This guide explains how to properly power the Trimble Catalyst (DA2) GNSS receiver on and off, how its sleep mode functions, and provides a quick-reference guide for understanding what the different LED status lights indicate in the field.
Important Note: To prevent accidentally clearing your saved Bluetooth pairings, never hold the power button down for more than 10 seconds unless you are intentionally performing a hard reset.
Prerequisites
- A Trimble Catalyst (DA2) GNSS Receiver.
- A compatible USB power source (e.g., USB battery pack/power bank).
Power Operations & Status Indicators
Click on a section below to expand the details:
Powering On & Connecting
- Connect Power: Plug the DA2 into your USB battery pack.
- Turn On: Briefly press and release the Power button on the bottom of the DA2 receiver until the LED starts blinking blue.
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Connect to Locusview:
- First, ensure the DA2 is paired in your tablet's main Bluetooth settings.
- Next, open the Locusview app and navigate to Menu > External Devices > GPS.
- Select your Trimble receiver from the list to finalize the connection.
Powering Off & Sleep Mode
- Power Off: Briefly press and release the Power button. The LED will turn off, and the DA2 will go to sleep.
- Auto-Sleep: If the receiver is disconnected from your tablet, it will automatically go to sleep after about 20 minutes to save power.
- Keep-Awake Feature: The DA2 will keep your attached USB battery pack "awake" for 5 hours after powering off. This means you won't have to manually press the button on your battery pack every time you turn the DA2 back on during a shift. After 5 hours, this feature stops.
LED Status Light Guide
- 🔵 Blue (Flashing): The DA2 is starting up or is in pairing mode, ready to connect to your tablet.
- 🔵 Blue (Solid): The DA2 is successfully connected to your tablet and Locusview.
- 🟡 Yellow (Flashing): A firmware update is in progress. Do not power off. The unit will automatically reboot when finished.
- 🔴 Red (Flashing): Malfunction/Error. The USB power input is too low/high, or the internal temperature is too high for safe operation.
- ⚫ Off: The DA2 is powered off or in sleep mode.
Troubleshooting Tips
| Issue | Potential Solution |
|---|---|
| LED is Flashing Red | This indicates a power or temperature issue. The power supply voltage may be too high or too low, or the internal temperature is too hot. Disconnect the USB battery pack, try a different power bank, and leave the DA2 in a shaded area to cool down before trying again. |
| DA2 Won't Turn On | Ensure your USB battery pack is fully charged. Make sure you power on the USB power source before you attempt to power on the DA2 receiver. Finally, check that the USB cable is not damaged, free from debris, and hasn't come loose. |
| Lost Bluetooth Pairings | If you keep losing your tablet pairings, you may be pressing the button too long. Press and release the Power button quickly to turn it on/off. Holding it for more than 10 seconds clears all pairings. |
Additional Notes and Best Practices
- Battery Packs: Always use a high-quality, fully charged USB battery pack to ensure the DA2 receives consistent power throughout your shift.
FAQs
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Q: Why did my DA2 turn off by itself?
A: If the DA2 is not actively connected to a tablet via Bluetooth, it will automatically power down after 20 minutes to conserve battery.