InfraStructures - April 2009 - Topcon Announces GRS-1

Topcon Announces GRS-1

Topcon Positioning System's new GRS-1 is the world's first fully integrated dual-constellation, network-enabled RTK rover system. It is an all-in-one handheld GNSS receiver and field controller with high-speed processor, increased memory, built-in camera, compass and bar code reading function.

Features also integrated into the new system are an SD memory card slot, optional internal GSM or CDMA modem, and wireless connectivity via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technology.

The GRS-1 (Geodetic Rover System) was designed with two primary system design goals: Smaller size and weight, and lower-than-expected cost. According to Mark Contino, vice president of survey and GPS sales, the GRS-1 “packs all the power of a full GPS + GLONASS dual-frequency receiver, cellular modem and Windows PC into a very small, very powerful package.”

Designed primarily as a GPS network rover receiver, the GRS-1 “provides a small, lightweight rover and a price to fit any budget,” he said. “The new receiver has DGPS capability with an internal L1 antenna for GIS and navigation. Add the PGA-1 external antenna and connect to your local GNSS network via the internal modem, and instantly move to dual frequency, dual constellation GNSS centimeter RTK accuracy. The GRS-1 can also be used as a static post processed receiver system.”

The GRS-1 uses the Windows Mobile™ 6.1 operating system to run TopSURV, Topcon's popular surveying software. TopSURV 7.2 adds new features and functions that are unique to the GRS-1. The receiver and field controller also has a 9,4 cm, touch screen display and its rugged construction is rated to stand a one meter drop.

In addition to the network rover configuration, the GRS-1 also has an optional RH-1 radio module that can be configured to work with existing Topcon GNSS receiver systems that are already in the market today. The RH-1 is available in digital UHF, spread spectrum and frequency channel scan UHF varieties.

All forms of radio correction that current and legacy Topcon GPS+ systems offer are supported within the RH-1 module of the GRS-1 system. This means that if a customer purchased a previous system from Topcon they can be backwards compatible.

Mark Contino said, “With the GRS-1 network rover, no additional modem or equipment is needed... it's all built in. The user can access an RTK network for sub meter to sub foot mapping. By attaching an easy-to-connect external antenna, centimeter accuracy is instantly achieved.”

Source: Topcon Positioning Systems