FAQ

GENERAL QUESTIONS

GPS, GNSS meaning?

GPS stands for global position system, a (US satellite-based). GPS might refer by extension to the receiver. GNSS stands for Global Navigation Satellite System and regroup every regional satellite navigation system (GPS, GLONASS, BEIDOU, GALILEO, ect.).

What is Dgps?

A Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) is a broad term that describes various ways of enhancing the Global Positioning System (GPS). It provides improved location accuracy from the nominal GPS accuracy (15 meters) to about 1-3 cm in case of the best implementations. All SxBlue’s receivers are DGPS systems using SBAS corrections.

What is SBAS?

Satellite-based Augmentation System (SBAS) augments GNSS constellation(s) by providing ranging, integrity and correction information. While the main goal of SBAS is to provide integrity assurance for aviation, it also provides sub-meter (<1m) accuracy free of charge in various regions (see here).

Are the SBAS services reliable for differential operation?

Yes, these services have proven themselves for some time now and have shown excellent results. As WAAS (North and Central America), EGNOS (Europe), MSAS (Japan) and GAGAN (India) are operational, they can be used as sole means of navigation. We recommend that you refer to Sxbluegps.com for Web sites that provide details on the operational status.

What is Atlas connection?

Atlas is a GNSS-based global L-band correction service, providing its correction signals via L-band satellites at accuracies ranging from sub-meter (<1m) to sub-decimeter (<10cm) levels depending on subscription. The entire globe (75°N to 75°S) is virtually covered.

What is RTK?

RTK stands for Real-Time Kinematic. It uses sophisticated techniques to reduce and remove errors common to a base station (or RTK network) and rover pair. RTK is used for applications that require higher accuracies, such as centimetre-level positioning, up to 1 cm. Most of these network users will need cellular coverage and data plans for RTK on the field.

What is WAAS?

It is an SBAS system provided by the USA FAA covering North America free of charge.

GNSS RECEIVER VS GPS

GNSS are faster and more stable due to their capacity to rely on more satellites. Differences are proband in cities, forests or other areas where line of sight with sky is obstruction to your geospatial surveying equipment.

TIPS FOR PURCHASING / USING YOUR NEW RECEIVER

How accurate are SXblue receivers?

The positions computed by your receiver are accurate (guaranteed) to within 1 meter 95% of the time (assuming a good view of the sky and minimal multipath). This accuracy is, conservatively, halve for z-values. With RTK corrections, it can go down to centimeter precision. Contact us for more details.

How does SXBlue receivers compare to competitors' products?

SXBlue receivers are a unique solution in that they are very compact, yet deliver very high performance. There are a number of DGPS products on the marketplace but very few of them are suitable for commercial use with such applications as GIS Mapping, due to their positioning performance and their update rates. SXBlue is up to the task and meets the needs for these applications. SXBlue also offers the facility of outputting raw measurement data for post-processing in the office.

How to get the best satellite tracking with SXblue receivers?

For the best performance, please ensure that the sky above the SXBlue antenna is unobstructed for satellite tracking. The receiver tolerates a certain amount of signal blockage due to the availability of redundant satellites (only four are required for a position). However, the more satellites are blocked, the more impact this could have on your positioning accuracy.

Can I use a vehicle’s power charger to operate SXBlue system?

Yes, we designed a model specifically for that purpose. A cigarette lighter plug is available from your dealer as well. It is important to use a proper charger manufactured by SXblue.

Assuring the best performance of my receiver

A Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) is a broad term to describe ways of enhancing the Global Positioning System (GPS). It provides improved location accuracy from the 15 meters nominal GPS accuracy to about 1-3 cm in case of the best implementations. All SxBlue’s receivers are DGPS systems using SBAS corrections.

How to read my receiver's NMEA GPS data messages

SXBlue supports standard NMEA data messages. The $GPGSV data message contains satellite tracking information. Since the GPS automatically tracks GPS satellites when powered, this will give you information on the tracking status. If your receiver has computed a position, this will be contained within the $GPGGA data message. Additionally, SXBlue receiver has LEDs that give status indications.

Am I able to have the SXBlue output different NMEA messages through the ports?

Yes, you may have different NMEA messages turned on for the ports. Further, these NMEA messages may also be at different update rates.

How to interpret NMEA sentences (GGA)?

GGA - essential fix data which provides 3D location and accuracy data. $GPGGA,123519,4807.038,N,01131.000,E,1,08,0.9,545.4, M,46.9,M,*47
Where:
GP means that it is a GPS position (GL would denote GLONASS).
GGA Global Positioning System Fix Data
123519 Fix taken at 12:35:19 UTC
4807.038,N Latitude 48 deg 07.038' N
01131.000,E Longitude 11 deg 31.000'

1 Fix quality:
0 = invalid,
1 = GPS fix (SPS),
2 = DGPS fix,
3 = PPS fix,
4 = Real Time Kinematic,
5 = Float RTK,
6 = estimated (dead reckoning) (2.3 feature),
7 = Manual input mode,
8 = Simulation mode
08 Number of satellites being tracked
0.9 Horizontal dilution of position
545.4,M Altitude, meters, above mean sea level
46.9,M Height of geoid (meaning sea level) above WGS84 ellipsoid
(empty field) time in seconds since last DGPS update
(empty field) DGPS station ID number
*47 the checksum data, always begins with "

Am I able to configure various ports with different baud rates?

Yes, the Serial, USB and Bluetooth ports can be used independently.

Interpreting LED lights on the SXblue receiver

Red: when the receiver is powered, this LED will light up.
Green: once the receiver retrieves his position from satellites, this LED will light up.
Orange: as the differential position is computed, this light will stay on.
Yellow: as the receiver connects to SBAS or Atlas, this light will stay on.
Blue: stays on when the receiver and the data collector exchange data.

::::::::::::::: MORE TIPS ::::::::::::::::

“Initially, a number of DGPS options were tested, and WAAS proved to penetrate our forest canopy type the best. Short outages do occur, but the technology in the SXblue GPS allows our operations to continue virtually uninterrupted.”

J.D. IRWING LTD., New Brunswick, Canada

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SOFTWARE

SXblue Toolbox: our FREE software for saving & transferring data from a GNSS receiver:

This application can record, save and transfer raw data from the GNSS receiver, thereby allowing post-processing activities. It also acts as a NTRIP client, capable of connecting to a NTRIP server for RTK corrections, and thus allows the receiver to issue very accurate location information. FIND OUT MORE HERE.

What data collection methods work best with SXblue receivers?

FieldGenius software works flawlessly with Geneq GNSS receivers, and makes great use of high definition displays on SXPad data collectors with its high resolution interface and large/clear icons. FieldGenius includes more advanced features than any other data collection system. Find out more

Field Genius: Digital Terrain Modeling, Volumes and Contouring

FieldGenius has the ability to create and utilize DTM surfaces from existing survey data or create a DTM in real time as the data is collected. The TIN and contours will automatically update as each new shot is taken. Find out more

RTK and L-BAND correction services

Atlas is the most flexible service on the market, delivering its correction signals via L-band satellites or over the internet at accuracies ranging from meter to sub-decimeter levels. It is Hemisphere GNSS’ new GNSS correction service, offering the most innovative correction service available in the industry, providing performance that meets or exceeds that delivered by other industry leaders, at market-leading prices. Find out more

Baselink™ Network RTK Augmentation

Baselink technology allows Atlas-capable receivers such as SXblue to self-calibrate, self-survey, and automatically manage the transmission of RTK correction data to augment or extend established or new GNSS reference networks in areas of poor internet connectivity. Find out more

Surefix™ Super Robust RTK Positioning

SureFix is Hemisphere’s all-new processor that runs in combination with Athena GNSS engine to provide high-fidelity RTK quality information that results in enhanced and improved RTK accuracy, availability, and guaranteed precision with virtually 100% reliability. Find out more

SmartNet

SmartNet is a network of permanent GPS and/or GNSS receivers whose combined data is used to generate RTK corrections for a rover. This network generated RTK corrections are called Network RTK. We propose users to subscribe to a Network RTK Service to receive RTK corrections with their rover (instead of setting up their own reference/base station). Ask us about this service!

What is collector for Argis?

Collector for ArcGIS is one of the mobile data collection application that makes it easy to collect field data and use it when the user is back to office. Find out more on our ‘Applications from partners’ page

VIDEOS

DEMO / INSTRUCTIONS

FieldGenius For Android Demo

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Using the SXblue Platinum

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Esri survey123 RTK SxbluePlatinum

Your trusted source of centimeter-accurate GPS GNSS receivers manufactured in Canada

Featuring SXblue Series State-of-the-art GPS & GNSS receivers, developed and manufactured in Canada.

Our receivers are DGPS systems using SBAS / WAAS corrections. With RTK GPS corrections, our receivers easily attain centimeter precision. Long-lasting and affordable, our centimeter-accurate GPS & GNSS survey tools deliver robust performance even in difficult areas (case study). Also available: SXblue Toolbox, our new iOS app!

II SERIES

HIGH ACCURACY GPS / GNSS RECEIVERS FOR IPHONE & OTHER OS

Geospatial mapping with SBAS / WAAS
Great gps receiver for iphone
Robust and affordable RTK GPS receiver
DGPS mapping
Multi-GNSS including GPS Glonass Galileo BeiDou QZSS

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PLATINUM

CENTIMETER ACCURATE GPS RECEIVER FOR IPHONE, ANDROID ETC

iOS/Android/Windows compatible – great gps receiver for iphone
Compatible with different mapping software such as ESRI
All SXblue receivers perform DGPS surveying using SBAS / WAAS corrections

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PLATINUM AG

VEHICLE GUIDANCE RECEIVER

Centimeter accurate GPS, GNSS constellations
Global (SBAS or Atlas L-Band) or local RTK corrections services
5V to 36V external power
Lightweight, completely dustproof, and ruggedized.
Upgradable, optional activations available
394 channels

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SXBLUE SMART

GNSS SMART ANTENNA SXBLUE SMART

965 hardware channels for simultaneous tracking of all visible supported satellite signals:

GPS: L1, L1C, L2C, L2P, L5
GLO: G1, G2, G3
BDS: BDS-2: B1I, B2I, B3I BDS-3: B1I, B3I, B1C, B2a, B2b
GAL: E1, E5A, E5B, E6C, AltBOC
QZSS: L1, L2C, L5
SBAS: L1 IRNSS: L5
MSS L-Band (Reserve)

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RUGGED TABLETS FOR DATA COLLECTION

Windows 10 or Android
IP67, ruggedized tablet
7″, 8″ or 10″ with 4GB RAM/64 GB internal

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ALL-IN-ONE RUGGED TABLET WITH AN INTERNAL ANTENNA

Certified IP 65 capable of enduring the harshest conditions
Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, GPS + 2G, 3G, 4G FDD LTE compatible
Can receive RTK corrections

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GNSS RECEIVER INTEGRATED INTO A POCKET COMPUTER

A complete solution integrating GNSS technology and pocket computer
Advanced positioning technology for topographical survey
Real-Time sub-meter accuracy
Field Genius Data collecting software preinstalled
A complete solution that combines the positioning technology and versatility of a handheld computer
Flexible and light topographical survey tool

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DATA COLLECTORS

Windows Mobile 6.5 Pro, Android
VGA TFT color
Bluetooth with any SXblue or Smart Antenna
Robust for extreme conditions
Alphanumeric keyboard IP67-ROHS-CE
Sunlight readable
5MP camera with autofocus

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CENTIMETER ACCURATE GPS GNSS RECEIVER RTK FOR A LOW COST

Affordable GNSS RTK receiver for centimeter accuracy
GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, QZSS and SBAS
220/336 Channels
Single or triple-frequency
Bluetooth and Wi-Fi
Trimble Maxwell technology
8GB (SSD) Internal Memory
IP 67, Waterproof and Dustproof

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PERMANENT CORS GPS BASE STATION FOR SALE

Create your own correction service for agriculture, construction sites, machine control,
utilities and many other applications
Up to 555 GNSS channels
Proven tracking technology for CORS GNSS reference station
Maximum efficiency and reliability

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OUR RECOMMENDED DATA COLLECTION SOFTWARE

INCLUDED WITH ANY COMBINATION OF DATA COLLECTOR AND:
– SXBLUE RECEIVER
– SMART ANTENNA
– SXPRO GNSS

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NUMEROUS COMPATIBLE DATA COLLECTION SOFTWARE FOR SXBLUE DEVICES

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ACHIEVE CENTIMETER PRECISION WITH THESE CORRECTION SERVICES

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HIgh accuracy GPS - GNSS Receivers

The best High-Accuracy GPS Receivers : SXblue II series

Geospatial mapping with SBAS / WAAS
Robust and affordable RTK GPS receiver
DGPS mapping
Multi-GNSS including GPS Glonass Galileo BeiDou QZSS

MADE IN CANADA

Centimeter accurate GPS/GNSS surveying equipment

SXblue Platinum – Survey grade GNSS receiver

iOS/Android/Windows compatible
Compatible with different mapping software such as ESRI
All SxBlue’s receivers are DGPS survey equipment using SBAS / WAAS corrections.

MADE IN CANADA

Vehicle Guidance Receiver

SXblue Platinum AG

GPS, GNSS Constellations
Global (SBAS or Atlas L-Band) or local RTK corrections services
5V to 36V external power
Lightweight, completely dustproof and ruggedized.
Upgradable, optional activations available
394 channels

MADE IN CANADA

Permanent GPS base station

NET20 Pro

Create your own correction service for: Agriculture, Construction site, Machine Control,
Utilities and many other applications
Up to 555 GNSS channels
Proven tracking technology for CORS GNSS reference station
Maximum efficiency and reliability

Receiver with Integrated smart antenna

F100 / F90 RECEIVER

This new F100 GNSS is equipped with a BD990 board, 336channels.
Built-in 5watt radio support effective working distance 10KM.
Built-in 13600mAh battery
Color LCD display, multi-touch
Built-in tilt compensator, correcting coordinates automatically according to the tilt direction

Receiver with Integrated smart antenna

F100 / F90 RECEIVER

This new F100 GNSS is equipped with a BD990 board, 336channels.
Built-in 5watt radio support effective working distance 10KM.
Built-in 13600mAh battery
Color LCD display, multi-touch
Built-in tilt compensator, correcting coordinates automatically according to the tilt direction

The most cost-effective GNSS RTK receiver

SXblue Premier

Affordable GNSS RTK receiver for centimeter accuracy
GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, QZSS and SBAS
220/336 Channels
Single or triple-frequency
Bluetooth and Wi-Fi
Trimble Maxwell technology
8GB (SSD) Internal Memory
IP 67, Waterproof and Dustproof

Handheld computer with positioning technology for topographical survey

SXPro GNSS

All-in-One GNSS receiver
Real-Time sub-meter accuracy
Field Genius Data collecting software preinstalled
Complete solution that combines the positioning technology and versatility of a handheld computer
Flexible and light topographical survey tool