Magellan Z-Max User manual

Getting Started with Z-Max
Z-Max GPS Surveying System
Thales Navigation, Inc.
471 El Camino Real
Santa Clara, California 95050 USA
www.thalesnavigation.com

1
Introduction
Congratulations! You have just acquired your new Z-Max™ GNSS Surveying System! GNSS (or Global
Navigation Satellite System) has revolutionized control surveys, topographic data collection and construction
surveying. Purchasing the right tools for a professional job is essential in today's competitive business
environment and learning to put these tools to work quickly and efficiently will be the focus of the Z-Max user
documentation.
If you're like us, then you're anxious to get started right away. You are not interested in reading a 300-page
user manual or searching through five different documents trying to find out how to assemble and turn on your
system. You want the right information, at the right time as you take the steps required to master GNSS
surveying. Getting Started with Z-Max is an easy-to-read booklet to help you identify and assemble the basic
parts of the system. The additional documentation section of this guide provides references to other system
documentation you will need as you become more familiar with the Z-Max System.
The Getting Started pamphlet will address the following questions:
• What are all the pieces in the shipping case?
• Did I receive everything I ordered?
• How does everything fit together?
• How can I quickly get started with my system?
• What documentation contains what information?
• Who do I contact if I need help?
The Getting Started pamphlet will not tell you how to survey with the system, or describe the technical features
of the system. The Getting Started pamphlet will give references to other user guides that will detail the
technical features of the Z-Max and surveying applications.
The Z-Max is a professional tool, and users are strongly advised to understand land surveying principles and
procedures before using this system.

2Z-Max Getting Started
What is in the shipping case?
You have opened your shipping case and you are looking at a collection of smaller containers that hold the
system accessories. Underneath the tray holding the smaller Z- Max parts, you will find a rugged case
containing the Z-Max Main Module.
The flexibility of the Z- Max system means each shipment may be different depending on your needs. To verify
your shipment, compare each item in the case with the items listed in the Shipping Document. Important items
will have part numbers on them and can be cross-referenced with the Shipping Document.
Z-Max GPS Receiver Module (P/N 800963)
GPS Antenna Module (P/N 800961)
Power Module and Charger
Max-Run (P/N 800974) or Max-Lite (P/N 800975)
This is the device that handles all the measuring,
recording, and processing of satellite
measurements. It also features a system control
interface on the front panel.
This is a highly sensitive antenna captures the faint
signals from the GNSS satellites. It is required for
the GPS Receiver Module to operate correctly.
The Z-Max Battery Module and charger.
The Battery Module provides power for
the system. The charger is used to
restore power in the battery.

3
Z-Max Communication Module (P/N 800964-0x)
Z-Max V Module (P/N 800964-01)
Interface Cables
Rover data link modules with UHF radios or cellular
modem.
For non-real-time systems, this device seals the
communications bay from moisture. The V-Module
looks similar to a Communications Module, so be
sure to verify the part number.
Cables for downloading data from the Z-Max
receiver to an office computer for processing.
USB Cable (P/N 110949)
Serial Data Cable (P/N 700461)

4Z-Max Getting Started
Tripod Mounting
Tribrach adapter (P/N 101199)
HI Measurement Tool (P/N 701083)
HI Measurement Plate (P/N 204456)

5
Typical Real-Time-Enabled Systems Will Include:
Vortex UHF Antenna Module (P/N 800962-x0)
Base Radio and Antenna
The rover UHF radio antenna.
Thales U-Link Transmitter (P/N 80098x-xx)
Base Radio, Data/power Cable, Antenna
Pacific Crest UHF Transmitter (P/N 110972-0x )
Base Radio, Data/power Cable, Antenna

6Z-Max Getting Started
RTK Pole (P/N 110977)
Mounting Bracket (P/N 204439)
The fixed-height survey pole.
Bracket used to mount the data collector
to the survey pole.

7
Typical Backpack-Mounted Rover Systems Will Include:
Z-Max Backpack (P/N 204437)
Range Pole RF Adapter (P/N 800979)
Max-RF Adapter (P/N 800978)
Provides a comfortable way for a person to carry the Z-Max
on their back.
Provides a cable interface on the survey pole. Used when
the Z-Max is in Backpack Configuration.
Provides a cable interface on the GPS Receiver
Module. Used when the Z-Max is in Backpack Con-
figuration.

8Z-Max Getting Started
GPS-RF Cable (P/N 730478)
UHF-RF Cable (P/N 730473)
Th
e
GPS
-
RF
ca
bl
e
th
a
t
connec
t
s
th
e
R
ange
Pole RF Adapter to the Max-RF Adapter. The
cables for the GPS RF and the UHF RF are
identical except for color coding; the GPS RF
cable is coded black. Cables are required
when the Z-Max is in Backpack Configuration.
Th
e
UHF
-
RF
ca
bl
e
th
a
t
connec
t
s
th
e
R
ange
P
o
l
e
RF Adapter to the Max-RF Adapter. The cables
for the GPS- RF and the UHF-RF are identical
except for color coding; the GPS-UHF cable is
coded grey. Cables are required when the Z-Max
is in Backpack Configuration.

9
Getting Started
Let's get your system operational.
1. Charge the Power Module
The Power Module will arrive partially charged, but the charge level may be from 1% to 90%. So, plug in your
charger and connect the Power Module to the charger as shown in Figure 1. Charge the Power Module for at
least 2-3 hours to make sure that your Power Module is charged enough to get you through this booklet.
Charging the Power Module overnight is recommended. If you don't completely charge your Power Module
now, be sure to do so before going out into the field.
2. Attach the Power Module to the GPS Receiver Module.
Attach the Power Module to the GPS Receiver Module as shown in Figure 2.
Figure 1 Power Module and Charger
Figure 2 Power Module and GPS Receiver Module