Asteri User Guide

Basic Introduction MFi vs. BLE Understanding Battery Level Connecting the Asteri GNSS Connecting to iOS (MFi)Connecting to iOS (BLE)Connecting to Windows (BLE)Failure to Connect Vehicle Charging Options Warranty Information

1. Basic Introduction to Asteri GNSS

The all new rugged Asteri Xi-Series GNSS mapping receiver that is Made For iOS! With a fully integrated antenna design, users can achieve mapping grade accuracies using real-time networks or by connecting to an optional external antenna for even higher accuracy. No post-processing required! The Xi-Series is capable of Multi-Constellation GNSS Tracking and Real-Time Data Collection right out of the box!

*Before use, please fully charge the Asteri GNSS battery.
While charging the receiver, please ensure the device is turned to the OFF position to prevent damage to the system.

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L.E.D indicators:

The X3i has 3 L.E.D indicators for Power, Satellite Connectivity, and Bluetooth Connectivity.

The X2i and X1i will only have the Power and Bluetooth Connectivity L.E.D's

All Xi-Series (X3i, X2i, X1i) have 4 L.E.D indicators for Battery Level.

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Charging your Asteri GNSS receiver:

Only charge the device while OFF.

Make sure to fully charge your battery before use.
On the backside of the receiver is the battery door.
Lift the tab and turn counter-clockwise to release the door.
Insert the battery gently into the housing with the contact tabs facing down.
Replace the door and turn the tab clock-wise to secure the door shut.
Connect the two-piece power cord and insert the LEMO connector end into the power port on the Asteri device.

*Be sure to line up the RED DOT on the cable with the slot on the bottom of the housing.This is a "pin" connection, so be careful not to force the connection. If lined up properly, the connection will be easy.Plug the AC adaptor into a power source and you will notice the battery LED's begin to pulse.

After the battery has achieved a certain level of power, that LED will stay lit.

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Video Tutorial : Getting Started with Asteri GNSS

Click to Play.

2. MFi vs. BLE

The Asteri MFi (marked with a gold label) is "Made for iOS" and is compatible with any iOS device version 8 or greater.

The BLE (marked with a black label) "Bluetooth Low Energy" is Tri-Global's original high accuracy GNSS receiver. It is only compatible with an iOS device running UtiliPad or Orbitas for data collection.

*The BLE may also be paired with a Windows tablet or laptop running OS 10 or greater.

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The MFi and BLE versions of the Asteri X-Series are virtually identical in form and function expect for a few major differences.

Since most of the differences are in performance we mark the MFi version with a GOLD label, and the BLE version with a BLACK label. Lets take a look at differences.

The Asteri MFi (GOLD label)

"Made for iOS" and is compatible with any iOS device version 8 or greater. Meaning you can use the Asteri MFI to connect to Orbitas Field or any 3rd party iOS based data collection software, allowing for high precision collection.

The new MFi Asteri X-Series features:

more robust housings
updated iOS BlueTooth
enhanced battery compartment for better contact with the battery.

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The Asteri BLE (BLACK label)

"Bluetooth Low Energy" is Tri-Global's original high accuracy GNSS receiver. It is only compatible with an iOS device running UtiliPad or Orbitas for data collection. The BLE may also be paired with a Windows tablet or laptop running OS 10 or greater.

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3. Understanding the battery level

How long does an Asteri battery last and how does that correspond to the (4) Battery status LEDs on the front of the Asteri?

This is a question we get all the time. The answer is a little complicated though. We rate the Lithium Ion Asteri battery as an All day battery. However, the amount of time it lasts will depend greatly on which model of Asteri, what options are enabled and how many satellites it is tracking.

For instance the X1i, which is a 72 channel Single frequency GNSS receiver, will last well over 14 hours on a charge.

The X2i, which is a 200 channel Dual frequency GNSS receiver, will last over 10 hours.

Finally, the X3i which is an 800+, Multi frequency GNSS, with Atlas LBAND corrections and powering an external antenna may only last 6-8 hours.

This is because each receiver is going to have a significantly increased power demand based on what it is doing, yet all use the same battery.

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So, how does that relate to the (4) LEDs?
For an easy explanation, you can think of each LED representing approximately 25% battery life.

There Asteri L.E.D. will flash when it gets to 10% battery life.
How long that percentage lasts will be based on the Asteri model, how many channels are working, how long you are connected to bluetooth and if you are running an external antenna.

However, that is actually a bit of an oversimplification.
The LEDs actually work on a battery voltage level. A fully charged Asteri battery will read 8.4v when it is brand new. This represents all (4) LEDs. The Asteri also needs at least 7.0v to run. So, the LEDs on a brand new battery would work like the chart below.

(4) LEDs on when it is at 8.4v
(3) LEDs when voltage drops below 8.25v
(2) LEDs when voltage drops below 8.0v
(1) LEDs when voltage drops below 7.75v
(1) LED when voltage drops below 7.5v and Flashing when it drops below 7.25v

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If you made it this far in the support article, the next thing you will say is, "My 4th LED only lasts about 10 minutes, there must be something wrong with my Asteri."

‍Well, not really.
The issue is that while Lithium Ion batteries don't build "memory" like traditional batteries, they are affected by age and adverse temperatures (hot and cold)… So, after a few years and being used in 100 degree weather, what your actual graph might look like is this:

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First, it never gets 100% charge, because it won't charge to 8.4v any longer, so the battery is now only lasting 6 hours.

Next, the voltage level goes to 8.25v after only 15 minutes, but it still has 86% battery life left.

LED (3) goes out at 4.5hrs remaining.
LED (2) at 3.3hrs remaining.
LED (1) at 2.5hrs remaining.

The Asteri begins flashing at 1 hour remaining, but might not make it the full hour, because the voltage drop accelerates toward the end of the battery charge.

4. Connecting the Asteri GNSS receiver

*The MFi and BLE models of the Asteri GNSS receiver require different methods for connection. Please refer to the MFi vs. BLE section of this guide to determine which model you have.

Connecting to iOS: ( MFi )

These instructions are for connecting the Asteri Xi-Series (MFi) to a iOS device.

^{For connecting a Asteri X-Series (BLE) to an iOS device, please refer to}^{Connecting to iOS: ( BLE )}

STEP 1:
Ensure Bluetooth is ON within the iOS main settings.
Turn on the Asteri receiver and place in clear view of the sky before you begin pairing to your iOS device. This will allow the receiver to acquire a good position fix while you complete the pairing process.

On your iOS device (iPhone, iPad, etc..) go into the MAIN SETTINGS and ensure BlueTooth is ON.
If off, click on the slider bar to turn ON.

‍Look for “ASTERI-(last 3 of SN)” in the list of Nearby Devices, and select it to connect.

It should now say “Connected” next to the receiver name.
You will know the receiver is paired when the BT light on the receiver turns ON.

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*If the Asteri Xi-Series ( MFi ) still doesn't connect, please review the FAILURE TO CONNECT section.

STEP 2:
Ensure Bluetooth is ON for application within the iOS main settings.
Check to make sure that Bluetooth is ON within the main app settings on your iOS device.

On the iOS device go into SETTINGS and select your application from the list. In this example we are using Orbitas, you may see several other selections.

Make sure Bluetooth is ON.

*If OFF, click on the toggle to turn ON.

Your application should automatically connect to your Asteri GNSS receiver. If it does not, simply close Orbitas and relaunch.

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*If the Asteri Xi-Series ( MFi ) still doesn't connect, please review the FAILURE TO CONNECT section.

Connecting to iOS: ( BLE )

These instructions are for connecting the Asteri X-Series (BLE) to a iOS device.

*The Asteri X-Series (BLE) ONLY SUPPORTS Orbitas Field on iOS. Connecting to any other software on iOS will require the Asteri Xi-Series (MFi).

_{Please refer to}_{Connecting to iOS: ( MFi )}_{for connecting to any other software on iOS.}

STEP 1:
Pairing an Asteri X-Series (BLE) to an iOS device for use in Orbitas Field is super simple.

Because of the nature of BLE devices (Bluetooth Low Energy), Orbitas Field will automatically look for data coming from the Asteri X-Series.

There is no need to pair directly to the iOS device itself.
Instead follow these steps:

1. Turn on the Asteri X-Series ( BLE )
2. Launch the Orbitas Field application
3. In the main Orbitas Settings menu, ensure that ILS is turned OFF.
4. Bluetooth light on the Asteri X-Series ( BLE ) should now be on.

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*If the Asteri X-Series ( BLE ) doesn't connect, please review the FAILURE TO CONNECT section.

Connecting to Windows: ( BLE )

*This set of instructions is for connecting a Asteri X-Series ( BLE ) to a Windows 10 based laptop or PC.

_{For Windows 11, please refer to}_{Connecting the Asteri Xi-Series to a Windows Device (Windows 11)}

To connect your Asteri X-Series ( BLE ) to a Windows laptop of PC, simply follow these steps:

1. Ensure your Asteri GNSS receiver is powered on and nearby.
‍
2. On your Windows laptop or tablet, navigate to SETTINGS,
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3. Select BLUETOOTH, and ensure it is turned ON.
‍
4. Click ADD BLUETOOTH OR OTHER DEVICE, and select BLUETOOTH.

5. Browse until you find your Asteri device. Your Asteri device will have the name "Asteri-XXX," where "XXX" indicates the last three digits of your Asteri GNSS receiver's serial number.
*The serial number is located underneath the battery.

6. Once found, click on the Asteri device name to add.
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7. Once paired to the Asteri device, navigate to MORE BLUETOOTH OPTIONS and click it.
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8. Click on COMports. Your laptop or tablet will assign a COMport. Make note of this port number as you will use this COMport within your desired program to use your Asteri GNSS receiver.

9. Look for your device on “Outgoing Serial Port 1” and note what virtual COM number is assigned to it and click OK. (Example: COM5)
‍
10. Navigate to your application of choice. Your COMport will be your virtual COM
(in our example, COM5).

Connecting the Asteri Xi-Series to a Windows Device (Windows 11)

*This set of instructions is for connecting a Asteri X-Series ( BLE ) to a Windows 11 based laptop or PC.

Steps are similar to Windows 10…. However, it won't always recognize the SPP (serial Port Profile) automatically.

Therefore we need to take a few extra steps:

1. Click on More Bluetooth Options.
2. Click on COM ports.
3. Click "Add" or more Specifically "Add" an Outgoing COM Port.

Click to View

5. Failure to connect

*This section is for connection failures between the Asteri Xi-Series and iOS devices, and for the Asteri X-Series ( BLE ) and Orbitas Field application for iOS.

There are several factors that may contribute to a connection failure between iOS devices and the Asteri Xi-Series ( MFi ) GNSS receivers. The most common causes of Bluetooth connection failure are listed below with the most likely causes listed first.

1. Integrated Location Services (ILS) is turned ON in the Orbitas Field app.
2. Bluetooth is OFF within the iOS device settings.
3. Bluetooth is OFF in the general settings for Orbitas Field app (iOS 13.1+).
4. Bluetooth failure on board level of Asteri GNSS receiver.
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ILS is ON within Orbitas Field application

Check to make sure ILS isn't interfering with the connection.
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1. Ensure that your Asteri GNSS receiver is powered ON and nearby.
2. Within Orbitas Field, go to SETTINGS.
3. Make sure that Integrated Location Services (ILS) is OFF.
*If ILS is on, click on the slider to turn it OFF.

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Your Orbitas Field application should automatically connect to your Asteri GNSS receiver. If it does not, simply close Orbitas Field and relaunch.

*If you are still experiencing issues, please see the next step below.

Bluetooth is OFF within the iOS device settings.

Check to make sure that Bluetooth is ON within your iOS device settings.

1. Ensure that your Asteri GNSS receiver is powered ON and nearby.
2. On the iOS device, go to GENERAL SETTINGS and select BLUETOOTH.
3. If OFF, click on the slider to turn BLUETOOTH ON.

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Your Orbitas Field application should automatically connect to your Asteri GNSS receiver. If it does not, simply close Orbitas Field and relaunch.

*If you are still experiencing issues, please see the next step below.

Bluetooth is OFF within the Orbitas Field application settings.

Check to make sure that Bluetooth is ON within the main app settings on your iOS device.

1. Ensure that your Asteri GNSS receiver is powered ON and nearby.
2. On the iOS device, go to GENERAL SETTINGS.
3. Select ORBITAS from the list in the left-hand column programs list.
4. Make sure BLUETOOTH is ON for the Orbitas Field program.

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Your Orbitas Field application should automatically connect to your Asteri GNSS receiver. If it does not, simply close Orbitas Field and relaunch.

*IF you are still experiencing Bluetooth connection issues please fill out a service request form and contact a Tri-Global team member.

6. Vehicle charging options

WARNING: Tri-Global does not recommend charging an Asteri GNSS receiver in an environment that is not temperature controlled.

WARNING: Charging an Asteri X-Series ( BLE ) model receiver while the device is powered on. Charging while in a vehicle may result in power surges that damage the circuitry.

Not sure if you have an Asteri BLE or Asteri MFI? Refer back to the MFi vs. BLE section

Tri-Global does offer a vehicle charger that can be purchased on the Asteri Marketplace.

However, Tri-Global recommends the use of an external battery charger.
The Asteri external battery charger (PN 008-0000-0009) can be used with a DC adapter or inverter to charge a spare battery while the primary battery is in use.
‍
‍Purchase the Asteri external battery charger (cables not included).

Alternatively, a universal charger may be used. Tri-Global recommends the Re-Fuel Universal Charger by DigiPower.

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7. Warranty Information

Technical repairs and support under warranty are offered to any registered user of Asteri GNSS hardware for a period of one (1) year after original purchase unless otherwise extended.

Limited Hardware warranty maintenance extensions are available at time of purchase or at any time prior to their expiry.

You may purchase additional warranty maintenance extensions at the Asteri Marketplace.

Review the compete Warranty details.

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User Guide and Technical Support

User Guide & Technical Support

for the Asteri GNSS receiver series

1. Basic Introduction to Asteri GNSS

L.E.D indicators:

Charging your Asteri GNSS receiver:

Video Tutorial : Getting Started with Asteri GNSS

2. MFi vs. BLE

The Asteri MFi (GOLD label)

The Asteri BLE (BLACK label)

3. Understanding the battery level

4. Connecting the Asteri GNSS receiver

Connecting to iOS: ( MFi )

Connecting to iOS: ( BLE )

Connecting to Windows: ( BLE )

Connecting the Asteri Xi-Series to a Windows Device (Windows 11)

5. Failure to connect

ILS is ON within Orbitas Field application

Bluetooth is OFF within the iOS device settings.

Bluetooth is OFF within the Orbitas Field application settings.

6. Vehicle charging options

7. Warranty Information