South Galaxy G1 PLUS product review

South Galaxy G1 PLUS RTK GNSS receiver is equipped with a 220 channel Trimble BD970, a 336 channel BD990 GNSS board or a 555 channel Novatel OEM729 GNSS board. Connect this GPS receiver to an RTK network and achieve centimeter accuracy in real time. Because The South Galaxy G1 PLUS supports Galileo GPS Glonass Beidou, QZSS, IRNSS and SBAS satellite constellations it is capable of achieving this centimetre accuracy in tough conditions. The G1 PLUS GPS antenna receives data from the GPS L1 L2 L5 satellites. Besides the GPS satellite it also processes Glonass L1 L2 L3 Galileo E1 E5a, E5a BeiDou B1 B2 B3. This RTK GNSS receiver is also equipped with patented advanced RF Spectrum Monitoring technology. The feature that is build in this GNSS system allows you to detect low quality satellite signals and applying filters to them to increase the overall stability. It allows you to get an RTK fix in the most inaccessible locations with poor satellite coverage.  The Galaxy G1 PLUS has a standard tilt sensor that can go up to 30 degrees tilt but it can be upgraded with an IMU tilt sensor. This makes this GNSS RTK capable for tilt surveying up to 60 degrees. Currently the IMU feature in this GNSS antenna is only compatible with the South SurvX and Microsurvey FieldGenius GPS survey software. 

Unboxing the South Galaxy G1 PLUS

Versatile Communication with the G1 PLUS GNSS antenna

The G1 Plus offers a powerful level of communication that allows your GNSS receiver to talk to other GPS Systems. Through the Wi-Fi Data Link that is build into this GNSS antenna you can communicate directly to the Internal user interface. Within this user interface the user can configure his GNSS RTK system the why he likes. Wi-Fi HotSpot enables any mobile device to be connected to the internal web server of the South Galaxy G1 PLUS GNSS receiver. Within this GNSS antenna you can setup a WiFi data link and transmit the GGA and NMEA positioning data to any online server of your liking. This allows you the have the data of your GPS receiver available and ready to go whenever and wherever you need it in real time. The wireless modem includes an internal UHF radio that operates at a frequency of 410-470 MHz with a range of approximately 8 kilometres between the GPS rover and base station. The South G1 GPS receiver communicates with mainstream protocols like Trimtalk450s, South, South+, Southx, Huace, ZHD and Satel.  Connect your GNSS receiver to the 4G network which supports TDD-LTE/FDD-LTE with downward compatibility to 3G CDMA2000/WCDMA  and 2G GPRS/Edge so you can receive RTCM correction data via the NTRIP protocol from any RTK network.  Double module Bluetooth with standards of 2.1 and 4.0 is ideal for iOS, Android and Window connectivity when linking it to your GPS survey software.

South Galaxy G1 PLUS RTK GNSS Receiver Specifications

Galaxy G1 PLUS main specifications

• RTK Enabled for 1-2cm accuracy. Compatible with RTK FIX
• 220 / 336 / 555 channels
• Galileo GPS Glonass Beidou, QZSS, IRNSS and SBAS
• 4G Mobile data
• UHF radio on 410-470Mhz frequency for rover/base setup at 1,2 or 3 Watt output
• E-bubble with Tilt sensor ( this feature is included by default
• IMU tilt survey up to 60 degrees (IMU Upgrade required)
• 2x hot swappable battery system for continuous land surveying
• WiFi
• USB
• Bluetooth
• RS-232
• NFC for contactless synchronisation
• Technology iVoice: Galaxy G1 Plus GPS antenna supports voice messages about the operating status of the GPS receiver and operations. It is possible to select the language of voice messages
• IP67

Which industries is the G1 PLUS used in?

• land surveying
• GIS applications
• Earthworks
• Roadworks
• Construction
• Agriculture
• Mapping
• Landfill
• Hydrographic
• UAV Base Station

Can the Galaxy G1 track more than just the GPS satellite?

Besides the GPS satellites, the G1 Plus RTK GPS receiver simultaneously tracks all available GNSS satellites over 336 channels. They include Galileo GPS Glonass BeiDou QZSS IRNSS and SBAS . A selection of operating modes include PPK and RTK. The G1 PLUS features an initialisation reliability of >99.99%. TerraStar capability enables satellite correction in real-time through worldwide mobile and satellite SBAS networks. It uses advanced algorithms and multiple GNSS reference stations for incredible accuracy. Multiple GPS system parameters include satellite orbit, bias and clock. Real-time corrections include minimal inertia and are delivered with both centimetre and submetre level positioning. The South G1 PLUS RTK GNSS positioning accuracy is demonstrated by its code differential of +/- 0.25m + 1ppm for horizontal and +/- 0.50m + 1ppm on the vertical. Real-time Kinematic surveying is set at +/- 8 mm + 1ppm for horizontal and +/- 15mm + 1ppm on vertical. Other settings include Static GNSS surveying, fast Static, SLink and an RTK initialization time of 2-8 seconds.

Reliable RTK GNSS receiver for the Land surveyor

This dynamic RTK GPS system can be used in the most challenging or remote landscapes in any type of weather conditions a land surveyor is faced with. The water- and dust-proof rating on this GNSS receiver is IP67 standard, which ensures it has complete protection against dust particles and can survive being immersed, at length, in water with a depth of at least 1 metre. The G1 Plus system has a stylish exterior casing of magnesium aluminium alloy that is robust enough to withstand being dropped onto concrete from a height of 2 metres while doing a GPS survey. This G1 Plus GPS system is convenient to carry as it has a weight of approximately 1 kilograms when fitted with two batteries. The receiver measures 125 mm in height and has a diameter of 135 mm. The Trimble BD990 RTK GNSS engine is powered by an optional use of one or two rechargeable lithium batteries. They provide at least 8 hours of power from one battery and more than 16 hours of use when fitted with two. The power supply of 9-25 VCD includes over voltage protection. The G1 Plus has an integral Tilt Compensator that enables slope measurements of up to 30%. This tilt sensor can be upgraded to a 60 degrees calibration free IMU sensor for optimal performance. This RTK GPS receiver provides the user with the means to work up to 20% more efficiently than when using conventional land surveying equipment. An optional electronic bell can be activated on the screen display.

Can the South G1 PLUS be used as a GPS rover?

When using the Galaxy G1 PLUS in a rover GPS system configuration you may need the following hardware components besides the RTK GPS receiver itself

• RTK network. To achieve centimetre accuracy your South RTK GPS receiver will need RTCM correction data so it can calculate your exact position This is send via the NTRIP protocol which basically means that the data is send to your G1 PLUS GPS antenna via the internet. Without an RTK network your RTK GPS receiver won’t be able achieve a 1-2 centimetre accuracy.
• Surveying software. Your South Galaxy GPS system provides you with the coordinates you need but you still need land surveying software in order to process this information. Which land surveyor software you need depends on your GPS survey needs. We recommend keeping it simple and don’t pay for things you don’t need. Having that said, if you have to do complicated GPS survey work, make sure you get the right surveying software. Some recommended options are Carlson, Aplitop and FieldGenius. If you need help, feel free to contact us by phone or via the chat below!
• Data collector. You might need a tablet or controller to run your GPS survey software on. The type of tablet depends on which land surveyor software you have chosen as some are Android based and some are Windows.
• Bracket and Holders. These are used to connect your tablet to your GPS surveying pole so the whole set is easier to handle.
• GPS Surveying pole. In order to get the best performance out of your GPS System you want to minimise the disturbances around you and give it a clear sight to the GPS satellites above. That why its recommended attaching your RTK GPS receiver on a GPS survey pole. These come in fixed rods and in telescopic rods.

Using the South Galaxy G1 PLUS in a GPS base rover setup

When you don’t have access to an  RTK network you might have to setup your own South G1 PLUS GPS base and rover system in order to receive corrections. These are the accessories you might need besides the receiver itself:

• A second Galaxy G1 RTK GPS receiver. preferably this second GPS antenna should be from South as well. Do you already have a different GPS system from another brand? Then make sure that both the GPS rover and base station run on the same radio frequency and protocol.
• Land surveying software. You can most of the times use the same GPS survey software as when you are using just a GPS rover. The connection between the GPS rover and base station happens within the GPS antenna so the Land surveyor software is not influenced by this.
• Data collector. You might need a tablet or controller to run your software on. The type of tablet depends on which software you have choosen as some are Android based and some are Windows.
• Bracket and Holders. These are used to connect your tablet to your surveying pole so the whole set is easier to handle.
• Surveying pole. In order to get the best performance out of your receiver you want to minimise the disturbances around you and give it a clear sight to the satellites above. That why its recommended attaching your receiver on a 2 meter minimum surveying pole. These come in fixed rods and in telescopic rods.
• Tripod and Tribrach. These are needed to setup your GPS base station with the second RTK GPS receiver. The surveying Tripod gives good stability to the RTK base receiver so errors in sudden movements of the GPS base station are avoided.
• External Radio. Most RTK GNSS receiver have an internal UHF radio build in. However, sometimes the power output of a GPS system by itself  is not strong enough to give you the workable GPS survey distance you need and an external radio required. Internal radios inside an RTK GPS receiver can go up to 3 Watts that can work up to 8km. External radios can easily achieve 35 Watt outputs, thereby increasing your working range.

South Galaxy G1 PLUS specifications