ProFlex 500 CORS is a Continuously Operating Reference Station (CORS) designed to collect, store and transmit high quality GNSS data for multiple applications, including a CORS and a field campaign receiver, for either post-processed or RTK applications. 

Istanbul, Turkey  – Ashtech, at the INTERGEO EAST conference, introduced the ProFlex 500 CORS, an advanced, multifunctional Continuously Operating Reference Station (CORS) designed to collect, store and transmit high quality GNSS data for multiple applications, including a CORS and a field campaign receiver, for either post-processed or RTK applications.

According to Olivier Casabianca, product marketing manager: “Ashtech has a strong and natural legacy in manufacturing reference stations. Today, we simply introduce the best ever Ashtech reference station.” The superiority of ProFlex 500 CORS begins with Ashtech’s BLADE signal processing technology enabling it to provide the highest quality GNSS raw data using measurements from three constellations, GPS, GLONASS and SBAS.  It offers an easy to configure web server interface, instant real-time multi-data streaming, full meteorological and tilt sensors support, and fully integrated communications, including Ethernet, GSM/GPRS, UHF radio and Bluetooth.

Advanced CORS Features

Programming sessions allows users to retrieve any stored GNSS, meteorological and tilt sensor data, while a ring file memory ensures the most recent data are always available.  The embedded FTP server permits the administrator to perform maintenance steps remotely and allows authorized users to download raw data files directly from the receiver. Users can choose to automatically use FTP push to securely upload data files or the embedded FTP server to manually retrieve data.   Conversion to RINEX employs Hatanaka compression, and the internal memory can easily be expanded through the addition of USB flash or external hard drives.

Advanced GNSS Features

The ProFlex 500 CORS has been extensively tuned to provide the highest quality raw data and specific observation masks to ensure the perfect synthesis, specific to each application, between quality and availability. The BLADE technology ideally matches data to application as a full CORS or campaign receiver for either post-processing or RTK applications. In addition to delivering raw data files in Ashtech Optimized Messaging (ATOM) or Rinex format, the ProFlex 500 CORS can simultaneously deliver real-time RTK corrections in ATOM, RTCM 2.3 & 3.0 & 3.1 or CMR & CMR+ format in multiple ways, including Direct IP, NTRIP server, radio, GSM modem, Ethernet data streaming as a server or a client with up to 9 virtual IP ports available, each with a specific data format.

Flexible and Rugged Campaign Receiver

The ProFlex 500 CORS has equal utility as either a field campaign receiver or a portable or permanent base station for either post-processed or RTK applications. Rugged and IP67 rated, the receiver is made to withstand harsh environments, and it also includes an internal removable battery, which acts as a built-in uninterruptible power supply. The ProFlex 500 CORS can either just collect and store raw data or it can simultaneously collect, store and broadcast RTK corrections. The receiver’s instant multi-data streaming capability enables easy access to RTK corrections for real-time centimeter accurate surveying and mapping applications. Enhanced Ethernet connectivity provides NTRIP and Direct IP capabilities enabling users to build their own DGPS and/or RTK corrections server without any additional software or equipment.  

Advanced Web Server uses Web 2.0

The ProFlex 500 embedded and password-protected web server provides full remote control via an internet connection. The generation of raw data files organized as sessions are entirely manageable through the web server, with preset duration permitting 24/7 data recording. The embedded ring file memory function offers virtually unlimited storage. When this function is enabled, it allows the oldest files in memory to be automatically deleted, if necessary, to provide storage space for current files being recorded. The ring file buffer function permits raw data recording simultaneously with data recording performed through the programmed sessions. Settings such as site name, recording elevation mask, recording interval, etc. can be different from those found for sessions. For example, raw data can be collected at 1 Hz through sessions while those collected through the ring file buffer function may be at 20 Hz.  Raw data files and meteorological and tilt data can be pushed automatically to an external FTP server. For quick responses to a triggered alarm, ProFlex 500 CORS administrators can choose to be informed via email if possible malfunctions are detected by the receiver.  


About Ashtech
Recognized as an industry innovator, Ashtech has been developing GNSS technology for more than 25 years.  Ashtech is the creator of BLADE technology, which introduces a unique patented method to the market using multiple GNSS constellations for high-accuracy positioning.  Ashtech has also introduced the MobileMapper series of products for GIS and mapping, as well as the ProFlex 500 and ProMark series, including the ProMark 500, ProMark3 RTK and ProMark 3, a well-recognized GNSS Land Survey product line currently on the market. Ashtech S.A.S. is privately held and headquartered in Carquefou, France, with offices in Beijing, China, and Singapore, as well as affiliates in Santa Clara, California (Ashtech LLC) and Moscow (Ashtech A/O LLC). For more information on Ashtech, visit www.ashtech.com.