New WAAS Satellites and Trimble equipment mods

4 September 2006
MGIS: New WAAS Satellite Information
Two new WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation System) satellites have recently begun broadcasting correction signals. The signals can not be used by Trimble® Mapping and GIS GPS receivers because the satellites are currently in test mode and the corrections are unreliable. The signals are expected to be certified and fully operational later in 2006.
Description
Newly launched WAAS satellites, PanAmSat (PRN 135, 133 deg W) and TeleSat (PRN 138, 107.3 deg W) are broadcasting WAAS correction signals. Testing by Trimble indicates that these signals are not satisfactory for reliable use. The satellites are currently in test mode, so accuracy varies from sub-meter to over 100 meters of error. To view the status of these satellites, go to http://www.nstb.tc.faa.gov/incoming/New_WAAS_Geo_Status.pdf.
The following information is from the FAA status document:
• The service from both of these (satellites) is still undergoing test and has not been certified and is not yet being operated to FAA standards
• Unplanned outages may occur at any time
• The schedule information above may change without notice
• The signals will be left on overnight and weekends but repairs will not be accomplished until the next normal working shift if there is a failure
www.trimble.com Page 1
Solution
Once these corrections are confirmed as suitable for use, Trimble intends to release the appropriate updates to support its GPS receivers. The following updates will be required:
Trimble GPS receiver
Software
Receiver firmware
GeoExplorer® 2005 Series
Yes
No
GeoExplorer Pocket PC 2003
Yes
Yes
GeoExplorer CE .Net and CE 3.0
Yes
Yes
GPS Pathfinder® ProXT™ and ProXH™
Yes
No
GPS Pathfinder Pro XR and Pro XRS
Yes
Yes
GPS Pathfinder Power
Yes
Yes
GPS Pathfinder XB
No
No
www.trimble.com Page 2