Trimble NetR9 Reference Receiver Aimed at Infrastructure, Scientific, and Network Apps

Trimble NetR9. Photo: Trimble

Trimble has introduced an innovative Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) reference receiver for infrastructure, precise scientific, and network applications. The Trimble NetR9 GNSS reference receiver is a Continuously Operating Reference Station (CORS) receiver that can support the demanding applications for the earth science community and for the surveying, construction, mapping, and agricultural industries, Trimble said, adding that the NetR9 was designed to provide the user with maximum features and functionality from a single receiver.

The Trimble NetR9 reference receiver offers 440 channels for robust GNSS constellation tracking. The receiver supports a wide range of satellite signals, including GPS and GLONASS signals. In addition, Trimble is committed to providing Galileo-compatible products in advance of Galileo system availability, the company said. In support of this plan, the Trimble receiver is capable of tracking the experimental Galileo GIOVE-A and GIOVE-B test satellites for signal evaluation and test purposes.

The Trimble NetR9 reference receiver can be used as a standalone receiver or as part of a network solution. Specific applications include high-accuracy positioning as part of a Trimble VRS network, as a mobile field base station or CORS for real-time kinematic (RTK) corrections, as a scientific reference station collecting information for specialized studies, as a field campaign receiver for post-processing applications, and as support for Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) coastal beacons. In addition, the Trimble NetR9 reference receiver can be used for monitoring the integrity of VRS networks as well as the deformation of physical infrastructure such as bridges, dams, mines, oil platforms, and other natural and manmade structures.

The Trimble NetR9 reference receiver’s large internal memory (8 GB) allows post-processed results for base stations to be computed after survey completion, improving the accuracy of the survey. The highly compressed secure internal memory allows for more than 20 years of 15-second dual-frequency GPS data storage. In addition, the NetR9 also has USB logging capability for additional storage capacity, Trimble said.

The receiver supports the new CMRx communications protocol, which provides correction compression for optimized bandwidth and full utilization of all satellites in view. This gives the customer more robust positioning data and reliable positioning performance, Trimble said.

Optimized for field use with built-in rechargeable batteries, the NetR9 reference receiver consumes very little power and can be used for projects with remote connectivity and in extreme weather conditions. It has an IP67 rating, which means it is sealed against dust and can survive immersion in up to a meter of water for approximately 30 minutes. It also meets MIL-STD 810F standard for drops, vibration, and temperature extremes.

The Trimble NetR9 has its physical memory built into the circuit board, providing greater protection of data, particularly under extreme conditions. Multiple built-in serial ports supply communications and power to support field use, whether connecting to a radio for RTK surveys, direct communication with a satellite phone for remote operations, or for ancillary input devices such as inclinometers and meteorological sensors, and it offers Bluetooth communication with a cell phone for real-time data streaming. In addition, both power and Ethernet can be supplied over a single cable using Power over Ethernet (PoE) technology.