Geneq SXBlue II Product manual

SXBlue II GPS Series
Technical Reference Manual
Revision Date: July 2012 (rev 2.3)

SXBlue II GPS Series Technical Reference Manual ii
Copyright Notice
Copyright 2010 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 GPS™, SXBlue II GPS™, SXBlue II-B GPS™ and SXBlue II-L GPS™
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, and
(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.
8047, Jarry Street East
Montreal, Quebec, Canada H1J 1H6
Telephone number: [phone]
Toll Free: [phone] (North America)
Fax number: [phone]
E-mail address: [email protected]
Web Sites: www.sxbluegps.com , www.geneq.com

SXBlue II GPS 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 12 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.

SXBlue II GPS 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.
8047, Jarry Street East
Montreal, Quebec, H1J 1H6
Canada
Telephone number: [phone]
Toll Free: [phone] (North America)
Fax number: [phone]
E-mail address: [email protected]

SXBlue II GPS 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 SXBlue II GPS Receiver .......................................................................................... 1
1.2 Getting Familiar with your SXBlue II GPS .......................................................................................... 1
1.2.1 System Overview.............................................................................................................. 1
1.2.2 Battery Pack ..................................................................................................................... 3
1.2.3 Precision Antennae........................................................................................................... 4
1.3 Getting Ready for the Field................................................................................................................ 5
1.3.1 Default Parameters ........................................................................................................... 5
1.3.2 Configuring Bluetooth Communication............................................................................... 7
1.3.2.1 Windows Mobile 5.0 and 6.0 with Microsoft drivers ............................................... 7
1.3.2.2 Windows Mobile with Socket Communication driver............................................ 10
1.3.2.3 Windows Mobile with WidComm driver ............................................................... 12
1.3.2.4 Microsoft Windows with IVT Corporation’s BlueSoleil driver................................. 14
1.3.2.5 Microsoft Windows with Widcomm’s My Bluetooth Places driver.......................... 15
1.3.3 Installing the USB Drivers for Microsoft Windows ............................................................. 17
1.4 In the Field ..................................................................................................................................... 19
1.4.1 Using the Carrying Case ................................................................................................. 19
1.4.2 Definition of the LED Indicators........................................................................................ 19
1.4.3 GIS Field Data Collection and Datum Considerations....................................................... 21
1.4.3.1 Generic Field Data Collection Software Configuration ......................................... 21
1.4.3.2 General Guidelines for GIS Field Data Collection................................................ 21
2. Features and Performance ................................................................................................................... 23
2.1 GPS............................................................................................................................................... 23
2.1.1 Satellite Tracking ............................................................................................................ 23
2.1.2 Positioning Accuracy....................................................................................................... 23
2.1.3 Update Rates.................................................................................................................. 24
2.2 SBAS ............................................................................................................................................. 24
2.2.1 Automatic Tracking ......................................................................................................... 24
2.2.2 SBAS Performance......................................................................................................... 24
2.3 DGPS RadioBeacon ....................................................................................................................... 25
2.3.1 RadioBeacon Range....................................................................................................... 26
2.3.2 Signal Reception............................................................................................................. 26
2.4 OmniSTAR Services ....................................................................................................................... 27
2.4.1 System Overview............................................................................................................ 27
2.4.2 Signal Reception............................................................................................................. 27
2.4.3 Automatic Tracking and Performance .............................................................................. 28
2.5 COAST™ Technology..................................................................................................................... 28
2.6 Real-Time Differential Options......................................................................................................... 28
2.6.1 The “WAAS” Application.................................................................................................. 29
2.6.2 The L-Band Application................................................................................................... 29

SXBlue II GPS Series Technical Reference Manual vi
2.6.3 Auto-Dif – Autonomous Differential / RTCM Base Station Option ...................................... 29
2.6.4 Local Differential options ................................................................................................. 31
2.7 Post Processing.............................................................................................................................. 31
2.8 Evaluating the SXBlue II GPS Performance..................................................................................... 32
2.9 Communication............................................................................................................................... 33
2.9.1 Interface ......................................................................................................................... 33
2.9.2 Bluetooth, USB and Serial Ports...................................................................................... 34
2.10 Environmental Requirements .......................................................................................................... 35
3. Advanced Operations ........................................................................................................................... 36
3.1 Firmware Architecture..................................................................................................................... 36
3.2 Communicating with the SXBlue II GPS........................................................................................... 36
3.2.1 NMEA 0183 Interface...................................................................................................... 37
3.2.2 Binary Interface............................................................................................................... 37
3.2.3 RTCM SC-104 Protocol................................................................................................... 37
3.3 Configuring the SXBlue II GPS........................................................................................................ 38
3.3.1 Using HyperTerminal....................................................................................................... 39
3.3.1.1 HyperTerminal Setup......................................................................................... 39
3.3.1.2 Sending Individual Commands........................................................................... 41
3.3.1.3 Sending Configuration Files to the Receiver........................................................ 42
3.3.2 Subscribing to an Application........................................................................................... 43
3.3.2.1 Available Applications........................................................................................ 43
3.3.2.2 Activating an Application or Option ..................................................................... 45
3.3.2.3 Interpreting Subscription Date Codes ................................................................. 46
3.4 Differential Correction Operations.................................................................................................... 47
3.4.1 DGPS RadioBeacon Operation (SXBlue II-B GPS)........................................................... 47
3.4.1.1 Automatic Mode................................................................................................. 47
3.4.1.2 Manual Mode..................................................................................................... 48
3.4.1.3 Database Mode ................................................................................................. 48
3.4.1.4 Evaluating Performance..................................................................................... 49
3.4.2 Activating an OmniSTAR VBS Service (SXBlue II-L GPS) ................................................ 50
3.4.3 RTCM Input Correction in the SBAS Application............................................................... 50
3.4.4 Auto-Dif in Autonomous and Base Station Operations...................................................... 51
3.4.4.1 Start-up ............................................................................................................. 51
3.4.4.2 Calibration......................................................................................................... 51
3.4.4.3 Auto-Dif Performance......................................................................................... 51
3.4.5 Local-Dif and Local-RTK Operations................................................................................ 52
3.4.5.1 Guidelines for Base Station Installation............................................................... 52
3.4.5.2 Guidelines for Rover Operation .......................................................................... 53
4. Complete NMEA Interface..................................................................................................................... 54
4.1 NMEA Message Elements .............................................................................................................. 54
4.2 General Commands........................................................................................................................ 54
4.2.1 $JASC,D1....................................................................................................................... 55
4.2.2 $JAIR ............................................................................................................................. 56
4.2.3 $JASC,VIRTUAL............................................................................................................. 56
4.2.4 $JALT............................................................................................................................. 57
4.2.5 $JLIMIT .......................................................................................................................... 58
4.2.6 $JAPP ............................................................................................................................ 58
4.2.7 $JBAUD ......................................................................................................................... 59
4.2.8 $JCONN......................................................................................................................... 60
4.2.9 $JDIFF ........................................................................................................................... 60
4.2.10 $JK................................................................................................................................. 61
4.2.11 $JPOS............................................................................................................................ 62

SXBlue II GPS Series Technical Reference Manual vii
4.2.12 $JQUERY,GUIDE........................................................................................................... 62
4.2.13 $JRESET........................................................................................................................ 62
4.2.14 $JSAVE.......................................................................................................................... 63
4.2.15 $JSHOW ........................................................................................................................ 64
4.2.16 $JT................................................................................................................................. 65
4.2.17 $JBIN ............................................................................................................................. 66
4.2.18 $JI.................................................................................................................................. 66
4.3 GPS Commands............................................................................................................................. 67
4.3.1 $JASC............................................................................................................................ 67
4.3.2 $JAGE............................................................................................................................ 68
4.3.3 $JOFF............................................................................................................................ 69
4.3.4 $JMASK ......................................................................................................................... 69
4.3.5 $JNP .............................................................................................................................. 69
4.3.6 $J4STRING .................................................................................................................... 70
4.3.7 $JSMOOTH.................................................................................................................... 70
4.3.8 $JTAU ............................................................................................................................ 71
4.4 SBAS Commands........................................................................................................................... 72
4.4.1 $JWAASPRN.................................................................................................................. 73
4.4.2 $JGEO ........................................................................................................................... 74
4.4.3 $JRD1 ............................................................................................................................ 74
4.4.4 $JASC,RTCM ................................................................................................................. 75
4.5 DGPS Beacon Commands (SXBlue II-B GPS)................................................................................. 75
4.5.1 $GPMSK ........................................................................................................................ 76
4.5.2 $PCSI,1 and $PCSI,2...................................................................................................... 77
4.5.3 $PCSI,3,2....................................................................................................................... 78
4.5.4 $PCSI,3,3....................................................................................................................... 78
4.5.5 $PCSI,0.......................................................................................................................... 79
4.5.6 $PCSI,8,NITRAM............................................................................................................ 79
4.5.7 $GPCRQ,MSK ($CRMSK) .............................................................................................. 80
4.5.8 $GPCRQ,MSS ($CRMSS) .............................................................................................. 80
4.6 OmniSTAR Commands (SXBlue II-L GPS) ...................................................................................... 81
4.6.1 $JLBEAM ....................................................................................................................... 81
4.6.2 $JLXBEAM ..................................................................................................................... 82
4.6.3 $JFREQ ......................................................................................................................... 83
4.6.4 $JOMS ........................................................................................................................... 84
4.7 Auto-Dif Commands in Autonomous Mode ...................................................................................... 84
4.7.1 $JRAD,1......................................................................................................................... 85
4.7.2 $JRAD,1,P...................................................................................................................... 85
4.7.3 $JRAD,1,lat,lon,alt .......................................................................................................... 85
4.7.4 $JRAD,2......................................................................................................................... 86
4.7.5 $JRAD,3......................................................................................................................... 86
4.8 Auto-Dif Commands in Base Station Mode...................................................................................... 87
4.8.1 $JRAD,1......................................................................................................................... 87
4.8.2 $JRAD,1,P...................................................................................................................... 87
4.8.3 $JRAD,1,lat,lon,alt .......................................................................................................... 88
4.8.4 $JRAD,2......................................................................................................................... 88
4.8.5 $JRAD,3......................................................................................................................... 88
4.8.6 $JRAD,9......................................................................................................................... 89
4.9 Local Differential Commands........................................................................................................... 90
4.9.1 $JRTK,1 ......................................................................................................................... 91
4.9.2 $JRTK,1,P...................................................................................................................... 91
4.9.3 $JRTK,1,R...................................................................................................................... 91

SXBlue II GPS Series Technical Reference Manual viii
4.9.4 $JRTK,1,lat,lon,alt........................................................................................................... 92
4.9.5 $JRTK,5 ......................................................................................................................... 92
4.9.6 $JRTK,6 ......................................................................................................................... 93
4.9.7 $JRTK,9 ......................................................................................................................... 93
4.9.8 $JRTK,17 ....................................................................................................................... 93
4.9.9 $JASC,DFX .................................................................................................................... 94
4.9.10 $JRTK,12 ....................................................................................................................... 94
4.9.11 $JRTK,18 ....................................................................................................................... 94
4.10 Output Data Messages ................................................................................................................... 95
4.10.1 GNS Data Message ........................................................................................................ 95
4.10.2 GGA Data Message........................................................................................................ 96
4.10.3 GLL Data Message ......................................................................................................... 97
4.10.4 GSA Data Message ........................................................................................................ 97
4.10.5 GST Data Message......................................................................................................... 98
4.10.6 GSV Data Message ........................................................................................................ 98
4.10.7 RMC Data Message........................................................................................................ 99
4.10.8 RRE Data Message ........................................................................................................ 99
4.10.9 VTG Data Message........................................................................................................100
4.10.10 ZDA Data Message ..................................................................................................100
4.10.11 GRS Data Message..................................................................................................100
4.10.12 RD1 Data Message ..................................................................................................101
4.11 RAIM Command and Message.......................................................................................................102
4.11.1 $JRAIM Command.........................................................................................................102
4.11.2 $PSAT,GBS Data Message............................................................................................103
5. Binary Data...........................................................................................................................................105
5.1 Binary Message Structure..............................................................................................................105
5.1.1 Bin 1..............................................................................................................................106
5.1.2 Bin 2..............................................................................................................................107
5.1.3 Bin 80............................................................................................................................108
5.1.4 Bin 93............................................................................................................................108
5.1.5 Bin 94............................................................................................................................109
5.1.6 Bin 95............................................................................................................................110
5.1.7 Bin 96............................................................................................................................110
5.1.8 Bin 97............................................................................................................................111
5.1.9 Bin 98............................................................................................................................112
5.1.10 Bin 99............................................................................................................................113
6. Frequently Asked Questions ...............................................................................................................115
6.1 General .........................................................................................................................................115
6.2 Support and Repairs......................................................................................................................116
6.3 Troubleshooting.............................................................................................................................116
6.4 Power, Communication, and Configuration .....................................................................................117
6.5 GPS Reception and Performance...................................................................................................118
6.6 SBAS Reception and Performance.................................................................................................118
6.7 Auto-Dif.........................................................................................................................................119
6.8 External Corrections ......................................................................................................................120
6.9 Installation.....................................................................................................................................120
7. Troubleshooting...................................................................................................................................121
7.1 Troubleshooting Checklist ..............................................................................................................121
7.2 Using the LEDs to Troubleshoot.....................................................................................................121

SXBlue II GPS Series Technical Reference Manual ix
Appendix A - Specifications .......................................................................................................................124
Appendix B - Interface................................................................................................................................125
Appendix C - Introduction to GPS and DGPS Services..............................................................................128
Appendix D - Resources.............................................................................................................................140
Index ...........................................................................................................................................................143

SXBlue II GPS Series Technical Reference Manual x
List of Figures
Figure 1-1 SXBlue II GPS Main Components.................................................................................................... 2
Figure 1-2 Battery contacts .............................................................................................................................. 3
Figure 1-3 Precision Antenna ........................................................................................................................... 4
Figure 1-4 Carrying Case............................................................................................................................... 19
Figure 1-5 SXBlue II GPS Front Panel............................................................................................................ 20
Figure 2-1 Sample Extrapolated Ionospheric Grids ......................................................................................... 25
Figure 2-2 Auto-Dif Error Drift......................................................................................................................... 30
Figure 2-3 RS-232 Connector Pin-out............................................................................................................. 34
Figure 3-1 Sample Config. File....................................................................................................................... 42
Figure B-1 Serial Interface ............................................................................................................................125
Figure B-2 RTCM Data Output From Serial Port ............................................................................................126
Figure B-3 RTCM Data Input to Serial Port ....................................................................................................127
Figure C-1 WAAS Ground Segment (end of 2007) .........................................................................................135
Figure C-2 EGNOS Ground Segment (end of 2007).......................................................................................136
Figure C-3 Worldwide SBAS Coverage..........................................................................................................137
Figure C-4 Worldwide SBAS Ionospheric Coverage.......................................................................................138
Figure C-5 Broadcast and Extrapolated Ionospheric Correction Map ..............................................................139

SXBlue II GPS Series Technical Reference Manual xi
List of Tables
Table 1-1 Default Applications.......................................................................................................................... 5
Table 1-2 Default Port Settings......................................................................................................................... 6
Table 1-3 Default GPS NMEA Message Output ................................................................................................ 6
Table 1-4 Default Parameters........................................................................................................................... 6
Table 1-5 LED Indicators Definitions............................................................................................................... 20
Table 2-1 Horizontal Accuracy Probability Statistics ........................................................................................ 32
Table 2-2 Horizontal Accuracy Statistic Conversions....................................................................................... 32
Table 2-3 Serial Port Pin-out, RS-232C Interface Level ................................................................................... 35
Table 3-1 $JT Response and Application........................................................................................................ 46
Table 3-2 Date Codes and Enabled Applications............................................................................................. 46
Table 3-2 Date Codes and Enabled Applications............................................................................................. 50
Table 4-1 NMEA Message Elements .............................................................................................................. 54
Table 4-2 General Commands ....................................................................................................................... 55
Table 4-3 GPS Commands ............................................................................................................................ 67
Table 4-4 SBAS Commands .......................................................................................................................... 72
Table 4-5 DGPS Beacon Commands ............................................................................................................. 76
Table 4-6 OmniSTAR Commands .................................................................................................................. 81
Table 4-7 Auto-Dif Commands in Autonomous Mode...................................................................................... 84
Table 4-8 Auto-Dif Commands for Base Station Operation.............................................................................. 87
Table 4-9 Local Differential Commands .......................................................................................................... 90
Table 4-10 Output Data Messages ................................................................................................................. 95
Table 4-11 GNS Data Message Defined ......................................................................................................... 96
Table 4-12 GGA Data Message Defined......................................................................................................... 96
Table 4-13 GLL Data Message Defined.......................................................................................................... 97
Table 4-14 GSA Data Message Defined ......................................................................................................... 97
Table 4-15 GST Data Message Defined ......................................................................................................... 98
Table 4-16 GSV Data Message Defined ......................................................................................................... 98
Table 4-17 RMC Data Message Defined......................................................................................................... 99
Table 4-18 RRE Data Message Defined ......................................................................................................... 99
Table 4-19 VTG Data Message Defined ........................................................................................................100
Table 4-20 ZDA Data Message Defined.........................................................................................................100
Table 4-21 GRS Data Message Defined ........................................................................................................101
Table 4-22 RD1 Data Message Defined.........................................................................................................101
Table 4-23 $PSAT,GBS Data Message Defined ............................................................................................103
Table 5-1 Binary Message Structure..............................................................................................................105
Table 5-2 Bin 1 Message ..............................................................................................................................106
Table 5-3 Bin 2 Message ..............................................................................................................................107
Table 5-4 Bin 80 Message ............................................................................................................................108
Table 5-5 Bin 93 Message ............................................................................................................................108
Table 5-6 Bin 94 Message ............................................................................................................................109
Table 5-7 Bin 95 Message ............................................................................................................................110
Table 5-8 Bin 96 Message ............................................................................................................................110
Table 5-9 Bin 97 Message ............................................................................................................................111
Table 5-10 Bin 98 Message...........................................................................................................................112
Table 5-11 Bin 99 Message...........................................................................................................................113
Table 7-1 Troubleshooting ............................................................................................................................121
Table 7-2 LED Functions...............................................................................................................................122
Table A-1 SXBlue II GPS Receiver Specifications..........................................................................................124
Table C-1 Worldwide SBAS Constellation (January 2011)..............................................................................138

SXBlue II GPS Series Technical Reference Manual xii
Preface
Welcome to the SXBlue II GPS Series Manual and congratulations on purchasing this high-
performance GPS receiver.
The SXBlue II GPS Series provides a high level of performance, delivering sub-meter
positioning using either the built-in SBAS demodulator (all models), OmniSTAR®(SXBlue II-L
GPS), Radio Beacon DGPS (SXBlue II-B GPS) or external corrections (all models), at up to
20Hz output (optional). The SXBlue II GPS Series features raw measurement output for post-
processing applications, delivers excellent phase measurement quality for cm post-processed
and single frequency RTK applications. It also features independent Bluetooth, USB and serial
communications.
This document is meant to assist a customer in becoming familiar with the SXBlue II GPS
functionality and system operation, but also with GPS / SBAS / OmniSTAR®/ Radio Beacon /
RTK concepts.
The chapters that follow provide detailed information on the SXBlue II GPS receivers, including
the hardware and software interface, in addition to various descriptions of technologies and
features that it supports.
SXBlue II GPS Series
(* For serial numbers earlier than 1002Axxx, autonomy is 12 hours)
Model SXBlue II GPS SXBlue II-L GPS SXBlue II-B GPS
SBAS ●●●
OmniSTAR®●
Radio Beacon ●
External Differential Input ●●●
RTK Option ●●●
20Hz Option ●●●
Battery Autonomy
(Approximate) 15 hours* 9.5 hours 12 hours

SXBlue II GPS Series Technical Reference Manual xiii
Some notable features of the SXBlue II GPS Series are:
•12-channel GPS engine (2 channels dedicated to SBAS tracking)
•1 channel OmniSTAR (SXBlue II-L GPS)
•2-channel Radio Beacon parallel tracking (SXBlue II-B GPS)
•Sub-meter horizontal accuracy 95%
•Raw measurement output (via documented binary messages) or RINEX converter
•Position and raw measurement update rates of 20Hz max
•COAST™ technology provides consistent performance with old correction data and guarantees an
all-day DGPS solution even in forestry applications (with suitable SBAS, Beacon or OmniSTAR®
coverage)
•Optional Auto-Dif: A base station-free way of differentially positioning
•Optional Sub-20cm Local-Dif or Sub-5cm RTK with Base-Rover configuration
•SBAS (WAAS/EGNOS/MSAS/GAGAN/etc.), OmniSTAR®,Beacon, and external differential
sources depending on model
•Quick time to first fix
•One Serial Port Profile (SPP) Bluetooth module allows a modular GPS system configuration with
the use of any up-to-date PDA/Computer and software combination
•One USB 2.0 compliant port and One full-duplex serial port, can be used to configure the product,
or to output/receive RTCM corrections
•Integrated Li-Ion battery for full day operation
Organization
This manual contains the following chapters:
Chapter 1: Getting Started - provides information to help you get your system running quickly.
Chapter 2: Features and Performance - introduces you to the SXBlue II GPS and some of its
main features.
Chapter 3: Advanced Operations - provides details on the fundamental operating modes of the
SXBlue II GPS receiver and describes how to configure and operate the SXBlue II GPS
receiver.
Chapter 4: Complete NMEA Interface - describes the subset of NMEA 0183 commands and
messages supported by the SXBlue II GPS.
Chapter 5: Binary Data - describes the Binary messages supported by the SXBlue II GPS.
Chapter 6: Frequently Asked Questions - this chapter provides answers to frequently asked
questions about the SXBlue II GPS receiver.
Chapter 7: Troubleshooting - provides you with diagnostic information to aid in determining a
source of difficulty for a particular installation.
Appendix A – Specifications - details the technical characteristics of the SXBlue II GPS.
Appendix B – Interface - provides instructions to interface the SXBlue II GPS with external
devices.

SXBlue II GPS Series Technical Reference Manual xiv
Appendix C – Introduction to GPS and DGPS Services - provides both general and specific
information relating to GPS and SBAS.
Appendix D – Resources - This appendix lists a number of different resources that may be
useful for the advanced user.
The Index provides a listing of the locations of various subjects within this manual.
Customer Service
If you encounter problems during the installation or operation of this product, or cannot find the
information you need, please contact your dealer, or Geneq Customer Service. The contact
numbers and e-mail address for Geneq Customer Service are:
Telephone number: [phone]
Toll Free: [phone] (North America)
Fax number: [phone]
E-mail address: [email protected]
Technical Support is available from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM Eastern Time, Monday to Friday.
To expedite the support process, please have the product model and serial number available
when contacting Geneq Customer Service.
In the event that your equipment requires service, we recommend that you contact your dealer
directly. However, if this is not possible, you must contact Geneq Customer Service to obtain a
Return Merchandise form before returning any product to Geneq. If you are returning a product
for repair, you must also provide a fault description.
World Wide Web Site
Geneq maintains World Wide Web home pages at the following addresses:
www.sxbluegps.com and www.geneq.com
A corporate profile and product information are available at these sites under the Geomatics
section.
Document Conventions
Bold is used to emphasize certain points.
Unless otherwise specified, the name SXBlue II GPS is used for simplicity to describe common
features of all three models: SXBlue II GPS, SXBlue II-L GPS and SXBlue II-B GPS.

SXBlue II GPS Series Technical Reference Manual xv
Notes, Cautions, and Warnings
Notes, Cautions, and Warnings stress important information regarding the installation,
configuration, and operation of the SXBlue II GPS receiver.
Note - Notes outline important information of a general nature.
Cautions - Cautions inform of possible sources of difficulty or situations that may cause
damage to the product.
Warning - Warnings inform of situations that may cause harm to you.

SXBlue II GPS Series Technical Reference Manual 1
1. Getting Started
The purpose of this chapter is to help you get your SXBlue II GPS receiver running quickly.
This chapter is not intended to replace the balance of this reference manual and it assumes that
you have a reasonable amount of knowledge with installation and operation of GPS navigation
systems.
If you are new to GPS, SBAS, RadioBeacon or OmniSTAR®Services, we recommend that you
consult Appendix C for further information on these services and technologies.
1.1 Unpacking Your SXBlue II GPS Receiver
If you find that any of these items listed below are damaged due to shipment, please contact the
freight carrier immediately for assistance.
When you unpack your SXBlue II GPS receiver, please ensure that it is complete by comparing
the parts received against the packing slip. Unless your system has been equipped differently
than a standard SXBlue II GPS, you should find the following parts in your package:
•One SXBlue II GPS Receiver with battery pack
•One Precision Antenna (GPS, GPS/L-Band or GPS/Beacon)
•One Antenna cable
•One RS-232 cable
•One USB cable
•One Li-Ion Battery Charger
•One Soft Hat for antenna (SXBlue II GPS and SXBlue II-L GPS only)
•One Nylon Carrying Case
•One CD-ROM containing manuals, utilities, configuration files, etc.
Note - If, for some reason, you find a discrepancy between your packing slip and the
contents of your shipment, please contact the authorized reseller with which you placed
your order immediately.
1.2 Getting Familiar with your SXBlue II GPS
The SXBlue II GPS is composed of three main parts:
- The receiver with user interface (LED’s, Communication ports, Antenna connector)
- The battery pack with Battery Fuel Gauge
- The external precision antenna with cable
1.2.1 System Overview
Figure 1-1 shows the various components of the receiver and battery pack.

SXBlue II GPS Series Technical Reference Manual 2
Figure 1-1 SXBlue II GPS Main Components
Charge
r
Jack
ON/OFF Button
GPS LED Indicator
s
Battery Gauge
Indicator
Battery Gauge
Button
RS
-
232 Port
USB
Port
GPS Antenna
Connector
SXBlue II Receiver
Battery
Pack
B
attery
Thumb
Screws
(x4)
Serial Number

SXBlue II GPS Series Technical Reference Manual 3
The connections required by the SXBlue II GPS are very straightforward. All cables necessary
for complete operation are provided.
- The RS-232 port is a D-Sub 9-pin female connector
- The USB port is a Type-B female connector
- The Bluetooth port is a Class 1 type.
The SXBlue II GPS offers three communication options: Serial RS-232, USB and Bluetooth. In
order to use the USB port, a driver (supplied on CD-ROM with the unit) must be installed on
your computer. Refer to section 1.3 for instructions on how to install the drivers. In order to use
the Bluetooth (wireless) communication of the SXBlue II GPS, you must use a Bluetooth-
enabled PDA or computer. If you have a PDA or computer that does not support Bluetooth
natively, you can supplement your computing device with a Bluetooth card (CF, PCMCIA, SD)
or USB dongle. When configuring your Bluetooth device for communication with the SXBlue II
GPS, make sure that pairing (or bonding) with password (or passkey) is not activated. A
miniature DIP switch (see Figure 1-2) allows powering off of the Bluetooth radio when the
receiver is operated in places where the use of wireless communication is prohibited. Refer to
section 1.3.2 for more information on sample Bluetooth setups.
1.2.2 Battery Pack
The Lithium-Ion battery pack attaches to the receiver with four thumb screws. Modular contacts
are used to supply power to the receiver. Even though the Li-Ion battery pack has a built-in
protection circuitry, care must be taken not to
short the contacts on the battery pack.
Also, membrane vents are used on both the
receiver and battery pack. These small holes
should not be punctured, obstructed or
covered by labels or stickers.
The battery pack features an intelligent
battery “fuel gauge” that shows the level of
charge (see Figure 1-1). On initial usage, it
might take one or two charge/discharge
cycles for the gauge to reflect the proper
charge level. When unit is not used for an
extended period of time, it is normal that the
battery pack discharges. The field autonomy
of the pack is roughly 9.5 to 15 hours
depending on the model and after 500 cycles,
battery capacity starts decreasing to about
80%. Figure 1-2 Battery contacts
Since the SXBlue II GPS uses Li-Ion battery chemistry, there is no memory effect as for NiMH
or NiCad batteries; therefore it is not necessary to discharge the pack before recharging it. Only
proper Li-Ion battery charger must be used with the SXBlue II GPS battery. Using any
other type of charger might result in explosion and injuries. The SXBlue II GPS battery pack
Membrane Vents
Bluetooth DIP Switch

SXBlue II GPS Series Technical Reference Manual 4
specification is: 2s2p, 7.2V, 3,900mAh Li-Ion. If using a different charger than the supplied
charger, the following specifications must be followed: 2-cell Li-Ion charger, maximum current of
2A, charger plug to fit a 1.7mm positive center-pin jack with 5mm OD.
Charge time with supplied charger is about 4 to 5 hours when battery is empty. The charger is
equipped with a charge indicator LED that will switch to a steady Green when battery is fully
charged. The charger supports input voltages of up to 240VAC.
Warning – Use only supplied charger with the SXBlue II GPS battery pack.
Do not disassemble, modify, puncture, mutilate or incinerate or heat battery pack.
Do not store the battery inside vehicles in hot weather.
Do not short-circuit battery contacts.
Do not puncture or obstruct membrane vents.
Battery should be stored at room temperature charged to about 30-50% capacity.
Charge battery once every 3 months to prevent overdischarge.
Battery must be charged only when its temperature has settled between 0°C and 45°C.
Temperature range over which battery can be discharged is between -20°C and 60°C. Use
of the battery outside of the specified range reduces performance and life expectancy.
When battery reaches end-of-life, insulate terminals with adhesive tape or similar
material before disposal.
1.2.3 Precision Antennae
The Precision GPS, GPS/L-Band or GPS/Beacon Antenna supplied with the SXBlue II GPS
Series have been designed to provide reliable, stable and consistent sub-meter positioning. The
GPS and GPS/L-Band antennae feature a female SMA connector, whereas the GPS/Beacon
antenna features a TNC female connector. The bottom part of the GPS antenna is magnetic
and can be detached by removing the 4 screws. The GPS/L-Band antenna is supplied with an
external magnet. Magnetic mount is optional for the GPS/Beacon antenna.
Using different antennae than the ones supplied, might degrade the submeter performance of
the SXBlue II GPS. Shall a different antenna be used, a maximum of 29dB gain is
recommended. When using longer antenna cable, it is important to take into account the cable
loss (dB/m) to allow at least 21dB at the RF input of the receiver.
Figure 1-3 GPS, GPS/L-Band and Micro-B Precision Antennae

SXBlue II GPS Series Technical Reference Manual 5
Caution – By default, the SXBlue II GPS receiver supplies 5.0 VDC across its RF
connector to power an active GPS antenna’s low noise amplifier (LNA). Connection to a
GPS antenna that doesn’t support a 5 VDC input could damage the antenna.
1.3 Getting Ready for the Field
The SXBlue II GPS is one component of a modular system that normally includes two other
parts: a computer and data collection software. A modular approach has huge advantages:
- Allows the use of any PDA, Tablet PC, laptop or computer technology to suit the
application
- Allows the use of any off-the-shelf software (combined with the fact that no post-
processing is necessary with the SXBlue II GPS for submeter applications)
- Allows for keeping up-to-date with the very fast evolving computer/software technology.
This section covers the normal steps that one would normally follow to get the system up and
running for a generic GIS submeter data collection session: knowing the factory default settings
of the communication ports and output messages, setting up a Bluetooth connection with a PDA
or Computer, installing the USB drivers on a computer, configuring the data collection software
for proper operation with the SXBlue II GPS.
Chapters 2 and 3 present advanced features and configurations of the SXBlue II GPS for other
types of applications: high output rates, carrier-phase post-processing, base station and rover
configuration for RTK centimeter-level accuracies, etc.
1.3.1 Default Parameters
Although specified in the following chapters, this section provides tables that detail the default
parameters of the SXBlue II GPS as delivered.
Table 1-1 Default Applications
SXBlue II GPS SXBlue II-L GPS SXBlue II-B GPS
WAAS (SBAS)
(Automatic SBAS tracking)
L-Band (active by default)
(Requires OmniSTAR® VBS Subscription)
Other application installed: WAAS (SBAS)
WAAS (Beacon Input)
(Automatic RadioBeacon tracking)
Different applications can be installed in the SXBlue II GPS internal memory. The basic
application installed on all models is called WAAS and is valid for any of the currently available
WAAS (North America) compatible SBAS (Space Based Augmentation Systems): like EGNOS
(Europe), MSAS (Japan) and GAGAN (India).
Other optional applications for example are Auto-Dif, Local-Base, Local-Dif, Local-RTK, etc.