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iGage
iG8 User Manual
Setting up a iG8 UHF Base Rover Pair
The iG8 system includes internal Satel Transmit / Receive radios in all Base and Rover receivers.
‘Base’ and ‘Rover’ receivers are identical and are labeled for setup convenience.
They can be interchanged at any time.
Configuring the iG8 UHF Base
Choose a Great Location for the Base
The location of your base greatly impacts the success of your survey. There are two primary concerns:
1.
Minimizing multipath and obstructions between the base and the sky
2.
Maximizing the effective range of the UHF radio which is broadcasting corrections to the rover
The base does not need to be located at a control point or parcel corner. You can locate the Base at an optimum location
for tracking GNSS signals and broadcasting corrections, then perform a single (or multiple) point Rover localization. It is
better to localize your rover than to use a base that is under canopy or in a deep canyon.
Any multipath or obstructions at your base will affect every single shot at your rover, just as if the multipath existed at
the rover. Your primary concern should be finding an open location for the base that minimizes canopy and multipath.
A clear view of the sky above a 10 degree mask is very important. Partially obstructed/masked satellites (through tree
branches) will increase the range of elevation measurements that the rover observes.
When using a UHF radio, your ability to place the UHF antenna in a high location with the minimum of obstructions to
your working area is also important however the best location for your base is the spot that provides the clearest view of
the sky.
Base Radio Battery
iGage does not provide an external battery for use with the Base as they are difficult to safely ship and you can easily
procured a suitable battery locally or online.
Two internal batteries will run the iG8 Base for approximately 6 to 8 hours depending on the configured UHF output
power.
For extended operation use an external 12-Volt battery. We recommend the ‘ExpertPower EXP12180 12 Volt 18 Ah
Rechargeable Battery’ which is available from Amazon for under $40.
Figure 4 12V, 18 amp hour sealed lead acid battery with nut/bolt connections
You can use the supplied dedicated Heavy Duty External Power Cable to provide extended power to the Base:
Figure 5 Included Heavy Duty External Power Cable attached to external battery
You may also use the wall transformer supplied with the battery charger and plug it directly into the included serial cable
to power the iG8 base from wall power.
Or, you can use the Serial cable supplied with the iG8, combined with the optional battery clip cable to provide external
power.
