin LEMO)
Model & Serial #
5/8” Thread Nut
CE / FCC / Bluetooth® Label
TNC Connector for UHF Radio
Antenna
Figure 3: APS-3, Bottom View