GPS Expansion Pod The GPS Expansion Pod integrates the Trimble Lassen LP GPS receiver with the Field PC. The Field PC remains fully rugged when the GPS Expansion Pod is attached. With the Field PC and GPS Expansion Pod, you can collect GPS positions using an appropriate Windows Mobile application program. A compact 3.3 V active micropatch antenna is mounted to the top of the Field PC to receive the GPS signal. This document explains how to use the GPS Expansion Pod.
Attaching the Antenna Bracket Before you can use the GPS Expansion Pod, you must attach the antenna bracket using the GPS Pod Setup Program. To do this, complete the following steps: 1. Remove the antenna bracket assembly from the bag and loosen the two thumbscrews located at the bottom of the mount. 2. Remove the stylus from the Field PC. 3. Insert the antenna bracket mount by placing the attached stylus into the top of the Field PC.
7. Attach the antenna on the antenna bracket. 8. Remove the protective cap from the connector labeled GPS ANT (save the cap for future use). Screw the antenna cable into the Expansion Pod. You have completed the steps to attach the antenna bracket to the Field PC GPS Expansion Pod. GPS Pod Setup Program The GPS Pod Setup program is factory installed on your Field PC.
1. Go to Start > Programs > GPS Pod Setup, and the GPS Receiver Port Settings screen opens. At the bottom of the screen, there are three function buttons: Get Settings Apply Settings Reset Receiver Get Settings The Get Settings button is used to see the receiver’s current settings without changing the settings. Pressing Get Settings performs a search for the GPS receiver, the search can take up to one minute to find the settings.
Reset Receiver The Reset Receiver button returns all of the settings on the GPS receiver to their default setting. This function enables you to start over in the event that an error was made. 2. Tap on the Get Settings button and wait approximately one minute for the settings to appear. 3.
your Field PC to match your program. If you change the settings on your Field PC, tap on Apply Settings. The COM Port and Data Bit are set and not changeable on the Field PC. All GPS programs that offer these settings to be changed must be set to the following Field PC settings. COM Port: 3 Data Bits: 8 6. Connect the GPS. The Field PC must be outside in clear sky conditions (this means free from tree foliage, buildings, power lines, etc.) to receive a new GPS almanac.
TSIP Format The TSIP is the default setting for the GPS Expansion Pod. The settings are COM Port: COM3, Protocol: TSIP, Baud: 9600, Parity: None, Data Bit: 8, Stop Bit: 1. NMEA Format The NMEA format does not have any default settings and must be selected manually. When NMEA is selected, you have the ability to enable or disable certain NMEA packet types.
After the settings have been selected, tap on the Apply Settings button to save the new settings. Tap on the Get Settings button to bring up the GPS pod current settings to double check them. Reviewing and Editing the Receiver Parameters Once you determine which data format you are going to use, follow these steps to review and edit the parameters as needed: 1. Click on the Get Settings button to reset the parameters to their default setting. 2.
Tips for Using the GPS Expansion Pod Keep the following tips in mind while using the Field PC with the GPS Expansion Pod: When attempting to receive GPS signals, get the clearest view of the sky as possible. Obstructions such as buildings, trees, mountains, and your body can keep signals from reaching the receiver. Do not cover the antenna with anything while you are using the system.
GPS Antenna Bracket Removal The GPS antenna bracket can be removed and reattached depending on your needs. To remove the GPS antenna bracket from your Field PC, complete the following steps: 1. Unscrew the antenna cable from the Field PC expansion pod. 2. Loosen the thumbscrews on the antenna bracket so that the antenna bracket and the two knobs at the end of the antenna bracket are no longer securely fastened. 3. Pull the antenna bracket off of the Field PC.
