POSITIONING DATA LINKS: - American Communication Systems

POSITIONING DATA LINKS: 

FOR SURVEYING AND MACHINE CONTROL

TABLE OF CONTENTS: 

3 

5 

6 

7 

9 

12 

SURVEYING 

Technical specifications and pricing for our signature PDL products. 

MACHINE CONTROL 

Sitecom, a versatile and rugged solution. 

PDL REPEATER 

Extend the reach of your RTK system. 

PRICE LIST 

Replacement units and a la carte accessories. 

TIPS & TRICKS 

Optimize your system setup and your equipment. 

ORDER FORM 

PDLLPB PDLHPB 

PDL ROVER SITECOME 

OM REPEATER 

PDL FOR SURVEYING AND MACHINE CONTROL PG. 2

PDLHPB 

The PDL High Power Base (PDLHPB) connects 

directly to your RTK GPS reference station and 

offers both high and low power outputs. PDLHPB 

kits offer a complete system that compliments 

your GPS equipment, and meets the requirements 

for survey and machine control applications. 

SURVEYING 

The Global Positioning System (GPS) provides 

extremely accurate position and timing information.A 

technique called Differential GPS (DGPS) 

is used to increase the accuracy of the GPS 

system. For the highest levels of performance, a 

technique known as Real-Time Kinematic 

(RTK) is used allowing one to two centimeters 

position accuracy. 

The fundamental concept of DGPS/RTK is the 

use of a reference GPS receiver placed in a 

known location.The reference receiver monitors 

the system errors and formats correction 

messages that are transmitted to other GPS 

user equipment. 

Satellite A 

GPS Pacific Crest 

Receiver/ Base Station 

Antenna Radio 

Satellite B 

Satellite C 

Satellite D 

PDLHPB Key Features: 

• Power toggle switch - 35 or 3 watts 

• Fast - 9600 bps and 19,200 bps raw 

data rates 

• Multiprotocol - Compatible with the largest 

installed base of RTK systems 

• Rugged - Water tight all-weather operation 

• Kits - Include cables, batteries, mounts, 

carrying cases - turnkey solution 

• Wordwide compliance - North America, 

Australia, Asia 

PDLHPB BUNDLE – Kit Price: $3298 

PDLHPB 

A00978 

ANTENNA 

A00911 

A00399 

A01509 

A02067 

CABLE 

A00470 

F00510 

M00555 

PDL High Power Base 

Tripod with Telescoping Mast and Bag 

Unity Gain Elevated Feed Antenna 

Antenna Mount 

Battery with Carrying Case 

Battery Charger 

Universal Power Kit 

GPS Interface Cable 

Programming Cable 

PDL Base Carrying Case 

User’s Guide and Software 

(CD-ROM) 

RTK Rover

PDLLPB 

The PDL Low Power Base 

(PDLLPB) connects directly to 

your RTK GPS reference 

station and provides excellent 

short to moderate range 

performance for all survey and 

machine control applications. 

PDLLPB kits are complete 

systems tailored specifically for 

RTK GPS and repeater 

functions. 

PDL ROVER 

The PDL Rover connects 

directly to your RTK GPS 

rover station and offers 

excellent performance with its 

highly sensitive radio receiver. 

PDL Rover kits offer a complete 

system that compliments 

your GPS equipment, and 

meets the requirements for 

survey and machine control 

applications. 

PDLLPB Key Features: 


data rates 







Europe,Asia 

PDL ROVER Key Features: 


data rates 



• Internal lithium-ion battery - +10 hrs 





Europe,Asia 

PDLLPB BUNDLE – Kit Price: $2198 

PDL ROVER BUNDLE – Kit Price: $1528 

PDLLPB 

ANTENNA 

A01291 

A01742 

A00921 

A02067 

CABLE 

A01290 

F00586 

M00555 

PDL Low Power Base 


Tripod Mount System 

Battery with Tripod Clip, Carrying 

Case, Cable and Fuse 


Universal Power Kit 



Cable Bag and Clip 


(CD-ROM) 

PDLRVRE 

ANTENNA 

A01005 

A02244 

CABLE 

A01290 

M00555 

PDL Rover 


Battery Charger for Internal 

Battery 

RVR Universal Power Kit 




(CD-ROM) 


SITECOM 

Sitecom connects directly to 

your RTK GPS system and it is 

offered with permanent or 

removable mounting options, 

both with a vibration-dampening 

design. Sitecom is compatible 

with and meets all machine control 

system requirements. 

MACHINE CONTROL 

Sitecom is a rugged, reliable radio modem that 

enables high-precision GPS locating and trackingmachine 

control-for bulldozers, tractors, and 

other high-value assets used in construction, 

agriculture, and other applications. 

Sitecom Key Features: 

• Compatible with major 

machine control systems 

worldwide 

• Vibration tested 

• Rugged design - waterproof 

and corrosion resistant 

• Magnetic (removable) or 

permanent mounting options 

• Wordwide compliance - 

North America, Europe,Asia 

The Sitecom radio incorporates unique features 

to ensure reliable and cost-effective operation in 

tough outdoor machine control environments. 

For example, a specially designed mounting 

bracket isolates the unit from vibration and shock 

that could degrade its performance. Sitecom is 

engineered to mount on or in the vehicle; a TNC 

rubber duck antenna that mounts easily to the 

radio simplifies installation and provides rugged 

reliability. 

Front View With Permanent 

Mounting Plate 

Front View With Magnetic 

(Removeable) Mounting 

Side View With Permanent 

Mounting Plate 

Side View With Magnetic 

(Removeable) Mounting

PDL REPEATER 

PDL REPEATER 

– HPB Kit Price: $2998 

– LPB Kit Price: $2317 

PDL Repeater products 

extend the reach of RTK 

GPS reference stations and 

provide excellent performance 

for all survey and 

machine control applications. 

PDL Repeater kits are 

complete systems tailored 

specifically for RTK GPS and 

repeater functions. 

PDLRPTR 

PDL (High Power or Low Power) Base 

ANTENNA Unity Gain Elevated Feed Antenna 

A00911 Antenna Mount (HPB Only) 

A00978 Tripod with Telescoping Mast and Bag 

A00399/A01242 Battery with Carrying Case, Cable 

and Fuse 

A01509/A00921 Battery Charger 

A02067 Universal Power Kit 

A00854/A00910 Repeater Power Cable 

A01508 SAE to SAE 9’ Extension Cable 

A02067 Universal Power Kit 

A00470/A01290 Programming Cable 

M00555 User’s Guide and Software (CD-ROM) 

COMPARISON CHART 

General Specifications 

DTE-DCE Interface 

User Interface 

Power 

External 

Internal Battery 

During TX (nominal) 

During RX (nominal) 

Antenna 

External/Connector 

Modem Specifications 

Link Rate/Modulation 

Link Protocols 

Forward Error Correction 

Radio Specifications 

Frequency Bands 

Frequency Control 

RF Power Select 

RF Transmitter Output 

Sensitivity 

Adjacent Channel Selectivity 

Type Certification 

Environmental Specifications 

Operating Temperature 

Storage Temperature 

Vibration/Shock 

Enclosure 

Mechanical Specifications 

Dimensions 

PDLLPB PDLHPB PDL ROVER SITECOM 

3 Wire, RS-232, 38.4k Baud Maximum 

On/Off Button 

Channel Button with AutoBase and 

AutoRover 

Digital Display 

Modem/Power Status Indicators 

9-16 VDC 

N/A 

11 Watts 

0.9 Watts 

External 50 Ohm, NMO 

19,200 bps/4 Level FSK (25kHz) 

9600 bps/4 Level FSK (12.5kHz) 

9600 bps/GMSK (25kHz) 

4800 bps/GMSK (12.5kHz) 

Transparent, Packet Switched, Digipeater, 

TrimTalk , Fast Asynchronous,TrimMark 

Hamming Code (12, 8) with Interleaving 

3 Wire, RS-232, 38.4k Baud Maximum 

On/Off Button 

Channel Button with AutoBase and 

AutoRover 



RF Power Select Toggle Switch 

9-16 VDC 

N/A 

110 Watts 

1.9 Watts 

External 50 Ohm, BNC 







3 Wire, RS-232, 38.4k Baud Maximum 3 Wire, RS-232, 38.4k Baud Maximum 

On/Off Button 

Channel Button with AutoRover 



9-16 VDC 

Lithium Ion Battery Pack 

N/A 

0.3 Watts 

External 50 Ohm, NMO 







Programmable with AutoBase and 

AutoRover 


9-16 VDC 

N/A 

11 Watts 

1.9 Watts 

Connector 50 Ohm,TNC 







Hamming Code (12, 8) with Interleaving Hamming Code (12, 8) with Interleaving Hamming Code (12, 8) with Interleaving 

Refer to price list for frequency bands Refer to price list for frequency bands Refer to price list for frequency bands Refer to price list for frequency bands 

Synthesized 12.5k Hertz Resolution 

±2.5 ppm Stability 





Factory Set Low/High N/A Factory Set 

0.5/2 Watts 3/35 Watts Maximum 0 Watt (Recieve Only) 0.5/2 Watts 



-116 dBm (12 dB SINAD) -116 dBm (12 dB SINAD) -116 dBm (12 dB SINAD) -116 dBm (12 dB SINAD) 

>-65 dB (25 kHz) >-65 dB (25 kHz) >-60 dB (25 kHz) >-65 dB (25 kHz) 

All models are type accepted and certified for operation in the U.S. and Canada (Sitecom is also certified for operation in Europe) 

For detailed information concerning your country's type certification, please contact your sales representative 

-22 to +140 F (-30 to +60 C) -22 to +140 F (-30 to +60 C) -4 to +140 F (-20 to +85 C) -22 to +140 F (-30 to +60 C) 

-67 to +185 F (-55 to +85 C) -67 to +185 F (-55 to +85 C) -4 to +185 F (-20 to +85 C) -67 to +185 F (-55 to +85 C) 

ANSI/ASAE EP455 ANSI/ASAE EP455 ANSI/ASAE EP455 8g RMS, 20-2000 Hz Random Vibrations 

IEC 60529 I.P. 66 

Water Tight and Dust Proof 

IEC 60529 I.P. 66 


IEC 60529 I.P. 66 


IEC 60529 / I.P. 67 

Dust Proof and Waterproof 

8.25" L x 2.40" Diameter 

(21.0 cm L x 6.1 cm Diameter) 

6.23" W x 2.77" H x 6.58" L 

(15.8 cm W x 7.0 cm H x 16.7 cm L) 

8.25" L x 2.40" Diameter 

(21.0 cm L x 6.1 cm Diameter) 

7.9" Length x 1.625" Diameter 

(20.24cm Length x 0.412cm Diameter) 

Weight 0.65 lbs. (0.30 Kg) 2.96 lbs. (1.34 Kg) 0.75 lbs. (0.34 Kg) 1lb (0.45g) 

Data Power Connector 5 Pin LEMO #0 Shell 5 Pin LEMO #1 Shell 5 Pin LEMO #0 Shell 8 Pin Circular Waterproof IP67 

Mounting Options 

5/8" – 11 Range Pole. Tripod Bracket. 5/8" – 11 Range Pole. Mounting Plate/Magnetic Mounting 


PRICE LIST 

PDLHPB - Base or Repeater 

PDLHPB Replacement Units . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1998 

FCC, Industry Canada, Australia 

(Includes User’s Guide and Software) 

A00981 

A00982 

A00939 

A01331 

A01332 

A01333 

410-430, 35W, 25 kHz (__) 

430-450, 35W, 25 kHz (__) 

450-470, 35W, 25 kHz (__) 

410-430, 35W, 12.5 kHz (__) 

430-450, 35W, 12.5 kHz (__) 

450-470, 35W, 12.5 kHz (__) 

Mounts & Hardware 

A01031 Whip Antenna Pole Mount, 3' Cable (__) . . . .$148 

A00911 Whip Antenna Pole Mount, 8' Cable (__) . . . .$158 

A02264 Whip Antenna Pole Mount, 25' Cable (__) . . .$190 

PDLHPB to GPS Interface Cables . . . . . . . . . . . . .$208 

A00492 Allen-Osborne (__) 

A00630 Ashtech Z-Surveyor (__) 

A00454 Leica Geosystems (__) 

A00456 Sokkia (__) 

A00630 Topcon Positioning Systems (__) 

A00453 Trimble 4000 (__) 

A00924 Trimble 4700/4800/5700 (__) 

A01692 Navcom (__) 

Power Cables 

A00910 HPB Repeater Power Cable (__) . . . . . . . . . . . .$89 

Programming Cables 

A00470 PDLHPB to Personal Computer (__) . . . . . . .$104 

Desktop Power Supply 

A00846 110/220 VAC to 12 VDC, 10 Amp (__) . . . . . .$180 

Battery 

A00399 Battery, Cables, Carrying Case (__) . . . . . . . . .$246 

A00644 Battery Accessory Kit (__) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$146 

(Same as A00399 without battery) 

Battery Chargers 

A01509 100/240VAC, 7.2 Amp (__) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$138 

Miscellaneous 

F00510 PDLHPB Soft Carrying Case (__) . . . . . . . . . . . .$68 

A00951 PDLHPB Pelican Carrying Case (__) . . . . . . . . .$154 

PDLLPB - Base or Repeater 

PDLLPB Replacement Units . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1398 

FCC, Industry Canada, ETS 300 113 and 220 


K00840 

K00836 

K00837 

K00841 

K00838 

K00839 

K00842 

K00832 

K00833 

K00843 

K00834 

K00835 

A01683 

410-430, 2W, 25 kHz (__) 

430-450, 2W, 25 kHz (__) 

450-470, 2W, 25 kHz (__) 

410-430, 2W, 12.5 kHz (__) 

430-450, 2W, 12.5 kHz (__) 

450-470, 2W, 12.5 kHz (__) 

410-430, 1/2W, 25 kHz (__) 

430-450, 1/2W, 25 kHz (__) 

450-470, 1/2W, 25 kHz (__) 

410-430, 1/2W, 12.5 kHz (__) 

430-450, 1/2W, 12.5 kHz (__) 

450-470, 1/2W, 12.5 kHz (__) 

China 

223-235, 2W, 25 kHz (__) 


A01290 PDLLPB to Personal Computer (__) . . . . . . . .$167 

Low Power Base to GPS Interface Cables . . . . . .$208 

A01282 Trimble Navigation 4700/4800/5700 (__) 

A01283 Leica Geosystems (__) 

A01284 Topcon Positioning Systems,Thales (__) 

A01285 Sokkia (__) 

A01286 Allen Osborne (__) 


A00845 90-240 VAC to 12 VDC, 2.5 Amp (__) . . . . . . . .$98 

Battery 

A01742 Battery w/Tripod Clip, Cables, 

Carrying Case (__) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$168 

A01288 Battery Accessory Kit (__) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$98 


A00921 100-240 VAC Charger for A01287 (__) . . . . . . .$98 

Miscellaneous 

A01612 PDLLPB Pelican Carrying Case (__) . . . . . . . . .$154 

SITECOM 

Sitecom Radio Modems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1598 

FCC, Industry Canada, ETS 300 113 and 220 

(Includes User’s Guide, Software and Mounting Brackets) 

K00399 

K00400 

K00401 

K00402 

K00403 

K00404 

K00405 

K00406 

K00407 

K00408 

K00409 

K00410 

K00427 

410-430, 2W, 25 kHz (__) 

430-450, 2W, 25 kHz (__) 

450-470, 2W, 25 kHz (__) 

410-430, 2W, 12.5 kHz (__) 

430-450, 2W, 12.5 kHz (__) 

450-470, 2W, 12.5 kHz (__) 

410-430, 1/2W, 25 kHz (__) 

430-450, 1/2W, 25 kHz (__) 

450-470, 1/2W, 25 kHz (__) 

410-430, 1/2W, 12.5 kHz (__) 

430-450, 1/2W, 12.5 kHz (__) 

450-470, 1/2W, 12.5 kHz (__) 

China 

223-235, 2W, 25 kHz (__) 

Interface Cables * 

Standard (RS-232 compatible) 

K00304 Turck to DE-9 & SAE, 2m (__) . . . . . . . . . . . . .$180 



Define your own 

K00307 Turck to Pig-Tail, 2m (__) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$168 



Sitecom to GPS Interface Cables 

K00436 For use with Trimble MS860 (__) . . . . . . . . . . .$250 

K00437 For use with Topcon (__) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$250 

K00438 For use with Leica MNS500 (__) . . . . . . . . . . .$250 

K00439 For use with Navcom (__) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$250 

K00444 For use with Leica MNS1200 (__) . . . . . . . . . .$250 

K00445 For use with Trimble MS750 (__) . . . . . . . . . . .$250 


A00845 100-240 VAC to 12 VDC, 2.5 Amp (__) . . . . . . .$98 

Antennas 

Rubber Duck 

K00297 400-420MHz, 2.4dB,TNC (__) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$25 

K00298 420-450MHz, 2.4dB,TNC (__) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$25 

K00299 430-470MHz, 2.4dB,TNC (__) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$25 

K00300 223-235MHz, 2.4dB,TNC (__) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$25 


K00435 Spare Magnetic and Plate Mount Kit . . . . . . . .$149 

K00443 TNC Cable/NMO Mount (6ft) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$79 

K00696 TNC Cable/NMO Mount (15ft) . . . . . . . . . . . . .$98 

Miscellaneous 

M00688 SITECOM User’s Guide/Software . . . . . . . . . . .$48 

K00698 Water Seal Tape, 3/4”W . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$14

PDL ROVER 

PDL Rover Replacement Units . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1298 

FCC, Industry Canada, CE 


A00991 410-430, 0W, 25 kHz (__) 

A00992 430-450, 0W, 25 kHz (__) 

A00979 450-470, 0W, 25 kHz (__) 

A01328 

A01329 

A01330 

410-430, 0W, 12.5 kHz (__) 

430-450, 0W, 12.5 kHz (__) 

450-470, 0W, 12.5 kHz (__) 


A01290 PDL Rover to Personal Computer (__) . . . . .$167 

PDL Rover to GPS Interface Cables . . . . . . . . . . .$208 

A01625 Allen-Osborne, RA (__) 

A00998 Leica Geosystem, RA (__) 

A01004 Sokkia, RA (__) 

A01000 Topcon Positioning/Ashtech Systems, RA (__) 

A00996 Trimble 4000 Rover, RA (__) 

A00997 Trimble 4800/4700/5700, RA (__) 


A01005 100-240 VAC Charger for RVR (__) . . . . . . . .$118 

Common Accessories 


A00978 Tripod Antenna Mast and Bag (__) . . . . . . . . . .$389 

A01291 Tripod Side Mount System (__) . . . . . . . . . . . .$186 

Power Cables 

A00393 SAE to Pig-tail (__) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$21 

A01916 SAE to Alligator Clips (__) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$41 

Miscellaneous 

M00555 PDL User’s Guide/Software (__) . . . . . . . . . . . . .$48 

F00586 Cable Bag and Clip (__) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$49 

A02067 Universal Power Kit (__) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$30 

Antennas 

A01712 410-430, Integrated Antenna (__) . . . . . . . . . . . .$98 



C01861 410-430, Unity Gain, Mobile Whip (__) . . . . . . .$98 



A01754 210-230, Unity Gain, Mobile Whip (__) . . . . . . .$98 

C01542 410-430, 5dB, Mobile Whip ** (__) . . . . . . . . . . .$128 



Note: Radio modems generally require licensing prior 

to operation. 

Note: 12.5 kHz channel bandwidth is required for use by 

some government agencies. However, they are not commonly 

used for commercial surveying and machine control 

applications. 

Note: Contact Pacific Crest for specific country approval and 

custom cable info. 

* 

Use programing cable with Trimble’s Hammer Head cable 

(PN 37382) for use with MS750 

** 

Use of gained antennas in certain regions is restricted, 

contact your sales representative for information on the best 

antenna selection for your system. 

Miscellaneous 

A02244 RVR Universal Power Kit (__) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$30 

Photocopy this price list as a tool to order Pacific Crest a la carte items. Circle the part numbers 

you are ordering and add the quantity in the parenthesis adjacent to the products. Please review 

our P.O. requirements on page 12 and include a copy of the a la carte price list to complete your 

order. To order kits please proceed to page 12. 

Example: 

Miscellaneous 

M00555 PDL User’s Guide/Software (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$48 

F00586 Cable Bag and Clip (__) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$49 

A02067 Universal Power Kit (8) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$30 

American Communication Systems - Order by FAX +1(718)891-1666 


TIPS & TRICKS 

OPTIMAL SETUP 

Paying attention to a few simple factors and selecting 

a data link system that suits your surveying needs and 

business strategy enables you to improve the performance, 

enhance the cost-effectiveness, and 

increase the user-satisfaction of your RTK survey system. 

The key considerations in choosing a radio-modem 

data link for RTK survey applications are: 

• RF output power 

• Receiver sensitivity 

• Antenna gain and siting 

• Feed-line losses 

RF Output Power 

The first radio system specification to understand is 

the specification for RF output power.A radiomodem 

data link functions just like a miniature version 

of a large commercial radio or TV station, and 

the RF output power indicates the transmitter’s basic 

ability to propagate the signal to further distances. 

Depending on the region or country, the RF output 

power is limited by regulations. In the U.S., the limit for 

RF power in survey itinerant operations is 35 Watts. In 

Europe, the regulations vary from country to country. 

In general, the higher the RF output power, the better.The 

cost of higher RF output power is higher 

overall system power consumption. Larger batteries 

are required for operation, batteries may require 

more frequent recharging and/or replacement, and 

the integration of high and medium power radio 

transmitters may be more difficult. 

Rule of thumb: Go with the highest power RF output 

available. 

Receiver Sensitivity 

The next fundamental system specification to understand 

is for the radio receiver sensitivity.The more 

sensitive the receiver, the better its ability to receive 

signals from distant transmitters. Receiver sensitivity 

is derived from the core design of the radio receiver. 

The true art in radio receiver design is to select and 

implement a design that enhances the ability of the 

receiver to resolve very weak signals. 

In addition to the sensitivity provided by its core 

design, the ability of a receiver to receive weak signals 

can be enhanced by other means.The most costeffective 

approach is forward error correction (FEC). 

This is an advanced technology that improves receiver 

sensitivity by adding redundant information to the 

data signal in a manner that allows a receiver to 

detect and correct errors that occur from weak signals. 

Radio receivers designed for high sensitivity 

always include FEC. 

In general, the higher the receiver sensitivity, the better.The 

cost of increased sensitivity comes from the 

higher quality components that are required, as well 

as the greater care required in tuning the receiver 

and verifying sensitivity performance. 

Rule of thumb: Go with the highest receiver 

sensitivity available that uses FEC technology. 

Bit-Error Rate 

10 -1 

10 -2 

10 -3 

FEC ON 

10 -4 

10 -5 

10 -6 

FEC OFF 

5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 15 

S/N (dB (Noise Bandwidth = Bit Rate) 

Antenna Gain and Siting 

Antenna gain refers to the focusing of the RF energy 

(either the signal emitting from a transmitter or being 

picked up by receiver) and is generally represented in 

terms of dB with respect to either a theoretical 

isotropic antenna (dBi), or a dipole antenna (dBd). 

Antennas measured with dBi gain rate are commonly 

utilized for general-purpose portable systems or 

mobile whip antennas, and those showing a dBd gain 

rate are commonly used for fixed base stations and 

higher-quality installations.

In addition, antennas are divided in two categories: 

directional and omni-directional. Each type of antenna 

offers a different radiation pattern. Directional antennas 

(yagi) have an increased vertical radiation pattern 

with a decreased horizontal radiation pattern. Highgain 

omni-directional antennas have an increased horizontal 

pattern with a decreased vertical pattern. 

Directional yagi antennas allow the use of relatively 

low power radio transmitter to send data over long 

distances; they are ideal for point-to-point fixed location 

applications. Omni-directional antennas are recommended 

when the signal transmission between the 

transmitter and the receiver is constantly changing. 

These types of antennas are best for mobile point-topoint 

or point-to-multipoint communication systems. 

Horizontal Gain 

Horizontal Gain 

Antenna 

Antenna 

Vertical Gain 

Vertical Gain 

Complementary to antenna gain is antenna siting. It 

is important to position any antenna to optimize 

line-of-sight within a communications system.Antenna 

gain will increase if the signal path is free of obstructions.Always 

place the antenna on the highest point 

available.At a minimum, set the antenna to at least 

ten feet above the terrain using an antenna mast. 

Rule of Thumb: Select the type of antenna that best 

fits your application and the one that offers the highest 

dB gain. In addition, setup your system in the highest 

possible location to minimize obstacles between 

the transmitting and receiving systems. 

Range varies by environment 

Feed-Line Losses 

Also important to consider for system specifications 

is feed-line loss. Decrease of the signal starts from the 

moment the signal leaves the transmitter. Most fixed 

radio frequency data communication systems have the 

radio equipment connected to the antenna through a 

coaxial cable.This cable can be a source of signal loss 

(about 1 dB per connection in addition to cable 

attenuation) and should be optimized for best system 

performance. 

TIPS & 

The feed-line cable is the source of at least two types 

of feed-line losses. One is when the connection of a 

coaxial cable to the antenna port of the radio acts as 

an impedance boundary reflecting the RF energy back 

to the transmitter. It is important to use coaxial cable 

and connectors that can minimize or eliminate the 

impedance mismatch.The second type of feed-line 

loss is the attenuation of the signal as it propagates 

along the length of the cable.Attenuation of the signal 

can be caused by the leakage of RF though imperfect 

shielding of the cable as well as resistance in the 

cable conductors. 

Note: that all these considerations apply to all radio 

system setups, including the receiver. 

Rule of Thumb: Use coaxial cable and connectors 

that are impedance-matched with the radio equipment, 

and make sure to use the shortest length of cable 

to move the signal between the radio and the antenna. 


RX 

PWR 

PDL 

CHANNEL 

ON/OFF 

TX 

RX 

PWR 

PDL 

CHANNEL 

ON/OFF 

TIPS & TRICKS 

Tripod Top 

Mount 

TIPS & 

GPS Data / Power Cable 

Battery Cable 

8 

PDL Base System Setup 

Side Bracket 

Mount 

Base Setup 

System performance and range is highly dependent 

on antenna location.To get the most out of your 

system, we recommend using a separate tripod and 

the tripod-top mount configuration. A side bracket 

mount can be used to place a PDLLPB on the same 

tripod that is used for the GPS antenna. 

8 

Antenna 

Antenna Mount 

Rule of thumb: Elevate antenna and ensure a stable 

setup. Do not extend the antenna mast in conditions 

of high wind or in situations where uneven terrain or 

other soil conditions provide an unstable base. Keep 

the area surrounding the Tripod Antenna Mast clear 

and exercise caution to prevent injury or damage to 

property. 

LICENSING AND REGULATIONS 

Before licensing any frequency it is a good idea to 

ascertain the appropriateness of the frequency for a 

particular application. You are generally allowed to 

monitor the frequency and request another should 

the frequency prove inappropriate for the application. 

Keep in mind that the frequency coordinator knows 

how many people may be licensed on a given frequency 

in a given area, however they do not know 

the usage pattern or incidences of illegal use of that 

frequency. 

Rule of thumb: Monitor frequencies in your area 

prior to licensing. Be properly licensed prior to beginning 

transmissions. License and use itinerant frequencies 

if your area of operation changes routinely. 

Antenna Cable 

Tripod Mast 

Data / Power Cable 

Battery Cable 

To GPS Unit 

To Battery 

PDL Base System Setup 

The 35Watt PDLHPB has a side built-in tripod mount 

bracket that allows easy mounting to the tripod. The 

antenna mounts to the top of the tripod mast.

ORDER FORM: 

Photocopy & Fax: Please, one order form per radio type. 

Please, indicate product type and system requirements: 

PDLHPB PDLLPB PDLRVRE PDLRPTR 

Circle all items that apply below: 

FREQUENCY 

(MHz) 

RF POWER 

(Watts) 

CHANNEL SPACING 

(kHz) 

BATTERY 

OPTION 

GPS 

00 = 450 - 470 

01 = 430 - 450 

02 = 410 - 430 

HPB: 

00 = 35 

LPB: 

01 = 2 

02 = 1/2 

Repeater: 

00 = 35 

01 = 2 

02 = 1/2 

00 = 25 

01 = 12.5 

00 = Standard 

(Includes Battery,Accessory 

Kit & Charger) 

Accessory Kit & Charger - 

No Battery 

01 = HPB 

(Deduct $238) 

02 = LPB 

(Deduct $63) 

Trimble 

Leica 

Topcon 

Thales/Ashtech 

Allen-Osborne 

Sokkia/Novatel 

other:______________ 

Specify Model if 

known:______________ 

Purchase Order Requirements: 

• Billing Address 

• Shipping Address 

• Contact Person 

• Phone 

• Fax 

• Freight Method and Account Number 

• Payment Method 

• Product Information 

• Part Numbers (kits and a la carte items) 

• Pricing 

• P.O. Number 

• Comments 

LIMITED POLICY 

All Pacific Crest Corporation PDL family products (excluding batteries and cables) are warranted for a period of two years from the date of purchase depending on 

model. Batteries and cables are warranted for a period of one year. See the product documentation for full details. 

SERVICE POLICY 

Warranty Repairs 

In accordance with Pacific Crest Corporation’s warranty repair policy, products requiring repair should be returned prepaid to Pacific Crest Corporation or its 

authorized service center. Prior to returning any product for repair, a Return Material Authorization Number must be obtained from the Customer Service Center. 

The Return Material Authorization Number must be placed on the exterior of the shipping carton for the returned product to be accepted. Pacific Crest Corporation 

or its authorized service center will repair or replace any warranted product and ship it prepaid to the customer. 

Non-warranty Repairs 

Products out of warranty but requiring repair should be returned to Pacific Crest Corporation or its authorized service center. Prior to returning any product for 

repair, a Return Material Authorization Number must be obtained.The Return Material Authorization Number must be placed on the exterior of the shipping carton 

for the returned product to be accepted. Pacific Crest Corporation or its authorized service center, after customer’s acceptance of repair and return freight costs, will 

repair and return the product to the customer. 

ORDERING INFORMATION 

Terms: Net-10 on approved credit, Master Card,Visa,American Express 

Minimum order: $50.00. F.O.B.: Pacific Crest plant - Shipping and applicable taxes added to the invoice. 

American Communication Systems - Order by FAX +1(718)891-1666 


990 Richard Avenue, Suite 110 

Santa Clara, CA 95050 

Toll Free Number: 800.795.1001 

Outside US: 408.653.2070 • Fax: 408.748.9984 

European Sales Office 

HAL Trade Center 

Bevelandseweg 150 

1703 AX Heerhugowaard 

The Netherlands 

Telephone: +31 (0) 725 764 175 

SURVEYING IS A TOUGH 

COMPETITIVE BUSINESS. 

TRUST PACIFIC CREST PRODUCTS, BECAUSE 

YOUR BUSINESS IS TOO IMPORTANT NOT TO. 

P/N #M00702

POSITIONING DATA LINKS: - American Communication Systems

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