Geneq iSXBlue II GNSS Series Product manual

iSXBlue/SXBlue II GNSS Series
Technical Reference Manual
Release Date: September 2014 (rev 1)

iSXblue/SXBlue II GNSS Series Technical Reference Manual ii
Copyright Notice
Copyright 2012 Geneq inc. All rights reserved. No part of this manual may be stored in a retrieval
system, transmitted, or reproduced by any means, including, but not limited to photocopy, photograph,
digitizing, or otherwise, without the prior written permission from Geneq inc.
Trademarks
The Geneq logo, SXBlue II GNSS™, iSXBlue II GNSS™ are trademarks of Geneq inc. The Bluetooth™
trademarks are owned by Bluetooth SIG Inc., USA. All other trademarks are the property of their
respective owners.
FCC Notice
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference.
(2) This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause
undesired operation.
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 reasonable 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 instructions, 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 determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to
correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
- Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
- Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
- Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
- Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Geneq inc.
10700, Secant Street
Montreal, Quebec, Canada H1J 1S5
Telephone number: [phone]
Toll Free: [phone] (North America)
Fax number: [phone]
E-mail address: [email protected]
Web Sites: www.sxbluegps.com , www.geneq.com

iSXblue/SXBlue II GNSS Series Technical Reference Manual iii
Geneq Limited Warranty
Geneq inc. hereby warrants solely to the end purchaser of the Products, subject to the exclusions and
procedures set forth herein below, that the Products sold to such end purchaser shall be free, under normal
use and maintenance, from defects in material and workmanship for a period of 24 months from delivery
date to such end purchaser. Repairs and replacement components are warranted, subject to the exclusions
and procedures set forth below, to be free, under normal use and maintenance, from defects in material
and workmanship for 90 days from performance or delivery, or for the balance of the original warranty
period, whichever is greater. Battery packs are warranted for a period of 90 days.
Purchaser’s Exclusive Remedy
The end purchaser’s exclusive remedy under this warranty shall be limited to the repair or replacement, at
the option of Geneq, of any defective Products or components thereof. The end user shall notify Geneq or
a Geneq approved service center immediately of any claimed defect. Repairs shall be made through a
Geneq approved service center only.
Exclusions
Geneq does not warrant damage occurring in transit or due to misuse, abuse, improper installation,
neglect, lightning (or other electrical discharge) or fresh/salt water immersion of Products. Repair,
modification or service of Geneq Products by any party other than a Geneq approved service center shall
render this warranty null and void. Geneq does not warrant claims asserted after the end of the warranty
period. Geneq does not warrant or guarantee the precision or accuracy of positions obtained when using
Products. Products are not intended for primary navigation or for use in safety of life applications. The
potential accuracy of Products as stated in Geneq literature and/or Product specifications serves to provide
only an estimate of achievable accuracy based on:
•Specifications provided by the US Department of Defense for GPS Positioning,
•GPS OEM Receiver specifications of the appropriate manufacturer (if applicable), and
•DGPS service provider performance specifications.
Geneq reserves the right to modify Products without any obligation to notify, supply or install any
improvements or alterations to existing Products.
No Other Warranties
THE FOREGOING WARRANTY IS EXCLUSIVE OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, WHETHER
WRITTEN, ORAL, IMPLIED OR ARISING BY STATUTE, COURSE OF DEALING OR TRADE
USAGE, IN CONNECTION WITH THE DESIGN, SALE, INSTALLATION, SERVICE OR USE OF
ANY PRODUCTS OR ANY COMPONENTS THEREOF, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO,
ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.

iSXblue/SXBlue II GNSS Series Technical Reference Manual iv
Limitation of Liability
THE EXTENT OF GENEQ’S LIABILITY FOR DAMAGES OF ANY NATURE TO THE END
PURCHASER OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY WHETHER IN CONTRACT OR TORT AND
WHETHER TO PERSONS OR PROPERTY SHALL IN NO CASE EXCEED, IN THE AGGREGATE,
THE COST OF CORRECTING THE DEFECT IN THE PRODUCT OR, AT GENEQ’S OPTION, THE
COST OF REPLACING THE DEFECTIVE ITEM. IN NO EVENT WILL GENEQ BE LIABLE FOR
ANY LOSS OF PRODUCTION, LOSS OF PROFITS, LOSS OF USE OR FOR ANY SPECIAL,
INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR CONTINGENT DAMAGES, EVEN IF GENEQ
HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. WITHOUT LIMITING THE
FOREGOING, GENEQ SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES OF ANY KIND
RESULTING FROM INSTALLATION, USE, QUALITY, PERFORMANCE OR ACCURACY OF
ANY PRODUCTS.
Governing Legislation
To the greatest extent possible, this warranty shall be governed by the laws of the Province of Quebec
(Canada). In the event that any provision hereof is held to be invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction,
such provision shall be severed from this warranty and the remaining provisions shall remain in full force
and effect.
Obtaining Warranty Service
In order to obtain warranty service, the end purchaser must bring the Product to a Geneq approved dealer,
along with the end purchaser’s proof of purchase. For any questions regarding warranty service or to
obtain information regarding the location of any of Geneq’s dealers, contact Geneq at the following
address:
Geneq inc.
10700, Secant Street
Montreal, Quebec, H1J 1S5
Canada
Telephone number: [phone]
Toll Free: [phone] (North America)
Fax number: [phone]
E-mail address: [email protected]

iSXblue/SXBlue II GNSS Series Technical Reference Manual v
Table of Contents
List of Figures................................................................................................................................................................... x
List of Tables ................................................................................................................................................................... xi
Organization .................................................................................................................................................................. xiii
Customer Service........................................................................................................................................................... xiv
World Wide Web Site.................................................................................................................................................... xiv
Document Conventions.................................................................................................................................................. xiv
Notes, Cautions, and Warnings........................................................................................................................................xv
1. Getting Started................................................................................................................................................................ 1
1.1 Unpacking your iSXBlue/SXBlue II GNSS Receiver ............................................................................................. 1
Standard Package Content................................................................................................................................. 1
1.2 Getting Familiar with your iSXBlue/SXBlue II GNSS ........................................................................................... 2
1.2.1 System Overview .................................................................................................................................. 2
1.2.2 Battery Pack .......................................................................................................................................... 4
1.2.3 Precision and Survey Antennae............................................................................................................. 5
1.3 Getting Ready for the Field ..................................................................................................................................... 5
1.3.1 Default Parameters ................................................................................................................................ 6
1.3.2 Configuring Bluetooth Communication ................................................................................................ 8
1.3.2.1 Windows Mobile 5.0 and 6.x with Microsoft drivers.............................................................. 9
1.3.2.2 Windows Mobile with Socket Communication driver........................................................... 14
1.3.2.3 Windows Mobile with WidComm driver .............................................................................. 16
1.3.2.4 Microsoft Windows with IVT Corporation’s BlueSoleil driver ............................................ 18
1.3.2.5 Microsoft Windows with Widcomm’s My Bluetooth Places driver...................................... 19
1.3.2.6 iOS Apple Bluetooth communication.................................................................................... 21
1.3.2.7 Android Bluetooth communication ....................................................................................... 24
1.3.3 Installing the USB Drivers for Microsoft Windows.............................................................................25
1.4 In the Field .............................................................................................................................................................27
1.4.1 Setting up for Submeter Work..............................................................................................................28
1.4.1.1 Using the Nylon Carrying Case............................................................................................. 28
1.4.1.2 Using the Softhat ................................................................................................................... 28
1.4.1.3 Rangepole Setup.................................................................................................................... 29
1.4.3 Antenna Phase Center ..........................................................................................................................31
1.4.3.1 GNSS Precision Antenna (all models)................................................................................... 32
1.4.4 Definition of the LED Indicators..........................................................................................................33
1.4.5 GIS Field Data Collection and Datum Considerations.........................................................................34
1.4.5.1 Generic Field Data Collection Software Configuration......................................................... 34
1.4.5.2 General Guidelines for Submeter GIS Field Data Collection ................................................ 34
1.4.6 Available Software and Utilities ..........................................................................................................35
1.4.6.1 SXBlue Config ...................................................................................................................... 35
1.4.6.2 SXBlue RTN ......................................................................................................................... 35
1.4.6.4 SXBlue Server....................................................................................................................... 35
1.4.6.5 SXBlue Mirror....................................................................................................................... 36
1.4.6.6 RINEX Converter.................................................................................................................. 36
1.4.6.7 Geneq EZSurv ....................................................................................................................... 36
1.4.6.8 Geneq iSXBLue View on iOS devices .................................................................................. 36
1.4.6.9 Bluetooth GPS Utility on Android devices................................................................................ 36
2. Features and Performance ............................................................................................................................................37
2.1 GPS ........................................................................................................................................................................37

iSXblue/SXBlue II GNSS Series Technical Reference Manual vi
2.1.1 Satellite Tracking .................................................................................................................................37
2.1.2 Positioning Accuracy ...........................................................................................................................37
2.1.3 Update Rates ........................................................................................................................................38
2.2 SBAS......................................................................................................................................................................38
2.2.1 Automatic Tracking and Ranging ........................................................................................................38
2.2.2 SBAS Performance ..............................................................................................................................38
2.3 GLONASS .............................................................................................................................................................40
2.3.1 Satellite tracking...................................................................................................................................40
2.3.2 GLONASS Performance ......................................................................................................................40
2.4 COAST™, G-Dif™ and SureTrack™ Technologies .............................................................................................41
2.5 Real-Time Differential Options..............................................................................................................................41
2.5.1 The “MFA” Application.......................................................................................................................42
2.5.2 Auto-Dif – Autonomous Differential / RTCM Base Station Option ....................................................42
2.6 Post Processing.......................................................................................................................................................44
2.7 Evaluating the iSXBlue/SXBlue GNSS II Performance.........................................................................................44
2.8 Communication ......................................................................................................................................................46
2.8.1 Interface ...............................................................................................................................................46
2.8.2 Bluetooth, USB and Serial Ports ..........................................................................................................46
2.8.3 Event Marker, 1 Pulse per Second and 5Vdc Power ............................................................................47
2.8.3.1 One Pulse per Second (1PPS)................................................................................................ 47
2.8.3.2 Event Marker Input (EM)...................................................................................................... 48
2.8.3.3 5Volt DC Output (PWR) ....................................................................................................... 48
2.9 Environmental Requirements .................................................................................................................................48
3. Advanced Operations ....................................................................................................................................................49
3.1 Communicating with the iSXBlue/SXBlue II Receiver .........................................................................................49
3.1.1 NMEA 0183 Interface..........................................................................................................................49
3.1.2 Binary Messages ..................................................................................................................................50
3.1.3 RTCM SC-104 Protocol.......................................................................................................................50
3.2 Configuring the iSXBlue/SXBlue II Receiver........................................................................................................51
3.2.1 Using HyperTerminal...........................................................................................................................51
3.2.1.1 HyperTerminal Setup ............................................................................................................ 51
3.2.1.2 Sending Individual Commands.............................................................................................. 53
3.2.1.3 Sending Configuration Files to the Receiver ......................................................................... 54
3.2.2 Using SXBlue Config...........................................................................................................................55
3.2.2.1 Quick Config Mode............................................................................................................... 55
3.2.2.2 Advanced Mode .................................................................................................................... 56
3.3 Firmware Architecture ...........................................................................................................................................57
3.3.1 Available Applications.........................................................................................................................57
3.3.2 Activating an Application or Option ....................................................................................................58
3.3.3 Interpreting Subscription Date Codes...................................................................................................60
4. Differential Correction Operations ..............................................................................................................................61
4.1 Automatic Differential of the MFA Application ....................................................................................................61
4.1.1 Principle of Operation ..........................................................................................................................61
4.1.2 Datum Considerations..........................................................................................................................62
4.2 RTK Operations .....................................................................................................................................................62
4.2.1 Guideline for Base Station Operation...................................................................................................62
4.2.1.1 Automatic and Manual Reference Points .............................................................................. 62
4.2.1.2 Base Station Configuration.................................................................................................... 63
4.2.1.3 SXBlue Config Base Menu ................................................................................................... 64
4.2.2 Guideline for RTK Rover Operation....................................................................................................65
4.2.2.1 Using RTK Networks ............................................................................................................ 66
4.2.2.2 Using Local Corrections........................................................................................................ 66

iSXblue/SXBlue II GNSS Series Technical Reference Manual vii
4.3 Auto-Dif (Autonomous and Base Station Modes)..................................................................................................67
4.3.1 Start-up.................................................................................................................................................67
4.3.2 Calibration............................................................................................................................................67
4.3.3 Auto-Dif Performance..........................................................................................................................67
4.4 Recording Raw data and converting to RINEX......................................................................................................68
4.4.1 Using SXBlue Config to Log Raw Data ..............................................................................................68
4.4.2 Converting to RINEX Format ..............................................................................................................69
5. Complete NMEA Interface ...........................................................................................................................................70
5.1 NMEA Message Elements .....................................................................................................................................70
5.2 General Commands ................................................................................................................................................70
5.2.1 $JASC,D1 ............................................................................................................................................71
5.2.2 $JAIR ...................................................................................................................................................72
5.2.3 $JASC,VIRTUAL................................................................................................................................72
5.2.4 $JALT ..................................................................................................................................................73
5.2.5 $JLIMIT...............................................................................................................................................74
5.2.6 $JAPP...................................................................................................................................................74
5.2.7 $JBAUD...............................................................................................................................................75
5.2.8 $JCONN...............................................................................................................................................76
5.2.9 $JDIFF .................................................................................................................................................76
5.2.10 $JK .......................................................................................................................................................77
5.2.11 $JPOS...................................................................................................................................................77
5.2.12 $JQUERY, GUIDE ..............................................................................................................................78
5.2.13 $JRESET..............................................................................................................................................78
5.2.14 $JSAVE................................................................................................................................................79
5.2.15 $JSHOW ..............................................................................................................................................80
5.2.16 $JT .......................................................................................................................................................81
5.2.17 $JBIN ...................................................................................................................................................82
5.2.18 $JI.........................................................................................................................................................82
5.2.19 $JBOOT ...............................................................................................................................................83
5.2.20 $JFORCEAPP......................................................................................................................................83
5.2.21 $JMODE ..............................................................................................................................................84
5.2.22 $JNMEA, GGALLGNSS.....................................................................................................................84
5.2.23 $JNMEA, PRECISION........................................................................................................................85
5.2.24 $JPRN, EXCLUDE..............................................................................................................................85
5.2.25 $JRELAY.............................................................................................................................................85
GPS Commands...............................................................................................................................................................85
5.2.26 $JASC ..................................................................................................................................................86
5.2.27 $JAGE..................................................................................................................................................87
5.2.28 $JOFF...................................................................................................................................................87
5.2.29 $JMASK...............................................................................................................................................87
5.2.30 $JNP.....................................................................................................................................................88
5.2.31 $J4STRING..........................................................................................................................................88
5.2.32 $JSMOOTH .........................................................................................................................................88
5.2.33 $JTAU..................................................................................................................................................89
5.3 SBAS Commands...................................................................................................................................................90
5.3.1 $JWAASPRN.......................................................................................................................................91
5.3.2 $JGEO..................................................................................................................................................92
5.3.3 $JRD1 ..................................................................................................................................................92
5.3.4 $JASC,RTCM ......................................................................................................................................93
5.4 DGPS Beacon Commands (SXBlue II-B GPS)......................................................................................................93
5.4.1 $GPMSK..............................................................................................................................................94
5.4.2 $PCSI,1 and $PCSI,2 ...........................................................................................................................95

iSXblue/SXBlue II GNSS Series Technical Reference Manual viii
5.4.3 $PCSI,3,2 .............................................................................................................................................96
5.4.4 $PCSI,3,3 .............................................................................................................................................96
5.4.5 $PCSI,0 ................................................................................................................................................97
5.4.6 $PCSI,8,NITRAM................................................................................................................................97
5.4.7 $GPCRQ,MSK ($CRMSK) .................................................................................................................98
5.4.8 $GPCRQ,MSS ($CRMSS)...................................................................................................................98
5.5 OmniSTAR Commands (SXBlue II-L GPS)..........................................................................................................99
5.5.1 $JLBEAM ............................................................................................................................................99
5.5.2 $JLXBEAM .......................................................................................................................................100
5.5.3 $JFREQ..............................................................................................................................................101
5.5.4 $JOMS ...............................................................................................................................................102
5.5.5 $JHP...................................................................................................................................................102
5.6 Auto-Dif Commands in Autonomous Mode ........................................................................................................103
5.6.1 $JRAD,1.............................................................................................................................................103
5.6.2 $JRAD,1,P .........................................................................................................................................104
5.6.3 $JRAD,1,lat,lon,alt.............................................................................................................................104
5.6.4 $JRAD,2.............................................................................................................................................105
5.6.5 $JRAD,3.............................................................................................................................................105
5.7 Auto-Dif Commands in Base Station Mode.........................................................................................................105
5.7.1 $JRAD,1.............................................................................................................................................106
5.7.2 $JRAD,1,P .........................................................................................................................................106
5.7.3 $JRAD,1,lat,lon,alt.............................................................................................................................106
5.7.4 $JRAD,2.............................................................................................................................................107
5.7.5 $JRAD,3.............................................................................................................................................107
5.7.6 $JRAD,9.............................................................................................................................................108
5.8 Local Differential Commands ..............................................................................................................................108
5.8.1 $JRTK,1 .............................................................................................................................................110
5.8.2 $JRTK,1,P..........................................................................................................................................110
5.8.3 $JRTK,1,R .........................................................................................................................................110
5.8.4 $JRTK,1,lat,lon,alt .............................................................................................................................110
5.8.5 $JRTK,5 .............................................................................................................................................111
5.8.6 $JRTK,6 .............................................................................................................................................111
5.8.7 $JRTK,9 .............................................................................................................................................112
5.8.8 $JRTK,17 ...........................................................................................................................................112
5.8.9 $JASC,DFX .......................................................................................................................................112
5.8.10 $JASC,CMR ......................................................................................................................................113
5.8.11 $JRTK,12 ...........................................................................................................................................113
5.8.12 $JRTK,18 ...........................................................................................................................................114
5.8.13 $JQUERY,RTKPROG.......................................................................................................................114
5.8.14 $JQUERY,RTKSTAT........................................................................................................................114
5.8.15 $JRTCM3,EXCLUDE .......................................................................................................................115
5.8.16 $JRTCM3,INCLUDE ........................................................................................................................115
5.8.17 $JRTCM3,NULLANT .......................................................................................................................115
5.8.18 $JRTCM3,ANTNAME ......................................................................................................................116
5.9 Output Data Messages..........................................................................................................................................117
5.9.1 GNS Data Message ............................................................................................................................117
5.9.2 GGA Data Message............................................................................................................................118
5.9.3 GLL Data Message.............................................................................................................................119
5.9.4 GSA Data Message ............................................................................................................................119
5.9.5 GST Data Message.............................................................................................................................120
5.9.6 GSV Data Message ............................................................................................................................120
5.9.7 RMC Data Message ...........................................................................................................................121

iSXblue/SXBlue II GNSS Series Technical Reference Manual ix
5.9.8 RRE Data Message.............................................................................................................................121
5.9.9 VTG Data Message ............................................................................................................................122
5.9.10 ZDA Data Message ............................................................................................................................122
5.9.11 GRS Data Message.............................................................................................................................122
5.9.12 RD1 Data Message.............................................................................................................................123
5.10 RAIM Command and Message ............................................................................................................................124
5.10.1 $JRAIM Command ............................................................................................................................124
5.10.2 $PSAT,GBS Data Message................................................................................................................125
6. Binary Data ..................................................................................................................................................................126
6.1 Binary Message Structure.....................................................................................................................................126
6.1.1 Bin 1...................................................................................................................................................127
6.1.2 Bin 2...................................................................................................................................................128
6.1.3 Bin 80.................................................................................................................................................129
6.1.4 Bin 93.................................................................................................................................................129
6.1.5 Bin 94.................................................................................................................................................130
6.1.6 Bin 95.................................................................................................................................................130
6.1.7 Bin 96.................................................................................................................................................131
6.1.8 Bin 97.................................................................................................................................................132
6.1.9 Bin 98.................................................................................................................................................132
6.1.10 Bin 99.................................................................................................................................................133
7. Frequently Asked Questions .......................................................................................................................................136
7.1 General .................................................................................................................................................................136
7.2 Support and Repairs .............................................................................................................................................137
7.3 Troubleshooting ...................................................................................................................................................137
7.4 Power, Communication, and Configuration .........................................................................................................140
7.5 GPS Reception and Performance .........................................................................................................................142
7.6 SBAS Reception and Performance.......................................................................................................................142
7.7 Auto-Dif ...............................................................................................................................................................143
7.8 External Corrections.............................................................................................................................................143
7.9 Installation............................................................................................................................................................144
8. Troubleshooting ...........................................................................................................................................................145
8.1 Troubleshooting Checklist....................................................................................................................................145
8.2 Using the LEDs to Troubleshoot..........................................................................................................................145
Appendix A - Specifications ................................................................................................................................................148
Appendix B - Interface ........................................................................................................................................................149
Appendix C - Introduction to GPS and DGPS Services ...................................................................................................152
Appendix D - Resources ......................................................................................................................................................163
Index .....................................................................................................................................................................................167

iSXblue/SXBlue II GNSS Series Technical Reference Manual x
List of Figures
Figure 1-2 Package Contents ................................................................................................................................................. 1
Figure 1-3 iSXBlue/SXBlue II GNSS Main Components .................................................................................................... 3
Figure 1-4 Battery contacts .................................................................................................................................................... 4
Figure 1-5 Precision and Survey Antennae........................................................................................................................... 5
Figure 1-6 Carrying Case......................................................................................................................................................28
Figure 1-7 Removing the Magnet Adaptor..........................................................................................................................29
Figure 1-8 Using the Softhat .................................................................................................................................................29
Figure 1-10 Using the L-Shaped Bracket.............................................................................................................................30
Figure 1-11 Mounting on a Rangepole .................................................................................................................................31
Figure 1-14 Phase Center – Precision GNSS Antenna (GESXB3GLANT).......................................................................32
Figure 1-16 iSXBlue/SXBlue II GNSS Front Panel ............................................................................................................33
Figure 2-1 Sample Extrapolated Ionospheric Grids ...........................................................................................................40
Figure 2-2 Auto-Dif Error Drift ...........................................................................................................................................43
Figure 2-3 RS-232 Connector Pin-out ..................................................................................................................................47
Figure 3-1 Sample Config. File .............................................................................................................................................54
Figure B-1 Serial Interface..................................................................................................................................................149
Figure B-2 RTCM Data Output From Serial Port............................................................................................................150
Figure B-3 RTCM Data Input to Serial Port.....................................................................................................................151
Figure C-1 WAAS Ground Segment (end of 2007)...........................................................................................................159
Figure C-2 EGNOS Ground Segment (end of 2007) .........................................................................................................160
Figure C-3 Worldwide SBAS Coverage.............................................................................................................................161
Figure C-4 Worldwide SBAS Ionospheric Coverage........................................................................................................161
Figure C-5 Broadcast and Extrapolated Ionospheric Correction Map...........................................................................163