In order to use the 3M Dynatel locator with Orbitas you will need:
You can find the NMEA Talker software in the app store at the following address:
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/nmea talker/ id1071264412
Or by searching NMEA Talker by Aman Enterprises
Once loaded to your iOS device, begin by pairing the NMEA BT adapter to your iPhone / iPad (just like you would do with any other Bluetooth device)
Find the adaptor listed in the Bluetooth settings and click to pair. You’ll notice the Bluetooth light on the AMAN adaptor will turn on like in the images below.
Next, we must launch and utilize the NMEA Talker application.
Notice that it provides you the battery life remaining on the device and an “i” button that will give you further “about” information. The ABOUT screen is a good way to confirm that you are actually connected to the NMEA BT device that you should be (in the event you have multiple)
At the bottom of the screen, select the SETTING ICON.
Under SETTINGS, click on the option that says “ACCESSORY CONFIGURATION”
The NMEA BT adapter is now set up, but it has to remain open to be able to pass the information to Orbitas Field. Hit DONE and return to the main NMEA BT menu where it shows your battery status and location again, but DO NOT CLOSE the app.
Simply “Minimize” the app, by clicking on the iOS home button once, or you can just keep it completely open and move to the next step.
Launch Orbitas and start a job just as would normally do.
If you are utilizing an Asteri receiver with this as well, please make sure you have connected to your receiver properly by referencing the Connecting a Asteri help guide.
Once connected make sure the receiver is in view of the sky and turn location services “OFF” as described in the guides. After only 4 or 5 seconds your Asteri BT light should turn on as normally expected. Please note… No change is made to Integrated Services or Asteri GNSS Connection procedure with the Aman BT adapter.
Next, it is time to turn your Dynatel on and start using it. Make sure the Aman BT Adapter is securely attached to the Serial Port utilizing the provided Serial Cable. We would recommend securing the BT adapter with some Velcro (3M Brand Of Course!)
When you turn the locator on, the following message will be displayed on your screen. (see screenshot below)
This is a GOOD thing. This means the locator is talking with Orbitas and has given us a message, but it wasn’t in a valid Marker Ball string for us to do anything with it.
Enter the “COM” settings on your Dynatel . Make sure it is set to 4800 and PDA Mode. This is always useful to double check, because if you recently sent templates to it from your PC, it was in “GIS” mode. A different mode, that does NOT communicate Markers to the device.
Next, make sure you are in the right “Frequency” for your Marker Ball. We are using Orange Telecom in this example, but the maker will not read correctly if you aren’t in the proper frequency. Notice that the Marker is within reading rage (2 3 feet) and the DB gain is maxed.
If you aren’t familiar with these features… consult your 3M manuals, or schedule a personalized Tri Global Training session.
To collect a location and read from the Marker ball:
Depending on how the Dynatel was set up, you can have the setting be “OK to LOG”.
Orbitas utilize this feature, so you MUST hit “OK” a second time to store the point.
Data is automatically streamed to Orbitas Field…. Have the audio on, so that you can listen for the “Whistle” tone to let you know the marker was read and transmitted to Orbitas Field. The “Description” placed in the marker template, will be read as the feature type. In this case, “VALVE”. If you wish to have features set up to match, you must set up a configuration with Tri Global. Otherwise, data will simply be read and will not be editable once inside of Orbitas Field. Modify Features in the Location as you do with other Orbitas Field collection (described separately). Hit “Save to commit the changes".
Congratulations, you saved a marker ball location! Just rinse and repeat this process to collect more marker ball locations.
