I only skimmed the tech sheet and press release so only shoot with paint balls if I ask something covered in them.
Is the PM2 Kinematic capable ?
If the K mode isn't available in PM2 will it work as a base for Locus units running K ?
Since it appears the handheld unit is the "brains" can one unit be established as a "base station" with the antenna up a pole (thereby solving my problem of creating a secure base)?
What would the limit be on the length of coax from the antenna to the PM2 ?
Since both the Locus and PM2 use the Solutions software is it legitimate to mix use of the units and process together (static) without going to Rinex ?
Since the PM2 has an RS232 port for datalogging does the software support continuous download in a base station mode ?
Just a coupla initial questions from a satisfied Locus user,
Jimbo
Jimbo,
This may cost you some beer and crawdads:
PM2 is for static survey only. It will work as a base for Locus, but only records at a 10" interval. Yes, you could run it up on a pole, but you'd have to be able to reach it to setup datalogging. The antenna cable has to be kept pretty short. A longer cable would require an LNA that would use more power (the antenna has a low-power LNA). You can mix and match with other units, no RINEX required. When you download PM2, you get standard Ashtech format B, E, & D-files. PM2 doesn't support continuous external datalogging, but has quite a bit of onboard memory.
Regards,
Brian
Brian,
Ya gonna have to work for dem crawdads.
Two more questions then maybe I'll shut up for a little while and do some real work.
inline amplifier ? or different antenna for a long cable ? To make a secure base station (at home or office) I have to get about 30'+ into the air to clear trees is why I am really interested in this.
Yes, you could run it up on a pole, but you'd have to be able to reach it to setup datalogging. Is this because of the short cable or is there something on the antenna that must be done to setup datalogging ?
Jimbo
Jimbo,
An inline amplifier and a long cable could be used with the antenna provided, though we haven't really tested this. An amplifier would draw more power, though, reducing battery life (line amps as well as the LNA are powered by the receiver through the antenna cable).
Regards,
Brian
Since Jimbo promised to be quiet, I'll ask what I am guessing would be his next question. (Even if it isn't I'm still curious.)
I noticed that an external power source can be plugged into the PM2. Would it be possible to use a transformer and plug it into a wall outlet? It would seem that this might negate the whole power consumption issue in a base station configuration.
Shawn
Lurking here,
Good observation Shawn.
QUIETLY,
JIMBO
OK guys, there's a 12v cigarette lighter adapter. If you want to plug that into a Radio Shack adapter wired to a battery on a charger or directly to a regulated power supply, the answer is yes.
Jimbo, no lurking (not your style).
Okay.
So it can be plugged into a cigarette lighter (by the way Brian the term "cigarette lighter" with respect to vehicles is politically incorrect and the new term "12 v DC power outlet" should be used), could I split the lead from the "12v DC power outlet" and run the PM2 along with one of those little fans for the inside of your truck? I could then maybe just pull the truck up to the control point and hold the pole on it and still be getting a little air. It's been hotter than blazes lately. Just kidding. I am getting spoiled to your quick and accurate responses Brian, so I thought I might try a little harder to stump you.
Shawn
Shawn,
When you go to Radio shack to get the cigarette lighter cord, go ahead and get the "12 volt power supply" that you plug into the wall outlet.
Tell J.D. that I'll have to get with Jimbo for the crawfish(es), they surely wouldn't survive the ride from central MS. I think the season just re-opened here today, we got about 6 inches of rain this morning at 2 inches per hour. Wettest month of July in a long long time and wettest day of July on record today.