ashtech HDS800 User manual

Reference Manual
HDS800

Copyright Notice
Copyright 2012 Ashtech. All rights reserved.
September 2012
Trademarks
All product and brand names mentioned in this pub-
lication are trademarks of their respective holders.
FCC Notice
HDS800 Receiver complies with the limits for a
Class B digital device, pursuant to the Part 15 of the
FCC rules when it is used in Portable Mode. See Note
below related to Class B device.
Class B digital devices NOTE: This equipment has
been tested and found to comply with the limits for
a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the
FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide rea-
sonable protection against harmful interference in a
residential installation. This equipment generates,
uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if
not installed and used in accordance with the in-
structions, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. However, there is no guarantee that
interference will not occur in a particular installation.
If this equipment does cause harmful interference to
radio or television reception, which can be deter-
mined by turning the equipment off and on, the user
is encouraged to try and correct the interference by
one or more of the following measures:
– Reorient or locate the receiving antenna.
– Increase the separation between the equipment
and receiver.
– Connect the equipment into an outlet on a cir-
cuit different from that to which the receiver is
connected.
– Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV
technician for help.
When HDS800 is used with an external power supply
or connected to an external device using the USB
port, it complies with the limits for a Class A digital
device, pursuant to the Part 15 of the FCC rules. See
Note below related to Class A device.
Class A digital devices NOTE: This equipment has
been tested and found to comply with the limits for
a Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the
FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide rea-
sonable protection against harmful interference
when the equipment is operated in a commercial en-
vironment. This equipment generates, uses, and can
radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed
and used in accordance with the instruction manual,
may cause harmful interference to radio communica-
tions. Operation of this equipment in a residential
area is likely to cause harmful interference in which
case the user will be required to correct the interfer-
ence at his own expense.
Remark: Any changes or modifications not expressly
approved by Ashtech, could void the right for user to
operate the equipment.
RF Safety Exposure To Radio Frequency Energy
(SAR)
Radio transmitting devices radiate Radio Frequency
(RF) energy during its operation. RF energy can be
absorbed into the human body and potentially can
cause adverse health effects if excessive levels are
absorbed. The unit of measurement for human expo-
sure to RF energy is "Specific Absorption Rate"
(SAR).
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC), In-
dustrie Canada (IC), and other agencies around the
world have established limits that incorporate a sub-
stantial safety margin designed to assure the safety
of all persons using this equipment. In order to certi-
fy this unit for sale in the US, Canada and Europe
this unit has been tested for RF exposure compliance
at a qualified test laboratory and found to comply
with the regulations regarding exposure to RF Energy.
SAR was measured with the unit (GSM Module)
transmitting at its maximum certified RF power. Of-
ten, however, during normal operation the unit (GSM
Module) will transmit much less than maximum pow-
er. Transmit power is controlled automatically and, in
general is reduced as you get closer to a cellular base
station. This reduction in transmit power will result
in a lower RF energy exposure and resulting SAR val-
ue.
FCC and CE UHF Safety Statement
The different versions of the UHF Transmitters are
FCC and CE compliant.
In order to comply with FCC and CE RF exposure
safety guidelines as body-worn, normal use of unit,
the following must be followed:
A distance of AT LEAST 10 feet (3 m) of separation
between the users body and the unit (UHF Transmit-
ter). This distance has been defined taken into ac-
count the FCC and CE Requirements and the worst
output power configuration.
Do NOT use the device in a manner such that it is in
direct contact with the body (e.g. on the lap). Such
use will likely exceed FCC RF safety exposure limits.
See www.fcc.gov/oet/rfsafety/ for more information
on RF exposure safety.
To comply with CE and FCC electrical safety regula-
tions, HDS800 should only be powered from a 9 to
28 V DC external source, with 20 W power limitation,
or the recommended battery (P/N 111374). The bat-
tery should be charged only with the supplied battery
charger (P/N 802064).
CAUTION
RISK OF EXPLOSION IF BATTERY REPLACED
BY AN INCORRECT TYPE.
DISPOSE OF USED BATTERIES
ACCORDING TO THE INSTRUCTIONS.

Ashtech Products - Limited Warranty (North, Central
and South America)
Ashtech warrants their GPS receivers and hardware
accessories to be free of defects in material and
workmanship and will conform to our published
specifications for the product for a period of one year
from the date of original purchase. THIS WARRANTY
APPLIES ONLY TO THE ORIGINAL PURCHASER OF
THIS PRODUCT.
In the event of a defect, Ashtech will, at its option,
repair or replace the hardware product with no charge
to the purchaser for parts or labor. The repaired or re-
placed product will be warranted for 90 days from
the date of return shipment, or for the balance of the
original warranty, whichever is longer. Ashtech war-
rants that software products or software included in
hardware products will be free from defects in the
media for a period of 30 days from the date of ship-
ment and will substantially conform to the then-cur-
rent user documentation provided with the software
(including updates thereto). Ashtech's sole obliga-
tion shall be the correction or replacement of the me-
dia or the software so that it will substantially
conform to the then- current user documentation.
Ashtech does not warrant the software will meet pur-
chaser's requirements or that its operation will be un-
interrupted, error-free or virus-free. Purchaser
assumes the entire risk of using the software.
PURCHASER'S EXCLUSIVE REMEDY UNDER THIS
WRITTEN WARRANTY OR ANY IMPLIED WARRAN-
TY SHALL BE LIMITED TO THE REPAIR OR RE-
PLACEMENT, AT ASHTECH'S OPTION, OF ANY
DEFECTIVE PART OF THE RECEIVER OR ACCESSO-
RIES WHICH ARE COVERED BY THIS WARRANTY.
REPAIRS UNDER THIS WARRANTY SHALL ONLY
BE MADE AT AN AUTHORIZED ASHTECH SERVICE
CENTER. ANY REPAIRS BY A SERVICE CENTER
NOT AUTHORIZED BY ASHTECH WILL VOID THIS
WARRANTY.
To obtain warranty service the purchaser must obtain
a Return Materials Authorization (RMA) number prior
to shipping by calling 1-800-229-2400 (press op-
tion #1) (U.S.) or 1-408-615-3981 (International),
or by submitting a repair request on-line at:
http://www.ashtech.com/en/support/rma.asp. The
purchaser must return the product postpaid with a
copy of the original sales receipt to the address pro-
vided by Ashtech with the RMA number. Purchaser’s
return address and the RMA number must be clearly
printed on the outside of the package.
Ashtech reserves the right to refuse to provide service
free-of-charge if the sales receipt is not provided or if
the information contained in it is incomplete or illeg-
ible or if the serial number is altered or removed.
Ashtech will not be responsible for any losses or dam-
age to the product incurred while the product is in
transit or is being shipped for repair. Insurance is
recommended. Ashtech suggests using a trackable
shipping method such as UPS or FedEx when return-
ing a product for service.
EXCEPT AS SET FORTH IN THIS LIMITED WAR-
RANTY, ALL OTHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED
WARRANTIES, INCLUDING THOSE OF FITNESS
FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE, MERCHANT-
ABILITY OR NON-INFRINGEMENT, ARE HEREBY
DISCLAIMED AND IF APPLICABLE, IMPLIED WAR-
RANTIES UNDER ARTICLE 35 OF THE UNITED NA-
TIONS CONVENTION ON CONTRACTS FOR THE
INTERNATIONAL SALE OF GOODS. Some national,
state, or local laws do not allow limitations on im-
plied warranty or how long an implied warranty lasts,
so the above limitation may not apply to you.
The following are excluded from the warranty cover-
age: (1) periodic maintenance and repair or replace-
ment of parts due to normal wear and tear; (2)
batteries and finishes; (3) installations or defects re-
sulting from installation; (4) any damage caused by
(i) shipping, misuse, abuse, negligence, tampering,
or improper use; (ii) disasters such as fire, flood,
wind, and lightning; (iii) unauthorized attachments
or modification; (5) service performed or attempted
by anyone other than an authorized Ashtechs Service
Center; (6) any product, components or parts not
manufactured by Ashtech; (7) that the receiver will
be free from any claim for infringement of any pat-
ent, trademark, copyright or other proprietary right,
including trade secrets; and (8) any damage due to
accident, resulting from inaccurate satellite trans-
missions. Inaccurate transmissions can occur due to
changes in the position, health or geometry of a sat-
ellite or modifications to the receiver that may be re-
quired due to any change in the GPS. (Note: Ashtech
GPS receivers use GPS or GPS+GLONASS to obtain
position, velocity and time information. GPS is oper-
ated by the U.S. Government and GLONASS is the
Global Navigation Satellite System of the Russian
Federation, which are solely responsible for the accu-
racy and maintenance of their systems. Certain con-
ditions can cause inaccuracies which could require
modifications to the receiver. Examples of such con-
ditions include but are not limited to changes in the
GPS or GLONASS transmission.) Opening, disman-
tling or repairing of this product by anyone other than
an authorized Ashtech Service Center will void this
warranty.
ASHTECH SHALL NOT BE LIABLE TO PURCHASER
OR ANY OTHER PERSON FOR ANY INCIDENTAL OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES WHATSOEVER, IN-
CLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO LOST PROFITS,
DAMAGES RESULTING FROM DELAY OR LOSS OF
USE, LOSS OF OR DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF
BREACH OF THIS WARRANTY OR ANY IMPLIED
WARRANTY EVEN THOUGH CAUSED BY NEGLI-
GENCE OR OTHER FAULT OFASHTECH OR NEGLI-
GENT USAGE OF THE PRODUCT. IN NO EVENT
WILL ASHTECH BE RESPONSIBLE FOR SUCH
DAMAGES, EVEN IF ASHTECH HAS BEEN ADVISED
OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
This written warranty is the complete, final and ex-
clusive agreement between Ashtech and the pur-
chaser with respect to the quality of performance of
the goods and any and all warranties and representa-
tions. This warranty sets forth all of Ashtech's respon-
sibilities regarding this product. This limited
warranty is governed by the laws of the State of Cali-
fornia, without reference to its conflict of law provi-
sions or the U.N. Convention on Contracts for the
International Sale of Goods, and shall benefit
Ashtech, its successors and assigns.
This warranty gives the purchaser specific rights. The
purchaser may have other rights which vary from lo-
cality to locality (including Directive 1999/44/EC in
the EC Member States) and certain limitations con-
tained in this warranty, including the exclusion or
limitation of incidental or consequential damages
may not apply.
For further information concerning this limited war-
ranty, please call or write:
Ashtech SAS - ZAC La Fleuriaye - BP 433 - 44474
Carquefou Cedex - France Phone: [phone]
38 00, Fax: [phone].

Ashtech Products Limited Warranty (Europe, Middle
East, Africa)
All Ashtech global positioning system (GPS) receiv-
ers are navigation aids, and are not intended to re-
place other methods of navigation. Purchaser is
advised to perform careful position charting and use
good judgment. READ THE USER GUIDE CAREFUL-
LY BEFORE USING THE PRODUCT.
1. ASHTECH WARRANTY
Ashtech warrants their GPS receivers and hardware
accessories to be free of defects in material and
workmanship and will conform to our published
specifications for the product for a period of one year
from the date of original purchase or such longer pe-
riod as required by law. THIS WARRANTY APPLIES
ONLY TO THE ORIGINAL PURCHASER OF THIS
PRODUCT.
In the event of a defect, Ashtech will, at its option,
repair or replace the hardware product with no charge
to the purchaser for parts or labor. The repaired or re-
placed product will be warranted for 90 days from
the date of return shipment, or for the balance of the
original warranty, whichever is longer. Ashtech war-
rants that software products or software included in
hardware products will be free from defects in the
media for a period of 30 days from the date of ship-
ment and will substantially conform to the then-cur-
rent user documentation provided with the software
(including updates thereto). Ashtech's sole obliga-
tion shall be the correction or replacement of the me-
dia or the software so that it will substantially
conform to the then- current user documentation.
Ashtech does not warrant the software will meet pur-
chaser's requirements or that its operation will be un-
interrupted, error-free or virus-free. Purchaser
assumes the entire risk of using the software.
2. PURCHASER'S REMEDY
PURCHASER'S EXCLUSIVE REMEDY UNDER THIS
WRITTEN WARRANTY OR ANY IMPLIED WARRAN-
TY SHALL BE LIMITED TO THE REPAIR OR RE-
PLACEMENT, AT ASHTECH'S OPTION, OF ANY
DEFECTIVE PART OF THE RECEIVER OR ACCESSO-
RIES WHICH ARE COVERED BY THIS WARRANTY.
REPAIRS UNDER THIS WARRANTY SHALL ONLY
BE MADE AT AN AUTHORIZED ASHTECH SERVICE
CENTER. ANY REPAIRS BY A SERVICE CENTER
NOT AUTHORIZED BY ASHTECH WILL VOID THIS
WARRANTY.
3. PURCHASER'S DUTIES
To obtain service, contact and return the product
with a copy of the original sales receipt to the dealer
from whom you purchased the product.
Ashtech reserves the right to refuse to provide service
free-of-charge if the sales receipt is not provided or if
the information contained in it is incomplete or illeg-
ible or if the serial number is altered or removed.
Ashtech will not be responsible for any losses or dam-
age to the product incurred while the product is in
transit or is being shipped for repair. Insurance is
recommended. Ashtech suggests using a trackable
shipping method such as UPS or FedEx when return-
ing a product for service.
4. LIMITATION OF IMPLIED WARRANTIES
EXCEPT AS SET FORTH IN ITEM 1 ABOVE, ALL
OTHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES,
INCLUDING THOSE OF FITNESS FOR ANY PARTIC-
ULAR PURPOSE OR MERCHANTABILITY, ARE
HEREBY DISCLAIMED AND IF APPLICABLE, IM-
PLIED WARRANTIES UNDER ARTICLE 35 OF THE
UNITED NATIONS CONVENTION ON CONTRACTS
FOR THE INTERNATIONAL SALE OF GOODS.
Some national, state, or local laws do not allow limi-
tations on implied warranty or how long an implied
warranty lasts, so the above limitation may not apply
to you.
5. EXCLUSIONS
The following are excluded from the warranty cover-
age:
(1) periodic maintenance and repair or replacement
of parts due to normal wear and tear;
(2) batteries;
(3) finishes;
(4) installations or defects resulting from installa-
tion;
(5) any damage caused by (i) shipping, misuse,
abuse, negligence, tampering, or improper use; (ii)
disasters such as fire, flood, wind, and lightning; (iii)
unauthorized attachments or modification;
(6) service performed or attempted by anyone other
than an authorized Ashtech Service Center;
(7) any product, components or parts not manufac-
tured by Ashtech,
(8) that the receiver will be free from any claim for
infringement of any patent, trademark, copyright or
other proprietary right, including trade secrets
(9) any damage due to accident, resulting from inac-
curate satellite transmissions. Inaccurate transmis-
sions can occur due to changes in the position,
health or geometry of a satellite or modifications to
the receiver that may be required due to any change
in the GPS. (Note: Ashtech GPS receivers use GPS or
GPS+GLONASS to obtain position, velocity and time
information. GPS is operated by the U.S. Govern-
ment and GLONASS is the Global Navigation Satel-
lite System of the Russian Federation, which are
solely responsible for the accuracy and maintenance
of their systems. Certain conditions can cause inac-
curacies which could require modifications to the re-
ceiver. Examples of such conditions include but are
not limited to changes in the GPS or GLONASS trans-
mission.).
Opening, dismantling or repairing of this product by
anyone other than an authorized Ashtech Service
Center will void this warranty.
6. EXCLUSION OF INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUEN-
TIAL DAMAGES
ASHTECH SHALL NOT BE LIABLE TO PURCHASER
OR ANY OTHER PERSON FOR ANY INDIRECT, IN-
CIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES WHAT-
SOEVER, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO LOST
PROFITS, DAMAGES RESULTING FROM DELAY OR
LOSS OF USE, LOSS OF OR DAMAGES ARISING
OUT OF BREACH OF THIS WARRANTY OR ANY IM-
PLIED WARRANTY EVEN THOUGH CAUSED BY
NEGLIGENCE OR OTHER FAULT OFASHTECH OR
NEGLIGENT USAGE OF THE PRODUCT. IN NO
EVENT WILL ASHTECH BE RESPONSIBLE FOR
SUCH DAMAGES, EVEN IF ASHTECH HAS BEEN
ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAG-
ES.
Some national, state, or local laws do not allow the
exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential
damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may
not apply to you.

7. COMPLETE AGREEMENT
This written warranty is the complete, final and ex-
clusive agreement between Ashtech and the pur-
chaser with respect to the quality of performance of
the goods and any and all warranties and representa-
tions. THIS WARRANTY SETS FORTH ALL OF
Ashtech'S RESPONSIBILITIES REGARDING THIS
PRODUCT.
THIS WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC RIGHTS.
YOU MAY HAVE OTHER RIGHTS WHICH VARY
FROM LOCALITY TO LOCALITY (including Directive
1999/44/EC in the EC Member States) AND CER-
TAIN LIMITATIONS CONTAINED IN THIS WARRAN-
TY MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.
8. CHOICE OF LAW.
This limited warranty is governed by the laws of
France, without reference to its conflict of law provi-
sions or the U.N. Convention on Contracts for the In-
ternational Sale of Goods, and shall benefit Ashtech,
its successors and assigns.
THIS WARRANTY DOES NOT AFFECT THE CUS-
TOMER'S STATUTORY RIGHTS UNDER APPLICA-
BLE LAWS IN FORCE IN THEIR LOCALITY, NOR
THE CUSTOMER'S RIGHTS AGAINST THE DEALER
ARISING FROM THEIR SALES/PURCHASE CON-
TRACT (such as the guarantees in France for latent
defects in accordance with Article 1641 et seq of the
French Civil Code).
For further information concerning this limited war-
ranty, please call or write:
Ashtech - ZAC La Fleuriaye - BP 433 - 44474 Car-
quefou Cedex - France.
Phone: [phone], Fax: [phone]
39 39.
NOTICE:
The FCC (Federal Communications Commission) re-
quests that equipment manufacturers take every step
to increase user awareness about the responsibilities
inherent in being an FCC licensee on shared chan-
nels.
Users are indeed requested to obtain a FCC license
before operating their RTK equipment on the US ter-
ritory. Once a license has been granted, users should
observe all the FCC regulations (see http://wire-
less.fcc.gov/). Licensees are encouraged to avoid any
use of voice frequencies in the 450-470 MHz band.
********************
For ambient temperatures over 40°C, touching the
unit may be hazardous as the unit temperature may
exceed 55°C in this case (re. EN60950 standard
from R&TTE directive).

How To Use this Documentation
Please read this section to understand the or-
ganization of this manual. This will help you
navigate more easily through the pages and
find more quickly the information you are
looking for.
The manual is divided into six volumes:
•Receiver Description (Chapter 1)
•Web Server (Chapters 2-3)
•The Integrator’s Corner (Chapters 4-9)
•Appendix (Chapters 10-11)
Note that these four volumes only appear in
the PDF version of the manual as bookmarks
created at the highest level in the PDF file.
On the other hand, the table of contents only
shows a succession of numbered chapters
without any reference to these volumes.
Therefore, the different chapters come as fol-
lows.
***
Chapter 1 provides a full description of the
HDS800 (front panel display screens, con-
nectors, accessories, batteries, etc.). Addi-
tional sections cover the following topics:
Antenna setup instructions for heading deter-
mination, Specifications, Port Pinouts, 1PPS
Output and Event Marker Input.
***
Chapters 2 and 3 are about the Web Server,
an embedded web application allowing you to
control and monitor the receiver over the In-
ternet. Chapter 2 provides step-by-step in-
structions for several typical applications.
Chapter 3 is an illustrated collection of the
Web Server on-line help files.
***
Chapters 4 to 9 give in-depth information on
the receiver. They are more particularly in-
tended for integrators and technical experts.
This is the biggest part in this manual.
Chapter 4 explains how to install the HDS800
when used on board a machine or a vessel
and provides typical scripts (based on $PASH
commands) to configure the receiver as a
base or a rover.
Chapter 5 lists the connection facilities of-
fered by the Ethernet port.
Chapter 6 is about the $PASH proprietary
commands, introducing the two categories of
commands, and telling you how to apply
them. Chapter 6 also describes the conven-
tions used in their description and provides
an alphabetical list, combining set and query
commands in a single table.
Chapters 7 to 9 provide a full description of
respectively the set commands, the query
commands and the raw data output formats.
***
Chapters 10 and 11 constitute the Appendix
of the manual.
Chapter 10 is a collection of first-level main-
tenance instructions you may have to refer to,
should you encounter any problems with your
equipment. This chapter also includes the
list of alarms the receiver may generate.
Chapter 11 is designed as a memo gathering
various typical procedures you may some-
times have to run.

i
Table of Contents
Chapter 1. Receiver Description ......................................................... 1
What is HDS800? ......................................................................1
System Components Overview......................................................2
Equipment Description & Basic Functions ....................................6
Display Screens .......................................................................12
Charging Batteries Before Use ...................................................20
GNSS Antenna Setup for Heading Measurements........................22
Specifications..........................................................................27
Port Pinouts.............................................................................30
1PPS Output ...........................................................................36
Event Marker Input...................................................................37
Physical and Virtual Ports .........................................................37
Chapter 2. Using the Web Server...................................................... 39
Introduction.............................................................................39
Getting the HDS800 Ready for Running the Web Server ..............40
Configuring HDS800 to Deliver Heading Measurements ...............47
Setting a Rover .......................................................................48
Setting a Base .........................................................................65
Creating an Account on Dyn.com ...............................................84
Configuration Memo .................................................................85
Chapter 3. Web Server Help Files Collection...................................... 89
Home Tab ...............................................................................89
Status Bar and Units Used ........................................................91
Status Tab...............................................................................94
Configuration Tab...................................................................121
Advanced Setup (Configuration Tab) ........................................192
Chapter 4. Integrating HDS800 into Your Application ...................... 203
Installation Instructions ..........................................................203
Manual Configuration Steps: Introductory Notes ........................209
Rover Using Internal Radio .....................................................211
Rover Using Port A as Corrections Input ..................................212
Rover Using Port B or F as Corrections Input ............................213
NTRIP Rover (Via Modem).......................................................213
Direct-IP Rover (Via Modem) ...................................................215
Rover Operating in Long-Range Flying RTK Mode .....................216
Base With External Pacific Crest Radio Transmitter ..................216
Base With Internal Radio Transmitter ......................................217
Base With Ashtech Radio Transmitter ......................................219
Base Using Port A as Corrections Output .................................220
Base Using Port B or F as Corrections Output ..........................221
Base Using the Ethernet Port as the Corrections Output ............222
Direct-IP Base (Via Modem) ....................................................223

ii
NTRIP Station........................................................................224
Chapter 5. Ethernet Connection ..................................................... 227
Setting Up the Ethernet Connection .........................................227
Using the Ethernet Port ..........................................................230
Chapter 6. Using Serial Commands ................................................ 235
Introduction to Serial Commands .............................................235
Applying Commands Through Bluetooth or a Serial Port .............236
Applying Commands Through TCP/IP........................................238
Running Serial Commands from a USB Key ..............................241
List of Commands ..................................................................243
Chapter 7. Set Command Library.................................................... 251
AGB: Enabling/Disabling GLONASS Bias Adjustments ...............251
ANH: Antenna Height .............................................................252
ANP,DEL: Delete User-Defined Antenna ...................................252
ANP,OUT: Defining a Virtual Antenna.......................................254
ANP,OWN: Naming the Local Antenna .....................................255
ANP,OW2: Naming the Second Local Antenna ..........................256
ANP,PCO & ANP,EDx: Creating/Editing Antenna Definitions .......258
ANP,REF: Naming the Antenna Used at the Base ......................259
ANR: Antenna Reduction Mode ...............................................260
ANT: Antenna Height..............................................................261
ATL: Debug Data Recording.....................................................262
ATM: Enabling/Disabling ATOM Messages ................................264
ATM,ALL: Disabling All ATOM Messages...................................265
ATM,PER: Setting Unique Output Rate for all ATOM Messages ...266
ATM,VER: Setting the Version of ATOM Messages .....................267
BAS: Differential Data Type.....................................................268
BDS: Setting Differential Data Streams on Ports Ix ....................269
BEEP: Beeper Setup...............................................................270
BRD: Enabling/Disabling the RTC Bridge Function ....................271
BTH,NAME: Bluetooth Device Name ........................................272
BTH,PIN: Bluetooth Device Pin Code .......................................273
CFG: GNSS Tracking Configuration ..........................................273
CMD,LOD: Running a List of $PASH Commands .......................275
CMD,WTI: Inserting Wait Times ...............................................277
CMR,TYP: CMR Message Type and Rate ...................................278
CPD,AFP - CP2,AFP: Setting the Confidence Level of
Ambiguity Fixing ....................................................................279
CPD,ARR,LEN: Setting the Baseline Length in Heading Mode ....280
CPD,ARR,MOD: Enabling/Disabling the Heading Mode...............280
CPD,ARR,OFS: Setting Azimuth & Elevation Offsets ..................281
CPD,ARR,PAR: Setting Upper Limits in Heading Mode ..............283
CPD,FST: RTK Output Mode....................................................284
CPD,MOD: Base/Rover/Backup Mode........................................284
CPD,NET: Network Corrections ................................................287
CPD,REM: Differential Data Port..............................................288

iii
CPD,RST - CP2,RST: RTK Process Reset..................................289
CPD,VRS: VRS Assumption Mode ............................................289
CST,MTP,ADD: Adding/Modifying Mount Points ........................290
CST,MTP,DEL: Deleting a Mount Point.....................................291
CST,OFF: Stopping the Embedded NTRIP Caster ......................292
CST,ON: Starting the Embedded NTRIP Caster .........................293
CST,PAR: Embedded NTRIP Caster Parameters ........................293
CST,RST: Resetting the Embedded NTRIP Caster......................295
CST,USR,ADD: Adding/Modifying NTRIP Caster Users ...............296
CST,USR,DEL: Deleting an NTRIP Caster User .........................297
CTS: Handshaking..................................................................297
DBN,TYP: DBEN Message Type & Output Rate .........................298
DDN,PAR: Setting the DynDNS Service ....................................299
DDN,SET: Sending the IP Address Manually to DynDNS ............301
DIP: Server Connection...........................................................301
DIP,OFF: Terminating Direct IP Connection ..............................302
DIP,ON: Establishing the Programmed Direct IP Connection.......303
DIP,PAR: Setting Direct IP Parameters.....................................304
DRD: Data Recording Duration ................................................306
DRI: Raw Data Recording Rate ................................................307
DST: Data Stream Connection Modes .......................................307
DSY: Daisy Chain ...................................................................310
DYN: Receiver Dynamics.........................................................311
ECP,OFF: Powering Off Ports B & F..........................................312
ECP,ON: Powering On Ports B & F, 2nd GNSS Board
and Extended Internal Memory ................................................312
EFT,ON: Starting Embedded FTP Server...................................313
EFT,OFF: Stopping Embedded FTP Server ................................314
EFT,PAR: Embedded FTP Server Settings.................................314
EFT,USR,ADD: Adding FTP Server User ...................................315
EFT,USR,DEL: Deleting FTP Server User ..................................316
ELM: Setting the Elevation Mask for Raw Data Output ...............316
EML,PAR: Email Parameters ...................................................317
EML,TST: Testing Email .........................................................318
ETH,OFF: Powering Off the Ethernet Port .................................319
ETH,ON: Powering On the Ethernet Port ...................................319
ETH,PAR: Ethernet Parameters................................................320
EXM,OFF: Disabling the Extended Internal Memory ...................321
EXM,ON: Enabling the Extended Internal Memory .....................321
FIL,D: Deleting Files...............................................................322
FIL,DEL: Deleting Files and Directories ....................................323
FTP,OFF: Ending Data Transfer with FTP..................................325
FTP,PAR: FTP Settings ...........................................................325
FTP,PUT: Uploading Files to FTP.............................................326
GAL: Galileo Tracking .............................................................328
GLO: GLONASS Tracking ........................................................329
GPS: GPS Tracking.................................................................330

iv
HDB,OFF: Powering Off the Second GNSS Board ......................332
HDB,ON: Powering On the Second GNSS Board ........................332
INI: Receiver Initialization.......................................................333
LCS: Enabling/Disabling Use of Local Coordinate System ...........333
LOG,DEL: Deleting Log Files ...................................................334
LOG,PAR: Log File Settings.....................................................335
LTZ: Time Zone......................................................................336
MDM,INI: Initializing the Modem.............................................336
MDM,OFF: Powering Off the Internal Modem ............................337
MDM,ON: Powering On the Internal Modem ..............................337
MDM,PAR: Setting the Modem Parameters ...............................338
MDP: Setting Port A to RS232 or RS422 .................................339
MEM: Selecting Memory Device Used ......................................340
MET,CMD: Trigger String Querying Meteorological Unit..............340
MET,INIT: Initialization String for Meteorological Unit ...............342
MET,INTVL: Query Time Interval for Meteo Data........................343
MET,PAR: Setting the Meteorological Unit................................344
MWD: Setting the Modem Timeout...........................................345
NME: Enabling/Disabling NMEA Messages................................346
NME,ALL: Disabling All NMEA and NMEA-Like Messages ..........348
NME,PER: Setting Unique Output Rate for all NMEA Messages ..348
NPT: Tagging SBAS Differential Positions in
NMEA & NMEA-Like Messages ................................................349
NTR,LOD: Loading the NTRIP Caster Source Table....................350
NTR,MTP: Connecting Receiver to NTRIP Caster Mount Point ....351
NTR,PAR: NTRIP Settings.......................................................352
OCC: Writing Occupation Data to Raw Data File ........................353
OPTION: Receiver Firmware Options ........................................354
OUT,x,MET: Starting Meteo Data Acquisition ............................356
OUT,x,TLT: Starting Tiltmeter Data Acquisition .........................357
PAR,LOD: Configuring the Receiver From a PAR File .................357
PAR,SAV: Saving the Receiver Configuration To a PAR File ........359
PEM: Setting the Position Elevation Mask.................................360
PHE: Setting the Active Edge of the Event Marker Pulse ............360
POP: Setting Internal Update Rate for Measurements and PVT ...361
POS: Setting the Antenna Position ...........................................362
PPS: Setting PPS Pulse Properties...........................................363
PRT: Setting Baud Rates.........................................................364
PWR,OFF: Powering Off the Receiver .......................................365
PWR,PAR: Power Management ................................................365
PWR,SLP: Sleep Mode............................................................366
RAW: Enabling/Disabling Raw Data Messages
in Legacy Ashtech Format .......................................................367
RAW,ALL: Disabling All Raw Data Messages .............................369
RAW,PER: Setting Unique Output Rate for Raw Data.................369
RCP,GBx: GLONASS Carrier Phase Biases
for User-Defined Receiver .......................................................370

v
RCP,DEL: Deleting User-Defined Receiver Name.......................371
RCP,REF: Naming Reference Receiver .....................................372
RDP,OFF: Powering Off the Internal Radio................................373
RDP,ON: Powering On the Internal Radio .................................374
RDP,PAR: Setting the Radio....................................................374
RDP,TYP: Defining the Type of Radio Used...............................378
REC: Enable/Disable, Start/Stop Raw Data Recording ................380
REF: Enabling/Disabling External Reference Clock ....................381
RFB: Enabling/Disabling Ring File Buffering .............................382
RFM: Enabling/Disabling Ring File Memory ..............................382
RFT: Choosing File Format for Meteorological & Tiltmeter Data...384
RNX,TYP: ATOM RNX Differential Message...............................384
RST: Default Settings .............................................................386
RTC,MSG: Defining a User Message.........................................387
RTC,TYP: RTCM Message Type................................................388
RXC,PAR: Embedded RINEX Converter.....................................390
RXC,RUN: Converting a G-File into RINEX Files ........................392
SBA: Enabling/Disabling SBAS Tracking...................................394
SES,AUT: Setting a Series of Sessions Automatically.................395
SES,DEL: Deleting One or All Sessions.....................................396
SES,FTP,PAR: Setting FTP Server for Record Files....................397
SES,ON: Starting Sessions......................................................400
SES,OFF: Stopping Sessions ...................................................400
SES,PAR: Session Recording Parameters..................................401
SES,SET: Setting Sessions Manually........................................404
SIT: Defining a Site Name.......................................................405
SNM: Signal-To-Noise Ratio Mask............................................406
SOM: Masking Signal Observations ..........................................407
SOM,CTT: Cumulative Tracking Time Mask...............................408
SOM,NAV: Navigation Data Mask.............................................409
SOM,SNR: Signal-to-Noise Ratio Mask .....................................411
SOM,WRN: Channel Warnings Mask.........................................412
STI: Defining a Station ID .......................................................413
SVM: Setting the Maximum Number of Observations in the PVT .414
TCP,PAR: TCP/IP Server Settings.............................................416
TCP,UID: TCP/IP Authentication ..............................................417
TLT,CMD: Defining the Trigger String Used to
Query the Tiltmeter ................................................................418
TLT,INIT: Defining the String Used to Initialize the Tiltmeter .....419
TLT,INTVL: Defining the Time Interval to Acquire Tiltmeter Data 420
TLT,PAR: Setting the Tiltmeter................................................421
UDP: User-Defined Dynamic Model Parameters.........................422
UNT: Distance Unit Used on Display Screen ............................423
UPL,PAR: Setting the FTP Server Providing Firmware Upgrades..424
UPL,UPG: Upgrading the Receiver Firmware from FTP...............425
UTS: Synchronizing Onto GPS Time ........................................426
VEC: Vector Output Mode........................................................427

vi
WAK: Acknowledging Alarms ...................................................427
WEB,OWN: Setting Owner Information .....................................428
WEB,PAR: Web Server Control & Administrator Profile ...............429
WEB,USR,ADD: Adding/Modifying User Profiles ........................430
WEB,USR,DEL: Deleting a User Profile ....................................431
ZDA: Setting Date & Time .......................................................431
Chapter 8. Query Command Library ................................................ 433
AGB: Reading GLONASS Bias Setting ......................................433
ALM: Almanac Message ..........................................................434
ANH: Antenna Height .............................................................435
ANP: Antenna Parameters .......................................................436
ANP,OUT: Virtual Antenna ......................................................437
ANP,OWN: Local Antenna Used ...............................................438
ANP,OW2: Name of Second Antenna .......................................438
ANP,REF: Antenna Used at the Base........................................439
ANP,RCV: Antenna Name and Offsets of Received Base.............440
ANR: Antenna Reduction Mode ...............................................440
ANT: Antenna Height..............................................................442
ATL: Debug Data Recording.....................................................443
ATM: ATOM Data Parameters ..................................................444
ATO: ATOM Message Output Settings.......................................446
ATT: Heading, Roll and Pitch ..................................................447
BAS: Differential Data Type.....................................................448
BDS: Differential Data Streaming.............................................450
BEEP: Beeper State................................................................451
BRD: RTC Bridge ...................................................................451
BTH: Bluetooth Settings .........................................................452
CFG: GNSS Tracking Configuration ..........................................453
CMR,MSI: CMR Message Status ..............................................454
CP2,AFP: Ambiguity Fixing Parameter, Second RTK Engine .......454
CPD,AFP: Ambiguity Fixing Parameter......................................455
CPD,ANT: Base Antenna Height...............................................456
CPD,FST: Fast RTK Output Mode.............................................456
CPD,MOD: Base/Rover/Backup Mode........................................457
CPD,NET: RTK Network Operation Mode ..................................459
CPD,POS: Base Position .........................................................460
CPD,REM: Differential Data Port..............................................461
CPD,VRS: VRS Assumption Mode ............................................462
CRT: Cartesian Coordinates of Position .....................................462
CST: NTRIP Caster Parameters ................................................464
CTS: Handshaking..................................................................465
DBN,MSI: DBEN Message Status.............................................466
DCR: Cartesian Coordinates of Baseline ....................................466
DDN: DynDNS Parameters ......................................................468
DDS: Differential Decoder Status .............................................469
DIP: Direct IP Parameters .......................................................470

vii
DPO: Delta Position................................................................471
DRD: Data Recording Duration ................................................473
DRI: Raw Data Recording Rate ................................................473
DST: Connection Modes for the Different Data
Streams Available...................................................................474
DST,STS: Data Stream Port Status...........................................475
DSY: Daisy Chain Status .........................................................477
DTM: Datum Reference...........................................................478
DYN: Receiver Dynamics.........................................................479
ECP: Power Status of Extended Communication Port .................480
EFT: Embedded FTP Server.....................................................480
ELM: Elevation Mask ..............................................................481
EML: Email Settings...............................................................482
ETH: Ethernet Status and Parameters ......................................483
EXM: Status of Extended Internal Memory ................................484
FIL,CUR: Information On G-File Being Recorded .......................484
FIL,LST: Listing Files in Receiver Memory or USB Key...............485
FLS: List of Raw Data Files .....................................................487
FTP: FTP Status and Settings..................................................488
GAL: GALILEO Tracking Status................................................489
GGA: GNSS Position Message..................................................489
GLL: Geographic Position - Latitude/Longitude..........................491
GLO: GLONASS Tracking Status ..............................................492
GNS: GNSS Fix Data ..............................................................493
GPS: GPS Tracking Status ......................................................495
GRS: GNSS Range Residuals ..................................................496
GSA: GNSS DOP and Active Satellites......................................497
GST: GNSS Pseudo-Range Error Statistics ................................498
GSV: GNSS Satellites in View ..................................................500
HDB: Power Status of Second GNSS Board ..............................501
HDT: True Heading.................................................................502
LCS: Local Coordinate System Status .......................................503
LOG: Editing a Log File...........................................................504
LOG,LST: Listing Log Files......................................................505
LOG,PAR: Log File Settings.....................................................506
MDM: Modem Status and Parameters.......................................506
MDM,LVL: Modem Signal Level ...............................................508
MDM,STS: Modem Status .......................................................508
MDP: Port A Setting ...............................................................509
MEM: Selected Memory Device................................................510
MET: Meteorological Unit Settings ...........................................511
MWD: Modem Watchdog Timeout ............................................511
NMO: NMEA Message Output Settings .....................................512
NPT: Tagging of SBAS Differential Positions in
NMEA & NMEA-Like Messages ................................................514
NTR: NTRIP Settings..............................................................514
NTR,MTP: Connection to Mount Point......................................515

viii
NTR,TBL: Source Table ..........................................................516
OCC: Ocupation State and Parameters......................................518
OPTION: Installed Receiver Firmware Options ...........................518
PAR: Receiver Parameters.......................................................520
PEM: Position Elevation Mask .................................................522
PHE: Active Edge of Event Marker Pulse...................................523
POP: Reading Internal Update Rate .........................................524
POS: Computed Position Data .................................................524
PPS: PPS Settings..................................................................526
PRT: Baud Rate Settings.........................................................527
PTT: PPS Time Tag ................................................................528
PWR: Power Status.................................................................529
RAW: Raw Data Logging Settings .............................................531
RCP: Receiver Parameters.......................................................532
RCP,OWN: Receiver Name ......................................................534
RCP,REF: Reference Receiver Name ........................................534
RDP,CHT: Radio Channel Table ...............................................535
RDP,LVL: Reading the Radio Reception Level ...........................537
RDP,PAR: Radio Parameters ...................................................537
RDP,TYP: Radio Type Used .....................................................541
REC: Raw Data Recording Status .............................................542
REF: External Reference Clock ................................................543
RFB: Ring File Buffering .........................................................543
RFM: Ring File Memory ..........................................................544
RFT: Record File Type for Meteo & Tiltmeter Data .....................545
RID: Receiver Identification ....................................................546
RMC: Recommended Minimum Specific GNSS Data..................547
RNX,MSI: ATOM RNX Differential Message...............................549
RRE: Residual Error................................................................549
RTC: RTCM Status .................................................................550
RTC,MSI: RTCM Message Status .............................................552
RWO: Raw Data Output Settings ..............................................553
SAT: Satellites Status .............................................................554
SBA: SBAS Tracking Status.....................................................556
SES: Session Programming .....................................................556
SGA: GALILEO Satellites Status...............................................560
SGL: GLONASS Satellites Status .............................................562
SGP: GPS & SBAS Satellites Status .........................................564
SIT: Site Name ......................................................................566
SNM: Signal-to-Noise Ratio Mask ............................................566
SOM: Signal Observations Masking ..........................................567
SOM,CTT: Cumulative Tracking Time Mask ...............................568
SOM,NAV: Navigation Data Mask .............................................569
SOM,SNR: Signal-to-Noise Ratio Mask .....................................570
SOM,WRN: Channel Warnings Mask.........................................571
STI: Station ID .......................................................................572
SVM: Satellite Use Mask .........................................................573

ix
TCP: TCP/IP Server Settings ....................................................573
TLT: Tiltmeter Setup ..............................................................574
UDP: User-Defined Dynamic Model..........................................575
UNT: Distance Unit Used on Display Screen .............................576
UPL: FTP Server Providing Firmware Upgrades .........................576
UPL,LOG: Editing the Firmware Upgrade Log File .....................577
UPL,LST: Listing the Firmware Upgrades Available on FTP ........580
UTS: GPS Time Synchronization Status....................................581
VEC: Vector & Accuracy Data...................................................581
VERSION: Firmware Version ....................................................583
VTG: Course Over Ground and Ground Speed ............................584
WARN: Warning Messages.......................................................585
WEB: Web Server Control, Owner Data & Connection Profiles .....586
XDR: Transducer Measurements ..............................................587
ZDA: Time & Date ..................................................................588
Chapter 9. Data Output ................................................................. 591
DPC: Compact GPS Measurements ..........................................591
ION: Ionosphere Parameters....................................................593
LTN: Latency .........................................................................594
MPC: GNSS Measurements .....................................................595
PBN: Position Information.......................................................598
SBA,DAT: SBAS Data Message ................................................600
SAL: GPS Almanac Data .........................................................601
SAG: GLONASS Almanac Data ................................................602
SAW: SBAS Almanac Data ......................................................604
SNG: GLONASS Ephemeris Data .............................................606
SNV: GPS Ephemeris Data ......................................................608
SNW: SBAS Ephemeris Data ...................................................610
TTT: Event Marker..................................................................611
Chapter 10. Troubleshooting.......................................................... 613
Receiver is Not Tracking Satellites ...........................................613
Receiver is Not Logging Data...................................................614
Radio Data Link Fails to Provide Base Corrections to Rover ........616
Data Link Okay but No Fixed Position Computed .......................619
Rover is Computing Positions with High Uncertainties ...............621
Logging Data for RTK Troubleshooting Purposes -
Reporting a Problem to Ashtech Tech Support ..........................624
List of Alarms .......................................................................625
Chapter 11. Other Procedures & Memos ......................................... 635
Special Button Combinations Summary ....................................635
Reset Procedure ...................................................................635
Firmware Upgrade Procedure...................................................635
Time-tagged RTK vs. FAST RTK Position Output ......................637
ATOM File Naming Conventions...............................................637
Installing a SIM Card..............................................................638
Configuring Serial Port A ........................................................638

x
Enabling a Firmware Option ....................................................639
Decoding an NTRIP Source Table ............................................639
Logging Raw Data...................................................................642

1
Chapter 1. Receiver Description
What is HDS800?
Congratulations! You have just acquired the latest HDS800
GNSS receiver from Ashtech!
GNSS have revolutionized control surveys, topographic data
collection, construction surveying, marine surveying and
machine guidance and control. Purchasing the right tools for
a professional job is essential in today's competitive business
environment. Learning to put these tools to work quickly and
efficiently will be the focus of this manual.
HDS800 is a powerful positioning solution that delivers state-
of-the-art RTK + Heading measurements in a rugged, highly
integrated receiver design. Embedded Z-Blade GNSS centric
technology uses all available GNSS signals equally, without
any constellation preference, to deliver fast and stable RTK +
Heading solutions..
With over 25 years of field-proven Ashtech GNSS
technologies, the HDS800 is made to withstand harsh
environments and give you maximum fl exibility in the field.
Z-Blade long-range RTK capability, leading GNSS Heading
algorithms and UHF expertise allow you to increase
productivity.
• Rugged design for demanding work environments
• Fast initialization and centimeter accuracy at long-range
• Hot-Standby RTK feature automatically selects the best
available position
• Dependable Heading + Pitch/Roll measurements with
baseline auto-calibration
• Advanced multi-path mitigation and robust signal tracking
for maximum data reliability
• Unique Z-Blade technology for outstanding GNSS
performance in harsh environments
• Unique built-in communication features, including 3.5G
modem and Pacifi c Crest ADL Foundation TRx.

2
Receiver Description
The HDS800 is the ideal tool for many types of applications.
Bathymetry, dredging or coastal works are some of the Marine
applications, while guidance/control requiring RTK +
Heading measurements are appropriate for Machine Control.
The HDS800 boosts levels of performance ahead of the most
sophisticated equipment available today. Thanks to its
unique design, it can also easily be carried from site to site.
System Components Overview
The tables below provide an overview of the different key
items composing the HDS800.
Depending on your purchase, you may only have some of the
listed items. Please refer to the packing list for an accurate
description of the equipment that has been delivered to you.
Ashtech reserves the right to make changes to the items
listed below without prior notice.
Basic Supply Your HDS800 is one of the three models described below.
Item Part Number Picture
HDS800 GNSS Receiver, includes firmware
listed below:
• L1/L2 GPS + L1/L2 GLONASS [L][P]
• RTK Base & Rover
• Heading
990661
HDS800 GNSS Receiver, includes firmware and
built-in hardware listed below:
• L1/L2 GPS + L1/L2 GLONASS [L][P]
• RTK Base & Rover
• Heading
• Internal UHF TRx Pacific Crest ADL Founda-
tion radio, 390-430 MHz (UHF antenna not
included).
990661-10
HDS800 GNSS Receiver, includes firmware and
built-in hardware listed below:
• L1/L2 GPS + L1/L2 GLONASS [L][P]
• RTK Base & Rover
• Heading
• Internal UHF TRx Pacific Crest ADL Founda-
tion radio, 430-470 MHz (UHF antenna not
included).
990661-50

3
Receiver Description
Each of the available models includes the following basic
items.
Item Picture
7.4 V-4.6 Ah Li-ion Battery Pack (rechargeable)
AC/DC Power Supply Kit (includes external AC adapter, battery
charger and cable extension for powering HDS800 directly from
the AC adapter)
External DC Power Cable for Receiver (fuse included)
USB Host-to-Device Cable, 0.2 m
Makes HDS800 a USB device.
Serial data cable
Ethernet adaptor cable (Fischer-RJ45)
Multi-function cable (RS+1PPS+Ext Event), Fischer to bare
wires, 2.90 m
Bluetooth antenna
Cellular antenna (quad-band)
Transport bag

4
Receiver Description
Firmware Options The firmware options listed below may be ordered separately.
Available
Accessories
The following accessories may be ordered separately.
Recommended GNSS Antennas
UHF Antennas
Item Part Number
Fast Output (20 Hz) 680681
3.5G Modem 680682
Embedded NTRIP Caster 680683
GALILEO 680684
GPS L5 680685
Item Part Number Picture
ASH-661 L1/L2/L5 GNSS antenna,
gain: 38 dB 802135
GNSS marine/machine antenna,
gain: 38 dB 111407-S
Item Part Number Picture
UHF whip antenna, 410-430 MHz, TNC C3310190
UHF whip antenna, 430-450 MHz, TNC C3310196
UHF whip antenna, 450-470 MHz, TNC C3310188