M8

Hardware Operating Instructions

SMART MAX GEOSYSTEMS CO., LTD

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 Preface
Thank you for choosing SMG’s M8. The M8 is a high-accuracy and high-performance
multi-frequency GNSS RTK and mapping system professionally designed for surveying
fieldwork by SMG.
Please read the instructions especially the notes and reminding items before you start the
fieldwork!
The below contents of M8 are introduced in sequence: the appearance and technical
specifications, the basic operations, the external radio instructions, and troubleshooting.
To make sure the optimal performance of the instrument, please use the original
accessories in the standard package, or the recommended accessories by SMG referring to
the SMG instructions or manuals. Any damage caused by improper operations or
unspecified accessories, users should bear all the consequences.
This instruction is aimed to guide users how to use the M8 correctly for best performance.
The pictures attached are only for reference. And any update is without notice. Users can
visit our company website www.smartmaxgeosystems.com or contact the local distributor
directly for more lasted information.
ILLUSTRATIONS, DESCRIPTIONS AND TECHNICAL DATA IN THIS USER MANUAL ARE NOT
BINDING, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

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 Content
Overview ..................................................................................................................................................................... 1
M8 Overview ......................................................................................................................................... 2
Function Feature ................................................................................................................................... 2
Technical Specifications ......................................................................................................................... 3
Note....................................................................................................................................................... 4
M8 Introduction ......................................................................................................................................................... 5
Control Panel ......................................................................................................................................... 6
Lower Cover......................................................................................................................................... 10
Radio Module ...................................................................................................................................... 10
Battery ................................................................................................................................................. 11
M8 Base Standard Configuration List................................................................................................... 12
M8 Rover Standard Configuration List ................................................................................................. 13
M8 Operations......................................................................................................................................................... 14
Power On and Power Off ..................................................................................................................... 25
Power Management ............................................................................................................................ 25
Radio Module Installing ....................................................................................................................... 28
SIM Card Installing ............................................................................................................................... 28
Audio Broadcast .................................................................................................................................. 29
Register ............................................................................................................................................... 29
Common Troubleshooting ...................................................................................................................................... 30
M8 Common Troubleshooting ............................................................................................................. 31
Appendix: Built-in Radio Instructions .................................................................................................................... 32
Built-in Radio Module Introduction ..................................................................................................... 33
Factory Default Frequency List (Built-in radio module) ........................................................................ 33
Contact Us................................................................................................................................................................ 31

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Overview

 M8 Overview
 Function Features
 Technical Specifications
 Notes and Reminding Items

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M8 Hardware Operating Instructions

M8 Overview

The M8 is a high-accuracy and high-performance multi-frequency GNSS RTK and mapping

system professionally designed for surveying fieldwork by SMG. With the most advanced
high-precision real-time kinematic positioning technologies, M8 is able to search and
track all the GNSS satellites signal in view so as to provide users with high-accuracy,
high-efficiency and most reliable RTK survey performance. Being an outstanding assistant
and tool in different fields such as electric power, transportation, agriculture, forestry,
and land survey, it can do high-accuracy RTK, wide-range control survey, construction
stakeout, topographic mapping, high accuracy marine survey and etc.
Together with the K8 as the standard packaged controller, M8 system is the professional
RTK while completes the data collection and processing both during fieldwork, providing
powerful and flexible solution for various GNSS applications. It does greatly improve the
fieldwork efficiency.

Function Feature
 Dual power supply design, industry's highest large capacity Li-ion battery,
supports hot plug power battery replacement
 Configured with software supporting GPS, GLONASS, and BDS
 Seamless compatible with various CORS systems
 Linux intelligent system
 Support GPS, GLONASS, BDS, Galileo
 Support WASS, EGNOS, MSAS, GAGAN
 Fast initialization and satellite tracking technology
 Intelligent fault diagnosis and audio reminder function
 Built-in high-performance processor can process 20Hz data
 Built-in transmitting-receiving UHF radio, 3G/GPRS, Bluetooth
 Support one-key setup for base
 Standardized design, exchangeable base and rover

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 M8

Technical Specifications
Processor 454MHz industrial level processor
Memory capacity 256M Byte DDR2 SDRAM
Saving capacity 2G Byte NAND Flash
GNSS technical parameters
Mother
PCC BD970/NovAtel OEM 628
board type
220 channel (BD970）: 120 channel (OEM628):
-GPS: L1 C/A, L2E, L2C, L5 –GPS: L1, L2, L2C
Tracking -GLONASS: L1 C/A, L1 P, L2 C/A, L2 P –GLONASS: L1, L2
channel -GIVOVE-A/B –Galileo: E1、GIVOVE-A/B
-BD-2: B1/B2 –Compass
-SBAS –SBAS

Single point positioning: 2-3 m

Static network post-processing:
horizontal: ±(2.5 mm＋1ppm)
height: ±(5 mm＋1ppm)
Positioning PPP(static) post-processing: 5cm
accuracy
PPP(dynamic) post-processing: 10cm ~ 20cm
Dynamic route post-processing: 5cm ~ 20cm
RTK:
horizontal: ±(10 mm＋1ppm)
Height: ±(20 mm＋1ppm)
Communication parameters
GSM/3G WCDMA(850/900/1700/1900/2100NHz)
GSM（850/900/1800/1900MHz）
Bluetooth 2.4GHz V2.0+EDR
U disc Support U disc storage extension up to 64GB, support hot plug
Built-in UHF Adjustable 0.5W/2W, support 5 km working distance, 9600 or 19200bps
Indicator led Power led, satellite led, communication led
Key One power key, two function keys
Port USB 2.0/ RS232 serial port, debugging port /TNC UHF antenna port
Application function Speaker for voice broadcast
Power supply
Battery Dual power supply + assistant battery design (6800mAh×2+650mAh), the
main battery supports hot plug, changing battery without powering off
Power supply Support 9~36V DC battery as power supply;
Support 220V AC as power supply
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M8 Hardware Operating Instructions

Hardware physical
Size ф184.5×105mm
Weight 1.5kg (with battery)
Working circumstance
Working temperature –45°C~+65°C
Memory temperature –55°C~+85°C
Water/ dust-proof IP67

Note
Although M8 is made of corrosion-resistant and impact-resistant materials, this kind of
sophisticated instrument still needs careful usage and maintenance. Please preserve it in
dry environment as possible. To improve the stability and service life, the M8 should
avoid being exposed to extreme environment, such as being used in damp, high
temperature, low temperature, corrosive gas or liquid, etc.
To ensure the continuity and quality of the satellite tracking, the space over observation
site should be as open as possible, without large obstacles over 15° elevating angle. To
reduce various electromagnetic interference to GNSS satellite signal, please make sure
no strong electromagnetic interference in 200m range around the observation site, such
as TV tower, microwave station, high-voltage transmission. To avoid or to reduce the
multi-path influence, the site should be set far away from the terrain and ground
features where the electromagnetic wave signal reflection is strong, such as high
buildings, large area waters, etc.

Note:
 This equipment contains ESDS (Electrostatic Discharge Sensitive Device), with level
C of electrostatic anti-interference test. To touch, move, or plug the equipment
please follow the ESD (electro-static discharge) instructions.
 Must be used and preserved in the stipulated temperature range. For details,
please refer to the previous chapter: Technical Specifications。

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M8 Introduction
CHAPTER 2

 Control Panel
 Lower Cover
 Radio Module
 Battery
 M8 Base Standard Configuration List
 M8 Rover Standard Configuration List

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M8 Hardware Operating Instructions

Control Panel
Power
indicator

Communication
Satellite
indicator
indicator

Function Function
button F1 button F2

Power
button

Indicator

Indicator Explanation
Flash in red: in charging
Power indicator Slow flash in green: low battery
Green: normal status, full battery
On in yellow: 3G connected/waiting for data from server
Communication
Flash in red/green: Receive or send data
indicator
Off: no data transmission in procedure
On: satellites tracked
Flash (in static collection mode): the flashing times stands for
Satellite indicator
the tracked satellites number
Off: no satellites tracked

Button
Button Operation
Explanation
name
Power Long press for 3 Long press for 3 seconds in turned-off status to turn
button seconds on the receiver; long press for 3 seconds in turned-on
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 M8

status to turn off the receiver.

Single click Confirm setting
Single click F1 Select working mode, or check current working mode
Function Double click F1 Enter working mode configuring
button F1 Long press F1 Set selecting built-in radio channel in clockwise or
counterclockwise way
Single click F2 Working parameters configuring, or check current
Function working mod
button F2 Double click F2 Enter working parameters configuring
Long press F2 One-key setup base

Note: single click time is 100ms～1000ms, double click means two single clicks whose
interval is 100-200ms, long press time is about 5s.

Working mode configuring

 Button operation flow
Double click F1 -------> single click F1 -------> single click power button

 Audio broadcast process

Double click F1:
“Please select working mode”

Single click F1:

“3G base”
“External radio base”
“Internal radio base”
“3G rover”
“External radio rover”
“Internal radio rover”
“Static”

Single click power button:

“Configure successfully” or “Configure failed”

Working parameters configuring

 Button operation flow
Double click F2 -------> single click F2 -------> single click F1 -------> single click
power button

 Audio broadcast process (in accordance with the current working mode)
Double click F2:
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M8 Hardware Operating Instructions

“Working parameter configuration”

Single click F2:

“Channel configuration” (in internal radio base/rover mode)
“Radio power configuration” (in internal radio base mode)
“Elevation angle configuration” (in static mode)
“Collection interval configuration” (in static mode)

Single click F1:

When select the radio channel: “Channel 1”, “Channel 2”, “Channel 3”, “Channel
4”, “Channel 5”, “Channel 6”, “Channel 7”, “Channel 8”

When set radio power: “High”, ”Low”

When set elevation angle: “5 degrees”, “10 degrees”, “15 degrees”
When set collection interval: “1 second”, “5 seconds, “10 seconds”, “15 seconds”

Single click power button:

When set the radio channel:
“Radio channel configured” or “Radio channel configuration failed”
When set radio power:
“Radio power configured” or “Radio power configuration failed”
When set elevation angle:
“Elevation angle configured” or “Elevation angle configuration failed”
When set collection interval:
“Collection interval configured” or “Collection interval configuration failed”

One-key setup base

 Button operation flow
Super-long press F2

 Audio broadcast process

“One-key setup base”
“One key setup base successful”
“One key setup base failed”

Working status audio broadcast

 Button operation flow
Single click F1 or F2

 Audio broadcast process

In CORS working mode through 3G:
“3G rover”
In base working mode through 3G:
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 M8

“3G base”
In rover working mode through 3G:
“3G rover”

In base working mode through built-in radio:

“Internal radio base”
“High radio transmission power” or “Low radio transmission power”
Radio channel: 1～8,
In rover working mode through built-in radio:
“Internal radio rover”
Radio channel: 1～8,

In base working mode through external radio:

“External radio base”
In rover working mode through external radio:
“External radio rover”

In static mode:
“Static”
Elevation angle: “5 degrees”, “10 degrees”, or “15 degrees”
Collection interval: “1 second”, “5 seconds”, “10 seconds”, or “15
seconds”
Satellites number: 1～22

 Automatical audio broadcast process

“Satellite locked” or “Satellite losing-lock”
“Remote server connected” or “Remote server disconnected” (in 3G
base/rover working mode)

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M8 Hardware Operating Instructions

Lower Cover

 Radio module slot: for radio module installation

 Radio module connector: connecting point between radio module and
receiver
Radio module slot mainframe
 Speaker: audio broadcasting receiver working mode, working status, etc.
 Connecting screw hole: for fixing receiver to the pole or tri-branch
 Seven-hole port: for power supply cable, USB connection cable, or user’s
serial port connection
 USB Port: Support U disc storage extension
 Battery slot: for battery installation
 SIM card slot: for SIM card inserted
 Battery fixing slot: for fixing battery well when installing battery

Radio Module
Built-in radio module
M8 is designed with built-in GSM modem, and with internal radio module in standard
package shown as below figure. The transmission power of internal radio module is
0.5W/2W adjustable and air baud rate is 9600, 19200bps, whose working rang can be
as good as 3km.

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 M8

Radio module connector

电台模块连接点

Radio
电台天线接口
receiving
antenna port

External radio
For even longer working range, users can use the external radio for M8. Using the
transmitting radio with 35W/2W transmission power for M8 base while the receiving
radio with 2W/0.5W transmission power for M8 rover, both of which are already
packed in the standard M8 RTK set package (base and rover), the working distance can
be as good as 10km or more.
For more details of external radio, please look into the chapter Appendix: External
Radio Instructions

Battery

Open
OPEN
Battery
电池正极 +
Close
CLOSE
电池负极-
Battery

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M8 Hardware Operating Instructions

M8 Base Standard Configuration List

Product name Quantity
M8 receiver 1
Built-in radio module (transmitting-receiving) 1
Charger adapter 1
Data cable (power port + USB + D-sub9 female serial port) 1
Extension pole for Tribrach 1
Battery 2
Battery charger 1
Stud connector 1
high-power transmitting radio 1
transmitting radio antenna 1
Transmitting radio connecting cable (for communication link
1
between transmitting radio and M8 base)
Transmitting radio power charging cable (for power supply
1
for transmitting radio)
Transmitting radio antenna telescopic pole 1
Transmitting radio antenna round bracket 1
Fuse (installed in transmitting radio power cable) 1
Tape (3m) 1
Carry case 1

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M8 Rover Standard Configuration List
Product name Quantity
M8 receiver 1
Built-in radio module (transmitting-receiving) 1
Battery 2
Data cable (power port + USB + D-sub9 female serial port) 1
Battery charger 1
Charger adapter 1
Radio receiving antenna 1
K8 handheld GPS as controller 1
K8 controller bracket 1
K8 battery 2
K8 charger 1
Adapter for K8 charger 1
K8 USB data cable 1
Micro SD card (2G) 1
Touch pen 1
K8 bag 1
Stud connector 1
Centering pole 1
Centering Pole Bag 1

Tape (3m) 1

SMG CD 1
Carry case 1

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M8 Hardware Operating Instructions

M8 Operations
CHAPTER 3

 Power On and Power Off

 Power Management
 Radio Module Installing
 SIM Card Installing
 Audio Broadcast
 Register

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Power On and Power Off
Operation Description
In power-off status (no indicator on), long press power
Power on button for 3 seconds. Then the receiver will be turned on,
with power indicator on.
In power-on status (power indicator on), long press power
Power off button for 3 seconds. Then the receiver will be turned off,
with all indicators off.

Power Management
M8 is adopted with dual-battery design, which is the largest battery capability in GPS
receiver market, one 6800 mAh Li-ion battery as the main battery and while with one
internal 650 mAh Li-ion battery as the assistant battery to support uninterruptable hot
plug when changing battery. Before the main battery is used up, the assistant internal
battery is in stand-by status; only when the main battery has been used up or
disconnected from the receiver, the assistant one will automatically supplying the power
without any interruption. Furthermore, there are two main batteries in the standard
package to guarantee the whole day continuous fieldwork.

Battery cover installing

 Installing: insert the battery cover matching the two cover slots as above
figure until the cover is totally fill the slot, then press it to make sure it covers
well. Finally turn the metal buckle 90 degrees counterclockwise to lock the
cover well.
 Uninstalling: lift up the metal buckle on the battery cover and turn it 90
degrees clockwise, then the cover can be easily taken off.
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Battery installing
 Installing: put the battery into the battery slot with the “Close” end pointing to
the inserting holes, and then push it towards the inserting hole to lock the
battery well. Finally install the battery cover.

 Uninstalling: take off the battery cover first, push the battery towards to
“Open” direction, and then take it out.

Charging
Please use the special charger in the M8 standard package to charge the battery in the
allowed certain temperature range 0℃～40℃. For the first time using, please do not
charge the battery until using up the remained power in it. And then charge it 12 hours
each time for the first three times. After the first three times, the charging time should be
enough as long as 8 hours every time normally. And make sure only charge the battery
after it has been used up. Furthermore, if the battery is not used for a long time, it should
be charged once every month to keep it active.
The M8 charger can charge two batteries at the same time. Please put the battery onto
the charger with the “Close” pointing to the indicator led of the charger as below figure,
and then push it until it is locked well.
When the “Charging” indicator is on in red, it means the battery is being charged; when
green, it means the battery is charged full. But now please keep charging the battery for
more 1~1.5 hours, then take the battery off.

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 充电指示灯
Charging indicator

电源线接口
Charger cable socket
充电器电源灯
Charger power indicator
充电指示灯
Charging indicator

Warning:
 Don't put battery in fire or use metal short-circuit electrode. Please use the special
battery and charger from manufacturer only.
 Stop using the battery once you find it heated abnormally, distorted, leaked, or
smelly. Please replace it by a new one.
 If the battery life significantly shortened, please stop using and change a new one as
the battery has aging.

Check the Remaining Power

Users can check the remaining power of M8 receiver by its power indicator on the control
panel.
 Power indicator is on: the power is supplied by the main battery. And the left
power of the main battery is above 24%.
 Power indicator is flashing slowly: the power is supplied by the main battery.
But the left power of the main battery is less than 24%.
 Power indicator is flashing fast: the power is supplied by the internal assistant
battery, which can only last about 0.5 hour. Please change the main battery in
time.

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Radio Module Installing

1. Put the radio module gently into the radio module slot as the above figure
2. Screw up the 6 screws into the 6 screw hole on the radio module well in clockwise
direction with screwdriver.
3. For uninstalling the radio module, screw out the 6 screws counterclockwise with
screwdriver, and then take the radio module out.

SIM Card Installing

SIM card slot is inside the battery slot as below figure:

SIM card slot

SIM卡插槽

For inserting SIM card, please pull up the holder of the slot, insert the SIM card with the
metal side downward, then put down the holder and gently push it to lock well.

Note: Please do not insert or take out SIM card when the receiver is still power on, or the
receiver will not detect the SIM card.

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Audio Broadcast
M8 will automatically broadcast the current operations and working mode of the
receiver with the internal speaker so as to assist users with every operation.

Register
Note: Please do register the M8 receiver in time. If any economic loss caused by receiver
registration expired, SMG assumes no responsibility for it.

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 Common Troubleshooting
CHAPTER 5

 M8 Common Troubleshooting

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 常见故障排除

M8 Common Troubleshooting
Issue Cause Solution
Can’t turn on Very low battery. Recharge the battery.
Working temperature is Bring the handheld into the
beyond the allowed range environment where the temperature
-45℃～65℃ is in the allowed range.
Cannot charge The internal parts of the Temporarily turn off the receiver,
the battery receiver mainframe has recharging when the temperature
risen above 65℃ drops to the allowed range.
Keep far away from the heat source,
such as sunshine. The receiver will
charge automatically when the
temperature drops into the allowed
range.
The internal temperature Put the receiver mainframe indoor to
has fallen below -45℃ make its temperature back to above
-45℃. Then it can be charged again.
Satellite signal Located in tunnel, under Change location to improve receiving
is poor. viaduct or near large area signals.
waters which affects the
satellite signal.
The GPRS/3G SIM card has not been Carefully take out the card, and then
dial-up fails or inserted properly. insert it into the card slot gently.
the network is The SIM card needs to be Contact the GPRS/3G operator to top
abnormal. topped up or the up.
GPRS/3G internet service
has not been ready.
The local network signal Go to other places with strong signal
is weak. to re-establish the communication.
Change into radio communication
method where the GPRS/3G signal is
very weak.
Electromagnetic Be away from the area with strong
interference exists electromagnetic interference.
around, such as television
tower, microwave station,
high voltage transmission
line, etc.

If any question, please feel free to contact the local distributor or find us SMG.

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M8 硬件操作说明书

Appendix: Built-in Radio

Instructions
APPENDIX 1

 Built-in Radio Introduction

 Factory Default Frequency Table

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 附录：外挂电台使用说明

Built-in Radio Module Introduction

Please use the standard packaged built-in
transmitting-receiving radio module for the M8, which is
with 2W/0.5W adjustable transmission power while 0.5W
as the default one.

Factory Default Frequency List (Built-in radio module)

Channel Transmitting Frequency (MHz) Receiving Frequency (MHz)

1 464.5000 464.5000
2 464.6000 464.6000
3 464.4500 464.4500
4 464.6500 464.6500
5 464.4000 464.4000
6 464.7000 464.7000
7 464.3500 464.3500
8 464.7500 464.7500

Note: Make sure the transmitting radio and the receiving radio are in the same channel.
Please change the channel to ensure optimal data transmission quality in areas of severe
electromagnetic interference

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 M8

Contact Us
Thank you for using our M8 series. We will do our best to provide you the best pre-sales
and after-sales service. Please feel free to contact us for any usage condition or advices
about M8 series.

SMART MAX GEOSYSTEMS CO., LTD

www.smartmaxgeosystems.com
Tel: +86-0551-65420563
Email: info@smartmaxgeosystems.com
ADD: FLAT 601, 6/F, VASTKIN HOUSE, 84 JERVOIS STREET, SHENG WAN, HONG
KONG, CHINA.

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