Trimble Outdoors GPS Receiver 64057 00 ENG User Manual

USER GUIDE  
®
®
Trimble ThunderBolt E  
GPS Disciplined Clock  
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USER GUIDE  
Trimble® ThunderBolt® E  
GPS Disciplined Clock  
Version 1.0  
Revision B  
Part Number 64057-00-ENG  
May 2008  
F
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Corporate Office  
nonconforming Product with new, equivalent to new, or reconditioned  
parts or Product, OR refund the Product purchase price paid by you, at  
Trimble’s option, upon your return of the Product in accordance with  
Trimble's product return procedures then in effect.  
Trimble Navigation Limited  
Advanced Devices Group  
935 Stewart Drive  
Sunnyvale, CA 94085  
USA  
+1-800-787-4225 (toll free in USA)  
+1-408-481-7741  
How to Obtain Warranty Service  
To obtain warranty service for the Product, please contact your local  
Trimble authorized dealer. Alternatively, you may contact Trimble to  
request warranty service at +1-408-481-6940 (24 hours a day) or e-mail  
your request to [email protected]. Please be prepared to  
provide:  
Legal Notices  
– your name, address, and telephone numbers  
– proof of purchase  
Copyright and Trademarks  
– a description of the nonconforming Product including the model  
number and serial number  
– an explanation of the problem  
The customer service representative may need additional information  
from you depending on the nature of the problem.  
© 1998 - 2008, Trimble Navigation Limited.Trimble, the Globe & Triangle  
logo, and ThunderBolt are trademarks of Trimble Navigation Limited,  
registered in the United States and in other countries. Bullet and The  
right one logo are trademarks of Trimble Navigation Limited.  
Microsoft and Windows are either registered trademarks or trademarks  
of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.  
Warranty Exclusions and Disclaimer  
This Product limited warranty shall only apply in the event and to the  
extent that (a) the Product is properly and correctly installed,  
All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners  
Release Notice  
configured, interfaced, maintained, stored, and operated in accordance  
with Trimble's applicable operator's manual and specifications, and; (b)  
the Product is not modified or misused. This Product limited warranty  
shall not apply to, and Trimble shall not be responsible for, defects or  
performance problems resulting from (i) the combination or utilization  
of the Product with hardware or software products, information, data,  
systems, interfaces, or devices not made, supplied, or specified by  
Trimble; (ii) the operation of the Product under any specification other  
than, or in addition to, Trimble's standard specifications for its products;  
(iii) the unauthorized installation, modification, or use of the Product;  
(iv) damage caused by: accident, lightning or other electrical discharge,  
fresh or salt water immersion or spray (outside of Product  
specifications); or exposure to environmental conditions for which the  
Product is not intended; (v) normal wear and tear on consumable parts  
(e.g., batteries); or (vi) cosmetic damage. Trimble does not warrant or  
guarantee the results obtained through the use of the Product, or that  
software components will operate error free.  
This is the May 2008 release (Revision B) of the Trimble ThunderBolt E  
GPS Disciplined Clock User Guide, part number 64057-00-ENG.  
(Please see the website for updated part number information.)  
Product Limited Warranty Information  
For applicable product Limited Warranty information, please consult  
your local Trimble authorized sales manager.  
For applicable product Limited Warranty information, please refer to  
Legal Notices in the Help for this product, or consult your local Trimble  
authorized dealer.  
LIMITED WARRANTY TERMS AND CONDITIONS  
Product Limited Warranty  
Subject to the following terms and conditions, Trimble Navigation  
Limited (“Trimble”) warrants that for a period of one (1) year from date  
of purchase this Trimble product (the “Product”) will substantially  
conform to Trimble's publicly available specifications for the Product  
and that the hardware and any storage media components of the  
Product will be substantially free from defects in materials and  
workmanship.  
NOTICE REGARDING PRODUCTS EQUIPPED WITH  
TECHNOLOGY CAPABLE OF TRACKING SATELLITE SIGNALS  
FROM SATELLITE BASED AUGMENTATION SYSTEMS (SBAS)  
(WAAS/EGNOS, AND MSAS), OMNISTAR, GPS, MODERNIZED GPS  
OR GLONASS SATELLITES, OR FROM IALA BEACON SOURCES:  
TRIMBLE IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE OPERATION OR  
FAILURE OF OPERATION OF ANY SATELLITE BASED  
POSITIONING SYSTEM OR THE AVAILABILITY OF ANY  
SATELLITE BASED POSITIONING SIGNALS.  
Product Software  
Product software, whether built into hardware circuitry as firmware,  
provided as a standalone computer software product, embedded in flash  
memory, or stored on magnetic or other media, is licensed solely for use  
with or as an integral part of the Product and is not sold. If accompanied  
by a separate end user license agreement (“EULA), use of any such  
software will be subject to the terms of such end user license agreement  
(including any differing limited warranty terms, exclusions, and  
limitations), which shall control over the terms and conditions set forth  
in this limited warranty.  
THE FOREGOING LIMITED WARRANTY TERMS STATE TRIMBLE’S  
ENTIRE LIABILITY, AND YOUR EXCLUSIVE REMEDIES, RELATING  
TO THE TRIMBLE PRODUCT. EXCEPT AS OTHERWISE EXPRESSLY  
PROVIDED HEREIN, THE PRODUCT, AND ACCOMPANYING  
DOCUMENTATION AND MATERIALS ARE PROVIDED AS-IS” AND  
WITHOUT EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, BY  
EITHER TRIMBLE OR ANYONE WHO HAS BEEN INVOLVED IN ITS  
CREATION, PRODUCTION, INSTALLATION, OR DISTRIBUTION,  
INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF  
MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE,  
TITLE, AND NONINFRINGEMENT. THE STATED EXPRESS  
WARRANTIES ARE IN LIEU OF ALL OBLIGATIONS OR LIABILITIES  
ON THE PART OF TRIMBLE ARISING OUT OF, OR IN CONNECTION  
WITH, ANY PRODUCT. BECAUSE SOME STATES AND JURISDICTIONS  
DO NOT ALLOW LIMITATIONS ON DURATION OR THE EXCLUSION  
OF AN IMPLIED WARRANTY, THE ABOVE LIMITATION MAY NOT  
APPLY OR FULLY APPLY TO YOU.  
Software Fixes  
During the limited warranty period you will be entitled to receive such  
Fixes to the Product software that Trimble releases and makes  
commercially available and for which it does not charge separately,  
subject to the procedures for delivery to purchasers of Trimble products  
generally. If you have purchased the Product from an authorized Trimble  
dealer rather than from Trimble directly, Trimble may, at its option,  
forward the software Fix to the Trimble dealer for final distribution to  
you. Minor Updates, Major Upgrades, new products, or substantially  
new software releases, as identified by Trimble, are expressly excluded  
from this update process and limited warranty. Receipt of software Fixes  
or other enhancements shall not serve to extend the limited warranty  
period.  
Limitation of Liability  
TRIMBLE'S ENTIRE LIABILITY UNDER ANY PROVISION HEREIN  
SHALL BE LIMITED TO THE AMOUNT PAID BY YOU FOR THE  
PRODUCT. TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY  
APPLICABLE LAW, IN NO EVENT SHALL TRIMBLE OR ITS SUPPLIERS  
BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR  
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGE WHATSOEVER UNDER ANY  
CIRCUMSTANCE OR LEGAL THEORY RELATING IN ANYWAY TO THE  
PRODUCTS, SOFTWARE AND ACCOMPANYING DOCUMENTATION  
AND MATERIALS, (INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, DAMAGES  
FOR LOSS OF BUSINESS PROFITS, BUSINESS INTERRUPTION, LOSS  
OF DATA, OR ANY OTHER PECUNIARY LOSS), REGARDLESS OF  
WHETHER TRIMBLE HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF  
ANY SUCH LOSS AND REGARDLESS OF THE COURSE OF DEALING  
WHICH DEVELOPS OR HAS DEVELOPED BETWEEN YOU AND  
TRIMBLE. BECAUSE SOME STATES AND JURISDICTIONS DO NOT  
For purposes of this warranty the following definitions shall apply:  
(1) “Fix(es)” means an error correction or other update created to fix a  
previous software version that does not substantially conform to its  
Trimble specifications; (2) “Minor Update” occurs when enhancements  
are made to current features in a software program; and (3) “Major  
Upgrade” occurs when significant new features are added to software, or  
when a new product containing new features replaces the further  
development of a current product line. Trimble reserves the right to  
determine, in its sole discretion, what constitutes a Fix, Minor Update,  
or Major Upgrade.  
Warranty Remedies  
If the Trimble Product fails during the warranty period for reasons  
covered by this limited warranty and you notify Trimble of such failure  
during the warranty period, Trimble will repair OR replace the  
2
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ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF LIABILITY FOR  
CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES, THE ABOVE  
LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.  
Declaration of Conformity  
We, Trimble Navigation Limited,  
PLEASE NOTE: THE ABOVE TRIMBLE LIMITED WARRANTY  
PROVISIONS WILL NOT APPLY TO PRODUCTS PURCHASED IN  
THOSE JURISDICTIONS (E.G., MEMBER STATES OF THE  
EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AREA) IN WHICH PRODUCT  
WARRANTIES ARE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE LOCAL  
TRIMBLE AUTHORIZED DEALER FROM WHOM THE PRODUCTS  
ARE ACQUIRED. IN SUCH A CASE, PLEASE CONTACT YOUR  
LOCAL TRIMBLE AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR APPLICABLE  
WARRANTY INFORMATION.  
935 Stewart Drive  
PO Box 3642  
Sunnyvale, CA 94088-3642  
United States  
+1-408-481-8000  
Official Language  
declare under sole responsibility that the product:  
ThunderBolt E GPS Disciplined Clock  
complies with Part 15 of FCC Rules.  
THE OFFICIAL LANGUAGE OF THESE TERMS AND CONDITIONS IS  
ENGLISH. IN THE EVENT OF A CONFLICT BETWEEN ENGLISH AND  
OTHER LANGUAGE VERSIONS, THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE SHALL  
CONTROL.  
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:  
(1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and  
(2) this device must accept any interference received,  
including interference that may cause undesired  
operation.  
Notices  
Class B Statement – Notice to Users. This equipment has been tested  
and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant  
to Part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide  
reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential  
installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio  
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the  
instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communication.  
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a  
particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful  
interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined  
by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to  
correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:  
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.  
Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.  
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that  
to which the receiver is connected.  
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.  
Changes and modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer  
or registrant of this equipment can void your authority to operate this  
equipment under Federal Communications Commission rules.  
Australia and New Zealand  
This product conforms with the regulatory requirements of the  
Australian Communications Authority (ACA) EMC framework,  
thus satisfying the requirements for C-Tick Marking and sale  
within Australia and New Zealand.  
Europe  
This product has been tested and found to comply with the  
requirements for a Class B device pursuant to European  
Council Directive 89/336/EEC on EMC, thereby satisfying the  
requirements for CE Marking and sale within the European  
Economic Area (EEA). Contains Infineon radio module ROK 104001.  
These requirements are designed to provide reasonable protection  
against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a  
residential or commercial environment.  
Notice to Our European Union Customers  
For product recycling instructions and more information, please go to  
Recycling in Europe: To recycle Trimble WEEE (Waste  
Electrical and Electronic Equipment, products that run on  
electrical power.), Call +31 497 53 24 30, and ask for the  
"WEEE Associate". Or, mail a request for recycling  
instructions to:  
Trimble Europe BV  
c/o Menlo Worldwide Logistics  
Meerheide 45  
5521 DZ Eersel, NL  
Restriction of Use of Certain Hazardous Substances in  
Electrical and Electronic Equipment (RoHS)  
As of July 1, 2006, the Product is compliant in all material respects with  
DIRECTIVE 2002/95/EC OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF  
THE COUNCIL of 27 January 2003 on the restriction of the use of certain  
hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment (RoHS  
Directive) and Amendment 2005/618/EC filed under C(2005) 3143, with  
exemptions for lead in solder pursuant to Paragraph 7 of the Annex to  
the RoHS Directive applied. The foregoing is limited to Product placed  
on the market in the Member States of the European Union on or after 1  
July 2006. Trimble has relied on representations made by its suppliers in  
certifying this Product as RoHS compliant.  
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Safety Information  
Warnings and Cautions  
An absence of specific alerts does not mean that there are no safety risks involved.  
Always follow the instructions that accompany a Warning or Caution. The information  
they provide is intended to minimize the risk of personal injury and/or damage to the  
equipment. In particular, observe safety instructions that are presented in the  
following formats:  
WARNING – A Warning alerts you to a likely risk of serious injury to your person and/or  
damage to the equipment.  
C
C
CAUTION – A Caution alerts you to a possible risk of damage to the equipment and/or  
loss of data.  
Operation and storage  
WARNING – Operating or storing the ThunderBolt E GPS disciplined clock outside the  
specified temperature range can damage it. For more information, see the product  
specifications on the data sheet.  
C
Routing any cable  
CAUTION – Be careful not to damage the cable. Take care to avoid sharp bends or kinks in  
C
the cable, hot surfaces (for example, exhaust manifolds or stacks), rotating or  
reciprocating equipment, sharp or abrasive surfaces, door and window jambs, and  
corrosive fluids or gases.  
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Safety Information  
AC adaptor safety  
An international adaptor kit is provided with the ThunderBolt E GPS disciplined clock.  
WARNING – Using an incorrect AC adaptor can damage your product and may void your  
warranty. To use AC adaptors safely:  
– Use only the AC adaptor intended for the ThunderBolt E. Using any other AC adaptor  
can damage your product and may void your warranty.  
– Do not use the AC adaptor with any other product.  
C
– Make certain that the input voltage on the adaptor matches the voltage and frequency  
in your location.  
– Make certain that the adaptor has prongs compatible with your outlets.  
– AC adaptors are designed for indoor use only. Avoid using the AC adaptor in wet  
outdoor areas.  
– Unplug the AC adaptor from power when not in use.  
– Do not short the output connector.  
– There are no user-serviceable parts in this product.  
– Should damage to the AC adaptor occur, replace it with a new Trimble AC adaptor.  
6
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Contents  
4
A
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C H A P T E R  
1
Introduction  
1
In this chapter:  
Welcome to the Trimble ThunderBolt E GPS  
Disciplined Clock User Guide. The user guide  
describes how to install, set up, and use the  
Trimble® ThunderBolt® E GPS disciplined clock  
(“ThunderBolt E”).  
The ThunderBolt E integrates the latest GPS  
technology into a rugged, self-contained unit. It  
provides an accurate one pulse-per-second  
(1 PPS) and a stable 10 MHz frequency output  
source for output to synchronize and time  
broadband wireless, cellular base stations, Time  
Difference of Arrival (TDOA) applications, and  
many other Supervisory and Data Acquisition  
(SCADA) applications.  
For more information on GPS, go to  
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1
Introduction  
Operation  
The ThunderBolt E GPS disciplined clock provides time and frequency through a  
12-channel GPS receiver and a high-quality ovenized quartz oscillator integrated onto  
a single printed circuit board. Tightly integrating GPS into the clock design eliminates  
the need for a separate GPS receiver. This results in better reliability, a smaller size, and  
a cost advantage.  
The board in the ThunderBolt E consists of one board with GPS and a 24 V power  
supply regulator. This power supply regulator ensures clean, robust power to the GPS.  
The board can support several different oscillators for applications having stringent  
holdover requirements.  
The ThunderBolt E is ready to use out of the box for most applications. When a  
+24 VDC power source is applied, the ThunderBolt E will begin to track satellites—  
four satellites are required to begin the self-survey process. At the same time the  
oscillator will come up to operating temperature and stabilize, outputting the 1 PPS  
and reference frequency.  
To get the most from your time reference, you can customize the ThunderBolt E using  
the Trimble binary interface, TSIP (Trimble Standard Interface Protocol). For more  
Features  
Hardware features  
A single printed circuit board containing  
A quality ovenized oscillator  
A 12-channel GPS receiver  
Control circuitry  
Easy integration with the Trimble Bullet antenna  
Easy calibration for different cable lengths  
Output  
10 MHz reference signal output via BNC connector  
1 PPS output with an Over-determined solution synchronized to GPS or  
UTC time  
Interface protocols  
The ThunderBolt E uses the Trimble Standard Interface Protocol (TSIP). This is a  
binary packet protocol that allows the system designer maximum configuration  
control over the GPS receiver for optimum performance in timing applications. TSIP  
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Introduction  
1
supports multiple commands and their associated response packets for use in  
configuring the ThunderBolt E to meet your requirements. See Appendix A, Trimble  
Standard timing software features  
Automatic self-survey  
Signal integrity through a Time-Receiver Autonomous Integrity Monitor  
(T-RAIM) algorithm  
Starter kit  
The ThunderBolt E Starter Kit contains all the components required for evaluating and  
engineering purposes and is quick and easy to install , with your +24 V power source. It  
is a high-performance, cost-effective reference time source that uses GPS technology  
to precisely synchronize computers, servers, and Internet applications. See Setting up  
Use and care  
The ThunderBolt E is a high-precision electronic instrument and should be treated  
with reasonable care.  
If a problem arises with the unit, an amber indication appears in the monitor program  
under Minor Alarms. Contact Trimble for technical direction and repair.  
Note – Not every Minor Alarm indicates a problem.  
CAUTION – There are no user-serviceable parts inside the ThunderBolt E and any  
modification to the unit by the user voids the warranty.  
C
Technical assistance  
If you have a problem and cannot find the information you need in the product  
documentation, contact the Trimble Technical Assistance Center at 800-767-4822 or  
Your comments  
Your feedback about the supporting documentation helps us to improve it with each  
revision. Email your comment to [email protected].  
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1
Introduction  
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C H A P T E R  
2
Setting up and Running the  
ThunderBolt E  
2
In this chapter:  
Trimble recommends that you install the Trimble  
GPS Monitor software before setting up the  
ThunderBolt E GPS disciplined clock. This  
enables you to monitor the acquisition of  
satellites once you start up the GPS antenna.  
A starter kit is available for testing, evaluation,  
and engineering purposes. This section describes  
the components of the starter kit, and how to set  
it up.  
The hardware integration is described in  
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2
Setting up and Running the ThunderBolt E  
System requirements  
Hardware  
For evaluation or engineering purposes:  
The Trimble ThunderBolt E GPS disciplined clock starter kit, see page 20.  
User-provided connectors and extension cords to connect the  
ThunderBolt E module to the computer, antenna interface, and other  
devices as required.  
For permanent installation:  
ThunderBolt E GPS disciplined clock module  
Trimble Bullet antenna  
75–100 feet of approved cable (RG-6) with two M-M TNC connectors  
Note – 50 Ω or 75 Ω RF cable can be used. Typical impedance mismatch will reflect only  
0.5 dB of additional attenuation at 1575.42 MHz. See also Cable delay compensation,  
+24 VDC power supply  
User-provided equipment to analyze the 10 MHz output frequency and the  
1 PPS accuracy, and a BNC connector to connect them to the  
ThunderBolt E module.  
User-provided connectors and extension cords to connect the  
ThunderBolt E module to the computer, antenna interface, and other  
devices as required.  
Computer  
An office computer running a version of the Microsoft® Windows® operating  
system (Windows NT or later)  
System software  
Trimble GPS Monitor software. The software is used to monitor the GPS  
performance of the ThunderBolt E and to change its settings. The software is  
compatible with the Windows 95, 98, 2000, and XP operating systems and with  
the Windows Vista® operating system. See Trimble GPS Monitor, page 15.  
Trimble Standard Interface Protocol (TSIP). This consists of command packets  
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Setting up and Running the ThunderBolt E  
2
Installing and using the software  
All software programs for the ThunderBolt E are available online from the Trimble  
website at www.trimble.com/timing.shtml. These programs enable you to monitor the  
ThunderBolt E and change its configuration settings.  
Tip – Install and set up the monitor program before turning on the ThunderBolt E—this  
allows you to observe the timing process, from start up to fully functioning.  
B
Trimble GPS Monitor  
CAUTION – Use only the Trimble GPS Monitor software with this product. Previous  
versions may not be compatible.  
C
To install the Trimble GPS Monitor (TrimbleMon) application from the website:  
1. Go to http://www.trimble.com/TrimbleMon.shtml and then select  
Support /ThunderBolt E Software Downloads /Installation Files.  
2. Click Trimble Monitor Program and then download the Trimble_Mon.exe file to  
the computer’s hard drive.  
3. To run the application, double-click the file. The Trimble GPS Monitor screen  
appears:  
Tx and Rx indicators  
COM port and settings  
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2
Setting up and Running the ThunderBolt E  
To view the Timing Receiver Status and Control information, select  
Window/Receiver Status:  
4. To specify the communications port and protocol for your office computer,  
right-click in the bottom right of the Trimble GPS Monitor screen and then select  
the required COM port and settings.  
5. Connect the Bullet antenna to the ThunderBolt E using the provided antenna  
interface cable.  
6. Connect the DB-9M serial cable from the ThunderBolt E to DB-9F on your  
computer.  
7. Turn on the +24 V DC power source or plug in the AC/DC converter and then  
turn on the power.  
The Tx and Rx in the lower left of the status bar indicate the following:  
If the Tx blinks, the computer is transmitting commands to the receiver.  
If the Rx blinks, the computer is receiving reports from the receiver.  
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Setting up and Running the ThunderBolt E  
2
8. The ThunderBolt E automatically begins its self-survey. When this is complete  
and the receiver achieves a position fix, the following information appears in the  
software:  
position  
time  
satellites tracked  
GPS receiver status  
Note – The receiver sends a health report every few seconds, even if satellites are not being  
tracked.  
Data fields  
If the Trimble GPS Monitor program displays a question mark (?) in a data field, the  
receiver has not reported a status for this field. If the question mark stays in place, the  
GPS module may not be communicating with the computer. Check the interface cable  
connections and verify that the serial port selection and settings are set to 9600 baud,  
no parity, 8-bit, and 1 stop/start bit.  
If the communication fails, call the Trimble Technical Assistance Center (TAC) at  
1 (800) 767-4822.  
Receiver COM port settings  
Packet 0xBC sets the ThunderBolt E GPS port characteristics. To change the receiver  
port and then set or request the Input/Output baud rate, data bits, parity, stop bits, and  
flow control parameters, select Configure / Receiver Configuration / Port Configuration  
dialog.  
TSIP  
The Trimble Standard Interface Protocol (TSIP) consists of command packets and  
report packets. The basic features that are described here include some of the more  
commonly used commands and reports. For a complete description of TSIP, see  
Note – You do not need the packet number when you use the Windows Control Program.  
Cable delay compensation  
Packet 0x8E-4A enables you to delay or advance the 1 PPS. This may be required to  
compensate for a long cable run. Negative values advance the 1 PPS and compensate  
for cable delay. The 10 MHz and 1 PPS output will remain synchronized.  
Note – The factory default is zero.  
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2
Setting up and Running the ThunderBolt E  
Timing information  
Packet 0x8F-AB (primary timing information) and packet 0x8F-AC (supplemental  
timing information) contain most of the information that you need to monitor the  
ThunderBolt E. In the default configuration, these packets are broadcast once per  
second.  
Elevation Mask  
This is the minimum elevation angle for satellites that is used in a solution output by  
Satellites that are near the horizon are typically more difficult to track due to signal  
attenuation, and are generally less accurate due to higher variability in the ionospheric  
and tropospheric corruption of the signal. When there are no obstructions, the receiver  
can generally track a satellite to near the horizon. However, when this mask is set too  
low, the receiver may experience frequent constellation switching due to low elevation  
satellites being obscured.  
Frequent constellation switching is associated with undesirable timing jumps. If the  
mask setting is too high, it may reject good satellites. The current mask is set to ten  
degrees and provides a reasonable trade-off between the benefits and drawbacks.  
Signal Level Mask  
This mask defines the minimum signal strength for a satellite used in a solution. There  
is some internal hysteresis on this threshold that allows brief excursions below the  
threshold if lock is maintained and the signal was previously above the mask. The  
factory default mask is zero. High accuracy users may use a slightly higher mask of 6.0  
to 8.0, since weaker measurements may be slightly noisier and are often caused by  
reflected signals that provide erroneous ranges.  
Note – A level of hysteresis in the signal level mask is allowed in the core operating  
software. The hysteresis allows the receiver to continue using satellite signals that fall  
slightly below the mask and prevents the receiver from incorporating a new signal until the  
signal level slightly exceeds the mask. This feature minimizes constellation changes caused  
by temporary fluctuations in signal levels.  
Reference position  
When the antenna is connected and power is applied, the GPS module generates a  
precise PPS signal, a 10 MHz frequency output, and several miscellaneous periodic  
outputs. It calculates a clock-only solution from the GPS data. In clock-only  
(position-hold) mode, a static reference position is established and all of the available  
satellites are used to solve for a time solution. The reference position may be  
determined automatically by the ThunderBolt E (self-survey) or may be uploaded to  
the ThunderBolt E by the host, if the position is known. The accuracy and integrity of  
the timing solution is highly dependent on the accuracy of the reference position.  
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Setting up and Running the ThunderBolt E  
2
If the host has not uploaded a reference position, or if the module has been moved  
more than one to two kilometers since its last position, the GPS module automatically  
conducts a position survey at startup. By default, the GPS module averages 2000  
position fixes before entering the clock-only mode. The host system can adjust the  
survey period using packet 0x8E-A6. While the GPS module is performing its survey,  
the accuracy of the timing outputs will be degraded.  
Uploading a reference position  
To upload an accurate reference position, use packet 0x31 (Command Packet 0x31:  
reference position is stored in EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-  
Only Memory) and is retained during power loss. When a reference position is stored  
in EEPROM, the GPS module bypasses the position survey procedure and enters  
clock-only mode. If you move the antenna, you must send packet 0x8E-45 to clear the  
position stored in EEPROM: The GPS module then initiates a self-survey, unless the  
host uploads a new position using packet 0x31 or packet 0x32.  
To store the reference position from the self-survey procedure in the EEPROM, send  
packet 0x8E-4C to the receiver. Alternatively, you can configure the ThunderBolt E to  
automatically save the position using packet 0x8E-A9.  
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2
Setting up and Running the ThunderBolt E  
ThunderBolt E starter kit  
Power cable  
75 feet of Belden RG-6 cable,  
terminated with TNC  
connectors at both ends  
Trimble Bullet antenna  
(5 V with TNC connector)  
Power converter  
(24 VDC AC/DC)  
Power pin adapters  
BNC-m / TNC-f  
connector  
ThunderBolt E module  
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Setting up and Running the ThunderBolt E  
2
Setting up the ThunderBolt E  
Note – You can either set up the starter kit temporarily for testing or evaluation purposes,  
or embed it permanently into your system. The procedure is largely the same.  
1. Connect the male connector of the antenna cable to the Bullet antenna.  
2. Place the antenna so that it has the fullest possible view of the sky.  
To mount the antenna permanently, place it on a high point, such as a roof.  
Make sure that it is placed away from obstructions, such as neighboring  
buildings that may block its view of the sky, or overhanging objects, such as trees  
or towers.  
Note – If required, you can mount the antenna on a 1" marine pipe with 14 threads per  
inch or on a 3/4" plumbers pipe.  
3. Route the antenna cable to the receiver.  
CAUTION – Be careful not to damage the cable. Take care to avoid sharp bends or kinks in  
the cable, hot surfaces (for example, exhaust manifolds or stacks), rotating or  
reciprocating equipment, sharp or abrasive surfaces, door and window jambs, and  
corrosive fluids or gases.  
C
4. Secure the cable using tie-wraps, starting at the antenna and allowing for a drip  
loop, and working towards the ThunderBolt E module. Ensure that the cable is  
secured at points close to the antenna and the ThunderBolt E module.  
Note – Additional protection (for example, heat-shrink tubing) may be required to protect  
the cable jacket at points where the opening is rough or sharp, such as where it enters or  
exits bulkheads.  
5. If required, cut the cable to the required length and then terminate it with the  
correct connectors. Make sure that:  
There is enough slack for a service loop near the antenna to allow for  
disconnection, for moisture to drip away from the connection, and for  
normal movements of the antenna.  
All contact surfaces are clean and firm before crimping.  
6. If cut, re-attach the male TNC connector to the cut end.  
7. Connect the standard RS-232 interface cable directly to the office computer.  
Note – The TSIP serial port is set at 9600 baud, no parity, 8-bit, 1 stop/start bit.  
8. Connect the +24 V DC power input (part of the Power and I/O interface cable  
assembly) to the power converter.  
9. Use the adaptor cable to connect the power converter to the main power and  
then switch on the mains power.  
After you turn on the ThunderBolt E, it takes approximately 5 minutes for the ovenized  
oscillator to warm up. During this time, it will begin acquiring satellites in less than 60  
seconds, as shown in the Trimble GPS Monitor software on your computer.  
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2
Setting up and Running the ThunderBolt E  
Once the ThunderBolt E has warmed up and acquired satellites it performs a  
self-survey: If at least one satellite is currently available, it will output 1 PPS and  
10 MHz data to the Trimble GPS Monitor software, see page 15. The complete process  
can take an hour. Overall performance will improve after several days of continuous  
operation.  
1 PPS and 10 MHz is not synchronized with GPS until the unit enters  
Over-Determined Clock mode.  
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C H A P T E R  
3
Hardware Integration  
3
In this chapter:  
The setup procedures for the ThunderBolt E GPS  
disciplined clock are described in Setting up the  
ThunderBolt E, page 21. This chapter describes  
the hardware components, to assist you when  
you integrate the ThunderBolt E into a system.  
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3
Hardware Integration  
ThunderBolt E system architecture  
Serial  
I/O  
RS-232  
GPS data  
GPS receiver  
electronics  
CPU and support  
circuitry  
1 PPS  
output  
10 MHz clock  
10 MHz  
output  
Digital to Analog  
converter  
Control voltage  
10 MHz OCXO  
ThunderBolt E module  
The ThunderBolt E consists of a board mounted inside an aluminum case. The board  
contains the parts for power regulation, a GPS receiver, an oscillator, and disciplining  
circuitry.  
Environmental specifications  
Operating temperature  
Storage temperature  
Operating humidity  
Maximum altitude  
0 °C to +60 °C (32 °F to 140 °F)  
-40 °C to +85 °C (-40 °F to 185 °F)  
95% non-condensing  
18,000 meter (11.2 miles)  
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Hardware Integration  
3
Performance specifications  
General  
L1 frequency, CA/code (SPS), 12-channel continuous tracking  
receiver  
Update rate  
PPS accuracy  
10 MHz accuracy  
Harmonic level  
Spurious  
1 Hz  
UTC 15 nanoseconds (one sigma)  
-12  
1.16 x 10 (one day average)  
-40 dBc max  
-70 dBc max  
Phase noise  
10 Hz -120 dBc/Hz  
100 Hz - 135 dBc/Hz  
1 kHz -135 dBc/Hz  
10 kHz -145 dBc/Hz  
100 kHz -145 dBc/Hz  
Holdover  
Some customers, such as CDMA manufacturers, have  
historically mandated tighter holdover requirements than  
specified. For increased holdover performance, please contact  
your local Trimble representative.  
Physical characteristics  
Power consumption  
15 W cold  
10 W steady state  
Antenna supply voltage  
Dimensions  
5 V 10%  
127 mm (length) x 102 mm (width) x 40 mm (height)  
(5" x 4" x 2")  
Weight  
0.285 kg (0.628 lb)  
Mounting  
6 mounting holes for M3 screws. Maximum depth 12 mm.  
The module dimensions of the ThunderBolt E are shown overleaf.  
CAUTION – When permanently mounting the ThunderBolt E onto a plate, you must  
consider the length of the screw and the thickness of plate so that you do not protrude  
into the ThunderBolt E and potentially damage the electronics.  
C
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3
Hardware Integration  
Figure 3.1  
ThunderBolt E mechanical specification  
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Hardware Integration  
3
Bullet antenna specifications  
To download full specifications of the Bullet antenna, as well as ordering information,  
please go to the Trimble website.  
Physical characteristics  
Dimensions  
Bullet enclosure  
Antenna weight  
Connector  
77.5 mm diameter x 66.2 mm height (3.05" x 2.61")  
Textured, off-white plastic  
170 grams (6 oz)  
F-type or TNC  
Mount  
1"-14 thread or 3/4" pipe thread  
Note – The Bullet III mounting thread is a 3/4" NPT thread, dimensions in accordance  
with ANSI/ASME B1.20.1. It is compatible with tapered threads in accordance with  
DIN EN 10226 (which is the same as ISO 7/1, DIN 2999, BSP 21, JIS B0203). It is not  
compatible with straight threads in accordance with ISO 228/1.  
Environmental specifications  
Operating temperature  
Storage temperature  
Vibration  
-40 °C to +85 °C (-40 °F to 185 °F)  
-40 °C to +100 °C (-40 °F to 212 °F)  
2
0.04g /Hz 10 Hz to 500 Hz  
2
0.03g /Hz 500 Hz to 850 Hz  
2
0.02g /Hz 850 Hz to 1200 Hz  
Shock  
50 g vertical, 30 g all axes  
Mil-STD-810E  
Humidity  
Salt Fog  
Waterproof  
Mil. Std. 202F, Method 101D Condition B  
Submersion to 1 meter  
Antenna cable  
Trimble includes an RG-6 cable in the starter kit to connect the ThunderBolt E and the  
Bullet antenna. This cable type is widely available.  
Note – The ThunderBolt E and the Bullet antenna are compatible with either 50 Ω or 75 Ω  
cable. Compared to most 50 Ω cable, 75 Ω cable provides superior transmission for the 1.5  
GHz GPS signal and a better quality cable for the price. Mismatched impedance is not a  
problem.  
Note – RG-6 cable is lower loss than RG-59 and can be used when trying to maximize a  
cable run without the use of in-line amplifiers.  
The Bullet antenna has greater than 28 dB gain and “best case” noise figure of 3 dB. The  
ThunderBolt E has less than an 8 dB noise figure. The system can therefore “tolerate”  
18 dB of cable loss for less than 1 dB degradation in performance.  
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3
Hardware Integration  
In cases where the distance between the Bullet and the ThunderBolt E is excessive (for  
example when the loss exceeds 18 dB), an inline amplifier is necessary.  
The following table shows the loss relationships:  
Cable type  
dB / 100 ft  
dB / 100 meter  
Max lenght for 18 dB loss at  
1575 MHz (feet / meter)  
RG-6  
12  
40  
150/45  
RG8 (and 8/U)  
RG-8X  
9.6  
31  
185/58  
16.8  
19.6  
14.7  
5.3  
55  
107/33  
RG-58  
64  
92/28  
RG-59  
48.2  
17.2  
11.2  
122/37  
LMR-400  
LMR-600  
340/105  
530/161/161  
3.4  
In cases where the run length is such that the loss exceeds 18 dB, an inline amplifier  
(LNA) with the following specifications is required:  
Place the LNA at a point in the coaxial line so that the loss between the Bullet  
antenna and the LNA does not exceed 18 dB.  
The noise figure of the LNA must be 3 dB or less. The gain of the LNA should be  
at least 3 dB greater than the cable loss between the output of the inline LNA  
and the ThunderBolt E input. Trimble recommends that a filtered LNA is used  
to reduce overload by out-of-and signals. (Filtered LNAs are made by GPS  
Networking.)  
For example, if you choose an RG-6 cable with 40 dB/100 meter loss, and the  
required run-length is 90 meters, the total loss for his run would be  
(0.9)(40 dB/100 meters) = 36 dB. This exceeds 18 dB and means that you need to  
use an inline amplifier.  
However, if you select an LMR-400 or LMR-600 cable, you would not need an  
inline amplifier.  
The noise figure of the inline amplifier must be 3 dB or less. The gain of this LNA  
would be 21 dB (18 dB loss precedes LNA, 18 dB of loss follows LNA, and drives  
requirement for 18 + 3 = 21 dB gain for the LNA).  
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Hardware Integration  
3
I/O connector pin-out  
The RS-232 serial port uses a DB-9 connector. This configuration supports connections  
to the RS-232 serial port on a computer. The pinout functions are as follows.  
Pin  
1
Function  
Not used  
TxD  
Signal / Protocol  
2
Transmit out/RS-232  
Receive in RS-232  
3
RxD  
4
Not used  
Signal ground  
Not used  
Not used  
Not used  
Not used  
5
6
7
8
9
Power supply and connector  
The ThunderBolt E starter kit includes a 24 V power supply regulator. The module  
requires a locally supplied +24 VDC. Power consumption is 15 Watts cold and 10 Watts  
steady state.  
Use the following to connect to the ThunderBolt E power input:  
MOLEX part number Item  
Quantity  
MLX 39-01-2020  
MLX 44476-112  
Connector plug  
Contact pin  
1
2
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3
Hardware Integration  
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C H A P T E R  
4
Firmware Integration  
4
In this chapter:  
This section will help a developer to understand  
the structure of the ThunderBolt E firmware.  
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4
Firmware Integration  
Firmware configuration  
The ThunderBolt E maintains its configuration parameters in a non-volatile memory  
device (EEPROM). In the EEPROM, related configuration parameters are grouped  
together and stored in an area known as a “segment”. There are seven  
user-configurable segments. Immediately after a reset, the ThunderBolt E reads the  
segment contents from the EEPROM, stores a working copy in RAM and then  
configures itself based on the working copy of the segments. You can do the following:  
To modify the contents of the working copy, use the “Set” command packets.  
To read the working copies of the segments, issue the “Request” command  
packet and wait for the “Report” packet response.  
When you alter a parameter, the ThunderBolt E reconfigures, but the contents of the  
EEPROM are not changed automatically.  
The ThunderBolt E has two command packets that can control the contents of the  
segments stored in EEPROM:  
Command packet 0x8E-4C enables you to save the contents of any or all  
working copies of the segments to EEPROM.  
Command packet 0x8E-45 enables you to set the contents of any or all the  
segments stored in EEPROM to the factory default.  
Firmware upgrades  
When firmware upgrades are available, Trimble will provide software and instructions  
for installation on the Trimble website at www.trimble.com/timing.  
Firmware features  
The firmware includes:  
Kalman filtering for better performance during holdover.  
1 PPS calibrated to the USNO master clock for a more accurate “out of box”  
performance.  
New position integrity monitor that warns you if the receiver is using an  
incorrect position.  
User-selectable recovery algorithm that enables you to define how the clock will  
recover from holdover.  
Silent TSIP options that enables you to choose which packets, if any, are to be  
reported.  
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A P P E N D I X  
A
Trimble Standard Interface Protocol  
A
In this appendix:  
The Trimble Standard Interface Protocol (TSIP)  
may be characterized as a set of data packets  
used to transmit information to and receive  
information from a Trimble GPS receiver. Trimble  
products commonly support a version of TSIP  
which is customized to the attributes of the  
product. This appendix describes the  
ThunderBolt E customization.  
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A
Trimble Standard Interface Protocol  
Introduction  
TSIP is a powerful and compact interface protocol which has been designed to allow  
the system developer a great deal of flexibility in interfacing to a Trimble product.  
Many TSIP data packets are common to all products which use TSIP. An example  
would be a single precision position output packet. Other packets may be unique to a  
product. Custom packets are only used in the products for which they have been  
created.  
Note – This appendix has been generated and reviewed with care, however, Trimble is  
always grateful to receive reports of any errors in either products or documentation.  
Interface scope  
ThunderBolt E has one configurable serial I/O communication port, which is a  
bi-directional control and data port using a Trimble Standard Interface Protocol  
(TSIP). The data I/O port characteristics and other options are user programmable  
and stored in non-volatile storage (NVS) memory.  
The TSIP protocol is based on the transmission of packets of information between the  
user equipment and the GPS receiver. Each packet includes an identification code that  
identifies the meaning and format of the data that follows. Each packet begins and  
ends with control characters.  
Automatic output packets  
ThunderBolt E is configured to automatically output the 0x8F-AB and 0x8F-AC  
packets. For most system implementations these output packets provide all of the  
information required for operation including time, position, GPS status, and health.  
The following packets can be broadcast if enabled with packet 0x8E-A5 and 0x35. By  
default, only packets 0x8F-AB and 0x8F-AC are enabled for output.  
Broadcast output packets  
Broadcast  
Packet ID  
Description  
Masking  
Packet ID  
Request  
Packet ID  
When Sent  
0x42  
Position XYZ (ECEF), single precision 0x35 and  
0x8E-A5 (bit 6)  
0x37  
0x37  
When a position fix is  
computed  
0x43  
Velocity XYZ, single precision  
0x35 and  
0x8E-A5 (bit 6)  
When a position fix is  
computed  
0x47  
0x4A  
Signal Levels  
0x8E-A5 (bit 6) 0x27  
Once per second  
Position LLA, single precision  
0x35 and  
0x8E-A5 (bit 6)  
0x37  
0x37  
0x3A  
When a position fix is  
computed  
0x56  
0x5A  
0x6D  
Velocity ENU, single precision  
Raw Measurements  
0x35 and  
0x8E-A5 (bit 6)  
When a position fix is  
computed  
0x35 and  
When new measurements  
are available  
0x8E-A5 (bit 6)  
Satellite list, DOPS, mode  
0x8E-A5 (bit 6) 0x24  
Once per second  
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Trimble Standard Interface Protocol  
A
Broadcast  
Packet ID  
Description  
Masking  
Packet ID  
Request  
Packet ID  
When Sent  
0x83  
Position XYZ (ECEF), double  
precision  
0x35 and  
0x8E-A5 (bit 6)  
0x37  
When a position fix is  
computed  
0x84  
Position LLA, double precision  
0x35 and  
0x8E-A5 (bit 6)  
0x37  
When a position fix is  
computed  
0x8F-AB  
0x8F-AC  
Primary timing packet  
0x8E-A5 (bit 0) 0x8E-AB  
0x8E-A5 (bit 2) 0x8E-AC  
Once per second  
Once per second  
Secondary timing packet  
Customizing operations parameters  
Thunderbolt E provides a number of user-configurable parameters that enables the  
user to customize its operation. These parameters are stored in NVS memory to be  
retained during loss of power and through resets. At reset or power up, ThunderBolt E  
configures itself based on the parameters stored in NVS. The user can change the  
values of these parameters to achieve the desired operation using a variety of TSIP  
packets. ThunderBolt E configures itself based upon the new parameters immediately,  
but the new parameter is not automatically saved to NVS. The user must direct  
ThunderBolt E to save the parameters to NVS. This is done by sending packet 0x8E-4C  
with the ID of the segment containing the changed parameter. Users can also direct  
ThunderBolt E to set the parameter values for a specified segment to their factory  
defaults by sending packet 0x8E-45.  
To customize ThunderBolt E output:  
1. Set up ThunderBolt E using TSIP commands until the required operation is  
achieved.  
2. Use command 0x8E-4C to store the settings in non-volatile memory (except for  
position, which is saved or deleted with packet 0x8E-A6.)  
These settings will control ThunderBolt E operations whenever it is cold-reset or  
power cycled. The following tables illustrate how the user configurable data is  
mapped.  
Factory default settings (segment 3)  
Parameter  
Factory Default  
4 (Full Position 3D)  
1 (Land)  
Set  
Request  
0xBB  
Report  
0xBB  
0xBB  
0xBB  
0xBB  
0xBB  
0xBB  
0xBB  
Receiver mode  
Dynamics code  
Elevation mask  
Signal level mask  
PDOP mask  
0xBB  
0xBB  
0xBB  
0xBB  
0xBB  
0xBB  
0xBB  
0xBB  
0.175 radians (10 deg)  
4 (AMU)  
0xBB  
0xBB  
12  
0xBB  
PDOP switch  
6
0xBB  
Foliage mode  
1 (Sometimes)  
0xBB  
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A
Trimble Standard Interface Protocol  
Packet I/O control (segment 4)  
Parameter  
Factory Default  
Set  
Request  
Report  
Packet broadcast mask  
Mask 0  
0x05  
0x00  
0x8E-A5  
0x8E-A5  
0x8E-A5  
Mask 1  
Packet 0x35 data  
Position (Byte 0)  
Velocity (Byte 1)  
Timing (Byte 2)  
Auxiliary (Byte 3)  
0x12  
0x02  
0x00  
0x00  
0x35  
0x35  
0x35  
0x35  
0x35  
0x35  
0x35  
0x35  
0x35  
0x35  
0x35  
0x35  
Datum  
0 (WGS-84)  
0x8E-15  
0x8E-15  
0x8E-15  
Serial port configuration (segment 5)  
Parameter  
Input baud rate  
Output baud rate  
Data bits  
Factory Default  
7 (9600 baud)  
7 (9600 baud)  
3 (8 bits)  
Set  
Request  
0xBC  
Report  
0xBC  
0xBC  
0xBC  
0xBC  
0xBC  
0xBC  
0xBC  
0xBC  
0xBC  
0xBC  
0xBC  
0xBC  
0xBC  
0xBC  
0xBC  
0xBC  
Parity  
0 (none)  
0xBC  
Stop bits  
0 (1 bit)  
0xBC  
Input protocol  
Output protocol  
2 (TSIP)  
0xBC  
2 (TSIP)  
0xBC  
Timing outputs (segment 6)  
Parameter  
PPS enable  
PPS sense  
Factory Default  
Set  
Request  
0x8E-4A  
0x8E-4A  
0x8E-4A  
0x8E-4A  
Report  
0x8E-4A  
0x8E-4A  
0x8E-4A  
0x8F-4A  
1 (enabled)  
0x8E-4A  
0x8E-4A  
0x8E-4A  
0x8E-4A  
1 (rising edge)  
0.0 (seconds)  
300.0 (Meters)  
PPS offset  
Bias Uncertainty  
Threshold  
PPS Output Qualifier  
UTC/GPS Date/Time  
2 (always on)  
0 (GPS)  
0x8E-4E  
0x8E-A2  
0x8E-A2  
0x8E-4E  
0x8E-A2  
0x8E-A2  
0x8F-4E  
0x8F-A2  
0x8F-A2  
UTC/GPS PPS Alignment 0 (GPS)  
Accurate position (segment 7)  
Parameter  
Factory Default  
No stored position  
Set  
Request  
Report  
Position  
0x31, 0x32,  
self-survey  
0x8E-AC  
0x8F-AC  
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Trimble Standard Interface Protocol  
A
Self-survey (segment 8)  
Parameter  
Factory Default  
Set  
Request  
0x8E-A9  
0x8E-A9  
0x8E-A9  
Report  
0x8E-A9  
0x8E-A9  
0x8E-A9  
Self-survey enable  
Position save flag  
Self-survey count  
1 (enabled)  
1 (save)  
0x8E-A9  
0x8E-A9  
0x8E-A9  
2000 (fixes)  
Oscillator disciplining (segment 9)  
Parameter  
Time Constant  
Loop Damping  
Ko  
Factory Default  
10.0 seconds  
1.0  
Set  
Request  
0x8E-A8  
0x8E-A8  
0x8E-A8  
0x8E-A8  
Report  
0x8E-A8  
0x8E-A8  
0x8E-A8  
0x8E-A8  
0x8E-A8  
0x8E-A8  
0x8E-A8  
0x8E-A8  
8.83 (Hz/volt)  
0.0 (volts)  
Minimum control  
voltage  
Maximum control  
voltage  
4.0 (volts)  
0x8E-A8  
0x8E-A8  
0x8E-A8  
Initial DAC voltage  
2.0 (volts)  
300.0 (ns)  
0x8E-A8  
0x8E-A8  
0x8E-A8  
0x8E-A8  
0x8E-A8  
0x8E-A8  
Recovery mode jam  
sync threshold  
Recovery mode  
maximum frequency  
offset  
50.0 (ppb)  
0x8E-A8  
0x8E-A8  
0x8E-A8  
Packets output at power-up  
After completing its self-diagnostics, ThunderBolt E automatically outputs packet  
0x45 (Software version),  
Command packets: User to ThunderBolt E  
The following table summarizes the packets that can be sent to the ThunderBolt E by  
the user:  
Input ID  
0x1C  
0x1E  
0x1F  
Packet Description  
Output ID  
Firmware/Hardware versions  
Initiate cold, warm, or factory reset  
Request software version  
Request GPS satellite selection  
Initiate hot reset  
0x1C  
0x45 (after reset)  
0x45  
0x24  
0x25  
0x26  
0x27  
0x29  
0x31  
0x32  
0x6D  
0x45 (after reset)  
Request receiver health  
0x46, 0x4B  
Request signal levels  
0x47  
0x49  
--  
Request Almanac Health  
Set accurate position (XYZ ECEF)  
Set accurate position (Lat, Long, Alt)  
--  
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A
Trimble Standard Interface Protocol  
Input ID  
0x34  
Packet Description  
Output ID  
Set satellite selection for one-satellite mode  
Set/request I/O options  
--  
0x35  
0x37  
0x55  
Request status and value of last position and velocity fixes  
0x57 (and other enabled  
packets)  
0x38  
Load/request satellite system data  
Set/request satellite disable or ignore health  
Request last raw measurement  
Request ephemeris status  
0x58  
0x39  
0x59  
0x3A  
0x5A  
0x3B  
0x5B  
0x3C  
Request current satellite tracking status  
Request EEPROM segment status  
Set/request filter configuration  
Set/request receiver configuration  
Set/request serial port configuration  
Set/request current datum  
0x5C  
0x3F-11  
0x70  
0x5F-11  
0x70  
0xBB  
0xBB  
0xBC  
0xBC  
0x8E-15  
0x8E-26  
0x8E-41  
0x8E-42  
0x8E-45  
0x8E-4A  
0x8E-4C  
0x8E-4E  
0x8E-A0  
0x8E-A2  
0x8E-A3  
0x8E-A4  
0x8E-A5  
0x8E-A6  
0x8E-A8  
0x8E-A9  
0x8E-AB  
0x8E-AC  
0x8F-15  
0x45 (after reset)  
0x8F-41  
0x8F-42  
0x8F-45  
0x8F-4A  
0x8F-4C  
0x8F-4E  
0x8F-A0  
0x8F-A2  
0x8F-A3  
0x8F-A4  
0x8F-A5  
0x8F-A6  
0x8F-A8  
0x8F-A9  
0x8F-AB  
0x8F-AC  
Save configuration  
Request manufacturing parameters  
Request production parameters  
Set configuration segment parameters to factory defaults  
Set/request PPS characteristics  
Save configuration segment to NVS  
Set/request PPS output option  
Set/request DAC value  
Set/request UTC/GPS timing  
Issue oscillator disciplining command  
Set test modes  
Set/request packet broadcast mask  
Issue self-survey command  
Set/request oscillator disciplining parameters  
Set/request self-survey parameters  
Request primary timing packet  
Request supplemental timing packet  
Report packets: ThunderBolt E to User  
The following table summarizes the packets output by ThunderBolt E:  
Output ID Packet Description  
Input ID  
0x1C  
0x42  
0x43  
0x45  
0x46  
Firmware/Hardware Versions  
0x1C  
Single-precision XYZ position  
Velocity fix (XYZ ECEF)  
Software version information  
Receiver health  
0x37, auto  
0x37, auto  
0x1E, 0x1F, power-up  
0x26, auto  
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Trimble Standard Interface Protocol  
A
Output ID Packet Description  
Input ID  
0x27, auto  
0x29  
0x47  
Signal level for all satellites  
Almanac health  
0x49  
0x4A  
Single-precision LLA position  
Receiver health  
0x37, auto  
0x26, auto  
0x35  
0x4B  
0x55  
I/O options  
0x56  
Velocity fix (ENU)  
0x37, auto  
0x37  
0x57  
Information about last computed fix  
GPS system data/acknowledge  
Sat enable/disable & health flag  
Raw measurement data  
Ephemeris status  
0x58  
0x38  
0x59  
0x39  
0x5A  
0x3A  
0x5B  
0x3B  
0x5C  
Satellite tracking status  
EEPROM segment status  
Satellite selection list  
0x3C  
0x5F-11  
0x6D  
0x3F-11  
0x24, auto  
0x37, auto  
0x37, auto  
0x70  
0x83  
Double-precision XYZ  
0x84  
Double-precision LLA  
0x70  
Filter configuration  
0xBB  
Receiver configuration  
Serial port configuration  
Current datum values  
0xBB  
0xBC  
0xBC  
0x8F-15  
0x8F-41  
0x8F-42  
0x8F-45  
0x8F-4A  
0x8F-4C  
0x8F-4E  
0x8F-A0  
0x8F-A2  
0x8F-A3  
0x8F-A4  
0x8F-A5  
0x8F-A6  
0x8F-A8  
0x8F-A9  
0x8F-AB  
0x8F-AC  
0x8E-15  
0x8E-41  
0x8E-42  
0x8F-45  
0x8E-4A  
0x8F-4C  
0x8E-4E  
0x8E-A0  
0x8E-A2  
0x8E-A3  
0x8E-A4  
0x8E-A5  
0x8E-A6  
0x8E-A8  
0x8E-A9  
0x8E-AB, auto  
0x8E-AC, auto  
Stored manufacturing operating parameters  
Stored production parameters  
Configuration parameters set to factory defaults  
PPS characteristics  
Configuration segment saved to NVS  
PPS output option  
DAC setting  
UTC/GPS timing  
Oscillator disciplining command  
Test modes  
Packet broadcast mask  
Self-survey command  
Oscillator disciplining parameters  
Self-survey parameters  
Primary timing packet  
Supplemental timing packet  
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A
Trimble Standard Interface Protocol  
Packet structure  
TSIP packet structure is the same for both commands and reports. The packet format  
is <DLE> <id> <data string bytes> <DLE> <ETX>  
Where:  
<DLE> is the byte 0x10  
<ETX> is the byte 0x03  
<id> is a packet identifier byte, which can have any value except <ETX> and  
<DLE>.  
The bytes in the data string can have any value. To prevent confusion with the frame  
sequences <DLE> <id> and <DLE> <ETX>, every <DLE> byte in the data string is  
preceded by an extra <DLE> byte ('stuffing'). These extra <DLE> bytes must be added  
before sending a packet and removed after receiving the packet. A simple <DLE>  
<ETX> sequence does not necessarily signify the end of the packet, as these can be  
bytes in the middle of a data string. The end of a packet is <ETX>, preceded by an odd  
number of <DLE> bytes.  
Floating point numbers (single, double) follow the IEEE Standard for Binary  
Floating-Point Arithmetic (IEEE 754.) Multiple-byte numbers (integer, single and  
double) are sent most-significant byte first.  
Note – On Intel-based (little-endian) machines you must switch the byte order.  
The data types used in TSIP are as follows:  
Data type  
UINT8  
Description  
An 8-bit unsigned integer (0 to 255)  
SINT8  
An 8-bit signed integer (-128 to 127)  
INT16  
A 16-bit unsigned integer (0 to 65,535)  
A 16-bit signed integer (-32,768 to 32,767)  
A 32-bit unsigned integer (0 to 4,294,967,295)  
A 32-bit signed integer (-2,147,483,648 to 2,147,483,647)  
Single-precision float (4 bytes) (1.2x10-38 to 3.4x1038)  
Double-precision float (8 bytes) (2.2x10-308 to 1.8x10308)  
SINT16  
UINT32  
SINT32  
Single  
Double  
Note – Default serial port settings are 9600, 8-None-1.  
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Trimble Standard Interface Protocol  
A
Packet descriptions  
Packet descriptions used in run mode  
Report packet 0X13 unparsable packet  
This packet is sent in response to a received packet that was unparsable. A packet is  
unparsable if the packet ID is not recognized or if the length or content of the packet is  
not correct for the packet ID.  
Byte  
0
Type  
Item  
UINT8  
UINT8  
Packet ID of unparsable packet  
Packet data bytes of unparsable packet  
1-N  
Command packet 0x1C:01 - Firmware version  
The command packet 0x1C: 01 may be issued to obtain the firmware version. The  
packet format is defined in the following table:  
Byte  
Item  
Type  
U8  
Value  
0x1C  
0x01  
Definition  
0
1
Packet ID  
Sub-code  
Packet ID 0x1C  
U8  
Sub-code 0x01 for software component  
version information request.  
Report packet 0x1C:81 - Report firmware version  
Byte  
Item  
Type  
U8  
Value  
0x1C  
0x81  
Definition  
0
1
Packet ID  
Sub-code  
Packet ID 0x1C  
U8  
Sub-code 0x81 for software  
component version information  
report.  
2
Reserved  
Major version  
Minor version  
Build number  
Month  
U8  
U8  
U8  
U8  
U8  
U8  
U16  
U8  
Any  
Any  
Any  
Any  
1-12  
1-31  
Any  
Any  
Reserved  
3
Firmware major version  
Firmware minor version  
Firmware build number  
Firmware build month  
Firmware build day  
Firmware build year  
4
5
6
7
Day  
8...9  
10  
Year  
Length of first  
module name  
The length of the product name  
(L1)  
11 ... (10+L1) Product name  
U8  
String  
Product name string in ASCII  
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A
Trimble Standard Interface Protocol  
Command packet 0x1C: 03 - Hardware component version information  
The command packet 0x1C: 03 may be issued to obtain the hardware  
component version information.  
The report packet is of variable length, depending on the length of the hardware  
ID.  
The serial number, build date fields, and the hardware ID are programmed into  
the ThunderBolt E at production.  
The hardware code is 3007.  
Byte  
Item  
Type  
U8  
Value  
0x1C  
0x03  
Definition  
0
1
Packet ID  
Sub-code  
Packet ID 0x1C  
U8  
Sub-code 0x03 for hardware  
component version information  
request.  
Report packet 0x1C: 83 - Hardware component version information  
Byte  
Item  
Type  
U8  
Value  
0x1C  
0x83  
Definition  
0
1
Packet ID  
Sub-code  
Packet ID 0x1C  
U8  
Sub-code 0x83 for hardware  
component version information  
report.  
2 ... 5  
6
Serial number  
Build day  
U32  
U8  
Any  
1-31  
1-12  
Any  
0-23  
Any  
Board serial number  
Day of the board's build date  
Month of the board's build date  
Year of the board's build date  
Hour of the board's build date  
7
Build month  
Build year  
U8  
8...9  
10  
U16  
U8  
Build hour  
11 ... 12  
Hardware code U16  
Hardware code associated with the  
hardware ID  
13  
Length of  
hardware ID  
U8  
U8  
Any  
The length of the hardware ID (L)  
14 (13 + L)  
Hardware ID  
String  
Hardware ID string in ASCII  
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Trimble Standard Interface Protocol  
A
Command Packet 0x1E: Initiate Cold, Warm, or Factory Reset  
This packet commands receiver to perform either a cold reset, warm reset or a factory  
reset. A cold reset will clear the GPS data (almanac, ephemeris, etc.) stored in RAM and  
is equivalent to a power cycle. A factory reset will additionally restore the factory  
defaults of all configuration parameters stored in flash memory. A warm reset clears  
ephemeris and oscillator uncertainty but retains the last position, time and almanac.  
This packet contains one data byte. The data format is shown below.  
Byte  
Item  
Type  
Value  
Meaning  
0
Reset  
UINT8  
0x4B  
0x0E  
0x46  
Cold reset  
Warm reset  
Factory reset  
Note – The factory reset command will delete the stored position and cause a self-survey to  
restart.  
Command Packet 0x1F: Request Software Version  
This packet requests information about the version of software in ThunderBolt E. This  
packet contains no data. The requested data is returned in packet 0x45.  
Command Packet 0x24: Request GPS Satellite Selection  
This packet requests a list of satellites used for the current position/time fix. This  
packet contains no data. The requested data is returned in packet 0x6D.  
Command Packet 0x25: Initiate Hot Reset  
This packet commands the GPS receiver to perform a hot reset. This is not equivalent  
to cycling the power; RAM is not cleared. This packet contains no data.  
Command Packet 0x26: Request Receiver Health  
This packet requests receiver health status. This packet contain no data. The  
requested data is returned in packet 0x46 and packet 0x4B.  
Command Packet 0x27: Request Signal Levels  
This packet requests signal levels for all satellites currently being tracked. This packet  
contain no data. The requested data is returned in packet 0x47.  
Command Packet 0x29: Request Almanac Health  
This packet requests Almanac health data. This packet contain no data. The requested  
data is returned in packet 0x49.  
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A
Trimble Standard Interface Protocol  
Command Packet 0x31: Accurate Initial Position (XYZ Cartesian ECEF)  
This packet provides an accurate initial position to the GPS receiver in XYZ  
coordinates. Either the single precision or the double precision version of this packet  
may be used, however, we recommend using the double precision version for greatest  
accuracy. ThunderBolt E uses this position for performing time-only fixes. If a survey is  
in progress when this command is sent, the survey is aborted and this position data is  
used immediately. ThunderBolt E will automatically switch to the Over-Determined  
Timing mode when this command is issued. Note that this position is not  
automatically saved to flash memory. If you want to save this position, first set the  
position, wait at least 2 seconds and then use packet 0x8E-A6 to save the position.  
Command Packet 0x31 Data Format (single precision)  
Byte  
0-3  
Item  
X-axis  
Y-axis  
Z-axis  
Type  
Units  
Single  
Single  
Single  
Meters  
Meters  
Meters  
4-7  
8-11  
Command Packet 0x31 Data Format (double precision)  
Byte  
0-7  
Item  
X-axis  
Y-axis  
Z-axis  
Type  
Units  
Double  
Double  
Double  
Meters  
Meters  
Meters  
8-15  
16-23  
Command Packet 0x32: Accurate Initial Position (Latitude, Longitude,  
Altitude)  
This packet provides an accurate initial position to the GPS receiver in latitude,  
longitude, and altitude coordinates. Either the single precision or the double precision  
version of this packet may be used, however, we recommend using the double  
precision version for greatest accuracy. The GPS receiver uses this position for  
performing time-only fixes. If a survey is in progress when this command is issued, the  
survey is aborted, and this position data is used immediately. The coordinates entered  
must be in the WGS-84 datum. ThunderBolt E will automatically switch to the  
Over-Determined Timing mode when this command is issued. Note that this position  
is not automatically saved to flash memory. If you want to save this position, first set  
the position, wait at least 2 seconds and then use packet 0x8E-A6 to save the position.  
Note – When converting from degrees to radians use the following value for  
p = 3.1415926535898  
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Trimble Standard Interface Protocol  
A
Command Packet 0x32 Data Format (single precision)  
Byte  
0-3  
Item  
Type  
Units  
Latitude  
Longitude  
Altitude  
Single  
Single  
Single  
Radians, (+ for north, - for south)  
Radians, (+ for east, - for west)  
Meters  
4-7  
8-11  
Command Packet 0x32 Data Format (double precision)  
Byte  
0-7  
Item  
Type  
Units  
Latitude  
Longitude  
Altitude  
Double  
Double  
Double  
Radians, (+ for north, - for south)  
Radians, (+ for east, - for west)  
Meters  
8-15  
16-23  
Command Packet 0x34: Satellite Selection For One-Satellite Mode  
This packet allows the user to control the choice of the satellite to be used for the one-  
satellite time-only fix mode. This packet contains one byte. If the byte value is 0, the  
GPS receiver automatically chooses the best satellite. This automatic selection of the  
best satellite is the default action, and the GPS receiver does this unless it receives this  
packet. If the byte value is from 1 to 32, the packet specifies the PRN number of the  
satellite to be used.  
Command Packet 0x35: Set or Request I/O Options  
This packet requests the current I/O option states and allows the I/O option states to  
be set as desired.  
To request the option states without changing them, the user sends this packet with  
no data bytes. To change any option states, the user includes 4 data bytes with the  
values. The I/O options, their default states, and the byte values for all possible states  
are shown below. These options can be set into non-volatile memory with the  
0x8E-4C-04 command. The GPS receiver returns packet 0x55.  
The following abbreviations apply:  
ALT (Altitude)  
ECEF (Earth centered, Earth-fixed)  
XYZ (Cartesian coordinates)  
LLA (latitude, longitude, altitude)  
HAE (height above ellipsoid)  
WGS-84 (Earth model (ellipsoid))  
MSL geoid (mean sea level)  
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A
Trimble Standard Interface Protocol  
UTC (universal coordinated time)  
Byte  
Data Type  
Bit  
Value  
Meaning  
Associated Packet  
0
Position  
0
0
1
ECEF off  
ECEF on  
0x42 or 0x83  
1
2
0
1
LLA off  
LLA on  
0x4A or 0x84  
0x4A or 0x84  
0
1
HAE (datum)  
1
MSL geoid  
3
4
0
reserved  
0
1
single-precision position  
double-precision position  
0x42/4A  
0x83/84  
5
0
Superpacket 0x8F-20 off  
Superpacket 0x8F-20 on  
0x8F-20  
0x8F-20  
5:7  
0
0
reserved  
1
2
Velocity  
Timing  
0
1
ECEF off  
ECEF on  
0x43  
0x56  
1
0
1
ENU off  
ENU on  
2:7  
0
0
reserved  
0
1
GPS time reference  
UTC time reference  
0x42, 0x43, 0x4A,  
0x83, 0x84, 0x56  
1
2
3
4
0
1
Compute fix ASAP  
0x42, 0x43, 0x4A,  
0x83, 0x84, 0x56  
Compute fix on integer second  
0
1
0x37Time of fix: when computed  
0x37Time of fix: on request  
0x37  
0
1
Simultaneous meas. Status off  
Simultaneous meas. Status on  
0
1
Minimum projection off  
Minimum projection on  
5:7  
0
0
reserved  
3
Auxiliary  
0
1
Raw measurement packet 5A off  
Raw measurement packet 5A on  
0x5A  
1
0
1
Raw codephase measurements  
Filtered codephase measurements  
2:7  
0
reserved  
1When using the MSL altitude output, the current datum must be set to WGS-84.  
Command Packet 0x37: Request Status and Values of Last Position  
This packet requests information regarding the last position fix (normally used when  
the GPS receiver is not automatically outputting fixes). The GPS receiver returns the  
position/ velocity auto packets specified in the 0x35 message as well as message 0x57.  
This packet contains no data.  
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Trimble Standard Interface Protocol  
A
Command Packet 0x38: Request Satellite System Data  
This packet requests current satellite data.The GPS receiver returns packet 0x58.  
Byte  
Item  
Type  
Value  
Meaning  
0
1
Operation  
UINT8  
1
Must always be '1'  
Almanac  
Type of data UINT8  
2
3
Health page, toa, WNa  
Ionosphere  
4
5
UTC  
6
Ephemeris  
2
Sat PRN  
UINT8  
0
Data not satellite ID specific  
Satellite PRN number  
1 - 32  
Command Packet 0x39: Set or Request SV Disable and Health Use  
Normally the GPS receiver selects only healthy satellites (based on transmitted values  
in the ephemeris and almanac) which satisfy all mask values. This packet allows  
overriding the internal logic and forces the receiver to either unconditionally disable a  
particular satellite or to ignore a bad health flag. The GPS receiver returns packet 0x59  
if operation 3 or 6 is requested; otherwise there is no reply.  
It should be noted that when viewing the satellite disables list, the satellites are not  
numbered but are in numerical order. The disabled satellites are signified by a "1" and  
enabled satellites are signified by a "0".  
Byte  
Item  
Type  
Value  
Meaning  
0
Operation  
UINT8  
1
2
3
Enable satellite (default)  
Disable satellite  
Request enable/disable status of all 32  
satellites  
4
5
6
Heed health (default)  
Ignore health  
Request heed or ignore health on all 32  
satellites  
1
Sat PRN  
UINT8  
0
All 32 satellites  
1-32  
Any one satellite PRN number  
Note – At power-on and after a reset the default values are set for all satellites.  
CAUTION – Improperly ignoring health can cause the GPS receiver software to lock up, as  
an unhealthy satellite may contain defective data. Use extreme caution in ignoring  
satellite health.  
C
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A
Trimble Standard Interface Protocol  
Command Packet 0x3A: Request Last Raw Measurement  
This packet requests the most recent raw measurement data for one specified satellite.  
The GPS receiver returns packet 0x5A if data is available.  
Byte  
Item  
Type  
Value  
0
Meaning  
0
Satellite PRN UINT8  
All satellites in current tracking set  
Specific desired satellite  
1-32  
Command Packet 0x3B: Request Ephemeris Status  
This packet requests the current status of satellite ephemeris data. The GPS receiver  
returns packet 0x5B if data is available.  
Byte  
Item  
Type  
Value  
0
Meaning  
0
Satellite PRN UINT8  
All satellites in current tracking set  
Specific desired satellite  
1-32  
Command Packet 0x3C: Request Satellite Tracking Status  
This packet requests the current satellite tracking status. The GPS receiver returns  
packet 0x5C if data is available.  
Byte  
Item  
Type  
Value  
0
Meaning  
0
Satellite PRN UINT8  
All satellites in current tracking set  
Specific desired satellite  
1-32  
Command Packet 0x3F-11: Request EEPROM Segment Status  
This packet requests the current satellite tracking status. The GPS receiver returns  
packet 0x5C if data is available.  
Byte  
Item  
Type  
Value  
0
Meaning  
0
Satellite PRN UINT8  
All satellites in current tracking set  
Specific desired satellite  
1-32  
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Trimble Standard Interface Protocol  
A
Report Packet 0x42: Single-precision Position Fix  
This packet provides current GPS position fix in XYZ ECEF coordinates. If the I/O  
"position" option is set to "XYZ ECEF" and the I/O "Precision-of-Position output" is set  
to single-precision, then the GPS receiver sends this packet each time a fix is computed  
or in response to packet 0x37. The data format is shown below. The time-of-fix is in  
GPS or UTC as selected by the I/O "timing" option in packet 0x35. Packet 0x83 provides  
a double-precision version of this information.  
Byte  
0-3  
Item  
Type  
Units  
X
Single  
Single  
Single  
Single  
meters  
meters  
meters  
seconds  
4-7  
Y
8-11  
12-15  
Z
time-of-fix  
Report Packet 0x43: Velocity Fix, XYZ ECEF  
This packet provides current GPS velocity fix in XYZ ECEF coordinates. If the I/O  
"velocity" option (packet 0x35) is set to "XYZ ECEF," then the GPS receiver sends this  
packet each time a fix is computed or in response to packet 0x37. The data format is  
shown below. The time-of-fix is in GPS or UTC as selected by the I/O "timing" option.  
Byte  
0-3  
Item  
Type  
Units  
X velocity  
Y velocity  
Z velocity  
bias rate  
time-of-fix  
Single  
Single  
Single  
Single  
Single  
meters/second  
meters/second  
meters/second  
meters/second  
seconds  
4-7  
8-11  
12-15  
16-19  
Report Packet 0x45: Software Version Information  
This packet provides information about the version of firmware running on the GPS  
receiver. The receiver sends this packet after power-on, reset, and in response to  
packet 0x1F.  
Byte  
Item  
Type  
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Major version number of application  
Minor version number of application  
Month  
UINT8  
UINT8  
UINT8  
UINT8  
UINT8  
UINT8  
UINT8  
UINT8  
UINT8  
UINT8  
Day  
Year number minus 1900  
Major revision number of GPS core  
Minor revision number of GPS core  
Month  
Day  
Year number minus 1900  
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A
Trimble Standard Interface Protocol  
Note – Bytes 0 through 4 are part of the application layer of the firmware, while bytes 5  
through 9 are part of the GPS core layer of the firmware.  
Report Packet 0x46: Receiver Health  
This packet provides receiver health status. The receiver sends this packet in response  
to packet 0x26.  
Byte  
Item  
Type  
Value  
0x00  
0x01  
0x03  
0x0C  
0x08  
0x09  
0x0A  
0x0B  
0xBB  
Meaning  
0
SV Fix Status  
bit field  
Doing fixes  
Do not have GPS time yet  
PDOP too high  
Bad 1 SV  
No usable SV's  
Only 1 usable SV  
Only 2 usable SVs  
Only 3 usable SVs  
Over-Determined Clock mode  
1
Antenna Fault  
status  
bit field  
Bit 0  
0 if Warm start, 1 otherwise unused  
0000 = no fault  
Bits 1-3  
Bits 4-7  
0001 = antenna circuit open  
0011 = antenna circuit short  
Report Packet 0x47: Signals Levels for Tracked Satellites  
This packet provides received signal levels for all satellites currently being tracked or  
on which tracking is being attempted (i.e., above the elevation mask and healthy  
according to the almanac). The receiver sends this packet in response to packet 0x27 or  
automatically as listed in the Automatic Output Packets section. The data format is  
shown below. Up to 12 satellite number/signal level pairs may be sent as indicated by  
the count field. Signal level is normally positive. If it is zero then that satellite has not  
yet been acquired. If it is negative then that satellite is not currently in lock. The  
absolute value of signal level field is the last known signal level of that satellite.  
Byte  
0
Item  
Type  
Count  
UINT8  
UINT8  
Single  
UINT8  
Single  
(etc.)  
1
Satellite number 1  
Signal level 1  
Satellite number 2  
Signal level 2  
(etc.)  
2-5  
6
7-10  
(etc.)  
Note – The signal level provided in this packet is a linear measure of the signal strength  
after correlation or de-spreading. Units are either AMU or dB-Hz as controlled by packet  
0x35.  
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Trimble Standard Interface Protocol  
A
Report Packet 0x49: Almanac Health  
This packet provides health data on 32 satellites. Packet data consists of a data byte for  
each of 32 satellites, each data byte containing the 6-bit health from almanac page 25.  
Byte  
Item  
Type  
0
Health of satellite #1 bit field  
Health of satellite #1 bit field  
Health of satellite #1 bit field  
1
2
-
-
-
31  
Health of satellite #31 bit field  
Report Packet 0x4A: Single Precision LLA Position Fix  
The packet provides current GPS position fix in LLA (latitude, longitude, and altitude)  
coordinates. If the I/O position option is set to "LLA" and the I/O precision of position  
output is set to single precision, then the receiver sends this packet each time a fix is  
computed. The data format is shown below:  
Byte  
0-3  
Item  
Type  
Units  
Latitude  
Longitude  
Altitude  
Clock Bias  
Time-of-fix  
Single  
Single  
Single  
Single  
Single  
radians: + for north, - for south  
4-7  
radians: + for east, - for west  
8-11  
12-15  
16-19  
meters  
meters  
seconds  
The LLA conversion is done according to the datum selected using packet 0x8E-15.  
The default is WGS-84. Altitude is referred to the datum or the MSL Geoid, depending  
on which I/O LLA altitude option is selected with packet 0x35. The time of fix is in GPS  
time or UTC, depending on which I/O timing option is selected.  
CAUTION – When converting from radians to degrees, significant and readily visible  
errors will be introduced by use of an insufficiently precise approximation for the  
constant p (pi). The value of a constant p as specified in ICD-GPS-200 is 3.1415926535898.  
C
C
CAUTION – The MSL option is only valid with the WGS-84 datum. When using other  
datums, only the HAE option is valid.  
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Trimble Standard Interface Protocol  
Report Packet 0x4B: Receiver Health  
This packet provides receiver health status.  
Byte  
Item  
Type  
Value  
96  
Meaning  
0
1
Machine ID  
UINT8  
Receiver Machine ID  
RTC Time validity Bit pattern  
Bit 1  
0 = RTC time valid  
1 = RTC time not valid  
Bit 3  
0 = Almanac not complete  
1 = Almanac collection complete  
2
TSIP Superpacket UNIT8  
support  
1
0
Superpackets supported  
Superpackets not supported  
Report Packet 0x55: I/O Options  
This packet provides the current I/O option states in response to packet 0x35 request.  
The data format is the same as for packet 0x35, see Command Packet 0x35: Set or  
Report Packet 0x56: Velocity Fix, East-North-Up (ENU)  
If East-North-Up (ENU) coordinates have been selected for the I/O "velocity" option,  
the receiver sends this packet each time that a fix is computed or in response to packet  
0x37. The data format for this packet is shown below.  
Byte  
0-3  
Item  
Type  
Units  
East Velocity  
North Velocity  
Up velocity  
Clock bias rate  
Time-of-fix  
Single  
Single  
Single  
Single  
Single  
m/s; + for east, - for west  
m/s; + for north, - for south  
m/s; + for up, - for down  
m/s  
4-7  
8-11  
12-15  
16-19  
seconds  
Note – The time-of-fix is in GPS or UTC time as selected by the I/O "timing" option.  
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Trimble Standard Interface Protocol  
A
Report Packet 0x57: Information about Last Computed Fix  
This packet provides information concerning the time and origin of the previous  
position fix. The receiver sends this packet, among others, in response to packet 0x37.  
The data format for this packet is shown below.  
Byte  
Item  
Type  
Value  
Meaning  
0
Source of info  
UINT8  
0
1
Old fix  
New fix  
1
Fix mode  
UINT8  
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
No previous fix  
Time only 1-SV  
2D clock hold (not used)  
2D  
3D  
Over-Determined Clock  
DGPS reference (not used)  
Seconds GPS time  
Weeks  
2-5  
6-7  
Time of last fix  
Single  
Week of last fix UINT16  
Report Packet 0x58: GPS System Data from the Receiver  
This packet provides GPS data (almanac, ephemeris, etc.). The GPS receiver sends this  
packet in response to packet 0x38. The data format is shown below. The table and  
section numbers referred to in the "Meaning" column reference the Global Positioning  
System Standard Positioning Service Signal Specification document.  
Report Packet 0x58 Data Format  
Byte  
Item  
Type  
Value  
Meaning  
0
operation  
UINT8  
2
Data out  
3
no data on SV  
Almanac  
1
Type of data  
UINT8  
2
3
Health page, T_oa, WN_oa  
Ionosphere  
4
5
UTC  
6
Ephemeris  
2
3
Sat PRN #  
Length (n)  
UINT8  
UINT8  
0
Data that is not satellite ID-specific  
Satellite PRN number  
Byte count  
1 to 32  
4 to n+3 Data  
Note – If data is not available, byte 3 is set to 0 and no data is sent  
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Trimble Standard Interface Protocol  
Report Packet 0x58 Almanac Data Type 2  
Byte  
4
Item  
Type  
Value  
Meaning  
Table 2.8  
Table 2.8  
Table 2.8  
Table 2.8  
Table 2.8  
Table 2.8  
Table 2.8  
Table 2.8  
Table 2.8  
Table 2.8  
Table 2.8  
Table 2.8  
Table 2.8  
Table 2.8  
Derived  
Toa (raw)  
SV_HEALTH  
e
UINT8  
UINT8  
Single  
Single  
Single  
Single  
Single  
Single  
Single  
Single  
Single  
Single  
Single  
Single  
Single  
Single  
Single  
5
6-9  
10-13  
14-17  
18-21  
22-25  
26-29  
30-33  
34-37  
38-41  
42-45  
46-49  
50-53  
54-57  
58-61  
62-65  
toa  
io  
OMEGADOT  
sqrt(A)  
(OMEGA)0  
(OMEGA)  
M0  
af0  
af1  
Axis  
n
OMEGA_n  
ODOT_n  
tzc  
Derived  
Time of collection (set to -1.0 if  
there is no data available)  
66-67  
68-69  
week number  
WNa  
UINT16  
UINT16  
GPS week number  
Sec 2.4.5.2.3  
Note – All angles are in radians.  
Report Packet 0x58 Almanac Health Data Type 3  
Byte  
4
Item  
Type  
Meaning  
Week number for health  
SV health  
UINT8  
UINT8  
UINT8  
UINT8  
UINT16  
Sec 2.4.5.3  
5-36  
37  
Sec 2.4.5.3  
toa for health  
current toa  
Sec 2.4.5.2.3  
Time of collection  
Time of collection  
38  
39-40  
current week number  
Report Packet 0x58 Ionosphere Data Type 4  
Byte  
4-11  
Item  
not used  
a0  
Type  
Meaning  
12-15  
16-19  
20-23  
24-27  
28-31  
Single  
Single  
Single  
Single  
Single  
Sec 2.4.5.6  
Sec 2.4.5.6  
Sec 2.4.5.6  
Sec 2.4.5.6  
Sec 2.4.5.6  
a1  
a2  
a3  
b0  
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Trimble Standard Interface Protocol  
A
Byte  
32-35  
36-39  
40-43  
Item  
b1  
Type  
Meaning  
Sec 2.4.5.6  
Sec 2.4.5.6  
Sec 2.4.5.6  
Single  
Single  
Single  
b2  
b3  
Report Packet 0 x 58 UTC Data Type 5 (continued)  
Byte  
4-16  
Item  
not used  
A0  
Type  
Meaning  
17-24  
25-28  
29-30  
31-34  
35-36  
37-38  
39-40  
41-42  
Double  
Single  
Sec 2.4.5.5  
Sec 2.4.5.5  
Sec 2.4.5.5  
Sec 2.4.5.5  
Sec 2.4.5.5  
Sec 2.4.5.5  
Sec 2.4.5.5  
Sec 2.4.5.5  
A1  
DtLS  
tot  
SINT16  
Single  
WNt  
WNLSF  
DN  
UINT16  
UINT16  
UINT16  
SINT16  
DtLSf  
Report Packet 0 x 58 Ephemeris Data Type 5  
Byte  
4
Item  
Type  
Meaning  
SV number  
t_ephem  
week number  
retired  
UINT8  
Single  
UINT16  
SV PRN number  
5-8  
Time of collection (seconds)  
9-10  
11  
GPS week number 0 through 1023  
12  
retired  
13  
SV accuracy raw UINT8  
URA index of SV (0 through 15)  
6 bit health code  
Issue of data clock  
L1-L2 correction term  
Sec 20.4.3.5  
14  
SV health  
IODC  
tGD  
UINT8  
UINT16  
Single  
Single  
Single  
Single  
Single  
Single  
UINT8  
15-16  
17-20  
21-24  
25-28  
29-32  
33-36  
37-40  
41  
toc  
af2  
Sec 2.4.3.6  
af1  
Sec 2.4.3.6  
afo  
Sec 2.4.3.6  
SV accuracy  
IODE  
retired  
Crs  
URA of SV  
Issue of data ephemeris  
42  
43-46  
47-50  
51-58  
59-62  
63-70  
71-74  
Single  
Single  
Double  
Single  
Double  
Single  
Table 2.5  
Table 2.5  
Table 2.5  
Table 2.5  
Table 2.5  
Table 2.5  
Dn  
M0  
Cuc  
e
CUS  
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Trimble Standard Interface Protocol  
Byte  
Item  
sqrt(A)  
toe  
Type  
Meaning  
Table 2.5  
Table 2.5  
Table 2.5  
Table 2.5  
Table 2.5  
Table 2.5  
Table 2.5  
Table 2.5  
Table 2.5  
Table 2.5  
75-82  
83-86  
87-90  
91-98  
99-102  
Double  
Single  
Cic  
Single  
(OMEGA)0  
Cis  
Double  
Single  
103-110 io  
Double  
Single  
111-114 Crc  
115-122 (OMEGA)  
123-126 OMEGADOT  
127-130 IDOT  
131-138 Axis  
Double  
Single  
Single  
Double  
Double  
Double  
Double  
Double  
139-146  
n
147-154 r1me2  
= sqrt(1.0-e2)  
155-162 OMEGA_n  
163-170 ODOT_n  
Derived from OMEGA_0, OMEGADOT  
Derived from OMEGADOT  
Note – All angles are in radians. Reference numbers refer to Global Positioning System  
Standard Positioning Service Signal Specification. This specification is currently available  
in Adobe Acrobat format at www.navcen.uscg.gov/pubs/gps/sigspec/.  
Report Packet 0x59: Status of Satellite Disable or Ignore Health  
This packet is sent in response to command packet 0x39.  
Byte  
Item  
Type  
Value  
Meaning  
0
Operation  
UINT8  
3
The remaining bytes tell whether the  
receiver has enabled each satellite for  
selection.  
6
The remaining bytes tell whether the  
receiver heeds or ignores each satellite's  
health as a criterion for selection.  
1 to 32  
Sat PRN  
UINT8 (1  
per SV)  
0
1
Enable satellite selection or heed satellite's  
health.  
Disable satellite selection or ignore  
satellite's health.  
Report Packet 0x5A: Raw Data Measurement Data  
Packet 0x5A provides raw GPS measurement data. This packet is sent in response to  
packet 0x3A or automatically if enabled with packet 0x35.  
Byte  
0
Item  
Type  
Units  
SV PRN number  
Sample length  
Signal level  
UINT8  
Single  
Single  
1-4  
5-8  
milliseconds  
AMU or dB-Hz  
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Trimble Standard Interface Protocol  
A
Byte  
9-12  
Item  
Type  
Units  
Code phase  
Doppler  
Single  
Single  
1/16th chip  
Hertz @ L1  
seconds  
13-16  
17-24  
Time of measurement Double  
Note – The sample length is the number of milliseconds over which the sample was  
averaged.  
Note – The code phase value is the average delay over the sample interval of the received  
C/A code, and is measured with respect to the receiver's millisecond timing reference.  
Report Packet 0x5B: Satellite Ephemeris Status  
Packet 0x5B provides satellite ephemeris status. This packet is sent in response to  
packet 0x3B.  
Byte  
0
Item  
Type  
Units  
SV PRN number  
Time of collection  
Health  
UINT8  
Single  
UINT8  
UINT8  
Single  
UINT8  
Single  
1-4  
5
seconds  
6
IODE  
7-10  
11  
toe  
seconds  
meters  
Fit interval flag  
SV accuracy (URA)  
12-15  
Report Packet 0x5C: Satellite Tracking Status  
The receiver sends this packet in response to command packet 0x3C.  
Byte  
Bit  
Item  
Type  
Value  
1-32  
Meaning  
PRN  
0
1
1
SV PRN number  
slot number  
channel number  
UINT8  
0:2  
3:7  
bit field  
bit field  
0 0 0  
Not used  
Channel 1  
Channel 2  
Channel 3  
Channel 4  
Channel 5  
Channel 6  
Channel 7  
Channel 8  
Channel 9  
Channel 10  
Channel 11  
Channel 12  
0 0 0 0  
0 0 0 1  
0 0 1 0  
0 0 1 1  
0 1 0 0  
0 1 0 1  
0 1 1 0  
0 1 1 1  
1 0 0 0  
1 0 0 1  
1 0 1 0  
1 0 1 1  
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Trimble Standard Interface Protocol  
Byte  
Bit  
Item  
Type  
Value  
Meaning  
2
acquisition flag  
UNIT8  
0
Never acquired  
Acquired  
1
2
Re-opened search  
Flag not set  
3
ephemeris flag  
signal level  
UNIT8  
0
>0  
Good ephemeris  
AMU or dBHz  
GPS time of week  
4-7  
Single  
Single  
8-11  
time of last  
secs  
measurement  
12-15  
16-19  
20  
elevation angle  
azimuth angle  
Single  
Single  
Radians  
Radians  
old measurement flag UINT8  
0
Flag not set  
>0  
0
Measurement old  
Don't know msec  
Known from subframe  
Verified by bit crossing  
Verified by good fix  
Suspect msec error  
Flag not set  
21  
integer msec flag  
UINT8  
1
2
3
4
22  
23  
bad data flag  
UINT8  
UINT8  
0
1
Bad parity  
2
Bad ephemeris health  
Flag not set  
data collection flag  
0
>0  
Collection in progress  
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Trimble Standard Interface Protocol  
A
Report Packet 0x5F-11: EEPROM Segment Status  
The receiver sends this packet in response to command packet 0x3F-11. This packet  
contains the status of all EEPROM segments:  
A zero in the status bit indicates that the segment contents are valid.  
A one in the status bit indicates that the segment contents were found to be  
corrupt and had to be reverted to their factory default values.  
Bits 3-9 are used to generate the minor alarm (bit 10) in packet 0x8F-AC.  
Byte  
0
Bit  
Item  
Type  
Value  
Meaning  
Subcode  
UINT8  
bit field  
0x11  
1-2  
0
Segment status  
Manufacturing data  
Unused  
1
2
Unused  
3
Receiver configuration  
Packet I/O control  
Serial port configuration  
Timing outputs  
4
5
6
7
Accurate position  
Self-survey configuration  
Oscillator Disciplining parameters  
Unused  
8
9
10-15  
Report Packet 0x6D: Satellite Selection List  
This packet provides a list of satellites used for position or time-only fixes by the GPS  
receiver. The packet also provides the PDOP, HDOP, VDOP and TDOP of that set and  
provides the current mode (automatic or manual, 3-D or 2-D, Over-Determined Clock  
mode, etc.). This packet has variable length equal to 17+nsvs where "nsvs" is the  
number of satellites used in the solution. If an SV is rejected for use by the T-RAIM  
algorithm then the SV PRN value will be negative.  
The GPS receiver sends this packet in response to packet 0x24 or automatically. The  
data format is shown below.  
Byte  
Bit  
Item  
Type  
Value  
Meaning  
1D clock fix  
2D fix  
0
0:2  
fix dimension  
bit field  
1
3
4
3D fix  
5
OD clock fix  
Auto  
3
fix mode  
bit field  
0
1
Manual  
Count  
4:7  
Number of SVs in fix  
PDOP  
bit field  
Single  
Single  
0-12  
1-4  
5-8  
PDOP  
HDOP  
HDOP  
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Trimble Standard Interface Protocol  
Byte  
Bit  
Item  
Type  
Value  
Meaning  
VDOP  
TDOP  
9-12  
VDOP  
TDOP  
SV PRN  
Single  
Single  
SINT8  
13-16  
17 - n  
(1-32)  
PRN  
Command Packet 0x70: Filter Configuration  
This packet provides control for the available filters. The PV filter smoothes position  
data when the antenna is moving and attempts to reduce the effects of position  
disturbances, which include reflected signals and small outages of DGPS corrections.  
Command Packet 0x70 enables or disables the P/V Filter, Static Filter, Altitude Filter,  
Kalman filter. Filter selection is restricted by the following:  
The PV filter must be turned on before the Static Filter can operate.  
The Kalman filter takes precedence, i.e., enabling the Kalman filter will disable  
the PV, Static, and Altitude filters  
To request the filter operation state, send Command Packet 0x70 with no data bytes.  
Byte  
Item  
Type  
Value  
Meaning  
0
PV filter  
UINT8  
0
1
Off  
On  
1
2
3
Static filter  
UINT8  
UINT8  
UINT8  
0
1
Off  
On  
Altitude filter  
Kalman filter  
0
1
Off  
On  
0
1
Off  
On  
Report Packet 0x70: Filter Configuration  
This packet reports the current configuration for the available filters.  
Byte  
Item  
Type  
Value  
Meaning  
0
PV filter  
UINT8  
0
1
Off  
On  
1
2
3
Static filter  
UINT8  
UINT8  
UINT8  
0
1
Off  
On  
Altitude filter  
Kalman filter  
0
1
Off  
On  
0
1
Off  
On  
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Trimble Standard Interface Protocol  
A
Report Packet 0x83: Double Precision XYZ  
This packet provides current GPS position fix in XYZ ECEF coordinates. If the I/O  
"position" option is set to "XYZ ECEF" and the I/O double position option is selected,  
the receiver sends this packet each time a fix is computed. The data format is shown  
below.  
Byte  
0-7  
Item  
Type  
Units  
X
Double  
Double  
Double  
Double  
Single  
meters  
meters  
meters  
meters  
seconds  
8-15  
Y
16-23  
24-31  
32-35  
Z
clock bias  
time-of-fix  
Note – The time-of-fix is in GPS time or UTC, as selected by the I/O "timing" option. Packet  
0x42 provides a single-precision version of this information.  
Report Packet 0x84: Double Precision LLA Position (Fix and Bias  
Information)  
This packet provides current GPS position fix in LLA coordinates. If the I/O "position"  
option is set to "LLA" and the double position option is selected (see packet 0x35), the  
receiver sends this packet each time a fix is computed.  
Byte  
0-7  
Item  
Type  
Units  
latitude  
longitude  
altitude  
clock bias  
time-of-fix  
Double  
Double  
Double  
Double  
Single  
radians: + for north, - for south  
8-15  
radians: + for east, - for west  
16-23  
24-31  
32-35  
meters  
meters  
seconds  
Note – The time-of-fix is in GPS time or UTC time as selected by the I/O "timing" option.  
CAUTION – When converting from radians to degrees, significant and readily visible  
errors will be introduced by use of an insufficiently precise approximation for the  
constant p. The value of the constant p as specified in ICD-GPS-200 is 3.1415926535898.  
C
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Trimble Standard Interface Protocol  
Command Packet 0xBB: Set Receiver Configuration  
In query mode, packet 0xBB is sent with a single data byte and returns report packet  
0xBB in the format shown below.  
Command Packet 0xBB Data Format (query only)  
Byte  
Item  
Type  
Value  
Meaning  
0
Subcode  
UINT8  
0
Query mode  
TSIP packet 0xBB is used to set the GPS Receiver options. The table below lists the  
individual fields within the 0xBB packet.  
Report Packet 0xBB Data Format  
Byte  
Item  
Type  
Value  
Meaning  
0
Subcode  
UINT8  
0
Primary receiver configuration  
block  
1
receiver mode  
UINT8  
0
Automatic (2D/3D)  
Single satellite (1 SV time)  
Horizontal (2D)  
Full position (3D)  
Over-Determined Clock  
do not alter  
1
3
4
7
2
3
reserved  
UINT8  
0xFF  
Dynamics Code UINT8  
1
Land  
2
Sea  
3
Air  
4
Stationary  
5
Automobile  
4
reserved  
UINT8  
0xFF  
0- p/2  
do not alter  
5-8  
Elevation Mask Single  
Lowest satellite elevation for fixes  
(radians)  
9-12  
13-16  
17-20  
21  
AMU Mask  
PDOP Mask  
PDOP Switch  
reserved  
Single  
Single  
Single  
UINT8  
UINT8  
Minimum signal level for fixes  
Maximum DOP for fixes  
Switches 2D/3D mode  
do not alter  
0xFF  
0
22  
Foliage Mode  
Never  
1
Sometimes  
2
Always  
23  
reserved  
reserved  
reserved  
reserved  
reserved  
UINT8  
UINT8  
UINT8  
UINT8  
UINT8  
0xFF  
0xFF  
0xFF  
0xFF  
0xFF  
do not alter  
24  
do not alter  
25  
do not alter  
26  
do not alter  
27-39  
do not alter  
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Trimble Standard Interface Protocol  
A
CAUTION – The operation of ThunderBolt E can be affected adversely if incorrect data is  
entered in the fields associated with packet 0xBB.  
C
Note – When sending packet 0xBB, fields that are specified as "do not alter" or if you do not  
want to alter a specific field, send a value of 0xFF for UINT8 types and a value of -1.0 for  
floating point types. ThunderBolt E will ignore these values.  
Command Packet 0xBC: Set Port Configuration  
TSIP packet 0xBC is used to set and query the port characteristics. In query mode,  
packet 0xBC is sent with a single data byte and returns report packet 0xBC.  
Note – The input and output baud rates must be the same.  
Command Packet 0 x BC Data Format (Query Mode)  
Byte  
Item  
Type  
Value  
Meaning  
0
Port Number UINT8  
0
Port 1 (standard)  
Port 2 (not available)  
Current port  
1
0xFF  
The table below lists the individual fields within the packet 0xBC when used in the set  
mode and when read in the query mode.  
Command and Report Packet 0xBC Field Data Format  
Byte  
Item  
Type  
Value  
Meaning  
Port 1 (standard)  
Port 2 (factory only)  
Current port  
4800 baud  
9600 baud  
19200 baud  
38400 baud  
57600 baud  
115200 baud  
As above  
7 bits  
0
Port to Change  
UINT8  
0
1
0xFF  
1
Input Baud Rate  
UINT8  
6
7
8
9
10  
11  
2
3
Output Baud Rate  
# Data Bits  
UINT8  
UINT8  
As above  
2
3
0
1
2
0
1
8 bits  
4
5
Parity  
UINT8  
UINT8  
None  
Odd  
Even  
# Stop Bits  
1 bit  
2 bits  
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Trimble Standard Interface Protocol  
Byte  
Item  
Type  
Value  
Meaning  
None  
6
7
Flow Control  
Input Protocols  
UINT8  
UINT8  
0
0
2
0
2
0
None  
TSIP  
8
9
Output Protocols  
Reserved  
UINT8  
UINT8  
None  
TSIP  
Reserved  
TSIP Superpackets  
Several packets have been added to the core TSIP protocol to provide additional  
capability for the receivers. In packets 0x8E and their 0x8F responses, the first data  
byte is a subcode which indicates the superpacket type. For example, in packet  
0x8E-15, 15 is the subcode that indicates the superpacket type. Therefore the ID code  
for these packets is 2 bytes long followed by the data.  
Command Packet 0x8E-15: Request current Datum values  
This packet contains only the subpacket ID, 0x15. The response to this packet is  
0x8F-15.  
Command Packet 0x8E-26: Write Configuration to NVS  
This command packet causes the current configuration settings for all user segments  
to be written to NVS.  
Note – The ThunderBolt E configuration settings are partitioned into functional areas  
(segments) each of which can be saved individually via Command Packet 0x8E-4C or set  
to defaults via Command Packet 0x8E-45.  
Command Packet 0x8E-41: Request Manufacturing Parameters  
This packet is used to request the manufacturing parameters stored in non-volatile  
memory. Send this packet with no data bytes (don't forget the subcode) to request  
packet 0x8F-41.  
Command Packet 0x8E-42: Stored Production Parameters  
This packet is used to request the production parameters stored in non-volatile  
memory. Send this packet with no data bytes (don't forget the subcode) to request  
packet 0x8F-42.  
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Trimble Standard Interface Protocol  
A
Command Packet 0x8E-45: Revert Configuration Segment to Default  
Settings and Write to NVS  
This command packet causes the current configuration settings for the specified user  
segment (or all segments) to revert to their factory defaults and written to NVS. The  
receiver is also re-configured with the default settings. The segment ID is contained in  
a data byte.  
Byte  
Item  
Type  
Value  
Meaning  
0
1
Subcode  
Segment ID  
UINT8  
UINT8  
0x45  
3
GPS Receiver config  
Packet I/O control  
Serial Port config  
Timing Output config  
Accurate Position  
Self-Survey config  
Disciplining config  
All segments  
4
5
6
7
8
9
0xFF  
Command Packet 0x8E-4A: Set PPS Characteristics  
This packet allows the user to query (by sending the packet with no data bytes) or set  
PPS characteristics. The receiver responds to a query or set command with packet  
0x8F-4A.  
Byte  
Item  
Type  
Value  
Meaning  
0
1
Subcode  
UINT8  
UINT8  
0x4A  
PPS driver switch  
0
1
off  
on  
2
3
Reserved  
UINT8  
UINT8  
PPS polarity  
0
1
positive  
negative  
1
4-11  
PPS offset or cable delay  
Double  
Single  
seconds  
meters  
12-15  
Bias uncertainty threshold  
300.0  
1Negative offset values advance the PPS, and are normally used to compensate for cable delay. Useful  
values for the PPS offset are between 50 ms.  
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Trimble Standard Interface Protocol  
Command Packet 0x8E-4C: Write Configuration Segment to NVS  
This command packet causes the current configuration settings for the specified user  
segment (or all segments) to be written to NVS. The segment ID is contained in a data  
byte.  
Byte  
Item  
Type  
Value  
Meaning  
0
1
Subcode  
Segment ID  
UINT8  
UINT8  
0x4C  
3
GPS Receiver config  
Packet I/O control  
Serial Port config  
Timing Output config  
Accurate Position  
Self-Survey config  
Disciplining config  
All segments  
4
5
6
7
8
9
0xFF  
Command Packet 0x8E-4E: Set PPS output option  
This command packet sets the PPS driver switch to one of the values listed below. The  
current driver switch value can be requested by sending the packet with no data bytes  
except the subcode byte.  
Driver switch values 3 and 4 only make sense in Over-Determined Timing mode. In any  
position fix mode the effective choices are always on or during fixes which you get if  
you set the driver switch to 3 or 4.  
ThunderBolt E can also be configured to generate an Even Second pulse in place of the  
PPS pulse by setting the value as shown in the table below.  
Byte  
Item  
Type  
Value  
0x4E  
Meaning  
0
1
Subcode  
UINT8  
PPS driver switch UINT8  
0x02  
PPS is always on.  
PPS is generated every second.  
0x03  
0x04  
PPS is output when at least one  
satellite is tracking.  
PPS is generated every second  
PPS is output when at least three  
satellites are tracking.  
PPS is generated every second  
0x82  
0x83  
PPS is always on.  
PPS is generated every even second.  
PPS is output when at least one  
satellite is tracking.  
PPS is generated every even second.  
0x84  
PPS is output when at least three  
satellites are tracking.  
PPS is generated every even second.  
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Trimble Standard Interface Protocol  
A
Command Packet 0x8E-A0: Set DAC Value  
Use command packet 0x8E-A0 to set the DAC output voltage or to request the current  
DAC output voltage plus the parameters describing the DAC. The DAC output voltage  
is used to control the frequency of the OCXO (Oven Controlled Crystal Oscillator.)  
Send this packet with no data to request the DAC voltage. The receiver responds with  
packet 0x8F-A0.  
The Command Packet Data Fields are as follows:  
Field  
Description  
Setting  
Voltage/Value flag  
Use this field to specify that the DAC is to be 0: Set DAC by voltage  
set either by value or by voltage.  
1: Set DAC by value  
DAC Voltage Value: When the Voltage/Value Flag is set to  
voltage, use this field to specify the numeric  
value of the DAC as the 32-bit unsigned  
number.  
Voltage: 0.0 V to +4.0 V  
Value: 0x00000 to  
0xFFFFF (20 bits)  
To set the DAC voltage, send packet 0x8E-A0 in the format shown below.  
Note – Oscillator disciplining must be disabled (see packet 0x8E-A3) to use this command  
to set the DAC voltage.  
Command Packet 0x8E-A0 Data Format  
Byte  
Item  
Type  
Value  
Description  
0
1
Subcode  
UINT8  
0xA0  
Voltage /Value Flag UINT8  
0
1
Set DAC voltage  
Set DAC value  
2-5  
DAC Voltage/ Value Single/UINT3 2  
DAC voltage/Value  
Command Packet 0x8E-A2: UTC/GPS Timing  
Command packet 0x8E-A2 sets the UTC/GPS timing mode (time and date fields) in  
packet 0x8F-AB, and the temporal location of ThunderBolt E output PPS. Send packet  
0x8E-A2 with no data to request the current settings. The receiver replies with  
response packet 0x8F- A2.  
Byte  
Bit  
Item  
Type  
Value  
Meaning  
0
1
Subcode  
UINT8  
bit field  
0xA2  
0
1
UTC/GPS  
time  
0
1
GPS time/date in packet 0x8F-AB  
UTC time/date in packet 0x8F-AB  
bit field  
0
1
PPS referenced to GPS time  
PPS referenced to UTC time  
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Trimble Standard Interface Protocol  
Command Packet 0x8E-A3: Issue Oscillator Disciplining Command  
Use command packet 0x8E-A3 to issue an oscillator disciplining command. The  
receiver responds with packet 0x8F-A3 in the same format as packet 0x8E-A3.  
Byte  
Item  
Type  
Value  
Description  
0
1
Subcode  
UINT8  
0xA3  
Disciplining Command UINT8  
0
1
2
3
4
5
Place PPS on time (jam sync)  
Transition to recovery state  
Transition to manual holdover  
Transition from manual holdover  
Disable oscillator disciplining  
Enable oscillator disciplining.  
Command Packet 0x8E-A4: Test Modes  
ThunderBolt E provides a test mode of operation that allows the user to set the time  
and UTC parameters. Packet 0x8F-AC provides a status bit (minor alarm bit 8) to warn  
the user that ThunderBolt E is operating in a test mode. The receiver replies with  
response packet 8F-A4.  
Note – Test mode 3 does not actually cause the receiver to enter a test mode, but instead  
provides a means for the user to send UTC parameters to the receiver that will be used in  
test mode 1.  
Test mode Data field  
Description  
0
1
Test mode  
Test mode  
Set this field to 0 to exit test mode and return the receiver to  
normal operations. A reset or power cycle will also cause the  
receiver to exit test mode.  
Setting this field to 1 tells the receiver to enter the user time test  
mode. The receiver will set the time to the week number and  
TOW sent with this packet. The receiver will then increment this  
time once per second. The time in packet 8F-AB will show the  
user test time, but all other packets that have time fields will be  
unaffected.  
Week  
This field contains the week number for the user time test mode.  
number  
Time-of-  
Week  
This field contains the TOW for the user time test mode.  
3
Note – For a more detailed description of UTC parameters, see GPS SPS Signal  
Specification  
Test Mode  
Setting this field to 3 tells the receiver that the following fields  
contain the user UTC parameters that are to be used while in test  
mode 1.  
A_0  
This field is the fractional second offset of GPS from UTC at the  
reference time in seconds.  
A_1  
This field is the rate of change of fractional second offset of GPS  
from UTC in seconds/second.  
delta_t_LS  
Current integer leap seconds.  
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Trimble Standard Interface Protocol  
A
Test mode Data field  
Description  
t_ot  
This field is the reference time-of-week for the A_0/A_1  
parameters.  
WN_t  
This field is the reference week number for the A_0/A_1  
parameters.  
WN_LSF  
DN  
This field is the week number of a future leap second event.  
This field is the day number of a future leap second event.  
This field is the integer number of future leap seconds.  
delta_t_LSF  
Command Packet 0x8E-A4 Test Mode 0 Data Format  
Byte  
Item  
Type  
Description  
0xA4  
0
1
Subcode  
Test Mode  
UINT8  
UINT8  
0 = Exit test mode  
Command Packet 0x8E-A4 Test 1 Mode 1Data Format  
Byte  
0
Item  
Type  
Description  
Subcode  
UINT8  
UINT8  
UINT16  
UINT32  
0xA4  
1
Test Mode  
Week Number  
Time of Week  
1 = Set absolute time, ignore GPS time  
Week number (0-1023)  
Seconds (0-604799)  
2-3  
4-7  
Command Packet 0x8E-A4 Test Mode 3 Data Format  
Byte  
0
Item  
Type  
Description  
0xA4  
Subcode  
Test Mode  
A_0  
UINT8  
UINT8  
Single  
Single  
SINT16  
UINT32  
UINT16  
UINT16  
UINT16  
SINT16  
1
3 = Send user UTC parameter  
Seconds  
2-5  
6-9  
A_1  
Seconds/second  
Seconds  
10-11  
12-15  
16-17  
18-19  
20-21  
22-23  
delta_t_LS  
t_ot  
Seconds  
WN_t  
Week number  
Week number  
Day number (1-7)  
Seconds  
WN_LSF  
DN  
delta_t_LSF  
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Trimble Standard Interface Protocol  
Command Packet 0x8E-A5: Packet Broadcast Mask  
Use command packet 8E-A5 to set the packet broadcast masks or to request the  
current mask settings. The receiver replies to requests with response packet 8F-A5. The  
broadcast mask is bitwise encoded to allow the user to turn on and off the broadcast of  
certain packets. For each bit in the mask that is used, the coding is as follows:  
0: Turn off broadcast of this packet  
1: Turn on broadcast of this packet  
Byte  
0
Bit  
Item  
Type  
Description  
Subcode  
Mask 0  
UINT8  
bit field  
0xA5  
1-2  
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
8F-AB, Primary Timing Information  
Reserved  
8F-AC, Supplemental Timing Information  
Reserved  
Reserved  
Reserved  
Automatic Output Packets  
Reserved  
3-4  
Mask 2  
bit field  
Command Packet 0x8E-A6: Self-Survey Command  
Use command packet 8E-A6 to issue a self-survey command to save the current  
position in flash, or to delete the position saved in flash. There is no response to this  
packet.  
Byte  
Item  
Type  
Value  
Meaning  
0
1
Subcode  
UINT8  
0xA6  
Self-survey UINT8  
command  
0
1
2
Restart self-survey  
Save position to flash  
Delete position from flash  
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Trimble Standard Interface Protocol  
A
Command Packet 0x8E-A8: Set or Request Disciplining Parameters  
This packet allows the user to change key disciplining parameters in the receiver. It is  
usually intended to be used only when instructed by the factory. Incorrect use of this  
packet will most likely cause timing outputs to be degraded severely. However, the  
"Type 2" (Recovery Mode) parameters are intended to be set by the user to suit the  
application. Send this packet with the type field only to request the current settings.  
The receiver replies to sets and requests with the packet 0x8F A8.  
Type  
Data field  
Description  
0
Type  
A zero in this field indicates that the packet contains loop  
dynamics information.  
Time Constant  
This field carries the time constant of the disciplining control  
loop  
Damping Factor This field carries the damping of the disciplining control loop.  
1
Type  
A "1" in this field indicates that the packet contains 10MHz  
oscillator parameters.  
EXCO Constant This field carries the OCXO constant into Hz/Volt.  
The receiver determines this value automatically during a  
calibration step run during the Power-Up mode following a reset  
or power cycle. This value is therefore ignored by the  
Thunderbolt E.  
OCXO  
Minimum  
This field carries the minimum (most negative) control voltage  
that can be applied to the 10 MHz oscillator's control voltage  
Control Voltage input.  
OCXO  
Maximum  
This field carries the maximum (most positive) control voltage  
that can be applied to the 10 MHz oscillator's control voltage  
Control Voltage input.  
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Trimble Standard Interface Protocol  
Type  
Data field  
Description  
2
Type  
A "2" in this field indicates that the packet contains Recovery  
Mode parameters. These parameters allow the user to control  
the recovery process. During Recovery, The receiver will remove  
any PPS offset accumulated during periods of Holdover by either  
shifting the PPS into alignment or by shifting the frequency of  
the 10 MHz oscillator by a specified amount until the PPS has  
slewed back into alignment or by using both methods. The  
following two parameters control these methods:  
If a fast recovery is desired, allow jam syncs to be used  
If it is important to maintain 10 million clock cycles per PPS  
pulse, then disable jam syncs and set the maximum frequency  
offset to a tolerable value.  
Jam Sync  
Threshold  
This field carries the jam sync threshold in nanoseconds used  
during Recovery mode. While in Recovery Mode, if the PPS offset  
is above this threshold, The receiver will automatically perform a  
jam sync to shift the PPS into alignment with GPS. The minimum  
allowed value is 50 nanoseconds. Setting a value less than or  
equal to 0 nanoseconds will disable automatic jam syncs during  
Recovery (though the user can still issue a jam sync command  
with packet 0x8E-A3).  
Maximum  
Frequency  
Offset  
This field carries the maximum allowable frequency offset in ppb  
(parts per billion, or 1x10-9) of the 10 MHz oscillator during  
Recovery Mode. While in Recovery Mode, The receiver will  
remove any PPS offset accumulated during periods of Holdover  
by shifting the frequency of the oscillator by an amount up to  
the value specified. The minimum allowed value is 5ppb.  
3
Type  
A "3" in this field indicates that the packet contains the initial  
DAC voltage parameter.  
Initial DAC  
voltage  
At reset, the oscillator's frequency control voltage is set to this  
value  
Command Packet 0x8E-A8 Type 0 Data Format  
Byte  
0
Item  
Type  
Description  
0xA8  
Subcode  
UINT8  
UINT8  
Single  
Single  
1
Type  
0 = loop dynamics  
Seconds  
2-5  
6-9  
Time Constant  
Damping Factor  
Dimensionless  
Command Packet 0x8E-A8 Type 1 Data Format  
Byte  
0
Item  
Type  
Description  
Subcode  
UINT8  
UINT8  
Single  
Single  
0xA8  
1
Type  
1 = oscillator parameters  
2-5  
6-9  
10-13  
Oscillator Gain Constant  
Minimum Control Voltage  
Hz/Volt  
Volts  
Maximum Control Voltage Single  
Volts  
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Trimble Standard Interface Protocol  
A
Command Packet 0x8E-A8 Type 2 Data Format  
Byte  
0
Item  
Type  
Description  
Subcode  
UINT8  
UINT8  
Single  
0xA8  
1
Type  
2 = recovery mode parameters  
nanoseconds  
2-5  
6-9  
Jam Sync Threshold  
Maximum Frequency Offset Single  
ppb (parts per billion or 1x10-9)  
Command Packet 0x8E-A8 Type 3 Data Format  
Byte  
0
Item  
Type  
Description  
0xA8  
Subcode  
Type  
UINT8  
UINT8  
Single  
1
3 = initial DAC voltage  
Volts  
2-5  
Initial DAC voltage  
Command Packet 0x8E-A9: Self-Survey Parameters  
Use command packet 8E-A9 to set the self-survey parameters or to request the current  
settings. The receiver replies to requests with response packet 8F-A9.  
Data field  
Description  
Self-Survey Enable  
Use this field to enabled or disabled the self-survey mechanism.  
0: Disable the self-survey mechanism  
1: Enable the self-survey mechanism  
Position Save Flag  
Use this field to tell the self-survey mechanism to automatically save (or  
to not save) the self-surveyed position at the end of the self-survey  
procedure. This flag also determines how the The receiver will respond  
to the saved position it is using for Over-Determined Clock Mode when  
the position appears questionable (i.e. if the position may off by a  
large amount.) If the flag is set to 0, then a questionable position will  
be flagged in packet 0x8F-AC. If the flag is set to 1, then a questionable  
position will automatically be deleted.  
0: Don't automatically save the surveyed position when self-survey is  
complete  
1: Automatically save the surveyed position when self-survey is  
complete.  
Self-Survey Length  
Use this field to specify the number of position fixes that are to be  
averaged together to form the self-surveyed position used for clock-  
only fixes. Limits: 1 to (232 - 1) fixes.  
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Trimble Standard Interface Protocol  
Command Packet 8E-A9 Data Format  
Byte  
Item  
Type  
Value  
Description  
0
1
Subcode  
UINT8 0xA9  
Self-Survey Enable UINT8  
0
1
Disabled  
Enabled  
2
Position Save Flag UINT8  
0
1
Don't save position  
Save self-surveyed position at the end of  
the survey  
3-6  
Self-Survey Length UINT32 see above Number of fixes  
Reserved UINT32 0  
7-10  
0
Command Packet 0x8E-AB: Request Primary Timing Packet  
Use command packet 0x8E-AB to request the Primary Timing packet 0x8F-AB. By  
default, the receiver automatically sends packet 0x8F-AB once per second so it is not  
necessary to request it. To receive 0x8F-AB information by request only, use packet  
0x8E-A5 to disable the automatic output.  
The Request Type item determines how the receiver will reply to this command:  
Type  
Description  
0
1
The most current primary timing values will be sent in packet 0x8F-AB immediately.  
The response is not sent immediately. Instead packet 0x8F-AB is sent after the next  
PPS output. This is the same time that the packet would be automatically sent if  
enabled.  
2
Same as type 1 except that both 0x8F-AB and 0x8F-AC are sent after the next PPS  
output.  
Command Packet 0x8E-AB Data Format  
Byte  
Item  
Type  
Value  
Meaning  
0
1
Subcode  
Request type  
UINT8 0xAB  
UINT8  
0
1
2
Send 0x8F-AB immediately  
Send 0x8F-AB on-time next second  
Send 0x8F-AB and 0x8F-AC on-time next  
second  
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Trimble Standard Interface Protocol  
A
Command Packet 0x8E-AC: Request Supplementary Timing Packet  
Use command packet 8E-AC to request the Supplemental Timing packet 0x8F-AC. By  
default, the receiver automatically sends packet 0x8F-AC once per second so it is not  
necessary to request it. To receive 0x8F-AC information by request only, use packed  
0x8E-A5 to disable the automatic output.  
The Request Type item determines how the receiver will reply to this command:  
Type  
Description  
0
1
The most current primary timing values will be sent in packet 0x8F-AC immediately.  
The response is not sent immediately. Instead packet 0x8F-AC is sent after the next  
PPS output. This is the same time that the packet would be automatically sent if  
enabled.  
2
Same as type 1 except that both 0x8F-AB and 0x8F-AC are sent after the next PPS  
output.  
Command Packet 0x8E-AC Data Format  
Byte  
Item  
Type  
Value  
Meaning  
0
1
Subcode  
UINT8  
0xAC  
Request type UINT8  
0
1
2
Send 0x8F-AC immediately  
Send 0x8F-AC on-time next second  
Send 0x8F-AB and 0x8F-AC on-time next  
second  
Report Packet 0x8F-15 Current Datum Values  
This packet contains the values for the datum currently in use and is sent in response  
to packet 8E-15. If a built-in datum is being used, both the datum index and the five  
double-precision values for that index are returned. If the receiver is operating on a  
custom user-entered datum, the datum index is set to -1 and the five values are  
displayed. These five values describe an ellipsoid to convert ECEF XYZ coordinate  
system into LLA.  
Byte  
0
Type  
Value  
Description  
Super Packet ID  
Datum index (-1 for custom)  
DOUBLE  
14  
1-2  
Datum Index  
3-10  
11-18  
19-26  
27-34  
35-42  
DX  
meters  
meters  
meters  
meters  
DOUBLE  
DY  
DOUBLE  
DZ  
DOUBLE  
A-axis  
DOUBLE  
Eccentricity squared none  
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Trimble Standard Interface Protocol  
Report Packet 0x8F-41: Stored Manufacturing Operating Parameters  
This packet is sent in response to a command 0x8E-41.  
Byte  
0
Item  
Type  
Value  
Subcode  
Reserved  
UINT8  
UINT16  
UINT32  
0x41  
1-2  
3-6  
Board serial  
number  
7
Year of build  
Month of build  
Day of build  
Hour of build  
Reserved  
UINT8  
UINT8  
UINT8  
UINT8  
Single  
UINT16  
8
9
10  
11-14  
15-16  
Reserved  
Report Packet 0x8F-42: Stored Production Parameters  
This packet is sent in response to 0x8E-42.  
Byte  
0
Item  
Type  
Value  
Subcode  
Reserved  
Reserved  
Reserved  
Reserved  
Reserved  
Reserved  
Reserved  
Reserved  
UINT8  
0x42  
1
UINT8  
2
UINT8  
3-4  
UINT16  
UINT32  
UINT32  
UINT16  
UINT16  
UINT16  
5-8  
9-12  
13-14  
15-16  
17-18  
Report Packet 0x8F-4A: Set PPS Characteristics  
This is sent in response to a query by packet 0x8E-4A. See the corresponding  
command packet for information about the data format.  
Report Packet 0x8F-4E: PPS Output  
This report packet is output after the command packet 8E-4E has been executed. See  
the corresponding command packet for information about the data format.  
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Trimble Standard Interface Protocol  
A
Report Packet 0x8F-A0: DAC Value  
This packet is sent in response to packet 0x8E-A0.  
Data field  
Description  
DAC Value:  
The current numeric value of the DAC.  
DAC Voltage  
DAC Resolution  
DAC Data Format  
The current output voltage of the DAC in Volts.  
The number of bits used in the DAC.  
The format of the DAC value.  
Minimum DAC Voltage: The minimum (most negative) voltage that the  
DAC can produce.  
Maximum DAC Voltage: The maximum (most positive) voltage that the  
DAC can produce  
Report Packet 0x8F-A0 Data Format  
Byte  
0
Item  
Type  
Value  
Description  
Subcode  
UINT8  
UINT32  
Single  
UINT8  
0xA0  
1-4  
5-8  
9
DAC Value  
DAC Voltage  
DAC Resolution  
Value  
Volts  
Number of bits  
Offset binary  
2's complement  
Volts  
10  
DAC data format UINT8  
0
1
11-14  
15-18  
Min DAC voltage Single  
Max DAC voltage Single  
Volts  
Report Packet 0x8F-A2: UTC/GPS Timing  
This packet is sent in response to command packet 0x8E-A2. See the corresponding  
command packet for information about the data format.  
Report Packet 0x8F-A3: Oscillator Disciplining Command  
This packet is sent in response to command packet 0x8E-A3. See the corresponding  
command packet for information about the data format.  
Report Packet 0x8F-A4: Test Modes  
This packet is sent in response to command packet 0x8E-A4. See the corresponding  
command packet for information about the data format.  
Report Packet 0x8F-A5: Packet Broadcast Mask  
This packet is sent in response to 0x8E-A5 command and describes which packets are  
currently automatically broadcast. A '0' in a bit field turns off broadcast, and a '1' in a bit  
field enables broadcast. See the corresponding command packet for information about  
the data format.  
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Trimble Standard Interface Protocol  
Report Packet 0x8F-A6: Self-Survey Command  
This packet is sent in response to command packet 0x8E-A6. See the corresponding  
command packet for information about the data format.  
Report Packet 0x8F-A8: Oscillator Disciplining Parameters  
This packet is sent in response to command packet 0x8E-A8. See the corresponding  
command packet for information about the data format.  
Report Packet 0x8F-A9: Self-Survey Parameters  
Packet 0x8F-A9 is sent in response to command packet 0x8E-A9 and describes the  
current self-survey parameters. See the corresponding command packet for  
information about the data format.  
Report Packet 0x8F-AB:Primary Timing Packet  
This packet provides time information once per second. GPS week number, GPS time-  
of-week (TOW), UTC integer offset, time flags, date and time-of-day (TOD)  
information is provided. This packet can be requested or enabled for automatic  
broadcast once per second. If enabled, this packet will be transmitted shortly after the  
PPS pulse to which it refers.  
Data field  
Description  
Time of Week  
This field represents the number of seconds since Sunday at 00:00:00 GPS  
time for the current GPS week. Time of week is often abbreviated as TOW.  
Week Number This field represents the current GPS week number. GPS week number 0  
started on January 6, 1980.  
UTC Offset  
This field represents the current integer leap second offset between GPS  
and UTC according to the relationship: Time (UTC) = Time (GPS) - UTC Offset.  
The UTC offset information is reported to the receiver by the GPS system  
and can take up to 12.5 minutes to obtain. Before the receiver has received  
UTC information from the GPS system, it is only capable of representing  
time in the GPS time scale, and the UTC offset will be shown as 0.  
Timing Flags:  
This field is bitwise encoded to provide information about the timing  
outputs. Unused bits are should be ignored.  
Bit 0: When 0, the date and time fields broadcast in packet 8F-AB are in  
the GPS time scale. When 1, these fields are in the UTC time scale and are  
adjusted for leap seconds. Use command packet 8E-A2 to select either  
GPS or UTC time scales.  
Bit 1: When 0, the PPS output is aligned to GPS. When 1, the PPS output  
is aligned to UTC. Use command packet 8E-A2 to select either GPS or UTC  
PPS alignment.  
Bit 2: When 0, time has been set from GPS. When 1, time has net yet  
been set from GPS.  
Bit 3: When 0, UTC offset information has been received. When 1, UTC  
offset information is not yet known.  
Bit 4: When 0, time is coming from GPS. When 1, The receiver is in a test  
mode and time is being generated by the test mode selected by the user.  
See packet 8E-A4, Test Modes.  
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A
Data field  
Description  
The time of day is sent in hours-minutes-seconds format and varies from  
Time of Day  
00:00:00 to 23:59:59, except when time is in UTC and a leap second insertion  
occurs. In this case the time will transition from 23:59:59 to 23:59:59 to  
00:00:00. Use command packet 8E-A2 to select either the GPS or UTC time  
scale.  
Date  
The date is sent in day-month-year format. Use command packet 8E A2 to  
select either the GPS or UTC time scale.  
Report Packet 0x8F-AB  
Byte  
0
Bit  
Item  
Type  
Value  
Description  
Subcode  
UINT8  
0xAB  
1-4  
5-6  
7-8  
9
Time of week  
Week Number  
UTC Offset  
Timing Flag  
UINT32  
UINT16  
SINT16  
bit field  
GPS seconds of week  
GPS Week Number  
UTC Offset (seconds)  
0
1
2
3
4
0
1
GPS time  
UTC time  
0
1
GPS PPS  
UTC PPS  
0
1
time is set  
time is not set  
0
1
have UTC info  
no UTC info  
0
1
time from GPS  
time from user  
10  
Seconds  
Minutes  
Hours  
UINT8  
UINT8  
UINT8  
UINT8  
UINT8  
UINT16  
0-59  
0-59  
0-23  
1-31  
1-12  
Seconds  
11  
Minutes  
12  
Hours  
13  
Day of Month  
Month  
Day of Month  
Month of Year  
Four digits of Year  
14  
15-16  
Year  
Report Packet 0x8F-AC: Supplemental Timing Packet  
This packet provides supplemental timing information once per second. Information  
regarding position, unit status and health, and the operational state of the unit is  
provided. This packet can be requested or enabled for automatic broadcast once per  
second. When enabled, this packet is transmitted once per second shortly after packet  
0x8F-AB.  
The position sent in packet 0x8F-AC depends on the Receiver Operating Mode and on  
self-survey activity. When a self-survey is in progress, the position sent is the running  
average of all of the position fixes collected so far. When the self-survey ends or  
whenever the receiver is using a time-only operating mode, then the position sent is  
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Trimble Standard Interface Protocol  
the accurate position the receiver is using to perform time-only fixes. When the self-  
survey is disabled or otherwise inactive and the receiver is using a position fix  
operating mode, then the position sent is the position fix computed on the last second.  
Data field  
Receiver Mode  
Description  
This field shows the fix mode that the GPS receiver is currently configured for. The  
receiver spends most of its time in the Over-Determined Clock Mode where it uses all  
available satellites to perform the best time-only fix possible. See packet 0xBB for a  
description of all available receiver modes.  
Self-Survey Progress When a self-survey procedure is in progress, this field shows the progress of the survey as  
a percentage of fixes collected so far. The self-survey will be complete when the self-  
survey progress reaches 100 percent. This field only has meaning while a self-survey is in  
progress.  
Holdover Duration  
When in the Manual or Auto Holdover state, this field shows the amount of time spent in  
holdover in seconds. When the unit is not in a holdover state, this field shows the amount  
of time the receiver spent the last time it was in a holdover state.  
Critical Alarms  
This field is bitwise encoded with critical alarms indicators. A critical alarm indicates a  
condition that would tend to severely impair the function of the receiver. For each bit, a  
value of 0 means that the condition is not indicated. Bits not described below should be  
ignored.  
Bit4: When 1, indicates that the oscillator control voltage is at a rail. If this condition  
persists then the Min-T can no longer bring the frequency of the oscillator into alignment  
with GPS and is most likely in need of a new oscillator. This condition should not occur  
within 15 years of operation.  
Minor Alarms  
This field is bitwise encoded with several minor alarm indicators. A minor alarm indicates  
a condition that the user should be alerted to, but does not indicate an immediate (or  
necessarily any) impairment of functionality. For each bit, a value of 0 means that the  
condition is not indicated. Bits not described below should be ignored.  
Bit 0: When 1, indicates that the oscillator control voltage is near a rail. If this  
condition persists, then the oscillator is within 2 years of becoming untunable, at  
which point the unit will need a new oscillator. This condition should not occur for at  
least 12 years of use and is a result of oscillator crystal aging.  
Bit 1: When 1, indicates that the antenna input connection is open. More precisely,  
this bit indicates that the antenna input is not drawing sufficient current. Normally,  
The receiver provides power to the antenna's LNA (Low Noise Amplifier) through the  
center conductor of the antenna cable. On-board circuitry senses this current draw,  
and if low, this condition will be indicated. However, when the antenna is powered  
elsewhere (e.g., when using a splitter) then an antenna open condition is expected  
and does not imply a fault nor does it impair the operation of the receiver.  
Bit 2: When 1, indicates that the antenna input is shorted. More precisely, this bit  
indicates that the antenna input is drawing too much current. On-board protection  
circuitry prevents any damage to The receiver when its antenna input is shorted to  
ground. This condition tends to indicates a fault in either the antenna cable or the  
antenna itself.  
Bit 3: When 1, indicates that no satellites are usable. In order for a satellite to be  
usable, it must be tracked long enough to obtain ephemeris and health data.  
Bit 4: When 1, indicates that the oscillator is not being disciplined to GPS. Before the  
Mini- T can begin disciplining the oscillator, it must begin receiving information from  
the GPS receiver. This occurs any time that the receiver is performing fixes.  
Bit 5: When 1, indicates that a self-survey procedure is in progress.  
Bit 6: When 1, indicates that there is no accurate position stored in flash ROM.  
Bit 7: When 1, indicates that the GPS system has alerted the receiver that a leap  
second transition is pending.  
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A
Data field  
Description  
Bit 8: When 1, indicates that The receiver is operating in one of its test modes (see  
packet 0x8E- A4.)  
Bit 9: When 1, indicates that the accuracy of the position used for time only fixes is  
questionable. This alarm may indicate that the unit has been moved since the unit  
completed the last self-survey. If this alarm persists, re-survey the position of the unit.  
Minor Alarms (cont.) • Bit 10: When 1, indicates that at reset, one or more EEPROM segments were found to  
be corrupt and had to be set to factory default settings. Use packet 0x3F-11 / 5F-11 to  
retrieve details about which segments were corrupt and to clear this bit.  
GPS Decoding Status This field indicates the decoding status of the GPS receiver.  
Disciplining Activity This field indicates the current activity of the disciplining mechanism.  
PPS Offset  
This field carries the estimate of the offset of the PPS output relative to UTC or GPS as  
reported by the GPS receiver in nanoseconds. Positive values indicate that the receiver's  
PPS is coming out late relative to GPS or UTC.  
Frequency Offset  
DAC Value  
This field carries the estimate of the frequency offset of the 10MHz output relative to  
UTC or GPS as reported by the GPS receiver in ppb (parts-per-billion.) Positive values  
indicate that the receiver's clock is running slow relative to GPS or UTC.  
This field shows the numeric value of the DAC used to produce the voltage that controls  
the frequency of the 10MHz oscillator.  
DAC Voltage  
Temperature  
This field shows the voltage output of the DAC.  
This field shows the temperature (in Celsius) as reported by the receiver's on-board  
temperature sensor.  
Latitude  
Longitude  
Altitude  
This field carries the latitude of the position being shown. The units are in radians and  
vary from -pi/2 to +pi/2. Negative values represent southern latitudes. Positive values  
represent northern latitudes.  
This field carries the longitude of the position being shown. The units are in radians and  
vary from -pi to +pi. Negative values represent western longitudes. Positive values  
represent eastern longitudes.  
This field carries the altitude of the position being shown. The units are in meters (WGS-  
84.)  
PPS Quantization  
Error  
This field carries the PPS quantization error in units of nanoseconds of an internal PPS  
signal. This value is not useful on a ThunderBolt E since the PPS output is derived from a  
disciplined oscillator and therefore does not have any quantization error  
Report Packet 0x8F-AC  
Byte  
Item  
Type  
Value  
Description  
0
Subcode  
UINT8  
UINT8  
0xAC  
Receiver Mode  
0
1
3
4
7
0
1
2
3
4
Automatic (2D/3D)  
Single Satellite (Time)  
Horizontal (2D)  
Full Position (3D)  
Over-Determined Clock  
Normal (Locked to GPS)  
Power Up  
2
Disciplining Mode  
UINT8  
Auto Holdover  
Manual Holdover  
Recovery  
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Trimble Standard Interface Protocol  
Byte  
Item  
Type  
Value  
Description  
5
6
Not used  
Disciplining Disabled  
0-100%  
3
Self-Survey Progress  
Holdover Duration  
Critical Alarms  
UINT8  
4-7  
8-9  
10-11  
UINT32  
UINT16  
UINT16  
0
Seconds  
Bit field  
Bit field  
Bit 4: DAC at rail  
Minor Alarms  
Bit 0: DAC near rail  
Bit 1: Antenna open  
Bit 2: Antenna shorted  
Bit 3: Not tracking satellites  
Bit 4: Not disciplining oscillator  
Bit 5: Survey-in progress  
Bit 6: No stored position  
Bit 7: Leap second pending  
Bit 8: In test mode  
Bit 9: Position is questionable  
Bit 10: Not used  
Bit 11: Almanac not complete  
Bit 12: PPS not generated  
Doing fixes  
12  
GPS Decoding Status  
UINT8  
0x00  
0x01  
0x03  
0x08  
0x09  
0x0A  
0x0B  
0x0C  
0x10  
0
Don't have GPS time  
PDOP is too high  
No usable sats  
Only 1 usable sat  
Only 2 usable sats  
Only 3 usable sats  
The chosen sat is unusable  
TRAIM rejected the fix  
Phase locking  
13  
Disciplining Activity  
UINT8  
1
Oscillator warm-up  
Frequency locking  
Placing PPS  
2
3
4
Initializing loop filter  
Compensating OCXO (holdover)  
Inactive  
5
6
7
Not used  
8
Recovery mode  
9
Calibration/control voltage  
14  
Spare Status 1  
Spare Status 2  
PPS Offset  
UINT8  
UINT8  
Single  
Single  
UINT32  
0
15  
0
16-19  
20-23  
24-27  
ns  
Clock Offset  
DAC Value  
ppb  
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Trimble Standard Interface Protocol  
A
Byte  
28-31  
32-35  
36-43  
44-51  
52-59  
60-63  
64-67  
Item  
Type  
Value  
Description  
Volts  
DAC Voltage  
Temperature  
Latitude  
Single  
Single  
Double  
Double  
Double  
degrees C  
radians  
Longitude  
Altitude  
radians  
meters  
PPS Quantization Error Single  
Spare  
ns  
Future expansion  
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NORTH AMERICA  
Trimble Navigation Limited  
Corporate Headquarters  
935 Stewart Drive  
EUROPE  
Trimble Navigation Europe  
Phone: +49-6142-2100-161  
KOREA  
Trimble Export Ltd, Korea  
Phone: +82 2 555 5361  
CHINA  
Trimble Navigation Ltd, China  
Phone: +86-21-6391-7814  
TAIWAN  
Trimble Navigation, Taiwan  
Phone: +886-02-85096574  
Sunnyvale, CA 94086  
+1-800-787-4225  
+1-408-481-7741  
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