Configuring the Topcon FC-25/25A (Getac PS535F) GPS for Use with i-Tree Streets

 

Topcon FC-25/25A is a pocket-sized, lightweight body with exceptional ruggedness. Conforming to the MIL standard and IP65 dust/water protection.

Features include:

• Windows Mobile® 6.5
• Embedded 20 Channel GPS Receiver
• WLAN/Bluetooth® Wireless
• 533MHz CPU / 256MB SDRAM
• Field-exchangeable Li-ion Battery
• Rugged and Lightweight (11.3 oz.)
• IP65 Dust/Water Protection
• FC-25A also with Built-in Camera, Compass, and Altimeter

i-Tree is a state-of-the-art, peer-reviewed software suite from the USDA Forest Service that provides urban forestry analysis and benefits assessment tools. i-Tree Tools are in the public domain and are freely accessible. http://www.itreetools.org/

To access i-Tree tools you will have to create a Username and Password and download the installation software

Setup the FC-25:

1. Select the Start icon

2. Select Settings

3. Select System

4. Select External GPS

5. Set Hardware to COM2, 4800

6. Set Programs to COM4

7. Select

Configure i-Tree Streets

1. Connect FC-25 to PC via Active Sync or Mobile Device Center

2. On the PC install and launch i-Tree Tools Streets module

3. Open the Sample Project

4. Save the Project to a desired location and rename.

5. Open the saved Project.

6. Select Input>Data Fields

7. Check the GPS Lat/Long box and Select (this must be checked to activate GPS)

8. Select Tools > Work with PDA

9. If there is no Application Version shown select . After installing select to send the i-Tree project to the FC-25.

10. Select

11. Select File > Exit

12. On the FC-25 launch i-Tree Streets from the Start Menu.

13. Select icon.

14. Select COM4, 4800, none, 8, one,. Use GPS API (WM5+)

15.

16. Select , no need to Test GPS.

17. Select .

18. Select the tab.

19. Select the button. If all settings are good, you should see the Acquiring signal… message in the bottom Box. Once the GPS is acquired, the data fields will populate allowing capture of the positional data.

Fleet tracking, a future for GIS mapping?

I was fortunate to attend the Government Fleet Expo this year in San Diego. The fleet management market is generally focused on managing assets and resources related to large fleets of vehicles used for transportation, delivery and construction purposes. This is a new market for me and possibly for many in the survey, mapping and GIS industries but is becoming closely related as GPS is used more widely for vehicle positioning, tracking and navigation.

As you can imagine many of these large fleets, especially in government, have vehicles numbering in the thousands for just a single fleet. All these vehicles will be collecting large amounts of positioning data that can be integrated with existing map data for route optimization, mileage reports, asset location, idle reports, delivery schedules and beyond. Most tracking solutions currently output reports in a text, excel or some

type of graphical format overlaid on existing maps such as Google Earth or Bing maps. An integration into existing GIS will be inevitable.

Future tracking systems will surely combine sensors, cameras, and even laser scanners to collect even more data as delivery drivers, trash collectors, road maintenance crews and others drive their routes as they knowingly (or unknowingly) collect data used for other purposes. This is already happening I'm sure, at what level or scale I don't know.

I believe it is important to keep up to date on this sector of the GPS market as many in the industry are already.

Are you currently using a fleet tracking system to collect data for GIS integration?

Fleet Tracking with Navman Wireless

Navman wireless has been providing innovative tracking and navigation solutions since 1987. Today Navman, as a worldwide competitor, continues to demonstrates why they’ve been so successful with the launch of products like the M-Nav 760 (vehicle navigation), the Qube (vehicle tracking), and the brain behind all of Navman Wireless' tracking, two-way messaging and navigation products, the award winning OnlineAVL2.

Online OnlineAVL2 allows complete access to every aspect of a fleet in real time and all on one screen. The robustness of this proprietary tool allows one to dissect data and analyze trends to better manage a fleet and mobile assets. The data collected, which Navman calls “Fleet and Mobile Asset Intelligence”, can increase profit potential by reducing cost, eliminating wasted effort, and improving customer service.

The Navman Wireless tracking solution works like this:

1. A dependable onboard device named The Qube is discreetly installed in the vehicle. The Qube is typically secured under the dash and out of sight. Using GPS technology the Qube tracks a vehicle in your fleet and reports real-time data to OnlineAVL2 through cellular data communications. The Qube is not only hidden but is also tamper-proof with a back-up battery and built-in motion sensor. The Qube can be used stand-alone as a tracking tool, or add Navman Wireless two-way messaging and navigation for a complete solution.

2. On your PC, using OnlineAVL2, display and report data on both on-road and off-road vehicles and equipment in real time to confirm deliveries and maximize operator productivity. Set up customized real-time notifications for events such as geofence entry/exit, excessive speeding and idling time. Report gathered information in a multitude of ways, from in-depth reports to executive summaries. Expose inefficiencies from fuel waste, inappropriate use and unnecessary payroll hours.

3. Navigation and messaging can be aded with the M-Nav 760. The M-Nav 760 is an in-cab terminal that facilitates not only fleet tracking, but also two-way messaging and business navigation. Used in combination with OnlineAVL2, dispatchers can push out turn-by-turn directions and job details to vehicles. In addition, the M-Nav 760 identifies the closest, best-equipped vehicle for the task at hand. M-Nav 760 also reduces driver distraction from mobile phones and maps, and can provide audio directions, notifications about traffic issues, delivery confirmations and move drivers on to their next jobs without lag time.

For more information visit www.holmans.com

Post Process Topcon TPS Files with OPUS

The Online Positioning User Service (OPUS) provides simplified access to high-accuracy National Spatial Reference System (NSRS) coordinates. Upload a GPS data file collected with a survey-grade receiver and obtain an NSRS position via email.

For Static Data Collection Reference: Collecting Static Data with the Topcon GRS-1

For Downloading TPS Log Files Reference: Downloading Topcon Static Files With TRU

OPUS requires minimal user input and uses software which computes coordinates for NGS' Continuously Operating Reference Station (CORS) network. The resulting positions are accurate and consistent with other National Spatial Reference System users.

Your computed NSRS position is sent privately via email, and, if you choose, can also be shared publicly via the NGS website. To use properly, please familiarize yourself with the information below.

Uploading

Using OPUS requires just five simple steps:

1. EMAIL
Enter the email address (e.g., your.email@domain.com) where you want OPUS to send your solution report.

2. DATA FILE
Provide OPUS a GPS observables data file in any format (for automatic conversion to RINEX format by UNAVCO's teqc converter) or convert it to RINEX yourself first. OPUS also recognizes compressed (UNIX or Hatanaka.yyd) or zipped (gzip or pkzip) files, including multiple data files in a single zip archive. For Topcon users the raw TPS file is accepted.

OPUS accepts receiver epoch rates of 1,2,3,5,10,15 or 30 seconds, all of which are decimated to 30 seconds for processing. Note: Though your data file may already contain survey metadata, including antenna type, height, and mark information; these are IGNORED as NGS has found they are inconsistently formatted.

3. ANTENNA TYPE
Select the antenna brand and model you used. This allows OPUS to determine the appropriate antenna calibration model for processing. Take care! Selection of an incorrect or default antenna may result in a height error as large as 10 cm. See Topcon antenna calibration to help find an exact match.

4. ANTENNA HEIGHT
Enter the vertical height in meters of your Antenna Reference Point (ARP) above the mark you are positioning, as shown in the image below. The ARP for your antenna type, usually the center of the base or tripod mount, is illustrated at Topcon antenna calibration. If you enter a 0.0 antenna height, OPUS will return the position of your ARP.

5. OPTIONS
Press OPTIONS to customize the way your solution is performed and/or reported. Your selections will override the optimized OPUS defaults and should therefore only be employed by experienced users.

PROCESSOR

OPUS currently provides two distinct processing softwares optimized for different data types:

1. STATIC (Best Solution): For OPUS static processing, your data file must contain at least 2 hours but not more than 48 hours of data.
2. RAPID-STATIC: For OPUS rapid-static processing, your data file must contain at least 15 minutes but not more than 2 hours of data, with all four observation types (L1,L2, P1 (or C1), and P2) present at each epoch used.

Downloading Topcon Static Files With TRU

After completing a static survey you will need to download data files to a computer for storage, post-processing or backup. Also, the receiver memory holds a finite amount of files and information, so downloading data prevents files from being lost. The new Topcon Receiver Utility (TRU) can be used to download files from the receiver to your computer, and to delete files from the receiver using a serial or Bluetooth connection.

Connecting the Receiver and a Computer

Make sure the computer has TRU installed. A current version of TRU can be found at www.topconpositioning.com on the user secure site.

Or download at this link

Downloading Files via TRU

Topcon Receiver Utility (TRU) is Topcon's hardware configuration software available for installation on desktop computers and hand-held controllers.

TRU is primarily designed for advanced users who need to configure their receiver hardware, or peripheral devices (internal and external modems, Bluetooth boards, etc.).

The application currently has two modes, Terminal and Receiver Managing, which include the following functionality:

• Receiver Information Dialogue
• GNSS Receiver Authorization Options Management
• Upload of Option Authorization Files (OAF) to a Topcon GNSS receiver
• Upload / update of component Firmware (such as Power Board, GNSS Receiver Board, internal Bluetooth, Radios, and / or Modems)
• Sending of utility commands such as Clear NVRAM or Reset Receiver

Before you can download files, you must connect your receiver and computer.

...Using Bluetooth

Perform the following to download files using Bluetooth:

1. Power on Topcon GPS Receiver and PC with Bluetooth enabled. (pairing is not required)

2. Launch TRU.

3. Set the Application Mode to Receiver Managing

4. From the Device pull-down Menu select Connect.

5. Select Bluetooth for the connection setting.

6. Click on the button next to Device Name to search for the Receiver Bluetooth port.

7. Select the receiver port and click

8. Click Connect.

9. Click on File Explorer

10. To down right-click on the log file in the File tab and select Download.

11. Browse to the directory on your PC where you want to save the TPS file and click

12. Delete files on the receiver by right-clicking and selecting Delete.

13. Disconnect from the device upon completion of downloads and file maintenance and Exit TRU.