ALTUS
APS-3

Using Altus APS-3 Videos

[ Setting up Network Rover & Setting up Base and Rover ]

The APS-3 is a dual constellation, dual frequency (L1/L2) RTK survey system with a built in 1-watt ARWest UHF digital radio, GSM/GPRS modem, dual hot-swappable batteries and a SD card slot for storing static data. APS-3 heads are also available without the internal UHF radio for network only applications.

[ download the datasheet ]

Unlike other RTK systems, the APS-3 includes all options out of the box (you don’t have to pay to enable GLONASS, the GSM modem or Long Range operation.)

A kit of two receivers includes a well designed padded case that includes the receivers, batteries, chargers and cables.

There is no difference between a base and rover, however bluetooth connections will be easier if you use the same receiver as base/rover. Each head comes with two batteries, a two slot charger, an external power cable (un-terminated) and a RS232 serial cable.

The compact heads (7.25” diameter x 3.00” height, 2.43 lbs) are based on the Septentrio (Leuven, Belgium) AsteRx2 GNSS OEM receiver board. The AsteRx2 board provides fantastic GNSS performance. [ AsteRx2 Specifications ] We were impressed with the quick initializations, fixes and the receiver’s ability to hold a fix under challenging conditions.

All of Septentrio’s evaluation and configuration tools work when directly connected to the AP3 heads. [ See Septentrio Tools ]

The APS-3 antenna has been calibrated by NGS [ NGS Antenna Calibration ] so OPUS solutions are available today.

Our test OPUS runs over HARN Control generated static files with excellent tracking and fixed ambiguities with overall RMS values consistent with other receivers run simultaneously at the same location.

In our tests, the APS-3 has performed at a level consistent with other latest generation receivers: very quick fixes, great performance under high multipath conditions and good performance under high cover.

In RTK network tests using TURN (The Utah Reference Network), the APS-3 is easy to configure/connect. A single APS-3 in TURN is a high performing, relatively inexpensive network rover.

Simple to Use

The APS-3 is really easy to setup and run. The power switch has five functions, one click-power on, two clicks-data logging on/off, three clicks-soft reset, four clicks-hard reset. You press and hold the switch for four seconds to turn the unit off.

You don’t need a tool to open the battery compartments which open and close using a clever latch and hinge mechanism. Closing the door positively locks the battery in place and seals the cover hole. Pressing the battery release button releases the cover and the battery is spring ejected.

The APS-3 is light enough to setup on a 2 meter range pole with a prism-pole tripod over a monument.

With Carlson SurvCE, base initialization is a snap. After you setup the base, you can just press the ON/OFF button twice and the receiver will start logging data.

Radio Notes

The internal digital radios can be set for up to 1 watt output. If you don’t already have an FCC license, we can get you licensed for only $60 with the purchase of an RTK pair.

A 2-watt repeater, 15-watt and 35-watt repeater are available for range extension. The external radios can be used either as a cable connected base radio, or a simple repeater. We prefer the repeater configuration because the GPS can be set over a control monument and then the repeater can be set at a high location that will give excellent radio coverage.

The internal UHF radios are also Trimtalk-II compatible, so you can directly receive corrections from any Trimtalk base. You can also use Pacific Crest repeaters in Trimtalk or EOTT mode to extend range.

Batteries

The APS-3 uses two proprietary batteries (Part Number 10002). They are 7.4V, 2,500mAh Lithium Ion Batteries. The batteries are hot swappable, so you can release one battery and replace it without turning off the head.

Batteries charge in around two hours and a pair runs the unit for 10+ hours. Replacement batteries are around $130 each.

Septentrio GNSS Tools

The APS-3 comes with several Septentrio tools, the RxControl utility configures the GNSS engine and displays current SV' tracking information. The SBF Convertor takes the .SBF files that the GNSS engine creates and coverts to RINEX format. Both utilities are extremely well built and easy to use.

Purchase Information

Please don't hesitate to call us with questions about Altus GPS receivers!
We can help you choose the right product for your application!   +1 801 412-0011 x12

	Item	Description	Price	Add to Cart
	APS-3u	APS-3-L1/L2 GPS+GLONASS RTK w internal UHF, internal GSM/GPRS Modem and    removable SD card.	click for price quote Why?
	APS-3m	APS-3 - L1/L2 GPS+GLONASS RTK w internal GSM/GPRS Modem & removable SD card .	click for price quote Why?
	APS-3KIT	2 APS-3 - L1/L2 GPS+GLONASS RTK w internal GSM/GPRS Modem & removable SD card . Includes Hard Case.	click for price quote Why?
	10064	CarlSon Surveyor with 64MB/512MB, Color, Bluetooth - with SurvCE GPS sw	click for price quote Why?
	10065	CarlSon Surveyor Plus with 128MB/1GB, Color, Bluetooth - with SurvCE GPS sw	click for price quote Why?
	AW435	35 watt digital UHF Radio, programmable between 403 and 470 MHz, w FCC license	click for price quote Why?
	AW415	15 watt digital UHF Radio, programmable between 403 and 470 MHz, w FCC license	click for price quote Why?
	AW400	2 watt digital UHF Radio, programmable between 403 and 470 MHz, w FCC license	click for price quote Why?
	10002	Li-Ion Battery Pack for APS-3 receiver	click for price quote Why?
	24-W	Extended warranty, 24 months for APS3 GNSS receiver (each)	click for price quote Why?