Troubleshooting SPSx61 Receiver Issues

This topic describes some possible receiver issues, possible causes, and how to solve them.

The receiver does not turn on

Possible cause

Solution

External power is too low.

Check the charge on the external power supply and, if applicable, check the fuse if applicable.

Internal power is too low.

Check the charge on the internal battery.

External power is not properly connected.

 Do the following:

  • Check that the Lemo connector or 26-pin adapter is seated correctly, and that the cable is secured to the receiver.

  • Check for broken or bent pins in the connector.

Faulty external power cable.

 Do the following:

  • Check that you are using the correct cable for the port/battery.

  • Check that the correct battery is connected to a particular port.

    The ports on the GPS receiver are optimized for use with different types of battery. The 26-pin connector is optimized for Trimble custom external batteries, and the Lemo port is optimized for external 12 V batteries such as car, motorcycle, or truck batteries. If the wrong type of battery is connected to a port, it is likely that it will cut off earlier than normal.

  • Check pinouts with a multimeter to ensure internal wiring is intact.

The receiver is not responding

Possible cause

Solution

The receiver needs a soft reset.

Turn off the receiver and then turn it back on again.

The receiver needs a full reset.

Press for 35 seconds.

The roving receiver is not receiving radio

Possible cause

Solution

Incorrect over-the-air baud rates between reference and rover.

Connect to the rover receiver's radio and make sure that it has the same setting as the reference receiver. The Siteworks and SCS900 software automatically configures the over-the-air baud rate to 9600.

Incorrect port settings between the rover external radio and receiver.

If the radio is receiving data and the receiver is not getting radio communications, use the Siteworks or SCS900 software to check that the port settings are correct.

The radio antenna cable and GPS antenna cable are not correctly connected.

Make sure that the external radio antenna cable is connected between the TNC connector marked RADIO and the radio antenna.

The receiver is not receiving satellite signals

Possible cause

Solution

The GPS antenna is connected to the wrong antenna connector.

Make sure that the GPS antenna cable is tightly seated in the GPS antenna connection on the receiver and not connected to the wrong/radio antenna connector.

The GPS antenna cable is loose.

Make sure that the GPS antenna cable is tightly seated in the GPS antenna connection on the GPS antenna.

The cable is damaged.

Check the cable for any signs of damage. A damaged cable can inhibit signal detection from the antenna at the receiver.

The GPS antenna is not in clear line of sight to the sky

Make sure that the GPS antenna is located with a clear view of the sky. As a last resort, restart the receiver (turn off and then turn it on again).

The message "PC Loader in Control" appears on the front panel

Possible cause

Solution

The WinFlash utility is in use.

Complete the WinFlash task and then exit the utility.

The WinFlash utility was started then the data cable was disconnected.

Plug the data cable back in and then restart the receiver.

No apparent reason.

If the WinFlash utility is not in use, turn off the receiver using the Power key. If that does not turn it off, apply external DC power and hold down the Power key for 60 seconds.

The message "Remote Monitor active" appears on the front panel

Possible cause

Solution

Internet software.

If possible, turn off the receiver and then reload the current firmware. If the above solutions do not resolve this, leave the receiver on with no external power, so the internal battery completely discharges. Then, turn on the receiver.