------------------------------------------------------------------------- This list (NEARC-L) is an unmoderated discussion list for all NEARC Users.Lynn-
I had the exact same issues in 2016 with an even older GeoXT model.
Eventually the GeoXT worked great.
It was a pain transferring data back and forth from an old WindowsXP machine with Activesync, but it was worth it. I used a much newer DeLorme PN-40 for double-checking results, which also permits averaging points. The older GeoXT had a much better ArcPad display with my custom layers for reference, and a better interface to enter notes on waypoints in the field.
The problem you are having is that the GeoExplorer has not downloaded a new ephemeris (almanac.alm).
Without that, it will not establish connection with satellites...
I left my GeoXT running overnight, 12 hours with an external antenna, still it would not download a new ephemeris.
I can’t recall the exact trick, the specific steps that solved the problem. I always keep notes, but I must have handwritten them, and filed them the old-school way.
I did something that forced it to download a new ephemeris, then it only took a few minutes (not hours) to download. Once I had a new ephemeris, and it worked great for several days of fieldwork over two months, including downloading a newer ephemeris automatically, without issues.
I had to settle for WAAS differential correction, the old “GPScorrect ” Trimble-ESRI utility for post-processing with base stations is no longer supported.
Locate the almanac.alm in the file system on the GeoExplorer disk. Back up the old almanac.alm (it’s unusable if it is years old, but back it up anyway). Then try deleting it from the GeoExplorer. That may be how I tricked it into downloading a new copy. The GeoExplorer display should show a status message that it’s updating the almanac.
Also look at the “Planning” option on the GeoExplorer, which reads the almanac.alm to figure out when satellites will be in view. Check it before and after deleting the almanac. If it doesn’t have a current almanac, it can’t calculate a current “plan”. That “Planning” step may have been part of the sequence of steps that eventually succeeded in downloading a fresh copy.
I’m sorry that I can’t put my hands on the GeoXT hardware to refresh my memory, it’s at my vacation home in NH.
Good luck!
-Jon Hall
From: Northeast Arc Users Group [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Carlson, Lynn
Sent: Thursday, October 04, 2018 12:45 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: seeking help with a Trimble GeoExplorer 2008 Series GeoXM
Hi,
It's ancient I know, but only used twice (and only once with success) so it is good condition.
Running ArcPad 7.1.1
Worked fine immediately after purchase when researcher was prepping for field work in Argentina. Worked great while there. (this was back in 2008).
Next expedition was to Hawaii (2009). Nothing had been done to the system in terms of changing software or settings. The battery was kept charged, and some new data loaded, new project created. Got to Hawaii and the system would never lock onto satellites. Gave up after several reboots and resets.
Lack of confidence in the unit shelved it til now. Researcher is returning to Argentina and is really hoping to get it up and running again. Trying my best but no luck.
Still will not lock onto satellites even in a very open clear area. GPS Controller shows it searching. Left it that way for 2 hours. Still searching. In ArcPad, GPS Debugger show streams of green letters/numbers. I've been able to get the content of what is streaming to change slightly by changing from NMEA to TSIP protocols.
I've done a soft reset, what I thought was a hard reset (although none of my settings were wiped out so I'm not sure I did that right). Dug up an old PC with Microsoft Active Sync and was able to do a reinstall of ArcPad (kept it at 7.1.1 as didn't want to change the interface from what the researcher is used to). I've changed every setting I can find, reset multiple times, changed settings back to what they are supposed to be according to documentation (baud rate, parity, protocol, etc., and still nothing.
What am I missing? Did the constellation change somehow to make this system unusable? Any thoughts/advice/techniques most appreciated. [Although he is not likely to want to hear "buy a new unit" :-) ]
Thanks, Lynn
--
Lynn Carlson, GISP
GIS Manager@Brown_GIS
401-863-9917
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