SEPTENTRIO AsteRx-U3 User manual

AsteRx-U3
User Manual

User Manual Version 1.1
Applicable to version 4.11.1 of the AsteRx-U3 Firmware
June 17, 2022
Thank you for choosing the AsteRx-U3! This user manual provides detailed instructions on
how to use AsteRx-U3 and we recommend that you read it carefully before you start using
the device.
Please note that this manual provides descriptions of all functionalities of the AsteRx-U3
product family however, the particular AsteRx-U3 you purchased may not support functions
specific to certain variants.
Pictures are shown for illustration purpose only and actual product may vary due to
product evolution. While we try to keep the manual as complete and up-to-date as
possible, it may be that future features, functionality or other product specifications change
without prior notice or obligation. The information contained in this manual is subject to
change without notice. We recommend you to look for new or updated information in our
Knowledge Base at https://customersupport.septentrio.com/s/topiccatalog
© Copyright 2000-2022 Septentrio NV/SA. All rights reserved.
Septentrio
Greenhill Campus, Interleuvenlaan 15i
B-3001 Leuven, Belgium
http://www.septentrio.com
support septentrio.com
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Septentrio
2

CONTENTS
Contents
1 Introduction 5
1.1 USER NOTICES ............................................................................... 5
1.1.1 CE Notice ........................................................................... 5
1.1.2 ROHS/WEEE Notice................................. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1.1.3 Safety information .................................. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1.1.4 Support ............................................................................. 6
2 AsteRx-U3 overview 7
2.1 ASTERX-U3 KEY FEATURES ................................................................. 7
2.1.1 GNSS ................................................................................ 7
2.1.2 Physical and Environmental .. . . . . . . . . . . ......................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
2.2 ASTERX-U3 VARIANTS ...................................................................... 9
2.3 ASTERX-U3 DESIGN ......................................................................... 10
2.3.1 Front panel .................................... .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
2.3.2 LED description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . . . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . 11
2.3.3 Rear panel.......................................................................... 12
2.3.4 SIM card slot (optional) ....................................... ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
2.3.5 Mounting brackets . ................................. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
2.3.6 Internal memory .................................................................. 15
2.4 SHIPPING BOX CONTENTS .................................................................. 16
2.4.1 Supplied as standard . . . . . ......................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
2.4.2 Optional items . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
3 Quick start 18
3.1 POWERING THE ASTERX-U3 ................................................................ 18
3.2 CONNECTING AN ANTENNA ................................................................ 19
3.3 CONNECTING TO THE ASTERX-U3 VIA THE WEB INTERFACE ............................ 19
3.3.1 Using the USB cable ................................. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
3.3.2 Using the Ethernet cable .............................. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
3.4 HOW TO CONFIGURE SBF AND NMEA OUTPUT .......................................... 22
3.4.1 Output over a serial COM connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .......... 22
3.4.2 Output over Ethernet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ....................... . . . . . . . 27
3.5 HOW TO CONFIGURE CAN OUTPUT ....................................................... 31
3.5.1 Supported NMEA2000 and J1939 CAN messages. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
4 Rover operation 34
4.1 HOW TO CONFIGURE THE ASTERX-U3 FOR RTK .......................................... 34
4.1.1 How to configure the AsteRx-U3 in RTK rover mode using the UHF radio 34
4.1.2 How to configure the AsteRx-U3 in RTK rover mode using the cellular
modem and NTRIP .............................. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
4.1.3 How to configure the AsteRx-U3 in RTK rover mode using TCP/IP in a
closed network ............................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 42
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CONTENTS
4.2 HOW TO CONFIGURE THE ASTERX-U3 FOR ATTITUDE ................................... 46
4.3 HOW TO OUTPUT A PPS SIGNAL ........................................................... 49
4.3.1 Time synchronization using the PPS signal ............................ . . . . . . . . 50
5 Base station operation 51
5.1 HOW TO CONFIGURE THE ASTERX-U3 AS AN RTK BASE STATION USING THE UHF
RADIO ........................................................................................ 51
5.2 CONFIGURING THE ASTERX-U3 NTRIP CASTER .......................................... 55
6 Receiver Monitoring 58
6.1 BASIC OPERATIONAL MONITORING ........................................................ 58
6.2 AIM+: USING THE SPECTRUM ANALYZER TO
DETECT AND MITIGATE INTERFERENCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 60
6.2.1 Narrowband interference mitigation ........................................... 61
6.2.2 Wideband interference mitigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
6.3 HOW TO LOG DATA FOR PROBLEM DIAGNOSIS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ........... 64
6.4 SUPPORT SBF FILE .......................................................................... 64
6.5 ACTIVITY LOGGING .......................................................................... 66
7 Receiver Administration Operations 67
7.1 HOW TO CHANGE IP SETTINGS OF THE ASTERX-U3 ...................................... 67
7.2 HOW TO CONFIGURE DYNAMIC DNS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .............................. . . . . . . 68
7.3 HOW TO CONTROL ACCESS USING THE ASTERX-U3 FIREWALL .......................... 69
7.4 HOW TO UPGRADE THE FIRMWARE OR UPLOAD A NEW PERMISSION FILE .............. 70
7.5 HOW TO SET THE ASTERX-U3 TO ITS DEFAULT CONFIGURATION ........................ 72
7.6 HOW TO RESET THE ASTERX-U3 ........................................................... 72
7.7 HOW TO COPY THE CONFIGURATION FROM ONE RECEIVER TO ANOTHER .............. 73
8 Security 75
8.1 DEFAULT ACCESS TO THE ASTERX-U3 ...................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
8.2 DEFINING USER ACCESS TO THE ASTERX-U3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ................... 75
8.3 USER ACCESS:AN EXAMPLE ................................................................ 76
8.3.1 Using SSH key authentication ........................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
8.4 HTTP/HTTPS ............................................................................... 78
9 Appendix 80
9.1 REAR-PANEL PORT DESCRIPTIONS ......................................................... 80
9.1.1 Power (PWR) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
9.1.2 Ethernet (ETH) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
9.1.3 USB.................................................................................. 81
9.1.4 General Purpose Interface (GPI)......................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
9.1.5 Serial (COM1/3) ................................................ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
9.1.6 Serial (COM2) ....................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .... 82
9.2 UHF RADIO BAUD RATES ................................................................... 83
4

1 Introduction
1.1 User Notices
1.1.1 CE Notice
AsteRx-U3 receivers carry the CE mark and are as such compliant with the
2014/53/EU - Radio Equipment Directive (RED), 2011/65/EU - Restriction
of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Directive and 93/68/EC - CE-marking
Directive.
With regards to EMC, the AsteRx-U3 receiver is declared as class A, suitable
for residential or business environment. In a domestic environment this
product may cause radio interference in which case the user may be
required to take adequate measures.
1.1.2 ROHS/WEEE Notice
The AsteRx-U3 receivers are compliant with the latest WEEE,
RoHS and REACH directives. For more information see
www.septentrio.com/en/environmental-compliance.
1.1.3 Safety information
The power supply provided by Septentrio (if any) should not be replaced by
another. If you are using the receiver with your own power supply, it must
have a double isolated construction and must match the specifications of
the receiver.
Ultimate disposal of this product should be handled according to all
national laws and regulations.
5

1.1. USER NOTICES
The equipment and all the accessories included with this product may
only be used according to the specifications in the delivered release note,
manual or other documents delivered with the receiver.
The device should be installed in a restricted access area and used by
skilled or instructed personnel.
1.1.4 Support
For first-line support please contact your AsteRx-U3 dealer. Further information can be
found on our website or by contacting Septentrio Technical Support.
http://www.septentrio.com
Headquarters
Septentrio NV Phone: [phone]
Greenhill Campus (HQ) Fax: [phone]
Interleuvenlaan 15i, sales septentrio.com
3001 Leuven,
Belgium
6

2 AsteRx-U3 overview
The AsteRx-U3 provides multi-frequency, multi-constellation GNSS positioning capability
together with GNSS Heading and wireless communication options within a rugged IP68
housing for the broadest range of applications. AsteRx-U3 can be easily monitored and
configured without any special software via the built-in web user interface accessible via
WiFi, Ethernet or USB connection.
2.1 AsteRx-U3 key features
•544 channels for full-constellation, triple-frequency satellite tracking on both antennas
•Precise and robust heading calculation
•cm-level (RTK) with high update rate and low latency
•RTK Rover or Base operation
•Septentrio GNSS+algorithms for robust industrial performance
•Integrated cellular modem, Bluetooth, WiFi and UHF radio options
2.1.1 GNSS
•544 hardware channels
•Up to 100 Hz Raw data output (code, carrier, navigation data)
•Up to 100 Hz SBAS, DGNSS and RTK positioning
•A Posteriori Multipath Estimator Technique (APME+), including code and phase
multipath mitigation
•AIM+ interference unit mitigates against wide and narrow-band interference
•IONO+ Advanced scintillation mitigation
•RAIM Receiver Autonomous Integrity Monitoring
•Differential GNSS (base station and rover)
•Real Time Kinematic (base and rover)
•Moving base positioning
•16 GB Internal Memory for logging
Connectivity
•3 hi-speed serial ports (RS232/RS422)
•Ethernet port (TCP/IP and UDP)
•CAN port
•High-speed USB
•1 Event marker
•xPPS output (max. 100 Hz)
•Integrated Bluetooth 5.2 - optional
•Integrated WiFi (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac) - optional
•Integrated UHF (410-475 MHz) - optional
•Integrated Cellular Modem (EDGE, 2G, 3G, 3.5G, 4G) - optional
7

2.1. ASTERX-U3 KEY FEATURES
2.1.2 Physical and Environmental
Size: 157 x 200 x 50 mm (not including brackets and connectors)
Size: 183 x 242 x 56 mm (including brackets and connectors)
Weight: 1.1 kg
Input voltage: 9-48 V DC
Power consumption: 8 W typical
PoE Input voltage: 37-57 V DC
Temperature Range: -30 to +65 ◦C (operational)
-40 to +75 ◦C (storage)
Ingress Protection: IP68
Humidity IEC60721-3-5, Class 5K2
Dust MIL-STD-810H, Method 510.7, Procedure I
Shock MIL-STD-810H, Method 516.8, Procedure I/II
Vibration MIL-STD-810H, Method 514.8, Procedure I
Corrosion IEC60068-2-52, Method 2
8

2.2. ASTERX-U3 VARIANTS
2.2 AsteRx-U3 variants
The AsteRx-U3 is available in multiple variants:
Variant Main features
(Part number)
AsteRx-U3
ANNNNR •Dual antenna GNSS receiver
AsteRx-U3
ANNUNR
•Dual antenna GNSS receiver
•Integrated UHF modem
AsteRx-U3
ANEUNR
•Dual antenna GNSS receiver
•Integrated 4G Cellular modem
•Integrated UHF modem
AsteRx-U3
ANEKNR
•Dual antenna GNSS receiver for the Korean market
•Integrated 4G Cellular modem
•Integrated UHF modem
AsteRx-U3
AWNUNR
•Dual antenna GNSS receiver
•Integrated Wi-Fi modem
•Integrated Bluetooth modem
•Integrated UHF modem
9

2.3. ASTERX-U3 DESIGN
2.3 AsteRx-U3 design
2.3.1 Front panel
The front-panel layout of the AsteRx-U3 integrating Bluetooth/Wi-Fi and Cellular antenna
connectors is shown in Figure 2-1. Depending on the configuration, some connectors may
be present or not on the device.
Figure 2-1: AsteRx-U3 front-panel layout
10

2.3. ASTERX-U3 DESIGN
2.3.2 LED description
LED Icon Behavior
blue
Off: Bluetooth disabled
On: Bluetooth connected
Blinking slowly: Not connected but discoverable
green
Off: WiFi disabled
On: Access-point mode or client mode
Blinking slowly: Establishing a connection in client mode
Blinking quickly: Error, not connected
green
Off: Not logging
On: Logging active, disk is mounted
Blinking slowly: Logging active, disk-space is low
Blinking quickly: Disk is full or not mounted
green
Off: No reception of correction data
Blinking: Blinks on reception of correction data
green
Off: No PVT available
On: PVT available
green
Off: UHF radio modem disabled or no data transferred
Blinking: Data package sent/received
green
Off: Receiver is powered off
On: Receiver is powered on
11

2.3. ASTERX-U3 DESIGN
2.3.3 Rear panel
Figure 2-2 shows the layout of the rear-panel connectors on the AsteRx-U3. The PIN
assignments for each socket can be found in the Appendix.
Figure 2-2: AsteRx-U3 rear-panel layout
2.3.4 SIM card slot (optional)
Important: Only insert or remove the SIM card while the unit is powered down.
AsteRx-U3 accepts a nano SIM (4FF), required for the operation of the integrated cellular
modem. The SIM card can be inserted into the SIM connector in the front panel of the
AsteRx-U3 as shown in Figure 2-3.
Remove the SIM connector cap by unscrewing it, then insert the SIM card until it is locked in
place. Close the SIM connector cap carefully, making sure it is properly fastened.
Note: Multi-carrier SIM cards are not supported.
12

2.3. ASTERX-U3 DESIGN
Figure 2-3: SIM card slot on the AsteRx-U3
2.3.5 Mounting brackets
The AsteRx-U3 is supplied with mounting brackets for fixing the unit using 4 bolts. The size
of the fixing bolts can be M6 or smaller and the distance between the holes is shown in
Figure 2-4.
Important: When selecting a mounting location for the receiver, please take into account
the following precautions:
•When installed in vehicles, the unit should be properly secured to avoid injuries or
damaging the receiver or nearby equipment.
•Select a mounting location that allows enough space to access the front and rear panel
of the AsteRx-U3.
•Make sure the receiver and the cables will not be damaged, for example by moving
parts or sharp edges.
•Make sure the conditions at the installation location never exceed the specifications of
the AsteRx-U3.
•Cover all unused connectors with caps. If the receiver is exposed to marine atmosphere
or high humidity, apply dielectric grease to all connectors.
13

2.3. ASTERX-U3 DESIGN
Figure 2-4: Mounting brackets fitted to the AsteRx-U3
14

2.3. ASTERX-U3 DESIGN
2.3.6 Internal memory
The AsteRx-U3 has 16 GB of internal memory for data logging. Data can be logged in SBF or
NMEA format and may be retrieved via the logging tab of the web interface.
15

2.4. SHIPPING BOX CONTENTS
2.4 Shipping box contents
2.4.1 Supplied as standard
The following items with their part numbers are supplied as standard with AsteRx-U3.
2.4.2 Optional items
The following accessories can be ordered with AsteRx-U3.
Figure 2-6: Power cable, M12 to DC jack 5.5mmx2.1mm, 1.3m (216203)
Figure 2-7: Ethernet cable, M12 to RJ45, 2m (216204)
Figure 2-8: USB Cable, M8 to USB Type A, 1m (216207)
Figure 2-9: COM2 Serial Cable, M12 to DB9 female, 1.8m (216205)
16

2.4. SHIPPING BOX CONTENTS
Figure 2-10: PPS Cable, M12 to 1 x BNC male, 1.5m (216206)
Figure 2-11: COM1 Serial Cable, M8 to DB9 female, 1.8m (216208)
Figure 2-12: COM1 and COM3 Serial Cable, M8 to 2x DB9 female, 1.8m (216209)
Figure 2-13: CAN and Event Cable, M8 unterminated, 3m (216210)
Figure 2-14: Power cable, M12 unterminated, 3m (216214)
17

3 Quick start
This section details how to power-up, connect to and communicate with the AsteRx-U3. The
AsteRx-U3 has an on-board web interface which the user can connect to in three ways:
Ethernet, USB or WiFi. The AsteRx-U3 is fully configurable using the web interface. Please
note that older versions of certain browsers may not display the web interface properly.
3.1 Powering the AsteRx-U3
Using a power cable, the receiver can be powered by applying 9 to 48 V via the power-in wire.
The power socket is indicated in Figure 3-1.
Figure 3-1: Rear panel power socket
AsteRx-U3 can also use Power over Ethernet, 802.3af mode A (37-57 VDC) by using the ETH
socket.
Figure 3-2: Rear panel ETH socket
The AsteRx-U3 does not have a power button and the unit will power up automatically when
power is applied. When the unit is powered initially, the front-panel LEDs will follow a boot
sequence pattern.
18

3.2. CONNECTING AN ANTENNA
3.2 Connecting an antenna
The rear panel of the AsteRx-U3 has two TNC connectors for GNSS antennas: one for the
main antenna and one for an auxiliary antenna for heading applications. To get started,
connect an antenna via an antenna cable to the main antenna connector of the AsteRx-U3
indicated in Figure 3-3. An overview of the antennas which are directly compatible with
the receiver can be obtained using the lstAntennaInfo command. For more information
regarding these and other commands, please refer to the Firmware Reference Guide.
Figure 3-3: Rear-panel main and auxiliary antenna connectors
3.3 Connecting to the AsteRx-U3 via the Web
Interface
You can connect to the receiver on any device that supports a web browser using the
receiver’s on board Web Interface. The connection can be made using either USB or Ethernet.
The following sections describe each of the connection methods.
3.3.1 Using the USB cable
Connect the USB cable to the connector labeled ’USB’ on the rear panel of the AsteRx-U3 and
indicated in Figure 3-4.
Figure 3-4: Rear panel USB socket
The first time that the USB cable is connected to a device, you may be prompted to allow
installation of drivers which can take several minutes. When the drivers have been installed,
it is recommended to unplug then re-plug in the USB cable on your device to fully activate
the drivers.
19

3.3. CONNECTING TO THE ASTERX-U3 VIA THE WEB INTERFACE
When the drivers have been correctly installed, the USB connection will appear as a
removable storage device as shown in Figure 3-5.
Figure 3-5: Screenshot showing USB connection after driver installation
The USB connection on the AsteRx-U3 functions as network adapter and the DHCP server
running on the receiver will always assign the AsteRx-U3 the IP address 192.168.3.1.
To connect to the AsteRx-U3, you can then simply open a web browser using the IP address
192.168.3.1 as shown in Figure 3-6.
Figure 3-6: Connect to the Web Interface of the AsteRx-U3 over USB using the IP
address 192.168.3.1 on any web browser
20