HP ALTO-G12 User Manual

 
Introduction 

 
The units we have purchased are manufactured by Corvallis Microtechnology, Inc., a subsidiary 

of Hewlett-Packard.  The unit model is the “Alto-G12”.  If the units are used with the 
backpack, we can collect real-time differential data (no post processing).  If the units are used 

without the backpack, the data can be differentially post-processed later for sub-meter 
accuracy (using the base station data at http://www.uwsp.edu/cnr/acl ), or can be used as is 

with an accuracy of about 5m. 
 

 

 

ON button.  If the unit is already on, 

press is again from any other screen 
to get to the Status report screen 

(info on current location, satellites, 
PDOP, battery charge status, etc).  

Press the ESC button to leave this 
screen. 

The ESC key moves you back 

one screen.  If you keep 
pressing it you will always 

end up at the main options 
screen. 

F1, F2, F3, F4, F5 function 

keys.  At the bottom of the 
display, you are often 

presented with a series of 
commands.  The position of 

the command corresponds 
to a function key.  Press the 

function key to use the 
command. 

 

ARROW keys.   Use the up and down 

arrows to move between 
options/fields.  Use the left and 
right arrows to change the option. 

 

Explanation of the Status codes in the upper right corner 
 

It is important to observe the status messages in the upper right of the screen. 
 

WAIT  The unit is busy and will not respond immediately to your commands. 
ACQ 

The receiver is acquiring signals from one or more satellites. 

TRK 

The receiver is tracking at least one satellite. 

 

For the following 4 digit codes, the fourth number (#) always represents the current PDOP.  A 
PDOP of 4.4 will appear as the number 5 (it rounds up). 
N2D#  The receiver is collecting data from ≥ 3 satellites, and can provide a 2D coordinate. 
N3D#  The receiver is collecting data from ≥ 4 satellites, and can provide a 3D coordinate. 

F2D#  The receiver is logging feature data to a file in 2D mode. 
F3D#  The receiver is logging feature data to a file in 3D mode. 

 
The D will become a C when the receiver is detecting the RTCM beacon signal that it uses for 

real-time differential.  If the code does not say N3C# or F3C#, then you are not collecting sub-
meter data.   Also, if the PDOP is greater than 6, the receiver will not log sub-meter data. 

 

 

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