Javad ALPHA User manual

All contents in this manual are copyrighted by JAVAD GNSS.
All rights reserved.The information contained herein may not be used, accessed, copied,
stored, displayed, sold, modified, published, or distributed, or otherwise reproduced without express
written consent from JAVAD GNSS.
ALPHA
GNSS Receiver
Operator’s Manual
Version 1.1
Last Revised March 23, 2009

www.javad.com

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Preface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Terms and Conditions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Regulatory Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
FCC Class B Compliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Canadian Emissions Labeling Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
WEEE Directive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Manual Conventions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Screen Captures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Related Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Technical Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Chapter 1. Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
1.1. Principles of Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
1.1.1. GNSS Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
1.1.2. Calculating Absolute Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
1.1.3. Calculating Differential Positions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
1.1.4. Essential Components for Quality measuring. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
1.2. Getting Acquainted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
1.2.1. Internal Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
ALPHA GNSS Receiver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Bluetooth® Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
1.2.2. External Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
Top panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
Front Panel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Back panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
Bottom Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
1.2.3. Cables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
1.2.4. Literature. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
1.2.5. Storage Precautions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

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1.3. Option Authorization File (OAF). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Chapter 2. Pre-measuring Preparation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
2.1. Installing JAVAD GNSS Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
2.1.1. Installing TriVU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
2.1.2. Installing ModemVU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
2.2. Installing the Optional SIM Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
2.3. Charging the Batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
2.3.1. Power supply requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
2.4. Powering the Receiver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
2.4.1. Turning On/Off the Receiver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
2.5. Connecting the Receiver and a Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
2.5.1. Establishing a Wireless Connection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
2.5.2. Establishing an RS232 Cable Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
2.5.3. Establishing a USB Cable Connection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
2.6. Bluetooth® Module Configuration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
2.7. Collecting Almanacs and Ephemerides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Chapter 3. Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
3.1. Configuring the Internal GSM Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
3.1.1. Configuring the GSM module for Point-to-Point radio link . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
3.1.2. Configuring the GSM module for Internet access . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Settings for the RCV subtab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Settings for the NTRIP subtab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Settings for the SERVER subtab. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
3.2. Configuring the Receiver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
3.3. TriPad Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Chapter 4. Setup and Measuring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
4.1. Receiver Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
4.1.1. Set up Receiver. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
4.1.2. Measure Antenna Height . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
4.1.3. External Antenna Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
4.1.4. Collect Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
4.2. TriPad Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
4.3. Static Measuring for Base Stations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

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4.4. Kinematic (Stop & Go) Measuring for Rover Stations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69
4.5. Real Time Kinematic Measuring. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70
Chapter 5. Receiver and File Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
5.1. Downloading Files to a Computer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73
5.2. Deleting Files. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76
5.3. Managing Receiver Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78
5.3.1. Checking an OAF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78
5.3.2. Loading OAFs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80
5.4. Managing Receiver Memory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81
5.5. Clearing the NVRAM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81
5.5.1. Using TriPad to Clear NVRAM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81
5.5.2. Using TriVU to Clear NVRAM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .82
5.6. Checking Firmware Version . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83
5.7. Loading New Firmware. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .84
Chapter 6. Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
6.1. Check This First!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .89
6.2. Powering Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .90
6.3. Receiver Problems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .90
6.4. Technical Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .93
6.4.1. Website . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .94
Appendix A. Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
A.1. Receiver Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .95
A.1.1. General Details. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .95
A.1.2. GNSS Board Details. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .99
A.1.3. Bluetooth® Module Details . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .100
A.1.4. GSM Module Details . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .100
A.2. Connector Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .101
Power Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .101
Serial RS-232C Connector. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .102
USB Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .103
RS422 and CAN Connector. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .103
GNSS External Antenna RF Connector. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .104
EVENT and 1PPS Connectors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .104

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Appendix B. Safety Warnings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
General Warnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Battery Pack Warnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Power Supply. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Usage Warnings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Appendix C. Warranty Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109

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PREFACE
Thank you for purchasing this product. The materials available in this Manual (the “Manual”)
have been prepared by JAVAD GNSS, Inc. (“JAVAD GNSS”) for owners of JAVAD GNSS
products. It is designed to assist owners with the use of the ALPHA receiver and its use is subject
to these terms and conditions (the “Terms and Conditions”).
Note: Please read these Terms and Conditions carefully.
Terms and Conditions
USE – JAVAD GNSS receivers are designed to be used by a professional. The user is expected to
have a good knowledge and understanding of the user and safety instructions before operating,
inspecting or adjusting. Always wear the required protectors (safety shoes, helmet, etc.) when
operating the receiver.
COPYRIGHT – All information contained in this Manual is the intellectual property of, and
copyrighted material of JAVAD GNSS. All rights are reserved. You may not use, access, copy,
store, display, create derivative works of, sell, modify, publish, distribute, or allow any third party
access to, any graphics, content, information or data in this Manual without JAVAD GNSS’
express written consent and may only use such information for the care and operation of your
ALPHA. The information and data in this Manual are a valuable asset of JAVAD GNSS and are
developed by the expenditure of considerable work, time and money, and are the result of original
selection, coordination and arrangement by JAVAD GNSS.
TRADEMARKS – ALPHA™, JAVAD GNSS®are trademarks or registered trademarks of
JAVAD GNSS. Windows®is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation; Bluetooth®word
mark is owned by the Bluetooth SIG, Inc. Product and company names mentioned herein may be
trademarks of their respective owners.
DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY – EXCEPT FOR ANY WARRANTIES IN THIS MANUAL
OR A WARRANTY CARD ACCOMPANYING THE PRODUCT, THIS MANUAL AND THE
ALPHA RECEIVER ARE PROVIDED “AS-IS.” THERE ARE NO OTHER WARRANTIES.
JAVAD GNSS DISCLAIMS ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR
FITNESS FOR ANY PARTICULAR USE OR PURPOSE. JAVAD GNSS AND ITS
DISTRIBUTORS SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR TECHNICAL OR EDITORIAL ERRORS OR

Preface
Terms and Conditions
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OMISSIONS CONTAINED HEREIN; NOR FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL
DAMAGES RESULTING FROM THE FURNISHING, PERFORMANCE OR USE OF THIS
MATERIAL OR THE ALPHA RECEIVER. SUCH DISCLAIMED DAMAGES INCLUDE BUT
ARE NOT LIMITED TO LOSS OF TIME, LOSS OR DESTRUCTION OF DATA, LOSS OF
PROFIT, SAVINGS OR REVENUE, OR LOSS OF THE PRODUCT'S USE. IN ADDITION,
JAVAD GNSS IS NOT RESPONSIBLE OR LIABLE FOR DAMAGES OR COSTS INCURRED
IN CONNECTION WITH OBTAINING SUBSTITUTE PRODUCTS OR SOFTWARE,
CLAIMS BY OTHERS, INCONVENIENCE, OR ANY OTHER COSTS. IN ANY EVENT,
JAVAD GNSS SHALL HAVE NO LIABILITY FOR DAMAGES OR OTHERWISE TO YOU
OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY IN EXCESS OF THE PURCHASE PRICE FOR THE
ALPHA RECEIVER.
LICENSE AGREEMENT – Use of any computer programs or software supplied by JAVAD
GNSS or downloaded from a JAVAD GNSS website (the “Software”) in connection with the
ALPHA receiver constitutes acceptance of these Terms and Conditions in this Manual and an
agreement to abide by these Terms and Conditions. The user is granted a personal, non-exclusive,
non-transferable license to use such Software under the terms stated herein and in any case only
with a single ALPHA or single computer. You may not assign or transfer the Software or this
license without the express written consent of JAVAD GNSS. This license is effective until
terminated. You may terminate the license at any time by destroying the Software and Manual.
JAVAD GNSS may terminate the license if you fail to comply with any of the Terms or
Conditions. You agree to destroy the Software and manual upon termination of your use of the
ALPHA receiver. All ownership, copyright and other intellectual property rights in and to the
Software belong to JAVAD GNSS. If these license terms are not acceptable, return any unused
software and manual.
CONFIDENTIALITY – This Manual, its contents and the Software (collectively, the
“Confidential Information”) are the confidential and proprietary information of JAVAD GNSS.
You agree to treat JAVAD GNSS' Confidential Information with a degree of care no less stringent
that the degree of care you would use in safeguarding your own most valuable trade secrets.
Nothing in this paragraph shall restrict you from disclosing Confidential Information to your
employees as may be necessary or appropriate to operate or care for the ALPHA receiver. Such
employees must also keep the Confidentiality Information confidential. In the event you become
legally compelled to disclose any of the Confidential Information, you shall give JAVAD GNSS
immediate notice so that it may seek a protective order or other appropriate remedy.
WEBSITE; OTHER STATEMENTS – No statement contained at the JAVAD GNSS website (or
any other website) or in any other advertisements or JAVAD GNSS literature or made by an
employee or independent contractor of JAVAD GNSS modifies these Terms and Conditions
(including the Software license, warranty and limitation of liability).

Preface
Regulatory Information
FCC Class B Compliance
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SAFETY – Improper use of the ALPHA receiver can lead to injury to persons or property and/or
malfunction of the product. The ALPHA receiver should only be repaired by authorized JAVAD
GNSS warranty service centers. Users should review and heed the safety warnings in Appendix
B on page 105.
MISCELLANEOUS – The above Terms and Conditions may be amended, modified,
superseded, or canceled, at any time by JAVAD GNSS. The above Terms and Conditions will be
governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of California, without
reference to conflict of laws.
Regulatory Information
The following sections provide information on this product’s compliance with government
regulations.
FCC Class B Compliance
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.
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 reason-
able protection against harmful interference in residential installations. 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 communica-
tions. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular instal-
lation.
If this equipment does cause interference to radio or television equipment 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.
• Move the equipment away from the receiver.
• Plug the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is
powered.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/television technician for additional
suggestions.

Preface
Regulatory Information
Canadian Emissions Labeling Requirements
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Note: Any changes or modifications to the equipment not expressly approved by the party responsible
for compliance could void your authority to operate such equipment.
Canadian Emissions Labeling Requirements
This Class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-Causing
Equipment Regulations.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B respecte toutes les exigences du Réglement sur le matériel
brouilleur du Canada.

DECLARATION of CONFORMITY
According to ISO/IEC Guide 22 and EN45014
European contact for regulatory topics only: ALLSAT GmbH Am Hohen Ufer 3A, 30159 Hannover, Germany
USA contact: Javad GNSS, Inc 1731 Technology Drive, San Jose, CA 95110. Phone [phone]
San Jose, January 21, 2008 Vladimir Zhukov, Product Regulations Manager
Manufacturer’s Name: JAVAD GNSS, Inc
Manufacturer’s Address: 1731 Technology Drive
San Jose, CA 95110
USA
declares, that the products
Product Name: ALPHA-G3T, ALPHA-G2T, ALPHA-G2 GNSS Receivers
Product Number: 01-573401-01, 01-573402-01, 01-573403-01
Product Options: All
conforms to the following Product Specification:
Safety:
Low Voltage Directive 73/23/EEC IEC 60950: 1999 3rd Edition / EN 60950-1:2001
EMC:
Directive 89/336/EEC EN 300 328, EN 301 511, 3GPP TS 51.010-1,
EN 301 489 – 1, EN 301 489 – 1
Supplementary Information:
The product herewith complies with the essential requirements of the directive 1999/5/EC of the
European Parliament and of the Council of 9March 1999 on radio equipment and
telecommunications terminal equipment (R&TTE) and the mutual recognition of their conformity
and carries the CE marking accordingly
1) These products were tested in a typical configuration with JAVAD GNSS, Inc. products

Preface
Manual Conventions
WEEE Directive
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WEEE Directive
The following information is for EU-member states only:
The use of the symbol indicates that this product may not be treated as household waste. By
ensuring this product is disposed of correctly, you will help prevent potential negative
consequences for the environment and human health, which could otherwise be caused by
inappropriate waste handling of this product. For more detailed information about the take-back
and recycling of this product, please contact your supplier where you purchased the product or
consult.
Manual Conventions
This manual uses the following conventions:
Note: Supplementary information that can have an affect on system operation, system performance,
measurements, or personal safety.
C AUTION : Notification that an action has the potential to adversely affect system operation, system per-
formance, data integrity, or personal health.
Warning: Notification that an action will result in system damage, loss of data, loss of warranty, or personal
injury.
D ANGER : UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD THIS ACTION BE PERFORMED.
Example Description
FileExit Click the File menu and click Exit
TriPad This format represents titles of dialog windows/boxes, names of
menu options, identifies program interface objects, such as
checkboxes, edit boxes, radio buttons, etc.
Temp This format is used to enter various string information (e.g., file and
directory names) as well as operator commands.

Preface
Screen Captures
Technical Assistance
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Screen Captures
This manual includes sample screen captures. Your actual screen can look slightly different from
the sample screen due to the receiver you have connected, operating system used and settings you
have specified. This is normal and not a cause for concern.
Related Information
Technical Assistance
If you have a problem and cannot find the information you need in the product documentation,
contact your local dealer. Alternatively, request technical support using the JAVAD GNSS World
Wide Web site at: www.javad.com

Preface
Related Information
Technical Assistance
14 www.javad.com

Chapter 1
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INTRODUCTION
Based on the TRIUMPH Chip, ALPHA is a fully integrated package ready for your demanding
jobs, offering precise and automatic performance beyond anything that you have experienced so
far. An elegant, rugged, light, and hermetically sealed box accommodates all GNSS and modem
electronics, and up to 10 hours of rechargeable batteries (Figure 1-1).
Figure 1-1. The ALPHA Receiver
ALPHA can receive and processes multiple signal types (including the latest GPS L5, GLONASS
C/A L2, and Galileo signals) improving the accuracy and reliability of your measuring points and
positions, especially under difficult jobsite conditions.
The GNSS component of ALPHA receivers means you can access the GPS (Global Positioning
System) satellites of the United States, the Galileo (an upcoming global positioning system
maintained and operated by Galileo Industries,) and the GLONASS (Global Navigation satellite
System) satellites of the Russian Federation, increasing the number of satellites your receiver can
detect, thus improving the accuracy of your measuring points, increasing productivity, and
reducing cost.
The ALPHA receiver provides the functionality, accuracy, availability, and integrity needed for
fast and easy data collection.

Introduction
Principles of Operation
GNSS Overview
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1.1. Principles of Operation
Measurements, including measuring with the right GNSS receiver can provide users accurate and
precise positioning, a requirement for any project. This section gives an overview of existing and
proposed Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) and receiver functions to help you
understand and apply basic operating principles, allowing you to get the most out of your receiver.
1.1.1. GNSS Overview
Currently, the following three global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) offer line-of-site radio
navigation and positioning, velocity, and time services on a global, all-weather scale to any user
equipped with a GNSS tracking receiver on or near the Earth’s surface:
• GPS – the Global Positioning System maintained and operated by the United States
Department of Defense. For information on the status of this system, visit the US Naval
Observatory website (http://tycho.usno.navy.mil/) or the US Coast Guard website (http://
www.navcen.uscg.gov/).
• GLONASS – the Global Navigation Satellite System maintained and operated by the
Russian Federation Ministry of Defense. For information on the status of this system, visit
the Coordinational Scientific Information Center website (http://www.glonasscenter.ru/
frame_e.html).
• Galileo – an upcoming global positioning system maintained and operated by Galileo
Industries, a joint venture of several European space agencies/companies working closely
with the European Space Agency. Unlike GPS and GLONASS, this is a civil endeavor and
is currently in the development and validation stage. For information on the status of this
system, visit the Galileo Industries website (http://www.galileo-industries.net).
Despite numerous technical differences in the implementation of these systems, satellite
positioning systems have three essential components:
• Space – GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo satellites orbit approximately 12,000 nautical miles
above Earth and are equipped with a clock and radio. These satellites broadcast ranging
signals and various digital information (ephemerides, almanacs, time&frequency corrections,
etc.).
• Control – Ground stations located around the Earth that monitor the satellites and upload
data, including clock corrections and new ephemerides (satellite positions as a function of
time), to ensure the satellites transmit data properly.
• User – The community and military that use GNSS receivers to calculate positions.

Introduction
Principles of Operation
Calculating Absolute Positions
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1.1.2. Calculating Absolute Positions
When calculating an absolute position, a stationary or moving receiver determines its three-
dimensional position with respect to the origin of an Earth-Center Earth-Fixed coordinate system.
To calculate this position, the receiver measures the distance (called pseudoranges) between it and
at least four satellites. The measured pseudoranges are corrected for clock differences (receiver
and satellites) and signal propagation delays due to atmospheric effects. The positions of the
satellites are computed from the ephemeris data transmitted to the receiver in navigation
messages. When using a single satellite system, the minimum number of satellites needed to
compute a position is four. In a mixed satellite scenario (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo), the receiver
must lock onto five or more satellites to account for the different time scales used in these systems
and to obtain an absolute position.
1.1.3. Calculating Differential Positions
DGPS, or Differential GPS, is a relative positioning technique where the measurements from two
or more remote receivers are combined and processed using sophisticated algorithms to calculate
the receivers’ relative coordinates with high accuracy.
DGPS accommodates various implementation techniques that can be classified according to the
following criteria:
• The type of GNSS measurements used, either code-phase differential measurements or
carrier-phase differential measurements
• If real-time or post-mission results required Real-time applications can be further divided
according to the source of differential data and communication link used.
With DGPS in its most traditional approach, one receiver is placed at a known, measured location
and is referred to as the reference receiver or base station. Another receiver is placed at an
unknown location and is referred to as the remote receiver or rover. The reference station collects
the code-phase and carrier-phase measurements from each GNSS satellite in view.
• For real-time applications, these measurements and the reference station coordinates are
then built up to the industry standard RTCM – or various proprietary standards established
for transmitting differential data – and broadcast to the remote receiver(s) using a data
communication link. The remote receiver applies the transmitted measurement
information to its observed measurements of the same satellites.
• For post-mission applications, the simultaneous measurements from reference and rover
stations are normally recorded to the receiver’s internal memory (not sent over
communication link). Later, the data are downloaded to computer, combined, and
processed.

Introduction
Principles of Operation
Essential Components for Quality measuring
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Using this technique, the spatially correlated errors – such as satellite orbital errors, ionospheric
errors, and tropospheric errors – can be significantly reduced, thus improving the position solution
accuracy.
A number of differential positioning implementations exist, including post-processing measuring,
real-time kinematic measuring, maritime radio beacons, geostationary satellites, and satellite
based augmentation systems (WAAS, EGNOS, MSAS). The real-time kinematic (RTK) method
is the most precise method of real-time measuring. RTK requires at least two receivers collecting
navigation data and communication data link between the receivers. One of the receivers is
usually at a known location (Base) and the other is at an unknown location (Rover). The Base
receiver collects carrier phase measurements, generates RTK corrections, and sends this data to
the Rover receiver. The Rover processes this transmitted data with its own carrier phase
observations to compute its relative position with high accuracy, achieving an RTK accuracy of up
to 1 cm horizontal and 1.5 cm vertical.
1.1.4. Essential Components for Quality measuring
Achieving quality position results requires the following elements:
• Accuracy – The accuracy of a position primarily depends upon the satellite geometry
(Geometric Dilution of Precision, or GDOP) and the measurement (ranging) errors.
– Differential positioning (DGPS and RTK) strongly mitigates atmospheric and orbital
errors, and counteracts Selective Availability (SA) signals the US Department of Defense
transmits with GPS signals.
– The more satellites in view, the stronger the signal, the lower the DOP number, the
higher positioning accuracy.
• Availability – The availability of satellites affects the calculation of valid positions. The
more visible satellites available, the more valid and accurate the position. Natural and
man-made objects can block, interrupt, and distort signals, lowering the number of
available satellites and adversely affecting signal reception.
• Integrity – Fault tolerance allows a position to have greater integrity, increasing accuracy.
Several factors combine to provide fault tolerance, including:
– Receiver Autonomous Integrity Monitoring (RAIM) detects faulty GNSS satellites and
removes them from the position calculation.
– Five or more visible satellites for only GPS or only GLONASS; six or more satellites for
mixed scenarios.
– Satellite Based Augmentation Systems (WAAS, EGNOS, etc.) creates and transmit, along
with DGPS corrections, data integrity information (for example, satellite health warnings).
– Current ephemerides and almanacs.

Introduction
Getting Acquainted
Internal Components
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1.2. Getting Acquainted
The ALPHA receiver is a 216-channel GNSS receiver with internal battery, an interface for
controlling and viewing data logging (TriPad), an optional internal GSM modem, a Bluetooth®
wireless technology module, and an GSM module.
The ALPHA receiver’s advanced design reduces the number of cable required for operation,
allowing you to measuring more reliably and efficiently. The casing allocates space for
rechargeable battery, a Bluetooth® wireless technology module, a multi-system receiver board,
and a modem.
1.2.1. Internal Components
ALPHA GNSS Receiver
Table below lists the options available for this card model.
Table 1-1. ALPHA GNSS Receiver
Bluetooth®Module
A combination of software and hardware technology that makes the ALPHA mobile, wireless,
GNSS receiver that supports a point-to-point serial profile. As such, the ALPHA can transfer and
synchronize files between the receiver and any other Bluetooth®wireless technology device that
supports serial profile, including portable handheld devices and external controllers, Bluetooth®
adapters for PC-USB/RS ports, mobile computers and phones, IPAQs, PCMCA-to-Bluetooth
adapters, etc.
With Bluetooth®wireless technology, the receiver’s reception and transmission distance is 10
meters (32 feet) for interior projects and 30–50 meters (98–164 feet) for exterior projects.
Receiver Type Available Options
ALPHA-G3 GPS L1, GLONASS L1,
Galileo E1, SBAS
ALPHA-G2T GPS L1/L2/L5,
Galileo E1/E5A, SBAS
ALPHA-G3T GPS L1/L2/L5, Galileo E1/E5A,
GLONASS L1/L2, SBAS

Introduction
Getting Acquainted
External Components
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The Bluetooth®module’s processor and firmware are independent of the receiver card and power
board.
Modem
The ALPHA receiver incorporates an internal Cellular GSM/GPRS Modem with Telit® Module
(GE864 - QUAD) - GSM/GPRS single quad-band cell phone frequency modem (Europe: 900/
1800 MHz; USA and Canada: 850/1900 MHz).
Note: To comply with RF exposure requirements, maintain at least 20 cm between the user and the
transceiver.
The Base station operator is responsible for complying with local regulations for radio operation.
In the US, the FCC regulates the use of radio transmitters, requiring a license. Broadcasting
without a license can result in severe penalties including the confiscation of your radio and GNSS
equipment.
Battery
C AUTION : Risk of explosion if battery is replaced by an incorrect type. Dispose of used battery according
to the instructions.
The ALPHA receiver is equipped with one no removable, on-board, rechargeable Lithium-Ion
battery connected to the receiver’s board. This Lithium-Ion battery is 7.2 V, 1.37 Ah.
1.2.2. External Components
The ALPHA receiver has three main panels used for data collection and user interface, and to
provide connections for external devices. The ALPHA casing includes a user interface, a power
port, and ports for configuration.