The provided document outlines the process of pairing a Reach RS device with a computer or mobile phone, along with preparation steps, accessories, and troubleshooting tips.
Function Description
The Reach RS is a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver designed for precise positioning. Its primary function is to acquire and process satellite signals to determine its location with high accuracy. The device can operate in two primary modes: "Base" and "Rover." In a typical setup, one Reach RS unit acts as a "Base" station, providing correction data, while another unit acts as a "Rover," receiving these corrections to achieve centimeter-level accuracy. The pairing process described in the document enables users to connect the Reach RS to a computing device (laptop, tablet, or smartphone) via Wi-Fi, allowing them to configure, monitor, and operate the device through the ReachView application. The ReachView interface displays crucial information such as signal-to-noise ratio, positioning mode (e.g., Kinematic, Single), position coordinates (latitude, longitude, height), velocity, and RTK parameters (age of differential, AR validation ratio, baseline). It also includes a map view to visualize the device's location and the quality of its fixes.
Important Technical Specifications (Inferred from document)
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi for pairing and operation with computing devices.
- GNSS Reception: Capable of receiving signals from various satellite constellations (indicated by Gxx, Rxx, Sxx, Cxx in the signal-to-noise ratio graph, though specific constellations are not explicitly listed, G typically refers to GPS, R to GLONASS, S to SBAS, and C to BeiDou).
- Positioning Accuracy: Capable of achieving high accuracy, as implied by the "RTK parameters" and the objective of "centimeter-level accuracy" for Reach devices in general. The "Solution status" can indicate "Single" or other more precise solutions.
- Power: Not explicitly stated, but the device is portable and battery-operated, requiring power to be turned on.
- Antenna: Features a GPS antenna and a LoRa antenna (for long-range communication between Base and Rover). The GPS antenna has a reference point 65mm above the base.
- Operating System (for host device): Compatible with Windows 10 for laptops and iOS for iPhones (and presumably Android for other smartphones/tablets).
- Software: Uses the ReachView application for configuration, monitoring, and operation. The ReachView Updater handles self-testing, time synchronization, and software updates.
Usage Features
- User-Friendly Interface: The ReachView application provides a graphical interface to monitor signal quality, positioning data, and RTK parameters. The signal-to-noise ratio bars are color-coded (red for poor, green for good) for easy interpretation.
- Flexible Pairing Options: Can be paired with a laptop (Windows 10) or a mobile phone (iPhone) using Wi-Fi.
- Hotspot Functionality: The Reach RS creates its own Wi-Fi hotspot (e.g., "reach:xx:xx") for initial connection. It can also connect to an existing Wi-Fi network (e.g., a laptop's or iPhone's hotspot) for broader network access.
- Network Configuration: Users can add their Wi-Fi network to the Reach RS, specifying the network name, security type (WPA2-PSK), and password.
- Real-time Location Tracking: The map view in ReachView displays the device's location, with visual indicators (black circle, red dots) for fixes.
- Portability: The device is designed to be carried in the field, with various accessories available for mounting (tripods, rods).
- Base/Rover Setup: Designed to work in a Base-Rover configuration for differential corrections.
- Documentation Access: Emlid provides online documentation (https://docs.emlid.com/reachrs/) for detailed information.
- Community Support: A user community forum (https://community.emlid.com/t/getting-started/7732) is available for support and sharing experiences.
Maintenance Features
- Software Updates: The ReachView Updater automatically checks for and installs software updates, ensuring the device runs the latest firmware and features. This process involves self-testing and time synchronization.
- Reboot Functionality: A "Reboot and go to the app!" button is available in ReachView for restarting the device after configuration or updates.
- Troubleshooting Tools: The document suggests using "fing" (an IP scanner) for network troubleshooting, which can be useful for diagnosing connectivity issues.
- Environmental Considerations: The document notes that pairing can be done in the shade, implying some flexibility in operating conditions, though optimal signal reception might require open skies. It also warns against multiple Wi-Fi signals interfering with operation.
- Physical Accessories: The device is designed to be mounted on stable foundations like tripods or rods with levelling bubbles to ensure accurate positioning and stability during operation. Specific accessories like a Tribach are used to securely hold the Reach RS to a tripod.
- Antenna Management: The LoRa antenna can be set horizontally, suggesting specific orientation requirements for optimal performance.
- Clear Labeling: Users are advised to label their Reach RS units (Base and Rover) for clarity, which aids in proper setup and maintenance.