PM2 is a single-frequency receiver, period. The hardware & software needed to track L2 is not in the box.

Can you tell us where the L2 information in the raw data displays (Solutions) comes from?

Specifically what displays, and what indicates that there is L2 information?

After getting myself and probably a few others excited about the possibility of unadvertised L2 tracking on the PM2, I went back to look at the data that led me to raise the issue in the first place. The vectors I had happened to inspect originally were anchored at one end by a CORS, so of course there was L2 data there.

My apologies for the screwup (and yes, I do look nice with egg on my face).

Jim

At least you got everyone thinking AND LEARNING, and that can't do any harm!

good on you.
cheers

Modified By jon stratton on 11/20/2001 at 12:39 AM

Jim:

I think that is absolutely terrible that your PM2's don't indicate that they're logging L2. What did customer service say when you lodged a complaint?

As a possible workaround, until the bug in the L2 download from the PM2 is fixed, have you considered giving your PM2 a smart rap on a table top or other hard surface to see whether that dislodges any L2 that may be jammed in the device?

Slouching towards Sunnyvale,
Kent McMillan, RPLS Austin TX

Jim,

I have, on occasion, found egg on my face. I just wipe it off and go on about my business. ;>}

Brian

Kent McMillan wrote:

As a possible workaround, until the bug in the L2 download from the PM2 is fixed

It turns out not be a download problem at all, but rather an outright leak -- the L2 goes in the antenna, down the cable, and then immediately pours out of the receiver somewhere. One can place a bucket beneath the receiver to capture the lost L2, but since a separate bucket is required for each station, space considerations render this impractical for most projects. Besides, if you're not careful the L2 sloshes out on the turns, leaving high-frequency glop all over the back of the truck.

We may have the "fix" here. Shawn has a titanium plate imbedded in his lower right jaw bone from an adolesent accident. It seems that whenever he is in the proper location the titanium plate receives all radio signals currently available in the given location. We are hoping Phil, or someone else with comparable experience, may have some idea (not in the published specs) on how we can connect an L1/L2 receiver to this plate. My wish would be for an implanted device. I already have an idea where one could stick the batteries.

It just seems such a shame to let all those spare, unused L2 signals float around wasted.


J.D.

It just seems such a shame to let all those spare, unused L2 signals float around wasted.

I, and all my collegues at Ashtech, could not agree with you more on this statement, which is why we produce the Z-Xtreme!

Keep rubbin' it in Mike. If Shawn will take a slight cut in pay for a year or so.......

J.D.

I agree with Mike. The L2 bucket is called a ZXtreme.

As for Shawn, I don't think we can stand him still long enough to keep him from breaking the cable we attach to that plate. Just beat Shawn a little harder and tell him to go scrounge the money needed for that L2 bucket.

BTW, that would be a great way to add OPUS to your GPS tool box. One dual frequency box mixes with your single frequency tools for L1 data processing then you use OPUS to handle the long lines. You get the advantage of dual frequency processing of long lines without having to spend the money for the processing software upgrade.

I agree that one dual-frequency receiver would be a great way to supplement L1 gear. Does Ashtech have any plans to do for dual-frequency what it did for single-frequency with the PM2 (i.e., dramatically lower the acquisition cost)?

(Unexplained duplicate post deleted.)
Modified By Jim Frame on 11/20/2001 at 11:02 PM

Jim,

If the ZX is too expensive, I'll sell you some 5 gallon buckets with lids for $50.00 each. ;>}

We have tested various L2 buckets in the past. We particularly liked the idea of a galvanized steel pale, but unfortunately the steel tends to atenuate the L2 signal. This of course seems to point to the use of PVC (commonly referred to as "syrup buckets" in our particular locale) for the L2 bucket. Please be advised.

As for the antenna attached to my mandible, unfortunately it mainly picks up this Hispanic rap station in Ecuador. I have attempted to tune it before with little success, and the process is rather painful. But at least now perhaps Ashtech has a possible design for the much awaited external battery pack for the PM2 (where to store it anyway).

Shawn
Modified By Shawn Billings on 11/21/2001 at 6:22 PM