Gps Antenna; Troubleshooting; Checking Your Installation - Raven Phoenix 50 Installation & Operator's Manual

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GPS ANTENNA

GPS is a line of sight system, which means in order for the receiver to track the satellites there must

be an unobstructed path directly to them. Buildings, trees, machinery, and human bodies are common

obstructions. When locating the antenna/receiver find a place where the antenna will have an unob-

structed view of the sky. Items such as electrical motors, generators, alternators, strobe lights, radio

transmitters, cellular phones, microwave dishes, radar, active antennas, etc., all generate electrical

and magnetic fields which can interfere with the GPS or WAAS signal. Mount the Antenna/receiver

away from such potential sources of interference.

The GPS can be de-tuned by close proximity to other objects. For example, if you place the antenna

under fiberglass its performance could be degraded. Usually, if the antenna/receiver is lowered so that

at least a quarter of an inch gap is made between the antenna/receiver and the covering plastic or

fiberglass, acceptable performance can be achieved. Metal or other dense materials will completely

block the GPS signals.

Make sure the antenna is mounted so that it has a clear view of the sky and is as far away from

electrical noise sources as possible.

Attempt to isolate all problems as either:

Receiver/Antenna

Power

Transmitting Site

Serial Communications

Peripheral Device

Monitor the effects on the GPS receiver performance as each device on the vehicle is powered on. If

the receiver stops operating properly when a device is powered on, that device is causing interference

and the receiver location may need to change. For example, if running the engine causes interference,

then ignition noise or alternator noise is interfering with signal reception. Move the receiver further

away from the engine.

Receiver – Normally only 5 GPS satellites are required for good accuracy. If a lightbar is connected,

ensure the 3 center LED are green.

Transmitting – If the receiver is operating in WAAS mode, the receiver may be out of range of a satellite

or the satellite may be off the air. WAAS status information is available on the Internet at

http://www.nstb.tc.faa.gov/RT_WaasSatelliteStatus.htm

Serial Coms – Using RFP Sim software, check for proper communication settings baud rate, and

COM port number. Make sure the cable used, if not provided by Raven, is wired

correctly. See section titled "serial Interface."

http://www.omnistar.com/space/index.html

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