Ag Leader Base Station Hardware Manual - Manual (Page 9)

Hardware Installation Manual 7
Maximizing Positioning Performance
Using a Known Position for Accurate Latitude and Longitude
A known Base Station location can also be entered manually by your dealer using the Base Station Configuration tool, the
proper service cables, and a laptop. This option should be used only if the exact position is known. If an incorrect position is
entered into the Base Station, the latitude and longitudes of the vehicle uses for display functions and 3rd party software will
be shifted. However, the system can still provide sub-inch and repeatable guidance so long as the Base Station GPS Antenna
has not been moved. See your dealer for help with entering a known position.
Maximizing Positioning Performance
This section provides information for ensuring optimal positioning performance. These guidelines apply to any job regardless
of the need to repeat the job or achieve an accurate latitude and longitude. When planning a location for your Base Station on
any job, take all of the following into account:
Effective Ranges
The effective ranges of Base Stations providing sub-inch accuracy are as follows:
Note: The ranges are based on clear line of site between the rover antenna and the Base Station transmitter. Without a
clear line of site, expected distances will be reduced.
•
A5 Steer Base Station (mobile) with flexible rubber antenna - 1 to 2 miles (1.6 to 3.2 km).
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A5 Steer Base Station (mobile) with a pole antenna elevated at least 10 feet (3 meter) - 3 to 4 miles (4.8 to 6.4 km).
Other Considerations
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Communication signals between the Base Station and the vehicle require line-of-sight. Identify and eliminate any obstacles
or issues that could block line-of-site from the Base Station to the entire work area. Obstacles such as trees, buildings,
vehicles, and levees can create areas where the vehicle cannot receive the signals from the Base Station and prevent the
system from functioning.
•
The Base Station GPS Antenna must have an unobstructed view of the sky. Do not mount the GPS Antenna next to
buildings, bins, trees, radio towers, grain legs, etc. Any obstruction reduces the accuracy and performance of the entire
system. Do not park any vehicles next to the Base Station, especially with the hood up.
•
The Base Station GPS Antenna must be level for accurate performance.
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The Base Station GPS Antenna must be solidly mounted to minimize movement caused by wind or vibrations. Minimize
any type of foot or vehicle traffic within a 20 foot (6.0 meter) radius of the Base Station.
•
If the GPS Antenna must be mounted in a place with obstacles, position the GPS Antenna as far away as possible without
exceeding the maximum cable length.
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As a general rule, keep any obstacle below a 15° angle from the GPS Antenna.
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Raise the Radio Modem Antenna as high as possible. The higher the Radio Modem Antenna, the farther the signal can
travel by avoiding potential obstacles.
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The Radio Modem Antenna position is not important for RTK performance. The Radio Modem Antenna does not need to
be placed in the exact same position when setting up a Base Station. Also, it does not have to be as firmly attached as the
GPS Antenna. Avoid excessive movement, but it can sway slightly so it is possible to mount this antenna on the top of radio
towers or grain legs.
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Higher-powered antennas can be used to extend the Base Station signal range. However, do not use an antenna that exceeds
local radio transmission regulations.