Connecting a Z-Max/Z-Extreme to Network/VRS/DirectIP without a GSM Module

Connecting a Legacy Z-Max to VRS Network

This method works with both ‘SurvCE’ and ‘FAST Survey’.

The easiest way to connect a Z-Max (or Z-Extreme) to a NTRIP or Direct IP is not with the factory GSM module. It is with a data collector, connected to the internet by Wi-Fi through a Mi-Fi device (or Bluetooth to cellphone,) and a serial connection from a COM port on the data collector to the Z-Max.

To use Wi-Fi you will need a data collector that has Wi-Fi and a hardwired serial port (Carlson Surveyor+.) You may alternatively use a BlueTooth connection to a cell phone and a hardwired connection to a serial port (Ashtech MMCX, MM100, PM100, PM200, Carlson Allegro.)

Advantages of Using Mi-Fi to Data Collector Method

1. You can see the status of your internet connection on the Mi-Fi screen:
   
   With a glance, you know your MiFi device is online.
2. The Wi-Fi connection from a Surveyor+ to the MiFi is bullet-proof. It just happens and works every time.
3. You can get a Mi-Fi device from Verizon for use where ATT and TMobile have no service.
4. Typically the price for a Mi-Fi subscription is lower than a sim card. And because no phone service is associated with the Mi-Fi, there is no tax on the service.
5. You can use the Mi-Fi with other devices (tablet, laptop, multiple rovers), leveraging the internet service investment.

Disadvantages of Using a SIM Card in a Rover’s Internal Modem

1. Once you make a connection, you can’t read the signal strength on a ZMax.
2. Entering all the passwords, user names, server names is a pain in the butt.
3. The GPS internal modem does not support 3G and 4G connections.
4. The Data Collector modem does not support 3G and 4G connections.
5. The card can only be used with one device, unless you remove it which is difficult.

Here is how to make this work:

1. Connect your data collector to the internet. If you are using a Carlson Surveyor+ (or a Ashtech FT1), turn on internet by clicking on the ‘Wi-Fi’ button in the Wireless Manager:
   
2. Follow the on-screen prompts to connect your data collector to an external Mi-Fi internet device. My Mi-Fi device has an ID of ‘IGAGE’:
   
3. Start the ‘Internet Explorer’ on your data collector and browse to a website to make sure you are really connected to the internet:
   
4. Connect COM2 on the back of the data collector (Surveyor+) to Port B on the back of the ZMax:
   
5. Start SurvCE or FAST Survey normally, enter a job.
6. Connect to your receiver with Bluetooth. (If you are doing a Z-Extreme, you are going to need two serial cables-one for COM1 to PortA and a second for COM2 to PortB.)
7. Go to EQUIP tab, click on ‘GPS Rover’ button. Check Manufacturer and Model:
   
8. Setup Bluetooth or Cable as needed on the Comms tab:
   
9. Configure the Receiver tab:
   
10. On the RTK tab, choose Device: “Data Collector Internet”:
    
11. Click on the hammer/wrench button to right:
    
    Set the ‘DataCollectorRTKPort:’ to COM2. Click on the green check mark in the upper right corner.
12. Choose ‘Network:’ as NTRIP, TCP/IP Direct, UDP/IP Direct, NTRIP or SpiderNet as required for your network server:
    
13. Click the hammer/wrench button right of the Network and configure your network connection:
    
    Click on the green check mark. SurvCE will connect to the network and download the mount table. Choose the correct mount point.
14. Finally click on the ‘GPS Rover’ green check mark to configure the receiver:
    
15. After a few seconds, choose appropriate multipath and Ambiguity Fixing:
    
    Click the green check mark.
16. If you chose a VRS connection, SurvCE will wait for a GPS reading so your position can be sent back to the VRS server:
    
17. After a while, you will see ‘Successful Connection’:
    
18. Check to make sure the ‘Correction’ LED (second from left) is blinking green once each second. Those are the corrections being received from your network server.
19. Your instrument should float, then fix normally.