Leica GS50 User manual

User Manual / Getting Started with the GS50 / GS50+
50
403020 LEICA GS50 / GS50+
Version 4.0
English
LEICA GS50
GIS

2
Preface GS50 / GS50+-4.0.0en
Congratulations on your purchase of a new Leica Geosystems GS50 / GS50+.
This manual contains important safety directions as well as instructions for setting up the product
and operating it. Read carefully through the User Manual before you switch on the instrument.
GS50 / GS50 + Sensor

3
GS50 / GS50+-4.0.0en Preface
Product Identification
The model and serial number of the GPS Sensor (GS) and Terminal (TR) are indicated on the type plate. The model
designation of the External Antenna (AT/RTB/RTS) is indicated on the housing.
Please enter them here, and always refer to this information when you need to contact your agency or service
workshop.
GPS Sensor: Type: Serial No.:
GPS Terminal : Type: Serial No.:
External Antenna : Type:

4
Preface GS50 / GS50+-4.0.0en
Symbols Used In This Manual
Symbols used in this manual have the following meanings:
DANGER:
Indicates an imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
will result in death or serious injury.
WARNING:
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation or an unintended use
which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
CAUTION:
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation or an unintended use
which, if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury and /
or appreciable material, financial and environmental damage.
Important paragraphs which must be adhered to in practice as they
enable the product to be used in a technically correct and efficient
manner.

5
GS50 / GS50+-4.0.0en Preface
Overview
Introduction
System Description
Getting Started With New Equipment
Care and Transport
Technical Specifications
7
8
12
48
49
Overview

6
Preface GS50 / GS50+-4.0.0en Contents
Contents
1. Introduction ............................................... 7
2. System Description ................................... 8
2.1 GS50 / GS50+ Sensor .......................................... 8
2.2 GIS DataPRO Post-processing Software ............. 11
3. Getting Started With New Equipment .... 12
3.1 GIS DataPRO Post Processing Software ............ 12
3.2 Receiver Hardware ............................................. 12
3.2.1 Charging batteries ..................................... 12
3.2.2 Setting up the GS50 / GS50+ for field data
collection ............................................................ 13
3.3 Using the GS50 / GS50+ Sensor ......................... 15
3.3.1 Before you begin: ....................................... 15
3.3.2 QuickStart Tutorial - GIS Data Collection .... 19
3.3.3 QuickStart Tutorial- GIS Navigation/Update 36
3.4 Real Time Differential Options ............................. 41
3.4.1 Coastguard Beacon Differential Service ........41
3.4.2 Satellite based Landstar System (RTS) ........42
3.5 Offset Interface Options ........................................44
3.6 GIS Application .................................................... 44
3.7 Special Features ..................................................45
3.7.1 Max Trak ....................................................45
3.7.2 Auto Stop and Threshold Settings ................46
3.8 Processing Data In The GIS DataPRO Software .... 47
4. Care and Transport ................................. 48
5. Technical Specifications ......................... 49
5.1 GS50 / GS50+ Tracking Characteristics ................49
5.2 GPS Antennas .....................................................50
5.3 Equipment Weights ..............................................50
5.4 Power ..................................................................50
5.5 Environmental Specifications ................................50
5.6 Separation Distances ...........................................51
5.7 Baseline Precision ...............................................51

7
GS50 / GS50+-4.0.0en Preface
The Leica Geosystems GIS DataPRO system is com-
posed of both hardware and software components.
1. Introduction
The hardware consists of the GS50 /GS50+ sensor, TR500
terminal and antenna. This is used in the field to collect
and record spatial (position) and non-spatial attributes.
After the data is collected in the field, the GIS DataPRO
office software allows you to import, edit and export the
data to your GIS. The software can also be used to design
codelists which allow you to customize the field data
collection process to suit your needs. To learn more
about the GIS DataPRO office software, please consult
the "Getting Started with the GIS DataPRO Office Soft-
ware User Manual".
Introduction
Leica
GIS DataPRO
Hardware
GS50/GS50+
TR500
Antenna
Software
GIS DataPRO

8
System Description GS50 / GS50+-4.0.0en
2. System Description
The GS50 /GS50+ sensor consists
of both ahandheld terminal (TR500),
and the GPS receiver itself. The
GPS receiver receives the GPS
signal from the NAVSTAR satellites
and calculates a range to the satel-
lites that are visible.
The GS50 is a 12-channel L1 code
and phase GPS receiver. Phase
measurements are used internally to
smooth pseudorange measurements
for higher code positioning.
The GS50+ is a 12-channel L1, 12-
channel L2 code and phase GPS
receiver. The standard GS50+
records L1/L2 code and phase
measurements for post processing
and RTK purposes.
Data can be stored for post process-
ing in Ski-Pro or GISDataPRO.
Baselines can be calculated with a
precision of 5-10mm +/-2 ppm.
2.1 GS50 / GS50+ Sensor
With a radio modem the receiver can
be used for RTK measurements.
Coordinates can be calculated with a
precision of 1cm.
There are several Antennas avail-
able:
GS50:
• AT501 tracks L1 only
• RTB/RTS Combined Antennas
track L1 and RTCM Differential
signals.
GS50+:
• AT502 Dual frequency antenna
• AT 503 Dual Frequency Coke Ring
Antenna
• AT504 JPL Design Dual Frequency
Choke Ring Antenna
Please see section 5 for technical
specifications.

9
GS50 / GS50+-4.0.0en System Description
GPS Receiver
The TR500 terminal fits either directly on the receiver or can be connected to the terminal port using a cable.
A radio modem or an RTB module can also be fitted directly to the receiver. Alternatively, if the housing is not being
used, the radio modem can be connected to Port 1 or Port 2 using a cable. The GS50+ has an additional Port (Port 3
at the upper left side of the front plate ) that can be used also for Power/data in/out put.
The antenna is connected to the receiver via the ANT Port.
External power can be connected via a cable through the power port (PWR) or Port 2.
1. 5 pin Lemo. Power
2. Power ON/OFF
3. GPS Antenna in.
4. Port 2. 5 pin Lemo. Power/data in/out.
5. Pressure equalization vent.
6. Port 1. 8 pin Lemo. Power/data in/out.
7. PC Card door.
8. Terminal in/out or Remote Interface in/out.
9. Port 3. 8 pin Lemo Power/data in/out
(GS50+ only)
8
12 3 456
7
2.1 GS50 / GS50+ Sensor, contd.
9

10
System Description GS50 / GS50+-4.0.0en
Terminal (TR500)
Use the CONFIG key to enter the
Configuration menus at any time.
The CE key is used to clear the last
character entered when entering
names, numbers, etc. into the
receiver.
Use the ENTER key to confirm an
entry into the system.
Use the STATUS key to access
status information at any time.
Use the Cursor keys to move around
the screen.
The keys F7-F10 are user definable
function keys. They can be defined
to execute commands or access any
screen of your choosing.
2.1 GS50 / GS50+ Sensor, contd.
The terminal keyboard is a QWERTY
layout designed for use in tempera-
ture extremes and also for gloved
hands if necessary.
The six keys F1-F6 at the top of the
keyboard correspond to the six
softkeys that appear on the screen
when the terminal is activated.
Pressing Shift followed by F1 will
always activate the Help screen.
Pressing F6 will quit the Help and
return you to the screen you were on.
Alternatively, pressing Shift followed
by F6 will quit the current application.
Use the Esc key to step back to the
previous screen at any time.
Use the Shift key when the Shift
symbol (⇑) is displayed to reveal
further choices on the softkeys F1-F6.
L
F1 F2 F6F5F4F3
ESC SHIFT CE
Q
WERTYUIO
P
ASDFGHJKL
ZXCVBNM
CAPS
CONFIG SPACE ENTER
STATUS
789
456
123
0.±
ALT F7
ON/OFF
F8 F9 F10
HELP END

11
GS50 / GS50+-4.0.0en System Description
2.2 GIS DataPRO Post-processing Software
GIS DataPRO is used for data
collection preparation and data post
processing.
Please refer to the "Getting Started
with the GIS DataPRO Office Soft-
ware" User Manual for more details.

12
Getting Started With New Equipment GS50 / GS50+-4.0.0en
Charge the batteries with the Leica
Geosystems battery charger pro-
vided. GEB121, GEB70 or GEB71
batteries may be used to power the
GPS equipment.
The GEB121 batteries may be
charged using GKL111 or GKL122
chargers.
The battery chargers are
intended for indoor use only.
Use a battery charger in a dry room
only, never outdoors. Charge batter-
ies only at an ambient temperature
between 10°C and 30°C ( 50°F to
86°F ). We recommend a tempera-
ture of 0°C to +20°C (32°F to 68°F)
for storing the batteries.
3.2 Receiver Hardware
3.2.1 Charging batteries
Use only the Leica
Geosystems batteries,
chargers and accessories, or acces-
sories recommended by Leica
Geosystems.
The GEB70 and GEB71 batteries
may be charged using GKL122 (with
charging cables), GKL23 or GKL22
chargers.
Refer to the appropriate manual
when using the chargers.
To attain full battery capacity
for new GEB121 batteries, it
is essential to repeat between three
and five complete charge/discharge
cycles.
3.1 GIS DataPRO Post
Processing Software
3. Getting Started With New Equipment
To install the GIS DataPRO software:
1. Insert the CD-ROM into the CD
drive of your PC.
2. Execute the "Setup" command.
3. Follow the instructions that
appear on the screen.
Both a hardware and software user
manual can be found on the CD in
PDF format.
The software itself contains a com-
prehensive online Help System.

13
GS50 / GS50+-4.0.0en Getting Started With New Equipment
3.2.2 Setting up the GS50 / GS50+ for field data collection
The following will outline the steps
necessary to set up the GS50 /
GS50+ sensor for field data collec-
tion.
1. Connect the antenna to the sensor
using the antenna cable.
2. Plug two GEB121 batteries into
the backside of the sensor.
Alternatively, you may want to
power the sensor externally. In this
case, connect the external power
source to the Power port on the
front of the sensor.
For an external power
source, use only the Leica
Geosystems battery pack, or a
stable 12V source.
4. Insert a PC-Card into the
sensor.
Lock the lid carefully after insertion
of the card in order to prevent water
and dust from getting inside the
sensor.
Never insert or remove PC
cards with the system
powered on!
Your GS50 / GS50+ sensor is now
fully ready for operation.
3. Attach the TR500 terminal to the
sensor, either directly or via a
connection cable by plugging it
into the TERMINAL port on the
sensor.

14
Getting Started With New Equipment GS50 / GS50+-4.0.0en
By activating the format
command all data will be
lost! Make sure that all
important data which resides on the
PC-Card is properly backed-up
before reformatting the card. If you
want to reformat the internal memory
make sure that all important data is
first transferred to the PC.
If a PC-Card is being used for the
first time with the GS50 / GS50+, or
you wish to delete all data that
resides on the PC-Card, then follow
these steps to format the PC-Card.
From the main menu press 4 on the
terminal or use the Cursor key to
highlight the line "Utilities", then
press ENTER; alternatively press F1
CONT.
(If only lines 1 to 3 are visible at this
stage press F4 SHOW first).
Then press 2 to get access to the
"Format Memory Module" panel, or
alternatively use the Cursor key to
navigate to "Format Memory Module"
and press ENTER; again alterna-
tively press F1 CONT.
You are now in the Utilities \ Format
Memory Module panel:
If you want to format the PC-Card
just press F1 CONT to format the
card. Alternatively, if you have
purchased the internal memory
option, and would like to format it
press ENTER.
A listbox opens which allows you to
select the internal memory.
Use the cursor key to highlight
Internal, then press ENTER. Then
press F1 CONT in order to start the
formatting process of the internal
memory.
If, at this point, you do not wish to
format the memory device, simply
press ESC instead of F1 CONT. This
keystroke brings you always a step
back into the previous panel without
execution of any command.
Once the formatting of the card is
completed the MAIN\ panel will
reappear.
3.2.2.1 Formatting your memory card (optional)

15
GS50 / GS50+-4.0.0en Getting Started With New Equipment
The top part of the GS50 / GS50+ sensor panel contains
several symbols (icons) which indicate the current
system status.
3.3 Using the GS50 / GS50+ Sensor
3.3.1 Before you begin:
3.3.1.1 Icon Explanation
Please note that the GS50 is an L1 code only
receiver.
Accuracy Status
High Precision Navigation (cm level)
(available with the RTK option on GS50+)
Precision Navigation (0.5 - 5m level)
Navigation (<100m)
When no position is available, no icon is shown.
Position Mode
Static - the GPS Antenna should be held
stationary.
Moving - The GPS Antenna may move.
The Position Mode is governed by the type of operation
defined in the Configuration.
Accuracy
Status
Position
Mode
No. Visible
Satellites
No. Satellites
used on L1/L2
GSM
Status
Memory
Status
Local
Time
Radio
Status Observation
Recording
Status
Auto Position
Recording
Status
Battery
Status

16
Getting Started With New Equipment GS50 / GS50+-4.0.0en
No. Visible Satellites
The number of theoretically visible satellites according to
the current almanac is displayed. This number depends
on the last computed position within the receiver, and the
current almanac.
No. Satellites used on L1/L2
When an Accuracy Status icon is displayed, the number
of satellites currently used for the position computation is
shown. Satellites that are tracked with a poor signal
quality are not shown.
When no Accuracy Status icon is displayed the number
of tracked satellites are shown, irrespective of the signal
quality.
Please note that since the GS50 is an L1 code
only receiver, the number of satellites used on
L2 will be blank (-).
Radio Status
Radio Transmitting (blinks)
Radio Receiving (blinks)
If two radio modems are being used simultaneously, the
icon will alternate between each modem.
GSM Status
The GSM phone is connected to the network.
If this icon blinks, the GSM phone is either trying to
connect to or disconnect from the network.
3.3.1.1 Icon Explanation, contd.

17
GS50 / GS50+-4.0.0en Getting Started With New Equipment
Memory Status
Internal Memory selected
PC-Card selected
Safe to remove PC-Card
Memory level Indicator. Has 12 levels between:
Memory Empty and
Memory Full
Observation Recording Status
The receiver is recording raw GPS observa-
tions in Stationary mode. The receiver should
be held stationary.
The receiver is recording raw GPS observa-
tions in Moving mode. The receiver may move.
Auto Position Recording Status
Positions are being recorded automatically
according to distance.
Positions are being recorded automatically
according to time.
3.3.1.1 Icon Explanation, contd.

18
Getting Started With New Equipment GS50 / GS50+-4.0.0en
Local Time
The local date can be set to display either 12 or 24-hour
clock.
3.3.1.1 Icon Explanation, contd.
Battery Status
Battery Voltage OK
Battery supplying 2/3 peak voltage
Battery supplying 1/3 peak voltage
Battery empty
External battery is in use
The letter next to the batter icon indicates the battery
being used. "A" and "B" are the plug-in camcorder
batteries, and "E" is the external battery.

19
GS50 / GS50+-4.0.0en Getting Started With New Equipment
The QuickStart Tutorial will guide
you through a typical data collection
session.
Each step will indicate which panel
you should be viewing by displaying
the menu title in brackets (i.e. MAIN\
for the main menu panel).
3.3.2 QuickStart Tutorial - GIS Data Collection
Step 1: Beginning GIS Data
Collection (MAIN\)
Turn on the sensor by pressing the
ON button on the terminal. The
following panel will appear:
This is the main data collection
panel. Pressing ESC will take you to
the main menu:
From the main menu, entering "1" on
the keypad, or highlighting GIS Data
Collection using the cursor keys and
then pressing ENTER or F1 CONT
will bring you back to the main data
collection panel.
Upon power on you will see the
"Number of visible Satellites" icon,
indicating the number of satellites
which are theoretically visible at the
current location and time. Usually
this number varies between 4 and
12, depending on the satellite geom-
etry. This number is based on the
GPS Almanac saved in the GS50 /
GS50 + sensor and the last com-
puted position by the system. This
number does not indicate the
number of satellites the system is
tracking.

20
Getting Started With New Equipment GS50 / GS50+-4.0.0en
Next to this symbol you'll find the
"Number of Satellites used on L1
and L2 ". The number indicates the
currently tracked satellites on L1 and
L2. Note that only the GS50+ will
show tracking on L2 because of its
dual frequency capability. On initial
start-up, this number will read 0
since it takes about 30 seconds to
start tracking satellites.
Both "Number of visible satellites"
and "Number of satellites used"
icons will change from time to time,
reflecting changes in the satellite
geometry due to either the rise of
new satellites or the setting of
descending satellites.
Position Fix Indication
The GS50 / GS50+ sensor will
compute a 2D-position once 3
satellites are tracked. A 3-D position
will be computed once a minimum of
4 satellites are tracked.
Note that for certain reasons 2D
navigation can become disabled with
the configuration. Please check the
Technical reference for more infor-
mation.
If the accuracy icon does
not become visible even
after one or two minutes then the
sensor is still not tracking satellites.
One cause for this is the receiver
receiving signals at a location more
than 500km from the startup posi-
tion. If this is the case, then the
receiver will download a new alma-
nac. This will take about 15 minutes.
Another cause for the receiver not
tracking is a faulty antenna cable
connection. Please check whether
the antenna cable is connected
properly to both the sensor and
antenna.
If you're in an open area
with no obstructions, the
"number of satellites used" should
correspond to the "number of visible
satellites". However, in obstructed
areas, such as urban canyons or
forested areas, it is unlikely that the
receiver will be able to track all the
satellites in the sky. This is not a
problem, but will degrade the accu-
racy of measurements slightly.
Consequently, please keep monitor-
ing the accuracy icon.
If you are getting no position
at all, check if the DOP Filter
in the configuration setting is
configured to a small value.
Once the Accuracy Status icon
appears, data collection can begin.
3.3.2 QuickStart Tutorial - GIS Data Collection, contd.