Protocols

KBS039: GPS Protocol for the LTER Laboratory

In use from sometime

Hardware

Trimble Data logger type TSCE

Trimble Receiver Type Pro XRS model 33302-51

Software

Trimble Terrasync

Trimble Pathfinder version: 2.90.2.55

Active Sync 3.1.0.9558

Checking Out the Unit

When Pathfinder application is open it prompts you to create or choose a Project. The Project for LTER users is already created, LTER Main Site, please select this project. This means that everything you create, load, transfer will end up in that project.

The directory is \\Lternt2\Projects\LTER\GPS\Pfdata\lter main
site\2002-. This is where all the downloaded files from handheld unit
are stored. Create a different folder for every year of data
collection.

  • Base- all the post processed files are stored here.

  • Backup- all the back up files are stored here automatically when the original data is transferred.

  • Export- is the default folder for all export files.

Set up

  1. Make a data dictionary (choose the coordinate system and units).
    Do this by opening GPS Pathfinder application on the PC.
    Utilities/ Data dictionary Editor

  2. Open ActiveSync software. This is necessary to establish a link between PC and the GPS unit.

  3. Transfer that dictionary into the data logger.
    Utilities/ data transfer/send/
     choose from the drop down menu (make sure ActiveSync is open).

  4. Make sure that the Batteries for the receiver are charged i.e. the green indicator light should be flashing on the charger. Take an extra set if you plan to be out more than approx four hours.

  5. Connect the batteries (2). Do this by hooking them to cable coming from the data receiver that is split in two. Place batteries in pockets in the backpack next to the receiver.

  6. Connect the data logger to the receiver, using the cable a ninepin connector on each side, one reads to computer the other to receiver.

  7. In lab or in field, connect antenna to receiver
    Main Menu/Set Up/Connect.
     This step needs to be completed in order to verify the battery power of both data logger and receiver.

  8. Make sure that the there is enough battery power in the data logger:

    1. Turn on the data logger by pressing the black button on the top right of the key pad ( do not hold it down for long).

    2. Open the TerraSync application (double click on the icon, it can be slow opening)

    3. Touch the battery that appears on the top of the screen. The right hand side of the battery indicates the logger and the left the attached batteries.

  9. Sign the unit out.

Collecting a Point

  1. Open TerraSync by double clicking on the icon. Make sure that all your settings are appropriate( consult the settings sheet), by opening.
    Main menu
     (is in the upper left hand corner of the application)
    /setup/Coordinate system
     and /or
    gps setting, real time settings, logging settings

  2. If not connected, connect antennas to receiver by pressing
    connect
     in the top right hand corner of the
    setup
     menu (step 6 of checking out the unit).

  3. From
    Main menu
    choose
    data;
     a screen appears that prompts you to create a new data file.

    1. Assign the file a name (default name is the month-day-hour that you began the file). The naming convention for LTER use is: TttRr_yyyymmdd. Where the caps are indicative of literal (the actual letters) and the non caps are specific to each collection. Ex T03R5_20030226. TttRr can be replaced with name of feature, if these are being collected independent of plots.

      2. <l

      Abstract

      Protocol

      Author: Tim Bergsma

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