Hemisphere GPS MBX-4 User Manual

Beacon receiver
Table of Contents

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MBX-4
User Guide
Part No. 875-0188-000 Rev. A1

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Summary of Contents for Hemisphere GPS MBX-4

  • Page 1 MBX-4 User Guide Part No. 875-0188-000 Rev. A1...
  • Page 2 Hemisphere GPS. Trademarks Hemisphere GPS and the Hemisphere GPS logo, Satloc and the Satloc logo, Mapstar, Air Star Outback Guidance and eDrive are trademarks of Hemisphere GPS, Inc., Other trademarks are the properties of their respective owners.
  • Page 4: Warranty Notice

    Hemisphere GPS products by any party other than a Hemisphere GPS approved service center shall render this warranty null and void. Hemisphere GPS does not warrant claims asserted after the end of the warranty period. Hemisphere GPS does not warrant or guarantee the precision or accuracy of positions obtained when using Products.
  • Page 5 Obtaining Warranty Service In order to obtain warranty service, the end purchaser must bring the Product to a Hemisphere GPS approved service center along with the end purchaser's proof of purchase. For any questions regarding warranty service or to obtain...
  • Page 6: Table Of Contents

    Radiobeacon Coverage 8 Factors Affecting Positioning Accuracy ..10 MBX-4 Beacon Receiver Information ..13 MGL-4 Combined GPS / Magnetic Field Antenna 14 2: Installation ..... . 15...
  • Page 7 Tune Modes ......37 Automatic Beacon Search (ABS) Mode 37 Manual Mode 38 MBX-4 Display Modes ....39...
  • Page 8 MBX-4 User Guide BX Mode 39 BX-E Mode 39 MBX-4 Menu System .....41 Start-Up Sequence 42 Beacon Status 42 Setup 44...
  • Page 9 MBX-S Supported Messages 62 Response Message 63 NMEA 0183 Commands ....64 Standard Commands 64 Proprietary Commands 66 NMEA 0183 Queries ..... .70 Standard Queries 70 Proprietary Queries 71 5: Troubleshooting .
  • Page 10: 1: Introduction

    1: Introduction Differential GPS DGPS Format Factors Affecting Positioning Accuracy MBX-4 Beacon Receiver Information MGL-4 Combined GPS/Magnetic Field Antenna...
  • Page 11: Gps

    1: Introduction This chapter provides a brief overview of GPS, differential GPS beacon technology, and a description of the MBX-4 receiver, antenna, and mount. The United States Department of Defense (DoD) operates a reliable, 24 hour a day, all weather Global Positioning System (GPS).
  • Page 12: Gps Services

    MBX-4 User Guide GPS Services The positioning accuracy offered by GPS varies depending upon the type of service and equipment available. For security reasons, two GPS services exist: the Standard Positioning Service (SPS) and the Precise Positioning Service (PPS). The US Department of Defense (DoD) reserves the PPS for use by its personnel and authorized partners.
  • Page 13: Differential Gps

    1: Introduction Differential GPS The purpose of differential GPS (DGPS) is to remove the effects of SA (if present), atmospheric errors, timing errors, and satellite orbit errors, while enhancing system integrity. How it Works DGPS involves setting up a reference GPS receiver at a point of known coordinates.
  • Page 14: Dgps Format

    MBX-4 User Guide DGPS Format For manufacturers of GPS equipment, commonality is essential to maximize the utility and compatibility of a product. The governing standard associated with GPS is the Interface Control Document, ICD-GPS-200, maintained by the US DoD. This document provides the message and signal structure information required to access GPS.
  • Page 15 1: Introduction absorb the power of the transmission more than higher conductivity surfaces, such as sea water or arable land. A radiobeacon transmission has three components: a direct line of sight wave, a ground wave, and a sky wave. The line of sight wave is not significant beyond visual range of the transmitting tower, and does not have a substantial impact upon signal reception.
  • Page 16: Radiobeacon Reception

    MBX-4 User Guide Radiobeacon Reception Various sources of noise affect beacon reception, and include: • Engine noise • Alternator noise • Noise from Power lines • DC to AC inverting equipment • Electric devices such as CRT’s electric motors, and solenoids Noise generated by this type of equipment can mask the beacon signal, reducing or impairing reception.
  • Page 17: Radiobeacon Coverage

    Figure 1-1 on page 9 shows the approximate radiobeacon coverage throughout the world. In this figure, light shaded regions note current coverage, with beacon stations symbolized as white circles. The world beacon networks continue to expand. For current coverage, consult the Hemisphere GPS web site at www.hemispheregps.com.
  • Page 18 MBX-4 User Guide Figure 1-1. World DGPS Radiobeacon Coverage...
  • Page 19: Factors Affecting Positioning Accuracy

    1: Introduction Factors Affecting Positioning Accuracy Many factors affect the positioning accuracy that a user may expect from a DGPS system. The most significant of these influences include: • Proximity of the remote user to the reference station • Age of the received differential corrections •...
  • Page 20 MBX-4 User Guide The latency of differential corrections also affects the achievable positioning accuracy at the remote receiver. Latency is a function of the following: • The time it takes the base station to calculate corrections • The data rate of the radio link •...
  • Page 21 1: Introduction The number of satellites visible and their geometry in the sky influences positioning accuracy. The Dilution of Precision (DOP) describes the strength of location and number of satellites in view of the receiver. A low DOP indicates a strong potential for better accuracy than a high DOP .
  • Page 22: Mbx-4 Beacon Receiver Information

    MBX-4 Beacon Receiver Information The MBX-4 receives, and demodulates RTCM SC-104 differential correction data transmitted by 300 kHz DGPS radiobeacons. The MBX-4 house the Hemisphere GPS dual channel SBX-4 beacon receiver engine that features high-performance beacon search algorithms and a highly sensitive, adaptive architecture.
  • Page 23: Mgl-4 Combined Gps / Magnetic Field Antenna

    1: Introduction MGL-4 Combined GPS / Magnetic Field Antenna The MGL-4 combines two individual antennas, an H-field Loop antenna and an L1 GPS patch antenna. Both of these elements are active and draw their power from the MBX-4 beacon receiver.
  • Page 24: 2: Installation

    2: Installation System Parts List Receiver Layout and Connections Installing the Receiver Installing the Antenna Internal Signal Splitter...
  • Page 25: System Parts List

    2: Installation System Parts List The following list of standard equipment is included with the beacon receiver system: • MBX-4 Receiver • MGL-4 Antenna • Magnetic mount (threaded stem facilitates a 5/8” thread) • Reference Manual...
  • Page 26: Receiver Layout And Connections

    Figure 1-1 illustrates the required receiver cable connections. Warning! The MBX-4 receiver provides 10 VDC across the antenna port labeled “ANT. ” Connection to incompatible devices may result in damage to equipment. No voltage is provided on the GPS port and any voltage applied to this port from an external GPS product is DC-blocked for protection of the MBX-4.
  • Page 27 2: Installation Figure 2-1. Receiver Cable Interface...
  • Page 28: Installing The Receiver

    Environmental Considerations The MBX-4 is designed to operate within enclosed environments where the temperature remains between -22° F and 158° F (-30° C and +70° C and relative humidity is less than 95 percent. It may be stored between...
  • Page 29: Power Considerations

    You may use an in-line power filter to minimize power fluctuations resulting from additional electrical accessories connected to the same power supply. The backlit LCD display of the MBX-4 receiver remains illuminated while power is applied. Table 2-1 Power Requirements of the MBX-4.
  • Page 30: Grounding The Receiver

    MBX-4 User Guide Warning! Do not operate the MBX-4 with the 1.5 A fuse bypassed. Such modification will void the product warranty. Grounding the Receiver For best performance, connect the ground screw, labelled GND, on the back of the MBX-4 to a counterpoise (artificial) ground. This ground point may be a ground plate on a marine vessel, the chassis of a vehicle.
  • Page 31 Optionally, you may connect the receive pin(s) of the beacon receiver to the GPS, or communicating device transmit line. This is required for display of GPS information on the MBX-4 LCD display when in BX-E mode, and for tuning of the MBX-4 receiver remotely. You must connect the signal ground (pin 5) of the beacon receiver to the signal ground of the external GPS device.
  • Page 32 For successful communications, the baud rate of the beacon receiver must be set to match that of the GPS receiver. Refer to the “Change Baud Rate” section on page 51 for instructions set the MBX-4 baud rate using the display and keypad, and the “MBX-4 Port Rate Command ($PCSI,6)”...
  • Page 33: Rs-232 And Rs-422 Operation

    You will require a Philip’s screwdriver to open the front and back panels of the MBX-4. Once you have removed the front panel screws for the MBX-4, carefully remove the front plate and disconnect the ribbon cables of the display and keypad, taking note of connector orientation when secured.
  • Page 34 Warning! The MBX-4 is an electrostatic sensitive device. Observe proper precautions when handling the receivers during this procedure. Damage caused to the receiver by ESD is not covered under warranty.
  • Page 35: Installing The Antenna

    The MBX-4 receiver displays the SNR within the Beacon Status menu. You may alternatively issue a NMEA query to the receiver through the serial port to get this information.
  • Page 36: Mgl-4 Combined Gps/Beacon Antenna

    The MGL-4 uses a 1-14-UNS thread for mounting. A magnetic mount with integral 5/8 inch threaded shaft is provided with the MBX-4. For best performance, mount this antenna so that the center of the black gasket is at least 3 inches (8 centimeters) above any ferrous material.
  • Page 37 Secure along the cable route using plastic tie wraps. Warning! The MBX-4 receiver provides 10 VDC across the antenna port. Connection to incompatible devices may result in damage to equipment. No voltage is provided on the GPS port and any voltage applied to this port from an external GPS product is DC- blocked for protection of the MBX-4.
  • Page 38: Magnetic Mount

    A Mylar cover on the bottom of the mount protects the mounting surface from abrasion. (Hemisphere GPS part number. A three inch diameter zinc plated steel disc and a double sided adhesive foam pad are included with the magnetic mount to attach the magnetic mount to non-ferrous surfaces, such as fiberglass rooftops.
  • Page 39: Internal Signal Splitter

    2: Installation Internal Signal Splitter The MBX-4 receivers feature an internal signal splitter for use with the MGL-4 antenna. The Internal Signal Splitter separates the GPS and beacon signals. The beacon portion of the combined signal is supplied to the internal beacon receiver, while the GPS signal is re-directed out of the receiver through the TNC-S coaxial connector labeled GPS (see Figure 2-6).
  • Page 40 MBX-4 User Guide Figure 2-5. MBX-4 Internal Signal Splitter Interface...
  • Page 41 2: Installation...
  • Page 42: 3: Mbx-4 Configuration And Operation

    3: MBX-4 Configuration and Operation Front Display and Keypad Factory Default Settings Tune Modes Display Modes MBX-4 Menu Systems MBX-4 Receiver Performance - SNR Reading Operation of MBX-4 with Garmin GPS Configuring the Receiver...
  • Page 43: Front Display And Keypad

    MBX-4 menu system, configuring operating parameters and viewing status information. Figure 3-1 shows the display and keypad of the MBX-4. The top line of the display is the active Focus Line for keypad operations. Figure 3-1. MBX-4 Display and Keypad...
  • Page 44: Lock Status

    MBX-4 User Guide Lock Status The MBX-4 indicates lock status in the upper right hand corner of the display. The lock symbol, illustrated in Figure 3-2, remains in the closed position when the MBX-4 is locked to an RTCM signal, and open, when no broadcast is available for the specified frequency and/or MSK bit rate.
  • Page 45: Factory Default Settings

    Table 3-1 presents the factory default MBX-4 operation settings, while Table 3-2 lists the default communication settings. These operation and port settings are valid upon initial power-up. The MBX-4 maintains any changes made to its operation or port settings for subsequent power- Note: The changes you make to the MBX-4 configuration are saved in memory for subsequent power-up.
  • Page 46: Tune Modes

    DGPS broadcast, while the second channel continues searching in the background for superior beacon signals. If no signal is available, the MBX-4 will initiate a fresh Global Search, continuing this cycle until it finds a valid beacon.
  • Page 47: Manual Mode

    MBX-4 to identify the correct MSK bit rate on its own. This mode of operation is most useful when working in an area where you know the frequency though not necessarily the MSK bit rate of the closest beacon.
  • Page 48: Mbx-4 Display Modes

    MBX-4 User Guide MBX-4 Display Modes The MBX-4 operates in one of two modes as described in the following sections. BX Mode This is the default mode of receiver operation. In MBX-4 mode, you have display and keypad access to all information related to beacon receiver operation and configuration.
  • Page 49 3: MBX-4 Configuration and Operation Position Fix Status (BX Mode Only) - When configured for BX mode, the MBX-4 provides an indication of the GPS lock status, as contained within the $GPGGA message string input from the external GPS receiver. This indicator is located in the lower right hand corner of the MBX-4 display.
  • Page 50: Mbx-4 Menu System

    MBX-4 User Guide MBX-4 Menu System Figure 3-4 illustrates the MBX-4 display and keypad actuated menu system. Position Status Legend Enter Key Down Arrow Up Arrow Short Cut User Entry SV Count HDOP Back Satellites Ch01-SV00 El00 Az 000 SNR 00...
  • Page 51: Start-Up Sequence

    ¨ Focus Line Frequency in kHz to which the MBX-4 is tuned. MSK bit rate in bits per second (bps) at which the MBX-4 is demodulating data. Signal Strength in dBmV/m - a SS of 20 is 10 mV/m...
  • Page 52 MBX-4 User Guide Ratio of SS over computed noise floor in dB, refer to Chapter 3 for information Message throughput (correct data ³ total data x 100%) Number of consecutive 30 bit RTCM words received correctly (max Q count = 25).
  • Page 53: Setup

    Returns the receiver to the top menu level. Black Returns the receiver to the last viewed menu. Setup The Setup section of the menu tree provides access to MBX-4 configuration information and sub-menus. ¨ Focus Line The Options sub-menu provides access to the following configuration parameters: ¨...
  • Page 54 P1-MAIN {2400, 4800, 9600 bd} Baud rate at which the MBX-4 communicates through the bi-directional DB-9S data connector (Pins 2 and 3). Change this parameter to match the baud rate of the external GPS device with which the MBX-4 is communicating. XBX3 Mode {BX, BX-E, GBX, GBX-E, GLX} BXDefault mode of operation.
  • Page 55 UTC allowing the display of local time, in the Position Status section of the menu, in BX-E mode. Use the keys to select the desired offset in hours, and press again to implement the change. Back Returns the MBX-4 to the Setup menu level.
  • Page 56 The Setup menu also provides the following configuration and information options. Auto Bx Search Pressing with this line in focus sets the MBX-4 to ABS mode, erasing the stored Global Search Table and forcing a new Global Search. Tune 325.0/200 Pressing with this line in focus allows you set the beacon frequency and MSK rate to which the receiver should tune.
  • Page 57: Position Status (Bx-E Mode Only)

    3: MBX-4 Configuration and Operation Back Returns the MBX-4 to the top menu level. Position Status (BX-E Mode Only) The Position Status section of the menu tree provides access to BX-E GPS position and navigation status information provided by an external GPS sensor outputting the associated NMEA 0183 GPS message strings.
  • Page 58 MBX-4 User Guide Displays the current height in either meters or feet depending on the units selected, as input from an external GPS receiver (See Chapter 4). This information is parsed from the NMEA $GPGGA message string. Displays the horizontal heading clockwise from True North in degrees.
  • Page 59: Satellites (Bx-E Mode Only)

    Displays the Horizontal Dilution of Precision (HDOP). This information is parsed from the NMEA $GPGGA message string. Back Returns the MBX-4 to the top menu level. Satellites (BX-E Mode Only) The Satellites section of the menu tree provides access to BX-E GPS satellite information provided by an external GPS sensor.
  • Page 60: Menu System Shortcuts

    Returns the MBX-4 to the top menu level. Menu System Shortcuts There are a number of shortcuts present within the MBX-4’s menu system that may allow you to navigate through it more efficiently. A shortcut allows you to move from one menu directly to separate menu without having to choose the Back menu item.
  • Page 61 3: MBX-4 Configuration and Operation correct beacon name is displayed, press to tune the receiver and return to the Beacon Status menu. In BX-E mode, when Lat of the Position Status is in focus, you may press to proceed directly to the Beacon Status menu, allowing you to monitor beacon receiver performance quickly.
  • Page 62: Mbx-4 Receiver Performance - Snr Reading

    The Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR) best describes beacon receiver performance. The SNR is the height of the signal above the noise floor. The higher the SNR, the better the MBX-4 is receiving the signal. You can easily monitor the SNR in the Beacon Status menu. You may also...
  • Page 63: Operation Of Mbx-4 With Garmin Gps

    RTCM Type 3 message. When interfacing a Garmin GPS receiver with the MBX-4, set the input/ output protocols to RTCM/NMEA and change the baud rate of the...
  • Page 64: Configuring The Receiver

    The following subsections provide detailed instructions to configure important operating parameters of the MBX-4. Change Baud Rate To modify the baud rate of the MBX-4 data port (Refer to Figure 3-4): • Navigate to Options in the Setup menu and press •...
  • Page 65: Set To Automatic Beacon Search Mode

    3: MBX-4 Configuration and Operation • Scroll with the keys until the desired continent is displayed then press • Scroll with the keys until the desired country is displayed then press • Scroll with the keys until the name of the specific beacon...
  • Page 66 MBX-4 User Guide • Scroll with the keys to the correct mode {BX or BX-E} and press...
  • Page 67 3: MBX-4 Configuration and Operation...
  • Page 68: 4: Nmea 0183 Interface

    4: NMEA 0183 Interface Interface Protocols NMEA 0183 Commands NMEA 0183 Queries...
  • Page 69: Interface Protocols

    5, contains no provision for the transmission or reception of receiver control and status information. To implement these functions, the MBX-4 is capable of processing a subset of standard NMEA 0183 messages, along with a selection of proprietary NMEA 0183 formatted messages.
  • Page 70: Nmea Message Elements

    If you are using Hemisphere GPS’ DGPS Command Center program, the terminal window allows you to issue NMEA commands or queries to the MBX-4, each sentence is appended automatically with a <CR> <LF> when the send button is depressed. This software utility is available for download from Hemisphere GPS’...
  • Page 71: Mbx-S Supported Messages

    4: NMEA 0183 Interface MBX-S Supported Messages The MBX-4 supports the NMEA commands and queries listed in Table 4-2. Table 4-2: MBX-4 Supported NMEA Messages Message Description Description Commands $GPMSK (Full Manual Tune) Sets the receiver into Full Manual Tune Mode...
  • Page 72: Response Message

    MBX-4 User Guide Response Message The MBX-4 will issue a NMEA formatted acknowledgment response message upon receiving a selection of NMEA formatted command or query messages. The intent of this message is to confirm that communication exists between the beacon receiver and the terminal device.
  • Page 73: Nmea 0183 Commands

    The following subsections describe the selection of valid standard NMEA-0183 commands, and their responses. Full Manual Tune Command ($GPMSK) - This command instructs the MBX-4 to tune to a specified frequency and MSK Rate. It has the following form: $GPMSK,fff.f,M,ddd,M,n<CR><LF>...
  • Page 74 The A field designates automatic MSK rate. Then parameter is the period of the performance status message, as output by the MBX-4 (0 to 100 seconds). When power is cycled, the status output interval resets to zero. Again, the status output is the CRMSS message response, discussed in Chapter 4.
  • Page 75: Proprietary Commands

    CRMSS is the MBX-4 performance status message, output every n seconds, and is discussed in Chapter 4. The MBX-4 provides the above response to this $GPMSK message, and immediately tunes to the optimum beacon station, provided a valid beacon almanac is present in receiver memory. Without a valid almanac, the beacon receiver will perform a Global Search to identify candidate stations in the area.
  • Page 76 $PCSI,6,P1@r1,P2@r2,P3@r3,P4@r4 In this message, rx designates the MBX-4 communications port baud rate, for the one external and three internal MBX-4 host communication ports, <P1>, <P2>, <P3>, and <P4>. Baud rates r1, r2, r3, and r4 are selected from Table 4-3.
  • Page 77 MBX-4 mode of operation as detailed in the “NMEA Message Elements” section on page 64. $PCSI,7,m<CR><LF> MBX-4 Response: $PCSI,ACK,7,m In this message, m designates the MBX-4 display mode, and may be selected from the Table 4-6. Table 4-5: MBX-4 Display Modes Mode GBX-E...
  • Page 78 MBX-4 User Guide In this message, fff.f is the frequency in kHz (283.5-325 kHz; 0 - Auto). The ddd field represents the desired MSK bit rate in bits per second (100, 200 bps; 0 - Auto).
  • Page 79: Nmea 0183 Queries

    The following subsections describe the selection of valid standard NMEA-0183 queries, and their responses. Receiver Operating Status Query ($GPCRQ) - This standard NMEA query prompts the MBX-4 receivers for their operational status. It has the following format: $GPCRQ,MSK<CR><LF> MBX-4 Response: $CRMSK,fff.f,X,ddd,Y,n*CS...
  • Page 80: Proprietary Queries

    Proprietary Queries The following subsections describe the selection of valid Hemisphere GPS proprietary NMEA-0183 queries, and their responses. Receiver Help Query ($PCSI,0) - This command queries the MBX-4 receiver for a list of valid proprietary $PCSI commands: $PCSI,0<CR><LF> MBX-4 Response:...
  • Page 81 4: NMEA 0183 Interface...
  • Page 82: 5: Troubleshooting

    5: Troubleshooting...
  • Page 83: Troubleshooting

    Check current restrictions imposed by power source (maximum > 0.5 A) No data from MBX-4 Check receiver power status (display illuminated?) Verify that MBX-4 is locked to a valid beacon (Lock symbol engaged) Check integrity of power, antenna, and data cable connections...
  • Page 84 Check MBA-3 antenna ground Select alternate antenna position Non-differential GPS output Verify MBX-4 lock status Verify matched MBX-4 output and GPS RTCM input baud rates Verify GPS receiver RTCM compatibility Verify GPS receiver DGPS configuration Verify pin connectivity between MBX-4 and GPS receiver...
  • Page 85 5: Troubleshooting...
  • Page 86: Appendices

    Appendices Appendix A - Specifications Appendix B- Beacon Information Further Reading...
  • Page 87: Appendix A - Specifications

    Appendices Appendix A - Specifications This appendix provides the operational, mechanical, electrical, physical, and environmental specifications for the following Hemisphere GPS products: • MBX-4 Beacon Receiver • MGL-4 Combination Antenna • Internal Antenna Signal Splitter Table A-1: MBX-4 Beacon Receiver Specifications...
  • Page 88 MBX-4 User Guide Data Port Baud Rate 2400, 4800, or 9600 Baud Data Output Format RTCM SC-104, NMEA 0183 Data Input Protocol NMEA 0183 Power Specifications Item Specification Input Voltage 9-40 VDC Input Current 210 mA @ 12 VDC Power Consumption 2.5 W...
  • Page 89 Appendices Humidity 95% Non-Condensing Table A-2: MGL-4 Combination Loop / GPS Antenna Specifications Operational Specifications Item Specification Frequency Range, Beacon 283.5 - 325 kHz LNA Gain, Beacon 34 dB Pre-Amplifier, Beacon Integral Low Noise Amplifier Frequency Range, GPS 1.575 GHz (L1) LNA Gain, GPS Various available Power Specifications...
  • Page 90 MBX-4 User Guide Environmental Specifications Item Specification Storage Temperature -40×C to 80×C Operating Temperature -30×C to 70×C Humidity 100% Condensing Table A-3: Internal Signal Splitter Specifications Item Specification BCN Port - GPS Frequency Insertion Loss 35 dB nominal, >25 dB min.
  • Page 91: Appendix B - Beacon Information

    Appendices Appendix B - Beacon Information Hemisphere GPS maintains a listing of DGPS radiobeacons worldwide that is available on the Internet from the Hemisphere GPS home page: www.hemispheregps.com This listing contains the following information regarding currently operating beacons and potential new sites: •...
  • Page 92: Further Reading

    MBX-4 User Guide Further Reading National Marine Electronics Association, National Marine Electronics Association (NMEA 0183) Standard for Interfacing Marine Electronic Devices, Version 2.1, October 15, NMEA 1995, PO Box 50040, Mobile Alabama, 36605 USA Radio Technical Commission for Maritime Services, RTCM Recommended Standards for Differential NAVSTAR GPS Service, Version 2.2, Developed by Special Committee No.
  • Page 93 Appendices...
  • Page 94 www.hemispheregps.com e-mail: info@hemispheregps.com...

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