User Manual Version V1.0-20170823 User Manual For AG960-Base 2017 Tersus GNSS Inc. All rights reserved. Sales & Technical Support: sales@tersus-gnss.com & support@tersus-gnss.com More details, please visit www.tersus-gnss.com
Table of Content Introduction... 3 1 Introduction of AG960 AutoSteer System, Base Station (AG960-Base)... 3 2 Components of AG960-Base... 5 2.1 Product List... 5 2.2 Electrical Connection Relation... 8 3 Installation of AG960-Base... 9 3.1 Extend the tripod... 9 3.2 Install antenna bracket assembly... 9 3.3 Assemble radio transmitting antenna... 10 3.4 Install GNSS receiver... 11 3.5 Connect the RF cable and the power cable... 11 4 Operation... 13 4.1 Power the equipment on... 13 4.2 Power adjustment... 13 4.3 Channel adjustment... 14 5 Operation... 16 6 Troubleshooting... 18 List of Tables Table 1 AG960-Base unpacking list... 5 Table 2 Daily maintenance key points of AG960-Base... 16 Table 3 Daily maintenance key points of AG960-Base... 18 List of Figures Figure 1 Autopilots work with GNSS (GPS/GLONASS/BDS) and differential reference station... 4 Figure 2 Outlook of AG960-Base package... 5 Figure 3 Outlook of Slender radio transmitting antenna rod... 6 Figure 4 Outlook of thick radio transmitting antenna rod... 6 Figure 5 Outlook of GNSS receiver... 6 Figure 6 Outlook of power cable... 6 Figure 7 Outlook of antenna bracket assembly... 7 Figure 8 Outlook of GNSS antenna... 7 Figure 9 Outlook of GNSS antenna cable... 7 Figure 10 Outlook of radio transmitting antenna mount and cable... 7 Figure 11 Outlook of tripod... 7 Figure 12 Connection of AG960-Base... 8 1 / 20
Figure 13 Extend the tripod... 9 Figure 14 Install antenna bracket assembly... 10 Figure 15 Assemble slender and thick rods of radio transmitting antenna... 10 Figure 16 Install the radio transmitting antenna to the base... 10 Figure 17 Install GNSS receiver... 11 Figure 18 Connect GNSS antenna RF cable... 12 Figure 19 Connect radio transmitting antenna RF cable... 12 Figure 20 Connect power port of satellite receiver... 12 Figure 21 Connect the battery... 12 Figure 22 The Power indicator light at the front plate of the satellite receiver turns on... 13 Figure 23 The L power level shown at the front plate of the GNSS receiver... 14 Figure 24 GNSS receiver channel indicator... 15 Figure 25 Set to the same channel as the base station at the rover station... 15 Figure 26 Base station transmits signal frequency... 16 2 / 20
Introduction This manual provides information on the installation, operation and maintenance of base station of AG960 AutoSteer System (as AG960-Base for the following). Correct operation and maintenance are vital for the safe and reliable operation of the system. It is important to spend some time reading this manual before the use of the product. The information in this manual is latest at the moment of publication while the system may subject to slight changes. Tersus GNSS Inc. reserves the rights of re-designing and changing the system without notification if necessary. 1 Introduction of AG960 AutoSteer System, Base Station (AG960-Base) AG960-Base is a high-precision navigation reference product capable of receiving and processing navigation signals from GPS, GLONASS and BeiDou, satellites as well as broadcasting satellite observed data outwards via data transceiver. It can be applied in geodetic survey, building construction, precision agriculture and other fields. Featured by easy carrying, transportation and rapid deployment, AG960-Base can provide high precision differential data broadcasting service for mobile stations in a radius of 3km. For example, in the precision agriculture field, AG960-Base, in cooperation with AG960 AutoSteer System, can assist the operation for the driver of farming machines, improve the precision and efficiency of operation and thus reduce the work strength of the driver. 3 / 20
Figure 1 Autopilots work with GNSS (GPS/GLONASS/BDS) and differential reference station During the operation, AG960-Base broadcasts the observed reference data from satellites outwards via the data transmitting radio, and the autopilot will accurately calculate the location and speed of itself with signals received from satellites and the reference station and, according to the specified work path, drive the solenoid valve to cause the guide wheel movement of the farming machine and achieve automatic tracking of the work path. For single AG960-Base, the number of autopilots which can serve at the same time is not limited, but all the autopilots should be within a radius of 3km (In open area, the radius can be up to 5~10km, but when there are obstacles such as windbreak or unfavorable terrain between the AG960-Base and farming machines, the radius will reduce accordingly.) As the operation manual of AG960-Base, this document introduces the composition, installation and operation of AG960-Base and daily maintenance and common troubleshooting of the product. This manual can provide reference for the installation, operation and daily maintenance work of technical support personnel of AG960-Base and drivers of related farming machines. 4 / 20
2 Components of AG960-Base 2.1 Product List The AG960-Base package is as shown below. Figure 2 Outlook of AG960-Base package Parts and components included in the package are listed in the table below. Table 1 AG960-Base unpacking list Item Description Qty. Remarks 1. Slender radio transmitting antenna rod 1 pcs. 2. Thick radio transmitting antenna rod 1 pcs. 3. GNSS receiver 1 unit 4. Power cable 1 pcs. 5. Antenna bracket assembly 1 pcs. 6. GNSS antenna 1 pcs. 7. GNSS antenna RF cable 1 pcs. 8. Mount of radio RF antenna 1 pcs. 9. Radio RF antenna cable 1 pcs. 10. Tripod 1 pcs. Separate from the packing box Outlook of actual parts and components are given below. 5 / 20
Figure 3 Outlook of Slender radio transmitting antenna rod Figure 4 Outlook of thick radio transmitting antenna rod Figure 5 Outlook of GNSS receiver Figure 6 Outlook of power cable 6 / 20
Figure 7 Outlook of antenna bracket assembly Figure 8 Outlook of GNSS antenna Figure 9 Outlook of GNSS antenna cable Figure 10 Outlook of radio transmitting antenna mount and cable Figure 11 Outlook of tripod 7 / 20
2.2 Electrical Connection Relation AG960-Base has an electric connection relation as shown in the figure below. GNSS antenna Transmitting antenna GNSS antenna Radio antenna Power Battery+ Battery _ Figure 12 Connection of AG960-Base The electro-mechanical connection relation of AG960-Base is explained below. 1) The GNSS antenna RF cable is connected to the Satellite antenna port (TNC port) at the rear plate of the satellite receiver 2) The radio transmitting antenna RF cable is connected to the Radio antenna port (BNC port) at the rear plate of the satellite receiver. 3) One end of the power cable is connected to the Power & data port (12-pin aerial plug connector) at the rear plate of the receiver, while the other end is divided into three lines, where the power supply terminal (red-black clamp) is used for connection to the 12V battery or switching mode power supply and the other two DB9 terminals are used for data output and configuration. 8 / 20
3 Installation of AG960-Base AG960-Base can be installed by 5steps as below. 1) Extend the tripod 2) Install the antenna bracket assembly 3) Assemble the radio transmitting antenna 4) Hang the satellite receiver 5) Connect the RF cables and the power cable AG960-Base can be installed without any additional tool. More details are provided in the following paragraphs. 3.1 Extend the tripod Unfasten the strap of the tripod, set and fix the length of three support legs of the tripod to the utmost and levelly place the tripod on the ground. The root of the tripod should be inserted into the ground at certain depth so as to make sure that the tripod is level and stable. Figure 13 Extend the tripod 3.2 Install antenna bracket assembly Take the antenna bracket assembly from the packing box and fix it to the upper surface of the tripod with bolts. Note that the GNSS antenna and radio transmitting antenna should be levelly upward during installation. 9 / 20
Figure 14 Install antenna bracket assembly 3.3 Assemble radio transmitting antenna Take the slender and thick rods of radio transmitting antenna from the packing box and thread them together and then fix them to the radio transmitting antenna base on the antenna bracket assembly. Figure 15 Assemble slender and thick rods of radio transmitting antenna Figure 16 Install the radio transmitting antenna to the base 10 / 20
3.4 Install GNSS receiver Hang the GNSS receiver to the hook at the side of the tripod via the hanging buckle in the back. Figure 17 Install GNSS receiver 3.5 Connect the RF cable and the power cable The RF cables and the power cable are connected as follows. 1) Connect the satellite navigation antenna RF cable (TNC male connector) to the GNSS antenna port (TNC female connector) at the rear plate of the satellite receiver. 2) Connect the radio transmitting antenna RF cable (BNC male connector) to the Radio antenna port at the rear plate of the satellite receiver. 3) Insert the 12-pin round connector of the power cable into the Power & data port (12-pin round connector) at the rear plate of the satellite receiver. Connect the power supply terminals at the other end of the power cable to the positive and negative poles of the battery (Do not exchange the connection). 11 / 20
Figure 18 Connect GNSS antenna RF cable Figure 19 Connect radio transmitting antenna RF cable Figure 20 Connect power port of satellite receiver Figure 21 Connect the battery 12 / 20
4 Operation 4.1 Power the equipment on Manually press the POWER button at the front plate of the GNSS receiver to power the equipment on. When it is powered on, the POWER indicator light at the front plate of the receiver turns on. Figure 22 The Power indicator light at the front plate of the satellite receiver turns on 1) When the equipment is powered on, the Satellite indicator light at the front plate of the GNSS receiver starts flicker once at an interval of multiple seconds to indicate that the satellite receiver is capturing signals from the satellites. 2) After around 3 minutes, the Satellite indicator light at the front plate of the satellite receiver starts continuous and quick flickering at an interval of several seconds to indicate that the satellite receiver has completed the capturing, tracking and location calculation of satellite signals. Now the number of satellites received can be determined based on the numbers of quick flickering of the Satellite indicator light. Usually it is normal to be more than 20 satellites. 3) After around another 2 minutes, the Data indicator light at the front plate of the satellite receiver starts flicker once at every 1 minute to indicate that the satellite receiver has started broadcasting data outwards. 4.2 Power adjustment The power adjustment button is used to adjust the transmitting power of the reference station. Push the button and the power level of the base station will switch between L (low power) and H (high power). 13 / 20
When the power level shows L, the base station broadcasts data via the built-in low-power radio module of the satellite receiver and the transmitting power is 2W. When the power level shows H, the built-in low-power radio module of the GNSS receiver is turned off, and the GNSS receiver outputs data through the D89 connector of the power cable, which is connected to external high-power radio. Figure 23 The L power level shown at the front plate of the GNSS receiver Note: AG960-Base does not contain the external high-power radio in the packing box, therefore the power level can only be set at L mode. 4.3 Channel adjustment The channel adjustment button is used to adjust the channel of the built-in low-power radio module of the satellite receiver. AG960-Base has 1~16 channels at an interval of 1MHz. When the mobile station cannot receive the data from the reference station due to the interference, it can be avoided by adjusting the channel. To change the channel, push the channel adjustment button once and the channel number increases by 1. When it is in channel 16, push the button to return the channel number to 1. When the transmitting channel of the base station is changed, the rover station should change the receiving channel to the same channel so as to correctly receive the data from the base station. 14 / 20
Figure 24 GNSS receiver channel indicator Figure 25 Set to the same channel as the base station at the rover station 15 / 20
Figure 26 Base station transmits signal frequency 5 Operation This chapter summarizes the key points of daily maintenance and service of AG960-Base to provide reference for the technical support personnel and users of the product. Table 2 Daily maintenance key points of AG960-Base No. Activity Key points Remarks 1. Maintenance and service of GNSS antenna Frequently check if the mushroom head of the GNSS antenna is covered by mud or leaves. Clean it in time if any. If it is covered by snow, clean it in time. Otherwise the satellite signal received may be impaired. 2. Frequently check if there is any loose connection between the GNSS antenna link and the antenna bracket and between the antenna link and the mushroom head. If any, secure it in time. Otherwise the operation precision may be reduced. 3. Frequently check if the connection between the mushroom head and the 3m RF cable gets loose. If yes, secure it in time. Otherwise it may cause intermittent satellite signal and thus it is unable to work normally. 16 / 20
4. Frequently check if there is any damage to the mushroom head and the 3m RF cable or any exposed metal wire or core. If any, contact the distributor in time to replace the component. Otherwise it may be unable to receive the satellite signal and thus it is unable to work normally. 5. Maintenance and service of radio transmitting antenna Frequently check if there is any loose connection between the slender and thick rods of radio receiving antenna and between the thick rod and the base. If any, secure it in time. Otherwise it may cause intermittent reference station signal and thus it is unable to work normally. 6. Frequently check if there is any damage to radio receiving antenna and cable or any exposed metal wire or core. If any, contact the distributor in time to replace the component. Otherwise it may be unable to broadcast the reference station data and work normally. 7. Maintenance and service of satellite receiver Frequently check if the GNSS receiver is covered by mud or if the surrounding is too humid. If yes, clean it in time. Make sure that the surrounding of the satellite receiver is dry. Check if the front plate of the GNSS receiver is apt to be kicked or knocked. If yes, take protective measures in time. 8. Frequently check if any of the 3 connectors at the rear plate of the GNSS receiver gets loose. If yes, secure it in time. Frequently check if any connection between 3 connectors and RF cables or power cable at the rear plate of the satellite receiver gets loose. If yes, secure it in time. 9. Frequently check if there is any deformation or damage at the body, front & rear plate of the satellite receiver due to the press and strike of external force. If any, contact the distributor to replace related component in time. For any replacement of component involved with improper use or expired warranty period, the user should pay the procurement, installation and commissioning cost additionally. 10. Frequently check if the protection at the extended port of the power cable is damaged. If yes, secure it in time. Frequently check if there is any damage at the nylon jacket of the wire harness. If any, fix it with insulating tapes in time. 17 / 20
Frequently check if there is any damaged cable or exposed metal wire. If any, contact the distributor in time to replace the component. 11. Waterproof precautions Though the waterproof design of AG960-Base satisfies IP 65 (rainwater) requirements, the user still should prevent the product from contacting water as far as possible. 12. Precautions in Non-operating seasons In non-operating seasons, if the equipment should be stored for a long time, the following measures should be taken: 1) Dismantle the equipment, pack it into a box and then store it in a dry place. 2) Seal the power ports of the equipment with insulating tapes to prevent the ingress of dust and water. 6 Troubleshooting This chapter summarizes the common faults and troubleshooting during the operation of AG960-Base for the reference of technical support personnel and the user of the product. Table 3 Common issues and troubleshooting of AG960-Base No. Issue Description Troubleshooting Remarks 1. Unable to be powered on The power supply indicator light is not ON and the equipment does not work when it is powered on. 1) Check if the power button of the GNSS receiver is pressed; 2) Check if the power cable is correctly connected to the battery, or if the connections are exchanged; 3) Check if the power cable is correctly connected to the GNSS receiver and if the connection is secure; 4) Check if the battery is under voltage (12V); 5) Replace the power cable; 6) Replace the GNSS receiver; 7) Contact the technical support of the 18 / 20
manufacturer or the distributor. 2. Unable to receive satellite signals When the equipment is powered on, the satellite indicator light keeps flickering at an interval of multiple seconds, which means no satellite signals are received; or no more than 15 satellites are ever received 1) Check if the base station is installed in an open area and if there is any obstacle over the GNSS antenna; 2) Check if the GNSS antenna and the RF cable are correctly and securely connected; 3) Check if the RF cable and the GNSS receiver are correctly and securely connected; 4) Wait long enough (at least 15 min.); 5) Power off and restart the equipment; 6) Replace satellite RF cable; 7) Replace GNSS antenna; 8) Replace GNSS receiver; 9) Contact the technical support of the manufacturer or the distributor. 3. Unable to transmit data Though the numbers of satellites received are normal (no less than 20), the data indicator light does not flicker and there is no data output. 1) Wait long enough (at least 15 min.); 2) Power off and restart the equipment; 3) Replace GNSS receiver; 4) Contact the technical support of the manufacturer or the distributor. 4. The rover stations cannot receive signals The rover stations are near the base station, but just cannot receive the signals from the base station 1) Eliminate any problem of the rover station itself; 2) Make sure that the rover station and the base station are in the same channel; 3) Replace the radio transmitting antenna of the base station; 4) Replace the GNSS receiver of the base station; 5) Contact the technical support of the manufacturer or the distributor. 19 / 20
5. Weak signals from base station Signals are available when it is near the base station, and RTK can be entered as normal. When it is far from the base station, the signal intensity decreases apparently, RTK differential delay increases and RTK is usually unstable. The radius that the base station can cover is by far less than the nominal value. 1) Check if there is any obstacle of large volume near the base station to hinder the signal broadcasting path; if the base station is in an open area; 2) Check if the GNSS receiver and the RF cable of the radio transmitting antenna are correctly and securely connected; 3) Check if the connection between the slender and thick rods of the radio transmitting antenna is secure and if the connection between the thick rod and the base is secure. Check if there is any damage to the radio transmitting antenna or the RF cable; 4) Replace the radio transmitting antenna; 5) Replace GNSS receiver; 6) Contact the technical support of the manufacturer or the distributor. 6. Unstable signals Frequent sudden missing of signals. The rover stations suddenly cannot receive data from the base station, and RTK is unstable 1) Check if the base station is below any HV power line. If yes, change the location of the base station; 2) Check if there is any other high-power transmitting equipment near the base station. If yes, change the location of the base station or change the channel to avoid interference; 3) Change the channel for another attempt. 4) Contact the technical support of the manufacturer or the distributor. Proprietary Notice All Information in this document is subject to change without notice and does not reflect the commitment on Tersus GNSS Inc. No part of this manual may be reproduced or transmitted by all means without authorization of Tersus GNSS Inc. The software described in this document must be used in terms of the agreement. Any modification without permission from Tersus GNSS Inc. is not allowed. 20 / 20